One of the best parts of my job is sourcing gemstones.
I truly love the process of selecting the very best stones for the pieces I'm working on. It's where each design really begins. I'm always looking for stones that spark joy and excitement in me, that instant feeling of I need this in my life right now.
When sourcing gemstones, emotion matters just as much as technical quality. A stone should feel special before it ever becomes jewellery.
Here's what I look for when making my selections.
Choosing Stones for the May Ring Design
Above is a recent selection I chose for the silver May ring design, which I currently offer in labradorite.
This time, I was sourcing gemstones in blue topaz to explore new variations for the design.
With blue topaz, there is a huge difference in colour and cut from stone to stone, so careful selection is essential.
Colour Comes First
When sourcing gemstones, colour is always my first priority.
This is partly down to personal taste, but also a strong indicator of quality. With blue topaz, I look for a gentle sky-blue tone. I avoid blues that feel artificial or overly enhanced through heavy heat treatments.
Natural-looking colour gives a stone depth and softness that instantly feels more refined.
Clarity and Cut Matter Just as Much
Next comes clarity.
I love clear stones, I want to feel as though I'm looking into the clearest blue crystal waters. When a gemstone is transparent and bright, it allows the light to move through it beautifully, creating that unmistakable sparkle.
These particular stones are faceted ovals, which means the cut is crucial. A well-cut stone enhances its shape and reflects light properly, allowing the gemstone to truly come alive when worn.
Selecting the Perfect Amethysts
With the amethysts below, sourcing gemstones becomes even more about balance.
Again, colour is key. Too pale doesn't work for me, and too dark can drain the life from the stone, they can begin to look almost black or brown. I always look for a lively, medium shade of purple where you can see into the stone and appreciate both its clarity and how it reflects the light.
That sense of movement and brightness is what gives a gemstone character.
Why Cut Is So Important
As I mentioned earlier, stones that are well cut are hugely important to me when sourcing gemstones.
I never want all the weight of the stone sitting in the bottom half where it's hidden by the setting. I want the beauty to be visible. The surface of the stone should carry the presence, allowing the maximum amount of that gemstone to be enjoyed by the wearer.
It's those details that separate a beautiful stone from an average one.
Looking Ahead to Spring 2026
I can't wait to share the finished gemstone-set rings with you for Spring 2026.
Below are just a small selection of beautiful stones currently in the collections, each chosen carefully using the same process, the same eye for detail, and the same love for sourcing gemstones that truly stand out.
Jo x
Image credits: Pinterest
