Our Gemstones

At 1/9 Studio we call them simply gemstones - the small miracles that give our pieces their voice. Below is a concise guide to the stones we love working with: their common names, the shapes and cuts that define their silhouette, and the color language each one speaks.

Common stone names (selected):
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Topaz, Amethyst, Citrine, Aquamarine, Garnet, Peridot, Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Spinel, Opal, Moonstone, Labradorite, Turquoise, Jade, Quartz (Crystal), Onyx, Zircon and of course Pearls (Akoya, Freshwater, Tahitian).

Shape & cut glossary:

  • Round (Brilliant): timeless sparkle; the benchmark for brilliance (common for diamonds & many colored gems).

  • Princess (Square): modern, angular, very wearable.

  • Emerald Cut (Rectangular step cut): elegant, shows clarity and depth.

  • Cushion: soft corners, romantic vintage feel.

  • Oval / Marquise / Pear (teardrop): elongating shapes that flatter the finger and neckline.

  • Baguette: linear, architectural - often used as accents.

  • Trillion / Trapeze / Hexagon: geometric, bold, Y2K-friendly.

  • Cabochon: smooth, polished dome (used for opal, moonstone, jade - emphasizes color/phenomena rather than sparkle).

  • Baroque (pearls): organic, irregular, full of character - every one unique.

  • Beads & Spheres: used in stacked looks or celestial motifs.

Color language:

  • Clear / White: diamond, crystal, high-luster pearls - purity, light.

  • Warm gold & amber: citrine, yellow sapphire, topaz - warmth and glow.

  • Rose & pink: morganite, pink sapphire, tourmaline - soft romance.

  • True red: ruby, garnet - passion and signal.

  • Deep blue: sapphire, tanzanite, lapis - depth and night.

  • Forest green: emerald, jade, peridot - growth, mystery.

  • Iridescent / opalescent: opal, moonstone, labradorite - shifting mood and magic.

  • Black & onyx: grounding, gothic contrast.

Each stone carries personality: diamonds speak in light, pearls in touch, opals in movement, emeralds in depth. At 1/9 Studio we match cut, color and setting so the material’s mood becomes part of the design. Whether you want celestial shimmer, baroque drama, or a quietly subversive everyday piece.

Pearls

Gemstones