Explore the World of PrinsGems
Our Universe of Precious Stones.
We offer an array of natural coloured gemstones collected by Dr Petre Prins over the past 50 years. Our collection includes natural gemstones ranging from sapphire, diamond, ruby, emerald, tanzanite to beautiful tourmaline, aquamarine and other unique gem species. Each Prinsgem larger than a carat carries a Gemmological Grading Report issued by a GIA graduate gemologist. This sets us apart from most dealers who may have gem experience but not certified gemmological qualifications. Our irrefutable gemmological expertise guarantees your peace of mind.
Certified Gems for Sale – A Unique Opportunity
Do you need a quality gem at an affordable price? We regularly offer special bargains on certain gems that crowd our inventory. Selected parcels of sapphires, garnet, citrine and emeralds are often available at give-away prices. For gem collectors, jewellers, goldsmiths or any admirer of beautiful stones, our special offers provide unique opportunities to extend your inventory.
Loose Certified Gems – For Bespoke Jewellery
Loose gemstones provide the opportunity to create personalised jewellery items. You can select the size, shape, and type of loose gem to fit your budget and craft a piece that is uniquely yours. Coloured gemstones are perfect for a ring, pendant or in earrings.
Invest in Precious Gems
Internationally, the price of precious gems are given in US$ per carat. The dollar value of commercial gems have been remarkably stable while the price of exceptional and rare types have increased dramatically over the past decade. Purchasing precious gems is seen as a wise investment, especially in countries whose currency has been depreciating against the dollar. Our gemmologists will assist you in selecting quality gemstones that will delight you and also hold lasting value.
Our Most Sought-After Gemstones
From sapphires and rubies to rare tanzanite, explore the world’s most celebrated natural gems — each certified, each unique.

Sapphire
Treasured for its depth and brilliance, sapphire embodies wisdom and timeless elegance in shades from royal blue to pastel.

Ruby
Fiery red rubies symbolise passion and power, prized for their rarity and enduring beauty through centuries of jewellery design.

Emerald
Known for their vivid green hues, emeralds reflect luxury, heritage, and the allure of nature’s most precious treasures.

Tanzanite
Unique to East Africa, tanzanite’s shifting violet-blue tones capture rarity and romance in a single gem.

Topaz
From vibrant sky-blue to golden hues, topaz offers brilliance and versatility, treasured across cultures for its radiance.

Tourmaline
Tourmaline’s spectrum of colours, often in striking bi-colour gems, makes it a collector’s favourite and a symbol of individuality.

Amethyst
With its regal purple glow, amethyst is cherished for clarity, balance, and its centuries-old place in fine jewellery.

Peridot
Bright and lively, peridot glows with fresh green light, a gem linked to renewal and prosperity since ancient times.
Our Reputation and Trade Partners
Prins & Prins Diamonds and its associated companies, namely, Aurum Art Pty Ltd, PrinsGems, and 66 Loop Street cc have been respected players in the South African natural diamond, gemstone and jewellery industry, since 1982. We are proud of our international reputation and long standing relationships with retail and wholesale customers, institutions, organisations and companies active in the South African jewellery industry.
Natural diamonds, gemstones and the creation of fine handmade jewellery have been our passion and profession over 45 years. We employ professionally qualified experts and have been training jewellers and goldsmiths since the late 1990s.
Below you will find a list of well known companies and organisations that have worked closely with Prins & Prins for almost five decades.












