gemstone & alternative engagement rings
gemStones and diamonds chosen for colour, clarity, and character.
A thoughtful approach to non-traditional stones, guided by proportion, wearability, technical detail, and the unique qualities that bring each gem to life.
Most clients begin without a design or stone selected. We guide you through the design process step by step to create a piece that feels personal and meaningful.
Designed in Calgary.
Consultations are complimentary and by appointment.
colour, character, and design with intention.
Coloured gemstones and alternative diamonds bring depth, hue, and individuality to a piece you will wear every day. Sapphires, Montana sapphires, champagne diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds, rose cuts, antique old mine cuts, and other non-traditional options each offer their own presence, ranging from quiet neutrals to rich, saturated colour.
At West of Fourth, each stone is reviewed for proportion, clarity, durability, and the visual qualities that define its character. This approach is grounded in extensive experience with coloured stones and non-traditional diamonds, supported by clear studio guidance on suitability, hue, nuance, and structural considerations. All sourcing, selection, and design support is provided from our Calgary studio.
A curated selection of gemstones and alternative diamonds
Sapphires
Available in a full spectrum of hues including blue, green, teal, yellow, pink, and bi-colour variations. Known for their durability and versatility, sapphires offer a wide range of colour profiles suited for daily wear and refined custom designs.
Montana Sapphires
Known for their cool, natural palette and subtle internal character. Often found in soft blues, smoky greens, and steel-toned shades.
Champagne and Warm-Toned Diamonds
Natural earthy hues ranging from light champagne to deep cognac. Each diamond offers a unique warmth and understated presence.
Salt and Pepper Diamonds
Defined by internal markings that create an organic, textured appearance. Each stone is visually distinct, with a spectrum from soft grey to deep, storm-like tones.
Rose Cut Diamonds
An antique cutting style with a soft, diffused glow. Available in clear, warm-toned, or salt and pepper varieties.
Antique Cut Diamonds
Hand-cut stones that feature soft facets, open culets, and a warm, candlelit glow. This category includes old mine and old European cuts, each offering vintage character, organic symmetry, and a romantic presence within custom settings.
Black Diamonds
Modern, minimal, and bold. Black diamonds offer strong visual contrast and a refined, architectural look within custom structures.
Additional Gemstone Options
Spinel, tourmaline, aquamarine, and other coloured stones thoughtfully selected and reviewed for hue, clarity, durability, and individual character.
Curated sourcing for colour, clarity, and character
Each stone is evaluated through a lens that prioritizes colour, durability, and individual character. These qualities define how a gemstone or alternative diamond will live within your design and how its presence will feel on the hand. Hue, saturation, internal features, and overall personality are considered with intention.
Durability and proportion remain essential, and every option is reviewed to ensure it suits both the structure of your ring and the expectations of daily wear. You receive a refined selection rather than a broad catalogue, along with clear guidance from our Calgary studio on how each stone performs, appears, and aligns with your aesthetic and style.
Design shaped by proportion, presence, and the unique qualities of your stone
Every gemstone and alternative diamond carries its own colour profile, hue, internal features, and visual presence. These characteristics guide how a stone behaves in a setting and how it sits and performs on the hand. Profile height, prong style, taper, and overall structure are refined to support each stone’s hue, clarity, character, and long-term wear.
You receive guidance on how each design decision influences the way colour reads in different lighting, how internal features appear from various angles, and how the stone’s proportions contribute to durability and structural integrity over time. The goal is a piece that feels personal, balanced, and suited to the way you wear jewellery every day.
A clear and guided custom experience
Consultation
We begin by discussing your direction, preferred hues, shapes, and metal. This includes how you plan to wear your piece, how it fits into your daily life, and any visual references that reflect your style.
Stone Sourcing
You receive a refined selection of gemstones or alternative diamonds chosen for colour, clarity, character, and suitability for your design. Each option is reviewed for hue, saturation, internal features, and overall presence, with guidance from our Calgary studio on how each stone will perform in an engagement ring or daily-wear piece.
Quote
Once a stone direction is confirmed, you receive a clear quote outlining the structure, materials, and expected timeline. This provides full transparency before moving into design development.
Design Development
Sketches or CAD renderings define structure, profile height, prong style, proportions, and how these choices support the qualities of your chosen stone. Adjustments are made with clarity so your design feels aligned and intentional before production begins.
Crafting
Your ring is crafted with precision, using techniques that support long-term wear while honouring the unique characteristics of your gemstone or diamond. Each piece is made to balance proportion, presence, and durability.
Completion
Your finished piece is presented with care guidance tailored to the properties of your stone and the specifics of your design, helping you wear it with confidence for years to come.
Clarity on daily wear and long-term care
Different gemstones and alternative diamonds each have their own wearability considerations. Hue, saturation, internal features, facet style, and overall structure all influence how a stone behaves in a setting and how it performs on the hand. During your consultation, you receive clear guidance on suitability for daily wear, along with prong styles and design choices that offer long-term protection.
Routine care is simple. Gentle cleaning, mindful storage, and periodic check-ins help maintain the integrity of your piece. You receive care instructions tailored to your specific stone and the structure of your design, ensuring your ring continues to wear beautifully for years to come. Our Calgary studio is always available for support if you ever want your piece checked, cleaned, or assessed as it becomes part of your daily life.
Begin your custom design
If you are considering a coloured gemstone or alternative diamond for your engagement ring, you will receive clear guidance on stone selection, design structure, pricing, and timeline before moving into production. Our Calgary studio supports you through each step, ensuring your design feels personal, intentional, and tailored to the way you live and wear your jewellery.