Gemstones & Materials
The stone is often the soul of a piece -- its colour, sparkle and meaning. This hub explains every stone and material we set, from diamonds and their affordable simulants like cubic zirconia and moissanite, through precious and semi-precious coloured stones and the birthstones behind so many gifts, to pearls and organic materials and the crystal and enamel that bring colour to fashion jewellery. For each we explain what it is, why people choose it and how to care for it -- with links to our birthstone gift guide and detailed glossary entries.
Stones and materials at a glance
| Stone / material | Natural or man-made | Known for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Natural | Hardness, white fire | Bridal, milestones |
| Cubic zirconia | Man-made | Diamond-like sparkle, value | Dress jewellery, bold sizes |
| Pearl | Natural (organic) | Soft luminous glow | Bridal, classic, everyday |
| Semi-precious | Natural | Colour variety, meaning | Birthstones, colour pops |
| Swarovski crystal | Man-made | Bright even sparkle | Occasion, statement |
| Enamel | Man-made | Glossy fused colour | Charms, colourful motifs |
Diamonds & diamond simulants
Diamond
The hardest natural gemstone and the classic choice for sparkle and meaning. Graded by the 4Cs -- cut, colour, clarity and carat.
What it is
A diamond is crystallised carbon, the hardest natural material, prized for the way it returns light as bright white fire. It is the traditional stone for engagement rings and milestone gifts.
The 4Cs
Diamonds are judged on four qualities: cut (how well it is shaped to sparkle), colour (how near-colourless it is), clarity (how few inclusions it has) and carat (its weight). Cut has the biggest effect on how much it sparkles. Carat weight is explained in our measurements hub.
Diamond alternatives
For the diamond look at a friendlier price, high-quality cubic zirconia -- as used by Diamonfire -- is a popular choice, covered below.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
The leading diamond simulant -- a man-made stone with brilliant sparkle at a fraction of the cost. The heart of Diamonfire jewellery.
What it is
Cubic zirconia is a lab-created stone engineered to mimic a diamond's brilliance. It is colourless, flawless to the eye and extremely sparkly, at a tiny fraction of a diamond's price. Full detail in our cubic zirconia entry.
CZ vs diamond
To the naked eye a fine CZ looks remarkably like a diamond. The differences are hardness (a diamond is harder) and the way each disperses light. CZ lets you have generous sparkle and bold designs affordably.
In our range
Diamonfire sets hand-cut cubic zirconia in sterling silver to a jeweller's standard -- see our Diamonfire guide and the Diamonfire entry. CZ also features across rings and stud earrings.
Who makes it: Hand-cut CZ in sterling silver -- Diamonfire
Moissanite & Other Simulants
A durable, fiery diamond alternative, plus the other stones used to stand in for diamonds. Brilliant looks, gentle prices.
What it is
Moissanite is a near-colourless lab-grown stone, very hard and exceptionally fiery -- it can throw even more rainbow flashes than a diamond. Along with cubic zirconia and white sapphire, it is one of the main diamond simulants.
How they compare
Cubic zirconia is the most affordable and the closest match to a white diamond's look; moissanite is harder and more brilliant with a touch more colourful fire. Each gives the bright, clear sparkle of a diamond without the diamond price.
Good to know
Simulants let you choose a larger, bolder stone for the same budget, which is why they are so popular for statement and dress jewellery.
Precious & semi-precious stones
Precious Gemstones
The classic coloured stones -- sapphire, ruby and emerald -- prized for rich colour, hardness and rarity.
What it is
The traditional precious gemstones are sapphire (usually blue), ruby (red) and emerald (green), alongside diamond. They are valued for intense colour, durability and scarcity, and have been set in fine jewellery for centuries.
Why people choose them
A coloured precious stone brings personality and, often, meaning -- sapphire for September, ruby for July. They make striking centre stones and meaningful birthstone gifts; see the symbolism hub.
