Gemstone Selection for Jewelry: A Guide from Holly Hawks Curations in Franklin, TN

Choosing the right gemstone is one of the most personal decisions in the entire jewelry design process. At Holly Hawks Curations, gemstone selection for jewelry is treated as a deeply collaborative conversation, not a transaction. Whether you are drawn to the warmth of a natural diamond, the vivid depth of a yellow sapphire, or the earthy richness of turquoise, every stone carries its own story. Marie Fellhauer works directly with each client to identify the gem that best reflects who they are and what they want their piece to say for generations to come.

Precious Stones in Franklin, TN

How to Choose Gemstones for Your Jewelry

Selecting a precious stone is far more nuanced than picking a color you like. The right gem must work in harmony with the metal, the setting, and the story behind the piece. At Holly Hawks Curations, the process begins with understanding your vision before a single stone is considered. Marie draws on direct access to global stone distributors, to present natural and lab-grown options side by side, giving clients a clear, honest view of what is available at every quality tier. This direct sourcing approach means the stone you choose is selected specifically for your commission, not pulled from a generic stock shelf.

Gemstone Quality Guide

Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds, and Colored Stones

Understanding your gemstone jewelry options starts with knowing the difference between stone categories. Natural diamonds carry the weight of geological history and are a cornerstone of the Holly Hawks collection, appearing in pieces like the Classic Brilliant Round Cut Diamond Peace Pendant. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same optical and physical properties as their natural counterparts and are available through the brand's Surreal Diamonds integration. Beyond diamonds, the studio works with a curated range of colored stones: bluish-green turquoise cabochons, deep red garnets, and luminous yellow sapphires. Each material brings a distinct character to a finished piece, and Marie's gemstone quality guide approach ensures clients understand exactly what they are choosing and why it suits their design.

Sourcing with Integrity

Responsible Precious Stones Selection for Custom Commissions

Every stone sourced through Holly Hawks Curations is selected with the same care and precision that defines the brand's commitment to quality. Marie has access to an extensive network of ethically sourced natural and lab-grown diamonds, along with a wide variety of other precious gemstones, allowing her to find the right stone for each unique commission. Rather than being limited to a local inventory, clients can explore a broad selection of sizes, cuts, colors, and origins. Each option is reviewed with professional-grade imagery and detailed specifications, giving both local and remote clients the confidence to make informed decisions before moving forward with their custom piece.

Metals and Settings

Pairing Your Stone with the Right Metal

A gemstone does not exist in isolation. The metal surrounding it shapes how the stone reads visually and how long it holds up over time. Holly Hawks Curations works with 14K and 18K yellow and rose gold as well as platinum, each of which interacts differently with various stone colors and cuts. Warm-toned gems like garnets and yellow sapphires tend to come alive in yellow gold settings, while the cool clarity of a white diamond is often best served by platinum or rose gold halos. Marie guides clients through these pairings as part of the full bespoke design process, ensuring that every element of the finished piece works together as a coherent whole rather than a collection of separate parts.

Your Questions Answered

Common Questions About Gemstone Selection at Holly Hawks Curations

  • What types of gemstones are available for a custom commission at Holly Hawks Curations?

    Holly Hawks Curations works with a range of natural and lab-grown diamonds, bluish-green turquoise cabochons, garnets, and yellow sapphires. Natural diamonds are sourced through, a global stone distributor. This variety means clients can choose a stone based on personal meaning, aesthetic preference, and budget without being restricted to a limited in-store inventory. Marie presents options side by side so the comparison is clear and honest from the start.

  • What is the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds for jewelry?

    Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years underground and carry a geological history that many clients find meaningful for legacy pieces. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment but share the same physical and optical properties as natural stones. Both are available through Holly Hawks Curations. The choice between them often comes down to personal values, the intended meaning of the piece, and budget. Marie walks clients through both options during the consultation process so the decision is fully informed rather than driven by marketing language.

  • How does Holly Hawks Curations source its gemstones?

    The studio sources stones directly through, a global diamond and gemstone distributor that provides access to both natural and lab-grown options. This direct sourcing model means clients are not limited to whatever a local retailer has in stock. Marie selects stones specifically for each commission, and all stones are photographed using Gem Light Box technology so clients can review high-resolution, color-accurate images before making a final decision, which is especially useful for clients working remotely.

  • Can I review a gemstone before it is set into my custom piece?

    Yes. Holly Hawks Curations uses Gem Light Box technology to produce professional-grade gemological photography for each stone under consideration. This allows clients, including those who are not physically present at the Franklin, TN studio, to review accurate, high-resolution images of their stone before it is incorporated into the final design. This level of visual transparency is a deliberate part of the brand's commitment to making sure clients feel fully confident in every element of their bespoke commission before work proceeds.

  • Which metal works best with colored gemstones like garnets or turquoise?

    The right metal pairing depends on the stone's color temperature and the overall design direction. Holly Hawks Curations works with 14K and 18K yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Warm-toned stones such as garnets and yellow sapphires often complement yellow gold settings, while cooler or neutral stones can work well with rose gold or platinum. Marie guides clients through these pairings during the design consultation, treating the metal and stone as a unified visual decision rather than two separate choices made independently.

  • Does Holly Hawks Curations offer lab-grown diamonds as a standalone option?

    Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are a fully supported option at Holly Hawks Curations. They carry the same physical and optical characteristics as natural diamonds and are presented alongside natural stone options during the consultation process. Clients who prefer lab-grown for ethical, aesthetic, or budget reasons receive the same level of care and attention in the selection process as those choosing natural stones. The brand does not treat one category as superior; the right choice depends on the individual client and the meaning behind the piece.

  • How should I care for a finished piece that includes a colored or precious gemstone?

    Holly Hawks Curations recommends cleaning finished jewelry using a soft toothbrush, face wash, and hot water. This method is gentle enough for most stones and settings and is effective at removing everyday buildup without risking damage to the metal or the gem. This care protocol applies to pieces featuring natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, turquoise, garnets, and yellow sapphires. For pieces with more delicate settings or porous stones like turquoise, Marie advises clients on any additional care considerations specific to their piece during the final delivery stage.
Jewelry set with ring, necklace, earrings, bracelet, and polishing cloth in blue velvet boxes

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