Diamonds get most of the attention, but they are far from the only gemstone worth knowing about. Coloured gemstone jewellery has become one of the most requested categories at Jemme Jewellery in Seminyak, and it is easy to understand why. Colour gives a piece personality in a way that a clear stone simply cannot, and Bali’s gemstone market offers access to some genuinely beautiful options that many visitors have never shopped for before.
If you are curious about moving beyond diamonds, here is a guide to some of the coloured gemstones worth considering, and what makes each one distinctive.
Ruby
Ruby is one of the most prized coloured gemstones in the world, valued for its deep red colour, which can range from a brighter pinkish red to a darker, more saturated tone often described as “pigeon’s blood.” As a variety of the mineral corundum, the same family as sapphire, ruby is exceptionally hard and durable, which makes it a practical choice for rings worn daily, not just special-occasion pieces. It also carries a long association with passion and vitality, which is part of why it remains a popular alternative for engagement rings among couples who want something bolder than a traditional diamond.
Sapphire
Sapphire is best known for its blue tones, but it actually occurs in nearly every colour except red, including pink, yellow, and a rare orange-pink variety called padparadscha. Like ruby, sapphire is extremely durable, making it one of the most practical gemstone choices for everyday jewellery. Its association with wisdom and loyalty has made it a favourite for engagement rings for centuries, famously including royal jewellery collections, and it pairs beautifully with both gold and silver settings.
Emerald
Emerald’s rich green colour has made it one of the most recognisable coloured gemstones for centuries. It is a variety of beryl, and unlike ruby and sapphire, it tends to include natural inclusions, sometimes called “jardin,” French for garden, which are considered part of the stone’s character rather than a flaw. Emerald is slightly softer than ruby or sapphire, so it suits pendants, earrings, and occasional-wear rings better than pieces exposed to daily knocks.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is one of the most varied gemstones available, occurring in nearly every colour, sometimes multiple colours within a single stone, known as watermelon tourmaline for its pink and green banding. This variety makes it a favourite for jewellers designing one-of-a-kind pieces, since no two tourmalines look quite alike. It offers excellent value for the colour and clarity it delivers compared to rarer stones.
Citrine and Topaz
Both citrine and topaz bring warm yellow and golden tones into a collection, and both are popular for their affordability relative to their visual impact. Citrine, a variety of quartz, has a soft honey to amber colour, while topaz can range from pale yellow through to a deeper golden hue, and even blue in some varieties. Both stones work particularly well in gold settings, where the warm tones of the metal and stone complement each other.
Opal
Opal stands apart from every other stone on this list because of its play of colour, a shifting rainbow effect visible as the stone catches light from different angles. No two opals behave quite the same way, which makes each piece feel genuinely individual. Opal is softer and more porous than most gemstones, so it needs a little more care, avoiding extreme temperature changes and prolonged water exposure, but for many people, its unpredictable beauty is worth that extra attention.
Choosing a Coloured Gemstone That Suits You
With so many options, it helps to think about how you actually want to wear the piece. Durable stones like ruby and sapphire suit rings you will wear daily. Softer stones like emerald and opal are better suited to pendants, earrings, or occasional-wear rings where they are less exposed to knocks. Colour preference matters too, warmer stones like citrine and topaz tend to suit gold settings, while cooler tones like sapphire and tourmaline often shine in silver or white gold.
Coloured Gemstones at Jemme
Our collection at Jl. Petitenget in Seminyak includes a wide range of coloured gemstone jewellery, from ruby and sapphire rings to tourmaline and opal pieces designed to stand out. Our team can talk you through sourcing, durability, and setting options for any stone that catches your eye, so you leave with a piece that fits both your style and how you plan to wear it.
Diamonds will always have their place, but coloured gemstones offer something a clear stone cannot, personality, history, and a colour story that is entirely your own.
Visit Jemme Jewellery on Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak, to explore our coloured gemstone collection in person, or contact our team to ask about current pieces.