Good to know
Sapphire and ruby are very hard and suit everyday rings; emerald is softer and more included, so it rewards a little extra care.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
The wide, colourful family beyond the precious four -- amethyst, topaz, garnet, citrine and more. Affordable, varied and full of meaning.
What it is
Semi-precious is the traditional term for gemstones outside the precious four -- amethyst, citrine, topaz, garnet, peridot, aquamarine and many others. Our semi-precious entry lists the popular ones. They are no less beautiful, just more available.
Why people love them
The huge range of colours makes semi-precious stones perfect for birthstone jewellery and for adding a pop of colour affordably. Many carry their own symbolism and healing associations.
In our range
Coloured semi-precious stones feature across brands such as Coeur de Lion and Clogau, and in birthstone pieces -- see the birthstone gift guide.
Who makes it: Coloured-stone statement pieces -- Coeur de Lion
Birthstones
A gemstone for each calendar month, from garnet in January to turquoise in December. The most personal way to choose a coloured stone.
What it is
Birthstones assign a gemstone to each month of the year -- for example garnet (January), amethyst (February), aquamarine (March), diamond (April), emerald (May), pearl (June), ruby (July), peridot (August), sapphire (September), opal (October), topaz (November), turquoise (December).
Why they make great gifts
A birthstone turns any piece into a thoughtful, personal gift tied to the wearer's birth month. They are ideal for those who like meaning in their jewellery -- our birthstone gift guide matches stones to months and pieces.
In our range
Find birthstone-set necklaces, earrings and rings across the collection.
Opal
A unique stone that flashes a play of many colours from within. October's birthstone and a favourite for something a little different.
What it is
Opal is famous for 'play-of-colour' -- shifting flashes of green, blue, pink and orange that move as the stone catches the light. No two opals are alike, which is part of the appeal.
Why people choose it
Opal offers a soft, magical alternative to a single-colour stone and is the birthstone for October. Its dreamy colour-shift suits both vintage-inspired and modern designs.
Care
Opal is softer and more delicate than many stones and dislikes knocks and harsh chemicals, so it is best kept for gentler wear -- see the care hub.
Turquoise & Opaque Stones
Vivid, opaque stones such as turquoise, onyx, lapis and malachite -- bold blocks of natural colour with strong character.
What it is
Opaque gemstones such as turquoise, black onyx, lapis lazuli and malachite are prized for solid, saturated colour rather than transparency or sparkle. Turquoise is December's birthstone.
Why people choose them
These stones bring a natural, earthy, statement quality and pair beautifully with silver. They suit boho, contemporary and men's designs alike.
Care
Many opaque stones are porous and softer, so they prefer to stay away from water, perfume and oils -- wipe gently and store separately.
Pearls & organic materials
Pearls
The only gem made by a living creature -- soft, luminous and endlessly elegant. June's birthstone and a timeless classic.
What it is
A pearl forms inside an oyster or mussel as nacre builds up in smooth layers, giving its soft inner glow (its 'lustre'). Pearls are organic, so each is slightly individual in shape and sheen.
Freshwater vs other pearls
Most pearls in modern jewellery are cultured freshwater pearls -- attractive, varied and accessibly priced. Our freshwater pearls entry explains how they are grown and graded.
Care
Pearls are soft and react to acids, perfume and hairspray, so the rule is 'last on, first off'. Wipe with a soft cloth and store flat -- see the care hub.
Freshwater Pearls
Cultured pearls grown in freshwater mussels -- the most common and affordable pearls, in white, pink and peach tones.
What it is
Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels in lakes and rivers, mostly in China. They come in a lovely range of natural shapes and soft colours and are the most accessible way to own real pearls. Full detail in our freshwater pearls entry.
Why people choose them
They offer the genuine glow of natural pearl at a friendly price, work for both classic and modern designs, and suit everything from bridal to everyday.
In our range
Freshwater pearls feature across necklaces and earrings, including designs by Kit Heath and Clogau.
