What are some popular types of gemstones?

Gemstones fall into two broad categories: precious and semi-precious. Despite their name, precious gemstones are not necessarily the rarest or most expensive stones but rather the most sought-after and valued overall. The most popular precious gemstones are known as the big four: sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Among the others are opals and pearls. Practically all other gemstones not in that category are considered semi-precious. The most popular of these are agate , rose quartz , black onyx , and the 12 birthstones . There are other ways to classify different gemstones, such as natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones. Organic and non-organic designations are sometimes used for formations such as fossilized tree resin, better known as amber.

What are some popular gemstone cuts?

Gemstone cuts affect the overall appearance of the gemstone and give it a unique shape. Some cuts have many facets to reflect lots of light, whereas others let the natural color steal the show. Here are a few of the most popular cuts. Round-cut gemstones : Popular for engagement rings, these appear round from a top-down view, with lots of facets for a sparkly, brilliant ring. For an angular alternative, try an octagon cut. Marquise-cut gemstones : Instantly recognized for their elongated shape, marquise cuts are elliptical with two pointed ends, which can make your finger appear longer and slimmer. Trillion-cut gemstones : Also known as a trilliant cut, trillions are triangular shapes with curved or non-curved sides and many variations. Oval-cut gemstones : Like an elongated round cut, these excel at showing off brilliant, fiery gemstones such as diamonds and moissanite. Pear-cut gemstones : Sometimes referred to as teardrop or pendeloque cut, these blend the top pointed part of a marquise with the circular bottom of a round cut. Emerald-cut gemstones : Not just for emeralds, the emerald cut is rectangular with the corners cut off. Their signature look is complete with chiseled step cuts along the sides for a commanding appearance. Princess-cut gemstones : Square princess cuts maximize brilliance with stunning patterns in a timeless design. Princess cuts are popular for engagement rings and frequently include decorative pavé gemstones. Cushion-cut gemstones : These stunners are also square but have rounded corners for a smoother, romantic feel. Cabochon-cut gemstones : Rather than faceted, cabochon cuts are polished and shaped. Jewelers most often use them with opaque gemstones such as opal and jade.

What are the 12 birthday gemstones?

Rooted mostly in astrology and the zodiac, each birthday month is associated with a traditional and a modern gemstone. Both modern and traditional birthstones have their own meanings . January: Garnet for both modern and traditional February: Amethyst for both modern and traditional March: Traditionally bloodstone and aquamarine for modern April: Diamond for both modern and traditional May: Emerald for both modern and traditional June: Traditionally pearl and alexandrite for modern. July: Ruby for both modern and traditional August: Traditionally sardonyx and either peridot or spinel for modern September: Sapphire for both modern and traditional October: Traditionally opal and tourmaline for modern November: Traditionally topaz and citrine for modern December: Traditionally turquoise or lapis lazuli and zircon, blue topaz, or tanzanite for modern

What are some of the rarest gemstones?

Although there are many rare gemstones—such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies—a few are especially uncommon. These include tanzanite, black opal, red beryl, and alexandrite. Tanzanite and alexandrite are beloved for the way they change color in the light: Tanzanite changes between blue, violet, and burgundy; alexandrite turns green in the light and red in the dark. Opal gemstones by nature are rare, but the black version appears as a cosmic midnight sky found almost exclusively near Australia. Red beryl is a brilliant scarlet born out of specific environmental conditions.

How are gemstones graded?

Gemstones are graded according to rarity using the four Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat. The higher grades fetch higher prices because they are considered rarer overall—but grades are used more as guidelines for choosing gemstones rather than head-to-head rankings. To better understand grading: Color refers to the gemstone's hue, tone, and saturation, with bold, rich colors often earning higher grades. There are some exceptions, like diamonds and other clear gemstones, which are prized for being nearly colorless. Whether you’re choosing gemstones for jewelry making or finely crafted jewelry , consider what color works best for your skin tone and use color as a guide. Lower-rated gemstone colors like pink rubies and baby-blue sapphires might turn more heads than the rarer, pure red or blue versions. Clarity refers to the number of inclusions in the gemstone, with fewer inclusions receiving higher grades. Inclusions are anything from hollow areas or fractures to other mineral imperfections that affect how light passes through the gemstone. Gems rated high in clarity are likely to have few to no fractures, meaning they are strong and well-suited for rings. Cut combines quality artistry and symmetry, significantly affecting the gemstone's brilliance and fire. Brilliance refers to how much white light is reflected; fire is the reflected colored light. Together, they create pattern and sparkle, which is known as scintillation. Each cut surface is called a facet, which should be smooth and mirror-like. More facets mean many tiny sparkles; fewer facets create more prominent flashes. Carat measures the weight of the gemstone. Weight is not equal across all gemstones because densities vary from stone to stone. For example, rubies are denser than diamonds, so a one-carat diamond looks larger than a one-carat ruby.

