How to choose the perfect stone for your jewelry

Yesterday, I had a little conversation that made me smile, but above all, it reminded me of something essential. One of our customers arrived at AZOR, a little intimidated, and asked me, her eyes full of hope: "I'm looking for a blue stone, you know, but without it costing me an arm and a leg. Is it an impossible mission?" I smiled because this question is on everyone's mind! We dream of pretty stones, we want color, sparkle, but we don't always dare ask frankly how to do it without breaking the bank. So, let's get things straight, shall we?

The world of gemstones is a fascinating universe, but I grant you, it can quickly become a jungle. Between the barbaric names, the price variations that seem to come from another planet, and the sometimes contradictory advice we hear, it's easy to feel lost. However, with a few keys, it's very simple to make the right choice. And above all, a choice that suits you.

Historically, there was the "four aces" of stones: diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire. We called them "precious" . All the others were put in the "fine" (or semi-precious, but this term is a bit outdated) box. Frankly, today, this classification no longer means much. What really matters is emotion . What makes your heart vibrate when you see it?

Let's talk about the stars first, though. We all know the diamond ; it's the icon, the one that shines the brightest. But the arrival of lab-grown diamonds has created a small revolution. Today, you can treat yourself to an absolutely magnificent stone, which has the same physical and chemical properties as a natural diamond, but at a much, much fairer price. This is a game-changer for tight budgets.

Ruby is the color of passion, that deep, intense red. The most beautiful natural specimens, those of pigeon blood red, cost a fortune, it's true. But there are more accessible alternatives with slightly lighter shades or subtle nuances, which take nothing away from their charm.

The emerald , with its inimitable green, is unique. However, let's be honest: it's fragile . If you're looking for a ring you'll keep for gardening, washing dishes, and wearing without thinking about it, an emerald might not be the best idea. It requires a little care.

As for sapphire , that's the answer to our customer from yesterday! Everyone thinks of deep blue, the famous royal blue . But sapphire is a chameleon. It comes in pink, yellow, orange, green... In fact, red sapphire even has another name, we call it... ruby! Simple, right?

At AZOR, we also really like other stones , those we call fine, and which nevertheless have exceptional qualities. Amethyst (this pretty purple), for example, is super resistant and very affordable. Citrine (yellow or orange), is a real ray of sunshine. Garnet , on the other hand, is not only dark red; it is found in green (demantoid, magnificent!), in orange, in purple... It is a very rich family. And then, blue topaz , which we see everywhere, is stable and very pretty, even if it is often treated. Finally, aquamarine is the soft little sister of emerald. It is light blue, less fragile and perfect if you want a beautiful touch of blue without the worries of emerald.

Then there are those that are becoming ultra popular. Morganite , with its delicate powder pink; tanzanite , that blue-violet that you can't find anywhere else; or peridot , that sparkling apple green. Each one has a real character and can become your signature jewel , the one that sets you apart from the rest.

So, how do you choose? Start with the obvious: color . This is the purely emotional criterion, the one that should make you fall in love. Then, think about the use . A hard stone (like sapphire, diamond) for a ring that you wear all the time; a softer stone (like emerald) for earrings or a necklace, which are less exposed to shocks. And of course, the budget . Set it and explore the options within this range. Above all, don't just rely on photos on the internet. A stone must be seen in real life to capture its depth, its light, its true brilliance.

Beware of legends! No, stones do not bring luck based on your birth month, and the "perfect" stone does not exist. An inclusion (a small imperfection inside) is not a defect, it is proof that your stone is natural , that it has a story. And remember: the size of the stone (how it is cut) is often as important, if not more, than the stone itself. It is what makes it shine.

When it comes to maintenance, peace of mind is guaranteed: lukewarm water and mild soap , that's all. Avoid harsh chemicals (especially for emeralds!) and store your pieces separately so they don't scratch each other. A quick visit to the jeweler once a year to check the prongs (the small attachments that hold the stone), and you're good to go.

In conclusion, the most important piece of advice is this: choose the stone that speaks to you . No matter its price, no matter its rarity. The emotion you feel when looking at it will never be replaced by the label. A small amethyst can give you immense pleasure, much more than an expensive sapphire that leaves you indifferent. It is the unique bond you create with this jewel that is the true value.

At AZOR, that's our mission. We select each stone with the greatest care, and we explain everything to you, from A to Z: hardness, color, origin. We give you the cards so that you can make your choice with complete confidence . Because a piece of jewelry is much more than an accessory: it's an engraved emotion , it's a piece of your style , and above all, it's a memory that shines forever.