Who makes it: Pearl designs -- Kit Heath, Clogau
Mother of Pearl
The iridescent inner shell lining -- the same nacre that makes a pearl, used as a luminous inlay and dial material.
What it is
Mother of pearl is the shimmering inner layer of an oyster or mussel shell, made of the same nacre as a pearl. It is cut and polished into beads, inlays and watch dials for a soft, rainbow-tinted glow.
Where it is used
You will see mother of pearl as a pendant centre, an earring face or a delicate inlay, prized for its gentle iridescence. It pairs beautifully with both silver and gold.
Good to know
Like pearl, mother of pearl is soft and best kept away from chemicals and knocks to preserve its shine.
Amber & Other Organics
Natural materials such as amber, coral and jet -- warm, lightweight and full of history.
What it is
Organic gem materials are made by nature rather than mineral crystals: amber is fossilised tree resin, jet is fossilised wood, and coral grows in the sea. Each has a warm, tactile quality and a long history in jewellery.
Why people choose them
These materials are light to wear and rich in character and heritage -- amber's honey glow, jet's deep black, coral's warm tones. They suit vintage-inspired and statement designs.
Care
Organic materials are soft and sensitive to heat, chemicals and water, so they need gentle handling and dry storage.
Crystal & man-made stones
Swarovski Crystal
Precision-cut Austrian crystal famous for its dazzling, consistent sparkle. Not a gemstone but a premium man-made material.
What it is
Swarovski crystal is a high-quality cut glass, made to an exacting Austrian formula and precision-faceted for maximum brilliance. It is not a natural gemstone but is prized for sparkle that is bright, even and affordable. See our Swarovski crystal entry.
Why people choose it
Swarovski delivers reliable, eye-catching sparkle across a huge palette of colours, perfect for statement and occasion jewellery without a fine-gemstone price.
In our range
Browse Swarovski jewellery -- necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Coeur de Lion also sets premium crystal in its designs.
Who makes it: Precision Austrian crystal -- Swarovski; premium crystal designs -- Coeur de Lion
Crystal & Glass Stones
Cut-glass and crystal stones beyond Swarovski -- the bright, colourful sparkle behind much fashion jewellery.
What it is
Many fashion and statement pieces use faceted crystal or glass stones to create colour and sparkle affordably. Quality varies with the cut and clarity of the glass; premium crystal is precision-cut for extra brilliance.
Why it is used
Crystal lets designers work in bold colours and generous sizes at accessible prices, which is ideal for on-trend and occasion jewellery. It is durable enough for regular wear with basic care.
In our range
Crystal and glass stones feature widely across Coeur de Lion, Olivia Burton and the wider jewellery collection.
Enamel
Coloured glass fused onto metal under heat -- a centuries-old craft that adds rich, glossy colour to a piece.
What it is
Enamel is powdered glass fused to metal at high temperature to create a smooth, glossy, hard-wearing layer of colour. Our enamel entry explains the technique. It allows vivid detail that stones and metal alone cannot.
Where it is used
Enamel brings colour to charms, pendants and statement pieces -- think bright motifs and patterned designs. It is a hallmark of craftsmanship, covered in our history and craftsmanship hub.
Care
Enamel is durable but can chip if knocked hard, so treat enamelled pieces with reasonable care and avoid harsh impacts.
Marcasite & Decorative Stones
Small, faceted decorative stones -- such as marcasite -- set in clusters for a vintage, antique sparkle.
What it is
Marcasite jewellery uses small, faceted pieces of polished mineral (historically marcasite/pyrite) set in silver to create a soft, antique twinkle. It is the classic look of vintage and Art Deco-inspired designs.
Why people choose it
Marcasite and similar decorative stones give a heritage, vintage character that pairs beautifully with sterling silver and suits those who love an antique aesthetic.
Good to know
These pieces are usually set in many small stones, so a gentle touch keeps them all secure -- avoid knocks and store carefully.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a diamond and cubic zirconia?