Gemstone Knowledge & Expertise
At PrinsGems, we believe every gemstone carries a story — of origin, rarity, and meaning. From understanding certification and provenance to exploring colour, symbolism, and investment value, our education hub offers expert guidance trusted by jewellers, collectors, and discerning buyers worldwide.
Explore Gemstone Guides
Inclusions Under the Microscope: Fingerprints of the Earth
Every gem carries a story written deep within its heart. These natural markings, known as inclusions, are the earth’s fingerprints…
Why Some Gemstones Glow: The Science of Fluorescence
Some gems hold a secret only revealed under ultraviolet light. Diamonds, rubies, and spinels can glow with unexpected brilliance, a…
The Geology of Gem Deposits: Where in the World Gems
From fiery kimberlite pipes in Southern Africa to the lush river gravels of Sri Lanka, gemstones are born in extraordinary…
Tourmaline’s Rainbow: A Guide to Every Shade and Its Rarity
Tourmaline is the gemstone of infinite colour — from neon Paraíbas and vivid rubellites to whimsical watermelon slices. Its spectrum…
Why Spinel Is the Underrated Star of High Jewellery
Long mistaken for ruby, spinel has finally stepped into the spotlight as one of high jewellery’s most captivating gems. With…
The Journey of Pearls: Natural, Cultured, and Their Role in
From Cleopatra’s legendary jewels to modern bridal traditions, pearls have captivated cultures for millennia. Whether natural or cultured, these organic…
What Makes a Gem “Investment Grade”? A Gemmologist’s Checklist
Not every gemstone is worthy of being called “investment grade.” True investment gems combine rarity, beauty, durability, and proven market…
Five Common Mistakes First-Time Gem Buyers Make
Buying a gemstone for the first time can be as intimidating as it is exciting. From overlooking certification to choosing…
The History of Garnets: From Ancient Amulets to Modern Jewellery
From ancient Egyptian amulets to Victorian cluster rings, garnets have been treasured across cultures for their fiery beauty and powerful…
The Mohs Scale Explained: What Gem Hardness Really Means in
Understanding the Mohs scale is key to choosing jewellery that lasts. From the unyielding brilliance of diamonds to the delicate…
The Story of Tanzanite: From Discovery in Africa to Global
Tanzanite, found only at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, has captivated the world since its discovery in 1967. With its…
From Rough to Radiant: How Gemstones Are Cut and Polished
From rough crystal to radiant jewel, every gemstone’s brilliance is unlocked through masterful cutting and polishing. Discover the artistry behind…
The Language of Colour: What Your Favourite Gem Hue Says
Colour in gemstones is more than beauty — it reflects personality, symbolism, and meaning. From fiery ruby reds to tranquil…
Spinel: The “Imposter Gem” That Became a Collector’s Favourite
Spinel was once mistaken for ruby, earning it the nickname “imposter gem.” Today, it is celebrated for its brilliance, rarity,…
Why Rubies Rival Diamonds in Rarity and Romance
Rubies, known as the “King of Gems,” rival diamonds in rarity, romance, and prestige. Their vivid red hues, cultural legacy,…
Gemstones in Ancient Civilisations: Egypt, Rome, and Beyond
From Cleopatra’s emeralds to Rome’s sapphires and pearls, gemstones shaped the culture and rituals of ancient civilisations. Discover how their…
Paraíba Tourmaline: The Neon Gem That Took the World by
Paraíba tourmaline, with its neon glow and rarity, has become one of the world’s most valuable coloured gemstones. Discover its…
Emerald Inclusions: Why “Jardin” Adds to Their Beauty and Value
Emeralds are rarely flawless — and that’s their greatest charm. Known as jardin (“garden”), the unique inclusions within emeralds prove…
Lab-Grown vs Natural: How to Tell the Difference and Why
From rubies and sapphires to emeralds and diamonds, both lab-grown and natural gems captivate with beauty — but their origins,…
Birthstones Through the Ages: Myths, Meanings, and Modern Traditions
Birthstones carry centuries of myth and meaning, from Biblical traditions to modern jewellery. Explore their history, symbolism, and buying tips…
Famous Gemstones in Royal Jewellery: From Sapphires to Emeralds
From Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring to Queen Victoria’s emerald tiara, royal jewels have shaped the way we see gemstones….
Gemstones in African Myth and Culture: Stories Passed Through Generations
Africa’s gems are more than treasures of the earth — they are vessels of myth, culture, and heritage. From the…
Top 5 Gemstones for Engagement Rings Beyond Diamonds
Diamonds may be the classic choice, but they’re not the only gems worthy of symbolising love. From the royal elegance…
Sapphire vs Tanzanite: How to Choose Your Perfect Blue Gem
Sapphire and tanzanite are two of the world’s most captivating blue gemstones, each offering unique qualities in colour, durability, rarity,…






