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 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.”
The coloured gemstone industry is highly complex, differing greatly from the 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.
