Opt for ‘maximalist’ styling by playfully layering necklaces one over another to create an elegant mesh effect that will dress up any outfit without overpowering it.

Vibrant coloured gemstones perfectly mirror makeup shades, so pair your jewels with a matching slick of lipstick or nail varnish for a sleek, colour-coordinated look.

Harness the mystical power of ruby-red and emerald-green using bold colour blocks in jewellery and clothing for tonal styling that will make a powerful statement.

As with necklaces, rings lend themselves to playful pairing, so stack them high and mix and match different styles to transform your hands into an artistic canvas.

Put your gemstone jewellery front and centre, allowing its vivid hue and inimitable character to dominate your look and turn heads.

Remember that gems are versatile: as well as sparkling in classic jewellery pieces, they can also be incorporated into a look in more unusual ways, for instance in sunglasses.

Push the boundaries of colour by intentionally clashing shades, perhaps pairing ruby-red earrings with bright blue, green or yellow clothing for a riotous rainbow effect.

Whether it’s a subtle chain or a bold bangle, find that piece of jewellery that sings to you and make it part of your trademark everyday look, like a signature scent.

Small they may be, but coloured gemstone rings are powerful pieces: opt for colourful, eye-popping designs that demand attention.

From twists and coils to classic bands and bold, chunky designs, rings come in so many different forms: pair contrasting designs to turn your hand into a tapestry.

A bold departure from the classic diamond ring, rubies – representing passion, prosperity and protection – are perfect for engagement or wedding bands, with their fiery red hue.

The glamour of emeralds and rubies gives uplift to any outfit and provides a perfect way to elevate a look for evening.

The importance of seeing clearly when it comes to choosing a gemstone cannot be underestimated. When shopping for an emerald or ruby, a buyer would be best advised to try to see it in daylight, so that its colour is not affected by artificial light.

What is worth insisting upon when shopping for a coloured gemstone is evenness of colour and good saturation throughout the gemstone. This is typically associated with a higher value, higher quality gem (unless it came about as the result of colour enhancement).

Colourless diamonds have long been measured by the 4 Cs – colour, cut, clarity and carat – and there are three more added to the mix for coloured gemstones: character, confidence and certification. These 7 Cs are as good a guide as there is to making an informed decision – and also a snappy way to remember the basic rules of the game!

Perfection is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to gemstones, which were carved from Mother Nature and formed deep beneath the earth’s surface millions of years ago. Inclusions – as they are called in the industry – are the little features that prove that a gemstone is authentic, and that no two are exactly the same. These are to be celebrated.

Far and away the most important rule of buying is for the prospective buyer to – quite literally – choose the gemstone that they fall in love with, rather than opting for the one they think they should like. This may be a less ‘perfect’ gemstone – and in fact, its little quirks may be the very thing that makes the buyer fall for it.

Gemstones should always be purchased from a trusted supplier – someone who is known or has come through a personal recommendation perhaps. This will give the buyer peace of mind that their gemstone has been responsibly sourced and is of the quality described.

Especially if a gemstone is of a significant size, it is important to request a lab report – verifying its origins and disclosing any treatments it may have received – from a certified gemmological laboratory, something that all reputable labs will be happy to provide. Traceability records provide a complete picture of the journey a gemstone has travelled to reach its final destination (in a beautiful piece of jewellery).

It is important to ask questions and do research when finding a gemstone to buy. Responsible sourcing and sustainability are hot topics today, and jewellery brands, many with their own in-house gemmologist teams, will be able to supply plenty of information. There are many credible sources – like jewellery experts, gemmological labs and industry bodies – on hand to answer questions.

Every gemstone is a tiny miracle and completely unique in terms of its character and the journey it has taken. It’s often said the right gem will find its owner. Buyers who follow this advice and do their homework will certainly help the process along.

The key to keeping emeralds and rubies sparkling is to keep them clean. The best method is to rinse them in warm, mild, soapy water, use a soft brush to gently remove residue and restore lustre, and then blot them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

To take proper care of a gem, it is essential to understand its distinctive features and any specific treatments it may have had. Be sure to ask questions when you purchase your gem, so that you are familiar with the detail and any steps to take.

While jewellery needs to be kept clean, it won’t benefit from being worn in the bath or shower, where cleansers, soaps or shampoos can contain chemicals that are too harsh for your gem. It is best to always take jewellery off before bathing.

Gemstones and precious metals can cause unnecessary damage to each other, in the form of rubs, scratches and scrapes, if they are housed too closely together. To prevent this, it is best to store them apart, in a soft pouch or box where possible.

It is important to not lose sight of the fact that all gems and items of jewellery are fragile, and therefore must be handled with great care. Avoid knocks, bumps and scrapes. Treat them like the precious treasures that they are.

Perfume and makeup contain chemicals, such as alcohol, that can cause harm to gems if brought into direct and regular contact. It is better to put jewellery on after these are applied and dried, to minimise the potential for damage.

It isn’t recommended to wear jewellery to the gym, where sudden movement or knocks can inadvertently hurt a gem or its setting. Take off your jewellery and store items separately in soft pouches to keep them safe.

It is best to avoid putting gem-set jewellery in ultrasonic cleaners, as the high frequency waves and microscopic bubbles can agitate inclusions within the gemstone structure. A gentle bath with a mild soap and soft brush is all they need to sparkle.

Aim to routinely visit a reputable jeweller to check the settings of significant jewellery pieces and ensure each gemstone is securely held in place. By undertaking these simple steps, your gems should stay safe and sparkle for years to come.