Gemstones

The Fascinating World of Gemstones: Discover Your Perfect Gem at SkyGem & Co.

Imagine holding a piece of Earth’s ancient beauty in your hands—a gemstone that took millions of years to form. Each gem, with its own story and magic, has captivated humankind for centuries. At SkyGem & Co., we help you explore this enchanting world, offering the finest listing of loose gemstones in Melbourne. Let’s dive into the mesmerizing tales behind these sparkling treasures.

Birthstones by Month

Birthstones are gemstones traditionally linked to each month of the year and are often chosen for meaningful jewellery or personalised gifts. Today there are twelve birthstones associated with the twelve months, each with its own colour, history and symbolism.

At SkyGem & Co., many of these birthstones — including ruby, sapphire, emerald and alexandrite — are available to view in store.

Garnet Ring

January Birthstone Garnet - Passion and Protection

Chemical Composition: (Fe, Mg, Ca)₃(Al, Fe, Cr)₂(SiO₄)₃
Symbolizing love and vitality, garnet’s deep red hue has been cherished since ancient times. Its robust hardness of 6.5–7.5 makes it perfect for jewelry meant to last a lifetime.

Garnet is the traditional birthstone for January. Known for its deep red colour, garnet symbolises friendship, loyalty and protection. Garnets are commonly used in rings, pendants and earrings thanks to their rich colour and durability.

Amethyst necklace

February Birthstone Amethyst

Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (Quartz)
Known as the “stone of tranquility,” amethyst’s soothing violet hue has made it a favorite for centuries. Its hardness of 7 ensures durability.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is recognised for its beautiful violet to deep purple hues. This gemstone has long been associated with clarity, balance and inner strength.

Aquamarine stone

March Birthstone Aquamarine - Serenity and Elegance

Chemical Composition: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (Beryl Family)
This serene blue gem evokes the tranquility of the sea and symbolizes courage and calmness. With a hardness of 7.5–8, it’s ideal for rings and pendants.

Aquamarine is the primary birthstone for March. Its serene blue colour resembles the ocean and symbolises calmness, clarity and harmony.

Diamond - April's Gem of Strength and Brilliance

April Birthstone Diamond - Strength and Brilliance

Chemical Composition: Carbon (C)
Renowned for its unmatched brilliance and exceptional durability, diamond is the ultimate symbol of eternal love and strength. With a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, it is the hardest natural substance on Earth, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Diamond is the birthstone for April and is prized for its brilliance and durability. Often used in engagement rings, diamonds represent strength, love and commitment.

Emerald Stone

May Birthstone Emerald - Renewal and Luxury

Chemical Composition: Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆
The rich green of emeralds is a symbol of renewal and love. Known for their inclusions or "jardin," they’re beloved for their natural character.

Vibrant green birthstone for May, symbolizes growth, renewal, and prosperity. Known for its timeless elegance and captivating beauty, emerald is a perfect choice for exquisite jewelry that celebrates life and love.

Alexandrite Stone

June Birthstone Alexandrite - Rare and Mesmerizing Gem

Chemical Composition: BeAl₂O₄This rare gem shifts from green in daylight to reddish-purple under incandescent light. Its hardness of 8.5 makes it both durable and unique.

June has several birthstones, including pearl and moonstone, but the rarest is alexandrite. This remarkable gemstone is famous for its colour-changing effect, appearing green in daylight and red under warm lighting.

Natural alexandrite is extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.

Ruby - July's Gem of Passion and Power

July Birthstone Ruby - Passion and Power

Chemical Composition: Al₂O₃ (Corundum)
Rubies are synonymous with passion and love, boasting a deep red color and exceptional hardness of 9.

Ruby is the birthstone for July and one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. Its intense red colour symbolises love, passion and vitality.

SkyGem regularly sources natural rubies from regions such as Burma, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Peridot Stone

August Birthstone Peridot - Radiance and Renewal

Chemical Composition: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄
This vibrant green gem, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, symbolizes prosperity and warmth. With a hardness of 6.5–7, it’s perfect for earrings and necklaces.

Peridot is the birthstone for August. This gemstone is known for its vibrant green colour and has been treasured for thousands of years.

Sapphire Stone

September Birthstone Sapphire - Wisdom and Royalty

Chemical Composition: Al₂O₃
Though often associated with royal blue, sapphires come in many colors. Their hardness of 9 makes them a durable choice for any jewelry.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and one of the most popular gemstones for engagement rings. Best known for its deep blue colour, sapphire symbolises wisdom, loyalty and nobility.

