What Makes Natural Gemstones Challenging for New Jewelry Designers

Natural untreated gemstones have always held a special place in jewelry design. Their one-of-a-kind colors, textures, and internal structures bring something raw and incredibly beautiful to the table. Unlike lab-created or treated stones, these gems come straight from nature, each with its own story formed over countless years. That’s exactly what makes them so appealing to both collectors and designers who want something real and meaningful.

But for many new jewelry designers, working with natural gemstones can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with no clear picture. There's beauty in each stone, but hidden within that beauty are a few common challenges. From sourcing ethically to cutting and setting the stones, untreated gems often require more planning, skill, and patience compared to manufactured options. Here’s where the learning curve begins.

Understanding Natural Untreated Gemstones

Before jumping into the practical side, it helps to understand what makes a gemstone natural and untreated. A natural gemstone is one that’s been found in the earth, mined, and shaped with no artificial enhancements like heating, dyeing, or filling. Untreated means it hasn’t been altered to improve color or clarity. What you get is the way it came from the earth, with only basic shaping and polishing.

This untouched nature is what gives these stones their charm and lasting value. But for new designers, that same rawness can be tricky. Unlike treated stones that look more uniform, natural untreated gemstones often show things like tiny inclusions, uneven colors, or strange shapes. These aren’t flaws. They’re part of what makes each gem truly one of a kind. The challenge comes in learning how to embrace those quirks and design pieces around them.

Imagine you’re working with a natural spinel that has a deep pink shade but isn’t perfectly shaped. An experienced designer might see creative potential in that, but someone new may find it tough to create a balanced look or figure out how to set it safely. These stones push newer designers to think more slowly and carefully, which isn’t always easy when confidence is still building.

Sourcing Natural Gemstones

Once the value of natural untreated gemstones is understood, the next big hurdle is finding them. That’s often harder than it seems. Quality, untreated stones with clear sourcing are not always easy to come by, especially in smaller jewelry markets or for designers without strong supplier connections.

One of the biggest challenges is figuring out where the stone really came from—and whether it was mined and cut responsibly. Some vendors aren’t open about their sources, and others simply don’t know. That makes it harder for new designers to make smart or ethical choices. And if a gem doesn’t come with any traceable background, it’s hard to tell if you’re getting your money’s worth.

That’s why sourcing from trusted suppliers matters. If you’re just starting out, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Ask questions. Find out where the stone came from and ask directly if it's been treated in any way.

2. Look for suppliers who specialize in untreated stones and can talk knowledgeably about them.

3. Try to see the stones up close—either in person or through clear video and photos that show details.

4. Stick with sellers who are open about their process and values. If they seem vague, that’s a red flag.

Taking the time to do this kind of homework pays off. Once you find a supplier you can trust, you’ll be able to focus less on questions and doubts—and more on creating.

Crafting With Untreated Gemstones

Working with natural untreated gems isn’t just a matter of slipping a stone into a setting. These stones can be unpredictable in shape and structure. Often, they aren’t the typical, balanced cuts you see in standard catalogs. They could have sharp edges, varied angles, or internal features that make them fragile in certain spots. All of this requires more thought.

Some new designers get surprised by this. It’s easy to forget that most mass-produced settings are made for common gem sizes and shapes. When using untreated gemstones, those standard molds just won’t work. Instead, designs often need to be built around the stone, and not the other way around.

Here are a few things that can help new designers work smarter with these stones:

- Start by studying the gem carefully. Look from all angles and understand how light moves through it.

- Use protective settings that avoid pressure points or lightly supported corners.

- Sketch things out or use wax models before committing to expensive metals.

- Let the stone direct the design, not the other way around.

- Partner with skilled jewelers familiar with these types of materials.

The custom nature of this work may take longer, but the results often speak louder than off-the-shelf designs. You end up with a piece that compliments the exact shape and feel of the gemstone instead of fighting against it.

Marketing And Selling Natural Gemstone Jewelry

After all the design work, new challenges show up during the sales process. Selling natural untreated gemstones means explaining to customers why things may look a little different from what they’re used to. That takes practice and confidence—not just in the design, but in the story behind the materials.

Some buyers think natural means perfect, which leads to confusion when they see stones with inclusions or color zoning. Others want to know why your jewelry costs more than pieces made with treated or synthetic gems. That’s where storytelling and education come into play.

When trying to connect buyers to your work, consider the following:

- Speak from personal experience. Share what drew you to that specific stone.

- Use plain, helpful language. Instead of technical terms, talk about the gem’s journey and what makes it rare.

- Share visuals—clear images, reels, or close-up clips that show the stone’s texture and color range.

- Frame imperfections as part of the appeal. They’re what give the stone character.

- Remind buyers that untreated stones haven’t been changed. What they’re seeing is something shaped by nature alone.

This kind of communication not only builds excitement but also helps customers feel part of something more meaningful.

Shaping Growth With Every Stone

Working with natural untreated gemstones might be harder, but for many designers, that’s exactly what makes the process so rewarding. You’re not just working with materials—you’re working with millions of years of Earth’s beauty in its untouched form.

New designers should expect trial and error. There will be times when a setting fails or a design doesn’t work out the way it looked in your head. But each piece is a lesson, and every gemstone is an invitation to slow down, practice patience, and build a deeper connection with the craft.

Designing with untreated gems might take more time and effort, but the results can’t be duplicated. You’ll create jewelry that reflects the stone’s one-of-a-kind features and your own artistic growth. And over time, you’ll start to see that these challenges don’t hold you back—they’re part of what makes your work stand out.

If you're ready to explore the distinctive beauty of natural untreated gemstones, take a look at our carefully selected stones that bring authenticity and character to every design. At Natural Spinel Gemstone, we’re committed to offering ethically sourced, locally hand-cut gems that reflect both quality and heritage. Let your next piece tell a story that's as rare as the stone itself.