There are 200 coloured gemstones available
in the world. Read more about the source and
supply of our coloured gemstones.
Gemstones are various minerals highly prized
for beauty, durability, and rarity, as well as a few
non crystalline materials of organic origin such
as pearl, red coral, and amber, which are also
classified as gemstones.
The appeal of gemstones lies mainly in their
beauty, with most people seeking brilliance,
clearness, and richness of colour. Natural
gemstones have individual characteristics that
give them personality, adding to the sense of
emotional connection with a piece of jewellery.
“Gems are rarely perfect, their beauty comes in depth of colour and the
value we place on them.”
Gemstones comprise various minerals highly prized for beauty, durability, and
rarity, as well as a few non-crystalline materials of organic origin such as pearl,
red coral and amber, which are also classified as gemstones.
The appeal of gemstones lies mainly in their individual beauty, with most
people seeking brilliance, clearness, and richness of colour. Every natural
gemstone has characteristics that gives it personality, adding to the sense of
emotional connection to a piece of jewellery.
The coloured gemstone industry is highly complex, differing greatly from the
diamond or gold sectors as it is less regulated. At present there is no Kimberley
Process for coloured stones and no established bodies that trace the gemstone
supply chain from mine to market.
With no established accreditation bodies to vouch for this traceability, we rely
heavily on longstanding relationships with our suppliers. Our founder,
Annoushka Ducas, has enjoyed 30 years in the industry and the Annoushka
stone supply chain is well established.
“When I’m working with a gem, it’s important to me to see the stone in
its place of origin. I have worked with suppliers and producers all over the
world, from opal miners in Ethiopia to pearl farmers in a single artisanal farm
in the Ilo Ilo province in the Philippines. By purchasing direct from the farm,
we exclude numerous middlemen and secure a fairer market value for the
farmers.”
As part of our continued commitment to sustainability, we are working to
further refine our supply chain by partnering with trusted suppliers who share
our commitment and ethical values. As a global industry, there is clearly some
distance to cover in finding solutions to the problems of sustainability and
transparency, but we are determined to chase down every possible
improvement.