18ct white gold three-finger ring with pear cut diamonds on a light pink background

White Diamond

Natural white diamonds are defined by their ability to reflect and return light, creating the brilliance and fire for which diamonds are known. Their quality is assessed through the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat – with each characteristic contributing to the stone's appearance, rarity and value.

LKC selects diamonds with a focus on proportion, clarity and brilliance, choosing each stone for how it contributes to the balance and character of the design.

Emerald pink diamond ring with two kite cut diamonds set in platinum on a light grey background

Fancy Coloured Diamonds

Fancy Coloured diamonds are natural diamonds displaying a distinct body colour, created by variations within the stone's chemical composition or crystal structure. They range from subtle champagne and cognac tones to exceptionally rare hues such as blue, pink, green and vivid yellow. Their value is influenced by factors including colour intensity, hue, saturation, clarity, carat weight and rarity.

For bespoke jewellery, LKC selects coloured diamonds according to the individual qualities of each stone, considering its colour, character and proportions in relation to the overall design.

Sapphire

Sapphire is a variety of corundum recognised for its exceptional durability and broad range of colour. Blue remains its most recognised hue, while natural sapphires can also occur in pink, yellow, green and other colours. Colour, clarity, origin and the individual character of the stone all contribute to its desirability.

For bespoke pieces, the depth, tone and character of each sapphire are considered alongside the design, allowing the stone to inform the overall composition of the piece.

Emerald

Emerald is the green variety of beryl, distinguished by its rich colour and characteristic natural inclusions. These inclusions, traditionally known as jardin, are common in natural emeralds and form part of the identity of each stone. Colour, transparency, clarity, origin and treatment are important considerations when assessing an emerald.

LKC considers each emerald for its colour, transparency and individual character, selecting stones that complement the design and contribute to the character of the finished piece.

Ruby

Ruby is the red variety of corundum and one of the world’s most recognised coloured precious stones. Its colour can range from pinkish-red to intense, saturated red, with exceptional examples displaying strong colour and transparency. Colour, clarity, origin, treatment and rarity all contribute to a ruby’s value.

LKC considers each ruby for its individual qualities, with colour, proportion and character guiding the selection of the stone in relation to the overall design.

18ct gold ring featuring a large oval aquamarine centre stone, and a trail of small white diamonds, champagne diamonds, and faint pink diamonds on a curved open band, photographed on a light neutral background with bright sunlight and shadows.

Other Precious Stones

Beyond sapphires, emeralds and rubies, fine jewellery can incorporate a wide range of natural precious stones, each offering its own colour, character and rarity. Tourmaline, spinel and aquamarine are among the stones that may be considered for a bespoke design where their individual qualities complement the overall composition.

LKC considers these stones selectively, with the character and suitability of each precious stone guiding its place within the design.

Round

The round brilliant is the most recognised precious stone shape and is designed to maximise the return of light. Its symmetrical proportions create strong brilliance and fire, making it a versatile choice across fine jewellery.

LKC considers the proportions of each round stone in relation to the overall design, ensuring the shape works harmoniously within the finished piece.

Oval

The oval combines the brilliance of a round brilliant with a more elongated silhouette. Its proportions can create an elegant sense of length while maintaining strong light return, making it particularly versatile across engagement rings and fine jewellery.

LKC considers the length, width and proportions of each oval in relation to the design and the desired balance of the finished piece.

Pear

The pear shape combines a rounded end with a single pointed tip, creating its distinctive teardrop silhouette. Its directional form can be worn with the point facing towards or away from the wearer, offering flexibility across both classic and contemporary designs.

For bespoke jewellery, LKC considers the proportions and orientation of the pear in relation to the overall composition.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is defined by its elongated rectangular outline and stepped facets. Rather than prioritising maximum brilliance, its broad, open facets create flashes of light and a sense of depth, making the clarity and character of the stone particularly important.

LKC considers the proportions, clarity and character of each emerald-cut stone in relation to the design.

Marquise

The marquise is an elongated shape with curved sides and pointed ends. Its proportions create a graceful, directional silhouette and can give the impression of greater length, making it a distinctive choice for both classic and contemporary designs.

LKC considers the length, width and proportions of each marquise to ensure it complements the intended design.

Cushion

The cushion shape combines a square or rectangular outline with softened, rounded corners. Its larger facets can produce a balance of brilliance and depth, while its softer proportions give the shape a distinctly classic character.

LKC considers the proportions and faceting of each cushion in relation to the overall design and the character of the stone.

Bespoke trio diamond ring featuring a champagne lozenge cut diamond centrestone with two hexagonal cut accent stones, set in 18ct yellow gold, photographed on a light grey background

Custom Cut & Alternative Shape Stones

Some designs call for a stone shape beyond conventional cuts. LKC has access to custom-cut and alternative shape precious stones, allowing for elongated proportions, distinctive silhouettes and individually developed cuts that can be sourced specifically in response to a design.

From lozenge, hexagonal, shield, and kite cut, these stones allow greater flexibility in proportion and composition, particularly where a conventional cut cannot achieve the intended result. Each stone is considered in relation to the design, allowing its shape and proportions to become an integral part of the finished piece.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is recognised for its naturally warm colour and enduring appeal. Pure gold is too soft for most jewellery, so it is alloyed with other metals to achieve the strength required for everyday wear. LKC works with 14ct and 18ct yellow gold, with the higher gold content of 18ct producing a richer colour and greater purity.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is created by alloying gold with copper and other metals, producing its distinctive warm blush tone. The precise composition of the alloy influences the depth of colour, while the karat determines the proportion of pure gold. Its warmth offers a softer alternative to traditional yellow gold and can create a considered contrast with certain stones.

White Gold

White gold is created by alloying gold with white metals such as platinum and palladium to produce a lighter, white-toned appearance. It is commonly finished with rhodium, a bright white precious metal, to enhance its colour and reflectivity.

Platinum

Platinum is a naturally white precious metal valued for its purity, density and durability. Unlike white gold, its colour is inherent to the metal and does not rely on rhodium plating. Its strength and density make it particularly suited to fine jewellery and designs intended for frequent wear.

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