What are the Big Three Gemstones?

The Big Three Gemstones are emerald, sapphire, and ruby. Known for their timeless beauty and symbolism, they are favoured choices for many types of jewellery. Emeralds boast lush green hues, sapphires exude deep blue tones, and rubies radiate passionate red shades.

The Big Three Gemstones are:

• Emerald

• Sapphire

• Ruby

Coloured gemstones are a popular choice among jewellery buyers, with a wide range of options to suit many different jewellery types. However, commanding a special place in the jewellery world are three jewels known as the Big Three Gemstones. These iconic gemstones have earned their title through enduring worldwide popularity, and are a perfect choice for many types of jewellery - from earrings and pendants to bracelets and rings.

So, what do these three jewels have that others don't? And how have they made their name among jewellers across the globe?

Three jewels: Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby

Emerald

Well known for its beloved green colour, the emerald is the birthstone for May and can range anywhere from yellow-green to blue-green in colour. This jewel has been popular for thousands of years, with mines and excavations dating back as far as 3500 BCE. Cleopatra owned emerald mines in Egypt, and when power passed to the Romans, emeralds were exported across the world. Mummies have even been found buried wearing emerald necklaces.

In the first century AD, Pliny the Elder described emeralds in his Natural History. He claimed that "No other colour is so pleasing to the sight. Nothing can be compared to the intensity of its green." So even 2,000 years ago, they were just as appreciated as they are today.

Clarity is a vital trait for an emerald. They often contain internal fractures known as "jardins" which, unlike diamond inclusions, are not classed as faults – instead, they are recognised as a sought-after feature that proves the authenticity of the stone.

Our stunning range of emerald jewellery consists of breathtaking emerald rings, as well as eye-catching emerald earrings and more.

Sapphire

The birthstone for September, sapphires are known for their deep blue colour, although they appear in a wide array of colours, apart from red. Chemically, sapphires and rubies are the same stone – corundum. Red corundums are rubies; all other colours are sapphires.

Sapphires have a rich history with associations in folklore and legend. Ancient Persians believed that the sky was a giant sapphire. The oldest known blue sapphire deposits were discovered in Sri Lanka as early as 480 BC. Its reputation for rich gemstones grew, and Marco Polo later gave the island the nickname "Gem Island".

Here at Diamond Heaven, we are proud to supply an eclectic range of blue sapphire jewellery, including our blue sapphire rings.

Ruby

As the birthstone for July, ruby is renowned for its deep red colouring, which is associated with feelings of love, romance and passion. Traditionally, this gemstone was worn to ward off evil and protect the wearer from harm.

It is deemed one of the Big Three Gemstones due to its popularity in the jewellery industry. Rubies have among the highest per-carat value of coloured gemstones, while fine-quality rubies over one carat are rare to find.

Historically, rubies have been coveted: the Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan reportedly offered to trade an entire city for a single large ruby.

The ruby jewellery collection here at Diamond Heaven consists of gorgeous ruby rings, ruby bracelets and more.

Which of the big three gemstones is best for daily wear? 

Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are all ideal for daily wear and have been popular in jewellery for millennia. Rubies and sapphires are harder on the Mohs scale, with only diamonds being harder, making them more durable.

Does heat treatment reduce a stone's value? 

Heat treatment mimics natural earth processes to improve the colour and clarity of stones. Unheated stones are rarer and therefore more valuable. It does not impact the stone's overall appearance.

Do Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies hold their value?

Natural, untreated stones from prestigious origins tend to hold their value best, particularly if they come with a certificate from a reputable laboratory such as the GIA.

Gemstones from Shining Diamonds

Here at shining diamonds we have a wide range of gemstone jewellery, to add the perfect pop of colour to your engagement ring, earrings or pendants. With showrooms all over the country, you’re never too far away to pop in and see these gorgeous stones in person. You can also build your own bespoke pieces using sapphires, rubies and emeralds online by selecting your preferred stone, ensuring you get something truly personal.