Gold’s purity is based on a system of 24 parts, using the term “karat” with the abbreviation K. More Karat isn't necessarily better as gold is soft, it must then be mixed with other metals to gain some strength. Too much strength and mixing aren’t any better as then gold is minimal and what's left presents itself as cheap. There is a balance to attain in fine jewelry that rests between 14K and 18K. The level of purity will be chosen based on the design of the piece and where it is intended to be worn.

Its use dates to 4000BC, mainly for jewelry and sculptures idols.

More affordable than gold and rhodium while remaining in the category of precious metals and holds a long heritage in jewelry craftsmanship. Silver quality is expressed as parts of pure silver out of 1,000. 925/1000 is the sterling standard, commonly known as "925 Sterling". This number is important as anything below is not considered silver.

Mined around 3000BC to help Hellenistic civilizations flourish. 800AD Vikings brought impressive amounts of the metal to Scandinavia where silver jewelry quickly became tradition.

Belonging to the platinum group of metals, Rhodium is the most valuable metal. We use it mainly for aesthetic purposes by plating other precious metals. The reasoning is jewelry made exclusively with Rhodium is extremely hard and cannot be cut easily, which poses problems in case of accidents. As plating it is amazing as it does not scratch, dent, corrode, retains its luster, and shines more than any other metal. It is commonly used to plate white gold jewelry.

Discovered in 1803 by William Wollaston.

Nearly as old as the earth, taking billions of years to form and then only a few become accessible, while most remain in depths unexplored. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed them to be the tears of Gods. Ancient Hindus wore them for protection from danger. Almost indestructible as only a diamond can cut a diamond. All beautiful and all unique in appearance. Adored for their unmatched shine which never fails to catch the eye.

Derived from the Greek word "Adamas" meaning invincible.

Once believed by Persians to color the sky blue with their reflections. To many others a reflection of the heavens. Another forever stone as second in hardness to diamonds. In its pure form white, titanium and iron traces give it its velvet blue. A gem associated with royalty for its shine and an alluring depth in color.

Derived from the Greek word "Sapheiros" meaning blue stone.

First mined by ancient Egyptians to then become Cleopatra's favourite gemstone. Often has intricate inclusions called “jardin” which can pose a problem when cutting; a solution was found and gave birth to a new way of cutting, named after the gem itself, the 'Emerald Cut'. In fact, 20 times rarer than diamonds.

Derived from the Old French "esmeralde", from the Greek "smáragdos", meaning green gem.

Across many cultures held a long reputation as a King's gem. Due to a deep red color rubies are often associated with wealth, prosperity, passion, and love. Prized for its inherent beauty and many stories of mistaken identity. Matching hardness to Sapphires, qualifying as another eternal stone. These characteristics raise its appeal and make it a true wonder.

Derived from the old French "rubi", from the base of Latin "rubeus", red.

Cutting isn’t only about choosing a ‘style’ by also a meticulous process that allows light to reflect in the direction of its audience. A stone cut too shallow, or two deep will tend to reflect light towards the sides or the bottom, problematic for obvious reasons. A perfect cut will allow light to reflect out of the crown and display all its beauty. Some cuts are used to create an illusion, such as the Ashoka, using 62 facets to create an impression of size beyond what you’d expect. Some cuts are more difficult to achieve and will influencev the value of the stone.

Fortune needs to bring together the right stone and the right craftsman at the right time.    

This judgement is interesting as it goes beyond personal choice, its mostly a matter of rarity. It’s not only about possessing what the neighbor doesn’t, but rather a fact of acknowledging one’s value in scarcity. The eccentric, proud, confident leaders cannot be or present themselves like everyone else. They are few and therefore they are valuable. On the upside, these rare gems are always astonishingly beautiful.

Be bold in color.

Stones can have tiny markings called inclusions, which are natural flaws. To evaluate a stone there is a system using degrees of inclusions ranging from “flawless” a stone without any inclusion, a rare gem, to “included” to various degrees. These will appear as VVS, VS, and SI; very very slightly included, very slightly included, and slightly included, respectively. Anything below that does not qualify for fine jewelry, and it’s best to stay with VS and up when dealing with diamonds.

Clarity needs to embrace; it must bring you inwards. 

The weight of a stone. One carat is divided into one hundred points so that fifty points is half a carat, a straightforward system. Weight will determine size, and many will first seek the largest precious stone they can get. As discussed previously, many other factors should be considered such as how a cut can make a stone seem larger or smaller, or how clarity and color can create effects of pushing and pulling the viewer.
This doesn’t go to say that size doesn’t matter, because it definitely does, but like all good things, there are other considerations.   

And because it does matter, allow yourself to be bold in your selections.