Diamonds may be forever, but Australian Gemstones are having their moment
The Australian jewellery industry is going through a big, beautiful shift. Supply chain ethics, consumer demand and the advancement in technology for lab grown diamonds is shaking everything up.
We're moving away from minimalism and further towards statement pieces with unique and personalised accents. Searches for Sapphires, Opals and Emeralds surged in 2024, making room for the wonderful world of Australian gemstones to take the stage- reflecting a preference for colourful, unconventional styles.
And while diamonds will always have their place, Australian gemstones are having their moment.
Here are the three gems making waves in modern jewellery — and why you should know about them.
Sapphires
When people think of sapphires, the image that usually comes to mind is a classic, royal blue stone — timeless, elegant, and refined. But Australian sapphires tell a far more intriguing story. With rich colour zoning that shifts from deep navy to forest green and even hints of golden yellow, these gems possess a natural depth and movement that makes them truly mesmerising.
Australian sapphires are celebrated for their exceptional quality, vibrant colour spectrum, and ethical sourcing. Their connection to the land runs deep — both culturally and geographically — making them not only stunning, but also meaningful. These stones are primarily found in the gem-rich regions of Queensland and New South Wales, areas known for producing some of the most unique sapphires in the world.
Among the most sought-after varieties is the Parti Sapphire — a captivating gem that blends multiple colours within a single stone. Unlike traditional sapphires, which are typically a uniform blue, Parti Sapphires are naturally multicoloured due to trace elements that form during their creation. No two stones are ever the same, giving each piece an identity all its own.
For modern buyers — especially those seeking a ring that feels deeply personal — Australian sapphires offer a beautiful alternative to more conventional options. Their rarity, individuality, and connection to place make them a perfect choice for bespoke designs, vintage-inspired pieces, and modern heirlooms destined to be passed down.
Kite Pendant with Australian Sapphire
Opals
Australian Opals are significant both culturally and economically. Opals are Australia's National gemstone, holding deep spiritual meaning for Indigenous Australians, symbolising creating stories and the connection between the earth and the divine. Australia is also the world's leading producer of precious opals, with high quality opals like Black Opal from Lightning Ridge NSW and Boulder Opal from Queensland.
The play of colour in each opal — from fiery reds to flashes of electric blue — makes these gems endlessly fascinating. No two are ever the same, and that uniqueness is part of their charm. Beyond beauty, opals are rich in story. In Aboriginal Dreamtime legends, opals are said to have formed where rainbows touched the earth — a fitting tale for a gem that seems to carry light itself.
In recent years, designers have embraced opals in non-traditional ways — pairing them with bold gold settings, mixing them with diamonds, or featuring them in sculptural, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you’re drawn to the mysticism or the aesthetic, opals are for those who love jewellery with soul.
Pearls
The most highly prized pearl in the world, the Australian South Sea Pearl is cultured in the pristine waters of Australia's Northwest coastline. The perfect environment, combined with leading pearling practices, produce the largest and finest quality pearl with a natural lustre unequalled by any other pearl.
Their elegance is timeless, but their styling doesn’t have to be. We’re now seeing pearls styled in bold, modern ways: oversized earrings, unexpected ring settings, and layered strands that mix old-world glamour with contemporary cool.
For those seeking luxury that feels effortless, pearls offer a way to add refinement without fuss.
Alix Necklace with Australian Pearl
Choosing an Australian gemstone means more than choosing something beautiful. It means honouring local craftsmanship, supporting ethical sourcing, and wearing something with personal and cultural depth.
Every sapphire, opal, and pearl carries the unique imprint of the Australian land and sea. They're not just adornments — they're storytellers. And when set in jewellery that’s designed just for you, they become pieces that hold memory, meaning, and legacy.
Whether you're designing your dream ring, searching for a meaningful gift, or simply falling in love with colour again — now is the perfect time to explore the vibrant world of Australian gemstones.
