Coloured Gemstones

Look first at the colors you wear often, because jewellery with stones works best when they naturally match them. Blue and green stones, such as topaz, lapis lazuli or Malachite, give a fresh and visible accent. Warm tones such as Citrine, grenade, Tiger's Eye or Red Agate match beige nicely, Brown, cream, Black and gold tones. If you like to wear neutral clothes, then one colored stone may be just enough to give your look more character.

First look at the colours you often wear, as jewellery with stones works most beautifully when it naturally fits in. Blue and green stones, such as topaz, lapis lazuli or malachite, give a fresh and visible accent. Warm tones such as citrine, garnet, tiger's eye or red agate pair beautifully with beige, brown, cream, black and gold tones. If you love neutral clothing, a single coloured stone can be just enough to give your look more character.

Gemstones and natural stones come from nature and can therefore vary in colour, pattern and clarity. Malachite, for example, often has a recognisable green pattern, while lapis lazuli is known for its deep blue colour. Cubic zirconia is not a natural stone, but is chosen for its clear sparkle and consistent look. So one type of stone in your jewellery isn't automatically better than another; the choice depends on the effect you're looking for.

14ct yellow gold pairs strongly with stones that have warmth or depth. Citrine, tiger's eye, garnet, smoky quartz and red agate complement the warm glow of yellow gold beautifully. Green stones such as malachite, peridot and emerald, on the other hand, create a lively contrast against the gold. Anyone looking for a softer effect could choose pearl jewellery, mother-of-pearl or quartz, as these stones look lighter and are less prominently present.

For a clear colour accent, malachite, lapis lazuli, amethyst, citrine, garnet, topaz and red agate are great choices. Each of these stones has a recognisable colour, instantly giving the piece more presence. A blue or green stone often stands out freshly, while red, purple and yellow feel warmer and richer. Keep the rest of your jewellery a little calmer when you want the stone to really take the lead.

Many stones naturally have small differences in colour, structure or pattern. This is especially visible in natural stones such as malachite, agate, lapis lazuli, tiger's eye and mother-of-pearl. It's precisely that variation that makes a piece of jewellery with stones less flat and gives every piece its own look. Anyone who prefers complete uniformity tends to choose cubic zirconia or a stone with a sleeker finish.

Choose one connecting element, such as the same gold colour, one stone colour or a recurring shape. For example, combine several 14ct yellow gold pieces with green accents, but vary the size and placement of the stones. If you're wearing different stone colours together, keep the designs simpler so the combination doesn't become too busy. A good balance emerges when one piece with a stone forms the colour accent and the rest stays supportive, such as when choosing a necklace with birthstone.