SkyGem specialises in natural sapphires including Australian, Ceylon and Madagascan stones.

Tourmaline Stone

October Birthstone Tourmaline - Versatility and Vibrance

Chemical Composition: (Na,Ca)(Mg,Fe,Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH,F)₄
Tourmaline is a kaleidoscope gem, found in a variety of colors from pink to green. It ranks 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, perfect for those seeking a vibrant, unique piece.

Dazzling birthstone for October, comes in a stunning array of colors, symbolizing love, creativity, and protection. Perfect for unique and personalized jewelry, this gemstone adds a vibrant touch to any collection.

Topaz Stone

November Birthstone Topaz - Warmth and Abundance

Chemical Composition: Al₂SiO₄(F,OH)₂
This versatile gemstone appears in shades of blue, yellow, and pink. With a hardness of 8, topaz combines beauty and durability.

The radiant birthstone for November, symbolizes love, strength, and prosperity. Available in a range of stunning colors, this versatile gemstone is perfect for creating elegant and meaningful jewelry pieces.

Zicron Stone

December Birthstone Zircon - Brilliance and Balance

Chemical Composition: ZrSiO₄
Often mistaken for diamonds due to its brilliance, zircon boasts an exceptional sparkle. Its hardness of 6–7.5 makes it a fantastic alternative to pricier stones.

The dazzling birthstone for December, is cherished for its radiant sparkle and vibrant colors. Symbolizing wisdom, wealth, and protection, zircon is a perfect choice for timeless and eye-catching jewelry.

View Birthstone Gemstones In Person

Many birthstones — including ruby, sapphire, emerald and alexandrite — are available to view at our Melbourne boutique.

Book your appointment today to explore over 300 natural gemstones in store and find the perfect birthstone for your next piece.

Australia’s Love Affair with Gemstones

Australia’s Growing Love for Natural Gemstones

Australians have always been drawn to natural beauty, and coloured gemstones capture that perfectly. From vibrant sapphires to rare alexandrite, gemstones are becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings and bespoke jewellery.

Why Choose Skygem?

At SkyGem & Co., we take pride in sourcing high-quality natural gemstones from trusted suppliers around the world. Many of our stones come with certification from respected laboratories such as GIA, GRS and other recognised gemological institutes, providing confidence in their authenticity and quality. Whether you’re searching for a loose gemstone or creating a custom jewellery piece, our team will guide you in selecting the perfect stone.

How to Choose the Right Gemstone

How to Choose the Right Gemstone

Selecting a gemstone is a personal journey. Here’s how you can find the one that’s right for you:

  • Color: Look for vibrant, even hues.
  • Clarity: Some inclusions add character, but fewer visible flaws are ideal.
  • Cut: A well-cut gem maximizes vibrants.
  • Carat Weight: Choose a size that aligns with your style and budget.

At SkyGem, our team ensures your gemstone shopping experience is seamless and enjoyable.

Start With Gemstone

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about custom rings

What are gemstones?

Gemstones are naturally occurring minerals or crystals that are cut and polished for use in jewellery. Popular gemstones include sapphire, ruby, emerald, and other coloured stones valued for their beauty and rarity.

Are natural gemstones better than lab-created gemstones?


Natural gemstones are formed in the earth over thousands or millions of years, while lab-created gemstones are produced in controlled environments. Natural stones are often valued for their rarity, while lab-created stones can offer a more affordable alternative.

How do I choose the right gemstone?


Choosing the right gemstone depends on factors such as colour, durability, rarity, and personal preference. Many people choose gemstones based on their favourite colour, symbolic meaning, or how well the stone suits their jewellery design.

What is the most popular gemstone for jewellery?3>


Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are among the most popular gemstones used in fine jewellery. These stones are prized for their vibrant colours, durability, and timeless appeal.

Are gemstones suitable for engagement rings?

Yes, many gemstones are suitable for engagement rings. Stones such as sapphire and ruby are durable enough for everyday wear and offer a unique alternative to traditional diamond rings.

How should I care for gemstone jewellery?

To maintain gemstone jewellery, clean it gently with mild soap and warm water, avoid harsh chemicals, and store it separately from other jewellery to prevent scratches.