Colours of the Gemstone Rainbow

A Colourful Guide to Semi-Precious Gemstones in Paula Wilkinson Jewellery

We all know the “big four” of the gemstone world—diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. But what about the dazzling array of other stones out there? Amethyst, garnet, topaz… the list goes on. Technically, these are called semi-precious, but don’t be fooled—some of them are rarer and more valuable than traditional “precious” gems!

Did you know there are over 200 semi-precious gemstones? Neither did I—until I started making jewellery! Some, like turquoise and onyx, are familiar favourites, but others have names so strange I still hesitate to say them out loud. (I mean, have you ever heard of phosphosiderite?!) But that’s the magic of gemstones—there’s always something new and wonderful to discover.

So how do you go about choosing the right gemstone jewellery? Whether you're searching for the perfect piece to match a special outfit, something meaningful to wear every day, or simply a stone that speaks to you, colour is a great place to start.

For me, it all began with amethyst. I’ve always loved purple, and the way a deep violet amethyst glows against cool silver makes my heart sing. Over time, I’ve uncovered even more beautiful purply stones I never knew existed, and it’s been a joy to explore them.

With that in mind, I’ve put together a colour guide to gemstones—to help you find a piece that feels just right for you. I work with natural, untreated stones (no heat, radiation, or dyes), letting their raw beauty shine. Some are smooth, domed cabochons; others are faceted, cut to catch the light. Either way, each one inspires the designs I create.

Let’s dive into the world of colour and discover your perfect gemstone!