Your Guide to Gemstones

Our Diamond Guide will give you the knowledge and understanding you need when looking at and buying your very own diamonds. Evaluating their carat weight, clarity grade, colour scale, as well as the cut and shape of the stone, helps identify and differentiate between different types and specifications of diamonds.

By using the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) grading, the quality of our diamonds are accurately and objectively determined for our customers on an internationally recognised level.

Pearls celebrate the elegance of simplicity. At Walker & Hall, we have extensive expertise in the sourcing of the very best pearls from around the world. We are proud of our long tradition in providing the highest quality pearl jewellery.

Pearls are surrounded by rich cultural and historical traditions. They've long been symbols of love and purity. The pearl is the gemstone for the month of June and the gem for the third and 30th anniversaries. Pearls are a meaningful gift representing classic beauty, wisdom & growth.

Ruby is the birthstone for July and the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries.

In the ancient language of Sanskrit, Ruby is called ratnaraj, meaning the 'King of Precious Stones' and in the finest quality, Ruby is one of the world's rarest and most expensive gems. Ruby has a glowing colour that led people to believe an unquenchable fire burned within its heart. It encourages 'following your bliss' and promotes positive dreams and a courageous state of mind.

Assists with: Decision making, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Believed to hold: The power of life

Emerald's lush green has soothed souls and excited imaginations since antiquity. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for Emerald and used it in her royal adornments. The Romans dedicated the gem to Venus, the Goddess of Love. Emerald is a stone of inspiration and infinite patience. It is a life-affirming stone with great integrity and brings domestic bliss and loyalty.

Known as: The Stone of Successful Love

Enhances: Unity, unconditional love, partnership and friendship.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem for a 45th anniversary.

For centuries, Sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance, symbolising nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness. Sapphire is known as the wisdom stone and eliminates negative thoughts and influences. It also stimulates thoughts of beauty, peace and promotes inspiration and a positive attitude towards life.

Known as: The Wisdom Stone

Symbolises: Nobility, truth, sincerity and faithfulness.

To the ancient Greeks and Romans, Aquamarine embodied the spirit of the sea and in some stories, it was a treasure protected by the mermaids. During the Middle Ages, Europeans believed the gem gave its wearer wisdom, inspiration and the power to overcome evil. Known as the courage stone it helps against fears, phobias and stress and with its bright, refreshing colour made it a symbol of eternal youth.

Known as: The Courage Stone

Assists with: Creating harmony and ensuring a long and happy marriage.

Morganite is a new addition to the gem family, with its first recorded discovery occurring in California in the early 1900s. Morganite was originally known as Pink Beryl until it was named to honour J.P Morgan, one of the most important gem collectors in America in the early 1900s.

Believed to bring: Pure love, compassion, self-control and patience.

Although Tanzanite was formed in the earth 600 million years ago, it was only formally identified in the 1960s. Tanzanite is believed to help overcome fear and rebuild trust. It aids in realizing your own ideas and transforms destructive urges into constructive ones.

Creates: Happiness, compassion and love.