Tourmaline vs Sapphire vs Emerald Which Green Gemstone is Right for You?
Tourmaline vs Sapphire vs Emerald Which Green Gemstone is Right for You?
4 min read
When choosing a coloured gemstone for your custom engagement ring, few colours make a statement like green. From vivid emeralds to cool green sapphires and lush tourmalines, each stone brings its own personality, story, and symbolism. At Morgan & Co Jewellery, Sunshine Coast, we guide our clients through the fascinating world of gemstones to create one of a kind designs that reflect their individuality and love story.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between green tourmaline, green sapphire, and emerald, along with the pros and cons of each helping you make an informed choice for your next custom piece.

Green Tourmaline: The Versatile Beauty
Green tourmaline, also known as verdelite, comes in a wide spectrum of greens from pale mint to deep forest tones. It’s loved for its clarity, variety, and affordability compared to other green gemstones.
Pros:
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Durability: Tourmaline ranks around 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear when set in a well-protected design.
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Colour Variety: Its hues can range from bluish-green to olive, offering flexibility for custom designs.
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Affordability: Green tourmaline provides a luxurious look without the high price tag of emeralds or sapphires.
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Ethical options: Lab grown and ethically sourced varieties are widely available ideal for those seeking a sustainable gemstone.
Cons:
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Softer than sapphire or emerald: While durable, it can still scratch more easily than sapphire.
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Less traditional: For clients wanting a classic heirloom style engagement ring, tourmaline may be seen as more contemporary or fashion forward.
At Morgan & Co Jewellery, Buderim, tourmaline is a favourite for clients wanting a vibrant, modern custom engagement ring Sunshine Coast that stands out from traditional options.

Green Sapphire: The Understated Powerhouse
Green sapphire is one of the most underrated stones in the gemstone world. Known for its subtle elegance and exceptional durability, it’s becoming increasingly popular in diamond engagement rings with a twist of colour.
Pros:
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Exceptional durability: At 9 on the Mohs scale, it’s second only to diamonds, making it perfect for daily wear.
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Unique tones: Green sapphires often exhibit a mix of yellow, blue, and grey undertones, giving them incredible depth.
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Symbolism: Sapphires represent wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity — a beautiful sentiment for engagement rings.
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Affordable luxury: They are generally more affordable than emeralds, yet more durable and refined.
Cons:
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Subtle colour: Some may find green sapphires less vivid than emeralds, as they tend to have a more muted tone.
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Rarity of strong green hues: Pure, bright green sapphires are uncommon and can be more expensive.
As a custom jeweller on the Sunshine Coast, we love incorporating green sapphires into custom ring designs, especially for clients who want something timeless, durable, and unique.

Emerald: The Classic Choice for Royalty
The emerald has long been associated with luxury, romance, and history. Its rich, velvety green has adorned royalty for centuries, making it a symbol of love and renewal.
Pros:
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Unmatched colour: Emeralds display a deep, vivid green that no other gemstone can quite replicate.
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Prestige and tradition: They’re one of the “big three” precious stones (alongside ruby and sapphire), perfect for clients who love heritage pieces.
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Value: Fine quality emeralds hold and even increase in value over time.
Cons:
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Fragility: Emeralds rank about 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale but are often brittle due to internal inclusions (“jardin”). They require extra care and are best in protective settings.
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Maintenance: Emeralds are commonly oil-treated to enhance clarity; this treatment may need refreshing over time.
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Price: High-quality emeralds are significantly more expensive than green tourmalines or sapphires.
At Morgan & Co Jewellery, Sunshine Coast, we often set emeralds in custom engagement rings with secure bezels or halo settings to protect their natural beauty.

Choosing the Right Green Gemstone for You
When creating a custom engagement ring Sunshine Coast, your choice of gemstone depends on three main things: durability, budget, and desired colour intensity.
|
Gemstone |
Colour Range |
Durability (Mohs) |
Style |
Price Range |
Ideal For |
|
Tourmaline |
Mint to deep green |
7–7.5 |
Modern, artistic |
$$ |
Everyday wearers seeking colour variety |
|
Green Sapphire |
Olive, teal, forest |
9 |
Classic, refined |
$$$ |
Those wanting durability & subtle beauty |
|
Emerald |
Deep vivid green |
7.5–8 (fragile) |
Traditional, luxurious |
$$$$ |
Lovers of vintage & timeless elegance |
The Morgan & Co Difference
At Morgan & Co Jewellery, Buderim, we don’t believe in one size fits all. Every gemstone tells a story, and we’re here to help you find the one that feels like yours. Whether you’re drawn to the deep romance of an emerald, the serene strength of a green sapphire, or the modern vibrancy of a green tourmaline, our custom jewellers work with you to create a diamond engagement ring or custom ring design that’s as unique as your love story.
From concept to creation, Morgan & Co Jewellery ensures every piece is crafted with care, integrity, and unmatched local craftsmanship.
Ready to create your custom green gemstone ring?
Visit Morgan & Co Jewellery, Buderim, to explore custom engagement rings Sunshine Coast and discover the perfect green gemstone for your forever piece.
With Love,
Laura x