A diamond is a natural, extremely hard gemstone; cubic zirconia is a man-made stone created to look like one at a fraction of the price. To the eye a fine CZ closely resembles a diamond; the differences are hardness and how each disperses light. See our cubic zirconia entry.
Is cubic zirconia a real stone?
Yes -- cubic zirconia is a real, lab-created gemstone, just not a natural one. It is colourless, durable enough for everyday wear with care, and very sparkly, which is why brands like Diamonfire set it in sterling silver. It is not the same as glass.
What are the precious and semi-precious gemstones?
Traditionally the precious stones are diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald; everything else -- amethyst, topaz, garnet, citrine, aquamarine, peridot and more -- is termed semi-precious. The semi-precious family is no less beautiful, just more available. See our semi-precious entry.
What is my birthstone?
Each month has a stone: January garnet, February amethyst, March aquamarine, April diamond, May emerald, June pearl, July ruby, August peridot, September sapphire, October opal, November topaz, December turquoise. Our birthstone gift guide matches each to pieces.
Are freshwater pearls real pearls?
Yes -- freshwater pearls are genuine cultured pearls grown inside mussels. They are the most common and affordable real pearls, with a lovely range of natural shapes and soft colours. Our freshwater pearls entry explains how they are grown.
How do I care for pearls?
Pearls are soft and react to perfume, hairspray and acids, so put them on last and take them off first. Wipe with a soft damp cloth after wear and store flat, away from harder jewellery that could scratch them. See our care hub.
Is Swarovski crystal a gemstone?
No -- Swarovski crystal is a premium precision-cut glass, not a natural gemstone. It is valued for bright, consistent sparkle across many colours at an affordable price, which makes it ideal for occasion and statement jewellery. See our Swarovski crystal entry.
What is the difference between Swarovski crystal and a diamond?
A diamond is a natural gemstone; Swarovski crystal is high-quality cut glass. Crystal gives bright, colourful sparkle affordably but is softer and made by people, while a diamond is rarer, harder and far more valuable. They serve very different purposes and budgets.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-grown, near-colourless stone that is very hard and exceptionally fiery -- it can throw even more rainbow sparkle than a diamond. Along with cubic zirconia it is a popular, affordable diamond alternative for those wanting a larger look for the budget.
What is enamel in jewellery?
Enamel is coloured powdered glass fused onto metal under heat to create a smooth, glossy, durable layer of colour. It lets designers add vivid detail to charms, pendants and statement pieces. See our enamel entry.
What is mother of pearl?
Mother of pearl is the iridescent inner lining of an oyster or mussel shell -- the same nacre that forms a pearl. It is cut and polished into luminous inlays, pendant centres and watch dials, prized for its soft rainbow shimmer.
Which gemstone is best for an engagement ring?
Diamond is the traditional choice for its hardness and brilliance, but sapphire and ruby are hard-wearing coloured alternatives, and cubic zirconia or moissanite give a diamond look for less. The best stone depends on taste, budget and how it will be worn day to day.
Are coloured gemstones durable enough for everyday wear?
It depends on the stone. Sapphire and ruby are very hard and fine for daily rings; emerald, opal, pearl and turquoise are softer and better suited to gentler wear or pieces like pendants and earrings that take fewer knocks. Our care hub advises by stone.
What is the difference between precious and semi-precious?
It is a traditional ranking: precious refers to diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald; semi-precious covers all other gemstones. The terms reflect historic rarity and value rather than beauty -- many semi-precious stones are stunning and rich in meaning.
Do you sell birthstone jewellery?
Yes -- we stock birthstone-set necklaces, earrings and rings across the collection, ideal for personal gifts. Our birthstone gift guide helps you match the stone to the month and choose a piece.
What stones does Diamonfire use?
Diamonfire specialises in hand-cut cubic zirconia set in sterling silver to a jeweller's standard, giving brilliant diamond-like sparkle affordably. See our Diamonfire guide and Diamonfire entry.