Every gemstone carries within it a fragment of the earth’s memory — a story shaped by pressure, time, and transformation. For centuries, these rare treasures have been worn not only for their beauty, but for what they symbolise: love, power, protection, and renewal.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, we see each gemstone as a work of art created by nature and perfected by craftsmanship. From the deep blue serenity of sapphire to the understated brilliance of spinel, every gem reveals something about the person who wears it — and the story they wish to tell.
Explore our Gemstone Jewellery collection, where each creation honours nature’s artistry and human ingenuity.
Sapphire — The Gem of Wisdom and Royal Legacy
Few gemstones carry as rich a history as the sapphire. Revered for its celestial hue, it has long been associated with wisdom, loyalty, and protection. In ancient Persia, people believed the sky itself was coloured blue by the reflection of sapphires beneath the earth.
Across time and cultures, sapphire has adorned the crowns of kings and the hands of those seeking truth and clarity. Its symbolism — sincerity, calm, and steadfast love — continues to make it one of the most treasured choices for engagement rings and heirloom designs.
Sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, and parts of East Africa, each origin offering its own distinctive tone — from the soft cornflower blues of Ceylon to the rich royal blues of Kashmir. In the ateliers of Huguenot House, our gemmologists select sapphires for both their colour and their character — because, much like people, no two are the same.
Emerald — Nature’s Signature of Renewal
The emerald is a gemstone that seems to contain life itself. Its green depths evoke forests after rain, symbolising growth, renewal, and balance. For thousands of years, it has been regarded as a talisman of hope — Cleopatra herself was known to prize emeralds for their power to soothe the soul and protect the heart.
Emeralds are delicate by nature, their inclusions known as jardin (the French word for “garden”), a poetic nod to the patterns that make each gem unique. Their beauty lies not in flawlessness, but in individuality — an idea that resonates deeply with those who choose them.
Africa has become an important part of emerald’s modern story. Zambian and Zimbabwean mines produce gems of exceptional depth and clarity, giving the continent a proud place in the legacy of this ancient jewel. In the hands of a master goldsmith, an emerald’s subtle nuances of colour come alive — set into timeless pieces that celebrate nature’s most soothing hue.
Ruby — The Flame of Passion
If emerald is the calm of nature, ruby is its heartbeat. Known as the “King of Gems,” ruby symbolises passion, love, and vitality. Its vibrant red hue has captivated civilizations for millennia — from ancient Burmese warriors who believed rubies granted invincibility, to the romantic poets who saw in them the essence of desire.
A ruby’s brilliance lies in its inner fire — a glow that seems to radiate from within. This “pigeon blood” intensity is rare, and it’s what makes fine rubies among the most valuable gems in the world.
At Prins & Prins, ruby designs are approached with the same intensity they represent — bold yet balanced, powerful yet refined. They are chosen by those who wish to wear not just colour, but emotion. Each ruby creation tells a story of courage and devotion — love expressed not in words, but in flame.
Tanzanite — Africa’s Modern Treasure
Discovered only in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is one of the world’s youngest gemstones — and one of its most enchanting. Found exclusively in Tanzania, this gem is 1,000 times rarer than diamond, with a single source that makes it a true African treasure.
Tanzanite’s beauty lies in its duality. Depending on the light, it shifts from blue to violet — a quality known as pleochroism. This changing colour mirrors its symbolism: transformation, intuition, and the meeting of mind and heart.
As a South African jeweller, Prins & Prins is proud to showcase tanzanite’s extraordinary story — a gemstone that embodies both modern sophistication and African heritage. Set by skilled goldsmiths, each tanzanite creation becomes a tribute to our continent’s geological wonder and creative spirit.
Spinel — The Hidden Star of the Gem World
For centuries, spinel was the great imposter — mistaken for ruby and sapphire in royal crowns and historic jewels. Yet today, it stands in its own right as one of the most captivating gems in fine jewellery.
Spinel’s charm lies in its versatility. Found in an array of colours — from vivid pinks and purples to cool blues and greys — it combines brilliance, durability, and elegance in a single gem. Its rarity and understated luxury have made it a connoisseur’s favourite, cherished by collectors who appreciate beauty that whispers rather than shouts.
Spinel’s rise in modern design reflects a shift in taste: from grandeur to authenticity, from obvious to meaningful. At Prins & Prins, we celebrate spinel for what it represents — individuality, refinement, and quiet confidence.
From Earth to Artistry — The Prins & Prins Approach
Behind every gem lies not only geological history but human craftsmanship — the ability to reveal what nature began.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, each gemstone is carefully studied, selected, and set by experts who understand both science and art. Within the heritage walls of Huguenot House in Cape Town, our gemmologists and goldsmiths transform rough natural beauty into wearable art.
The process begins with selection — choosing gems that meet our strict standards of quality and provenance. Each is then matched to a design that enhances its personality: the serene geometry of a sapphire, the lush curves of an emerald, or the soft light-play of a spinel. Our workshop blends traditional handcraft with modern precision, ensuring every setting protects and elevates the gem it holds.
Ethical sourcing and sustainable craftsmanship are integral to our philosophy. A Prins & Prins jewel is created not only to last a lifetime, but to carry a story worthy of being told again and again.
