Colour in fine jewellery feels fresh right now — and two stones leading the charge are tourmaline and tanzanite. Both offer vivid hues, personality and versatility that resonate with buyers who want something distinctive beyond the traditional diamond. This guide explains what makes these gems special, how to choose and care for them, and simple styling tips so you can wear them confidently.

The rise of coloured stones

Coloured gemstones have moved from occasional accent to headline act. People buy colour for emotional reasons (pink for romance, blue for calm), for rarity and for the chance to own something that feels personal. Tourmaline’s huge colour range and tanzanite’s deep blue-violet shades hit that sweet spot: striking, wearable and available in styles from delicate studs to dramatic rings.

Tourmaline — colour, value and cuts

What it is. Tourmaline is a family of gems with an enormous palette: pinks, greens, blues, bi-colours (like watermelon tourmaline) and more. That range makes it appealing to designers and collectors alike.

Colour & value. Value depends on colour intensity and purity. Vivid, evenly saturated colors — especially strong pinks and greens — command the highest prices. Bi-colour or tourmalines with rare hues can be particularly prized. Size also matters: larger, clean stones in vivid colours are more valuable.

Popular cuts. Tourmaline cuts vary with colour and size. Ovals and cushions are common because they show off colour depth; emerald and asscher cuts suit high-clarity stones and create a crisp, architectural look.

Care. Tourmaline is relatively hard (7–7.5 on the Mohs scale) but not indestructible. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for stones that have fractures or surface-reaching inclusions. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and store separately to prevent scratches. For practical care tips, see Butler & Rose’s care page: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/the-practical-part.

Tanzanite — rarity, grading and ideal settings

What it is. Tanzanite is a modern classic discovered in the 1960s and prized for its intense blue to violet-blue colours. It’s found almost exclusively in a small zone of Tanzania, which contributes to its allure and rarity.

Colour & grading. The most valued tanzanites show a rich, saturated blue with violet undertones. Colour intensity heavily influences price — deeper, purplish-blue stones are generally the most desirable. Tanzanite is trichroic (shows three colours when viewed from different angles), and some stones receive heat treatment to enhance the blue.

Setting & cuts. Because tanzanite is softer than sapphire or diamond (about 6–7 on the Mohs scale), protective settings like bezels or lower-profile prongs are great for daily wear. Asscher and cushion cuts look superb on tanzanite, revealing depth and flash without exposing too many edges.

Care. Tanzanite requires a gentler touch. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and protect it from hard knocks. Clean with a mild soap and soft brush, and keep it away from extreme heat or chemicals.

Styling tips — mixing coloured stones with diamonds

Coloured stones pair beautifully with diamonds and precious metals. A few practical styling ideas:

• Contrast with diamonds. A halo of small diamonds can intensify a coloured centre stone and give extra sparkle without overshadowing the colour. (See halo styles: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/halos.)

• Mix metals for warmth or contrast. Rose gold emphasises warm pink tourmalines, while platinum or white gold can make blue tanzanite pop.

• Everyday vs occasion wear. Choose more protective settings (bezels or low prongs) for daily rings. For evening pieces, higher-set stones and statement cuts create drama.

• Layering & stacking. Pair coloured-stone pendants with simple diamond necklaces for balanced layering; stack thin diamond bands with coloured-stone rings to keep the look cohesive.

How Butler & Rose sources and certifies coloured stones

At Butler & Rose we prioritise transparency and careful sourcing. We select stones for colour quality, clarity and durability, and we provide documentation where available. For diamonds we reference industry-standard grading — learn more about certification here: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/the-gia-certificate. If you’re interested in a unique stone or want to commission a bespoke piece, our commissions page explains the process: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/commissions.

Best Butler & Rose pieces to try

If you want to see these gems in person, these Butler & Rose pieces are great starting points:

• Pink tourmaline rings: https://butlerandrose.com/products/4-01cts-pink-tourmaline-ring and https://butlerandrose.com/products/4-44cts-pink-tourmaline-royal-ring

• Asscher pink tourmaline pendant with hidden diamonds: https://butlerandrose.com/products/2-10cts-asscher-cut-pink-tourmaline-pendant-with-hidden-diamonds

• Green tourmaline royal ring: https://butlerandrose.com/products/1-60cts-green-tourmaline-royal-ring

• Statement tanzanite: https://butlerandrose.com/products/7-70cts-asscher-cut-tanzanite-ring and https://butlerandrose.com/products/tanzanite-gem-ring

These examples show how coloured stones can be tailored to personal style — from bold centrepieces to elegant, wear-anywhere designs.

Quick buying checklist

• Decide on durability: Choose settings that protect softer stones if you plan daily wear.

• Prioritise colour & clarity: For coloured stones, colour intensity often matters more than absolute clarity.

• Ask about treatments: Many coloured stones are treated (e.g., heat-treated tanzanite) — ask for full disclosure.

• Request documentation: Certifications and stone origin details help protect your investment.

Ready to explore colour?

Coloured gemstones let you tell a more personal story through jewellery. Whether you want the playful variety of tourmaline or the rare blue-violet depth of tanzanite, Butler & Rose can help you choose, source and craft the perfect piece.

Explore our coloured stones page for more information and inspiration: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/coloured-stones. Interested in a one-off design? Start a bespoke commission with our team: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/commissions.

About Butler & Rose
Butler & Rose blends considered design, ethical sourcing and expert craftsmanship to create jewellery that lasts. From certified stones to bespoke commissions and careful aftercare, we’re here to help you find and protect pieces you’ll love forever. Explore our collections and book a consultation today: https://butlerandrose.com/collections/engagement.