Gemstones

(1,471,273 Results)

Extremely Rare Large 5 Pc Opal Rough Lot 50 Cts AAA Grade Natural Ethiopian Opal Raw Suitable For Cut And Jewelry Fire Opal Crystal Gemstone

(289)

Sale Price $48.00
Original Price $160.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
MYSTIC TOPAZ Loose Gemstone 40To60Ct High Quality Rainbow Mystic Topaz Gemstone Pendant Size Faceted Mystic Topaz Jewelry Making

(459)

Sale Price $26.25
Original Price $105.00 (75% off)

From shop PricelessGemsHub

FREE shipping
AAA+++Natural Mix Cabochon, Mix Lot, Cabochon Loose Gemstone, Wholesale Lot Gemstone Cabochon, Mix Shape Mix Size Wholesale Lot Loose Stone.

(3,125)

Sale Price $12.90
Original Price $43.00 (70% off)

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

(11,774)

$29.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Rare Natural Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone GIT Certified/AAA+ Top Quality Gemstone/Ring & Jewelry Making Gemstone

(156)

Sale Price $20.00
Original Price $80.00 (75% off)

From shop CutsAndRough

FREE shipping
Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,774)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
AAA+++ Top Quality Natural Ethiopian Opal Cabochon Lot Welo Opal Making Jewelry

(3,125)

Sale Price $12.60
Original Price $42.00 (70% off)

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
Precious natural gem loose faceted round mix parcel lot over 1 carat top quality !!!

(11,774)

$69.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
Flash Sale!!** Extra Large HIGH QUALITY PYRITE Crystal Cluster Specimen (~ 0.4-1 Lb) *Best Seller* Free s&h

(6,268)

Sale Price $39.99
Original Price $79.99 (50% off)

From shop msturquoise

FREE shipping
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,774)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
AAA+++ Top Quality Natural Ethiopian Black Opal Cabochon Lot Welo Opal Making Jewelry

(3,125)

Sale Price $12.60
Original Price $41.99 (70% off)

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
Natural Columbian Emerald 8-9Cts Emerald Cut Certified Loose Emerald Gemstone Natural Emerald From Columbia Elite Finish

(1,026)

Sale Price $39.60
Original Price $66.00 (40% off)

From shop ElitePieceIndia

FREE shipping
OPAL Raw Crystals - AA Grade, Large - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0216

(82,966)

Star Seller

Sale Price $40.00
Original Price $100.00 (60% off)

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
0.80mm to 4.00mm Full White D Color Small Round Brilliant Diamond Cut Loose Moissanite For Ring, Earring, Jewellery Making (Wholesale Price)

(508)

Star Seller

Sale Price $32.00
Original Price $80.00 (60% off)

From shop Jewenty

FREE shipping
Summer Sale!! 2000 Carat Lots of Ruby/Sapphire Rough Plus a Free Faceted Gemstone

(9,534)

Star Seller

Sale Price $23.31
Original Price $46.63 (50% off)

From shop roughstoneking

FREE shipping
Natural Neon Blue Kyanite Rosecuts 6mm Round 20Pcs Lot, Faceted neon blue kyanite cabochons, neon kyanite rosecuts, blue kyanite 6mm round

(141)

Sale Price $27.26
Original Price $90.88 (70% off)

From shop MIXGEMSTONEUSA

FREE shipping
Opal Rough AAA Grade Large Size Ethiopian Welo Opal Raw Suitable For Cutting And Making Jewelry Dry Opal Rough Lot Fire Opal Crystal

(289)

Sale Price $15.00
Original Price $50.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
5Pcs Natural Pink Copper Turquoise Pear Shape Cabochon lot -Pink Turquoise Cabochon - Loose Pink Oyster Turquoise Gemstone 10x14mm cabochon.

(141)

Sale Price $14.98
Original Price $49.92 (70% off)

From shop MIXGEMSTONEUSA

FREE shipping
Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

(11,774)

$37.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
Summer Sale!! 500 Carat Lots of Old Stock Kingman, AZ Turquoise Rough High End + A Free Faceted Gemstone

(9,534)

Star Seller

Sale Price $44.99
Original Price $89.98 (50% off)

From shop roughstoneking

FREE shipping
Loose Stone, Ammolite,Freeform, Cabochon 56x17mm, Loose gemstone Canadian Ammonite,wrapping jewellery,

(1,100)

Star Seller

$49.50

From shop AmmoniteRainbow

FREE shipping
Rainbow Multicoloured Ammolite Gemstone Cabochon, Freeform Canadian Ammonite Gem

(695)

$235.33

From shop ThreeSistersAmmolite

FREE shipping

Only 1 left — order soon
Lovely 1ct Freeform Natural Australian Mintabie Opal (631) - Details in Description

(1,519)

$61.44

From shop AffordableOpalsAU

FREE shipping
over 50 carats amethyst loose faceted natural gem mix parcel lot top quality

(11,774)

$19.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds
14K Gold GRA Certified Round Moissanite Pendant • D VVS1 Moissanite Pendant With GRA Certificate •

(6,963)

Sale Price $60.00
Original Price $80.00 (25% off)

From shop RockAStud

FREE shipping
4.1" Ammolite ,Rainbow colors, Horns,Rough Hand Specimen, Gemstone, Fengshui,Metaphysical, Chamber piece,Home Décor,Buffalo stone,Palm stone

(1,100)

Star Seller

Sale Price $188.55
Original Price $209.50 (10% off)

From shop AmmoniteRainbow

FREE shipping
Natural Crystal Watermelon Tourmaline Gemstone Faceted Doublet Bi Color Tourmaline Doublet Octagon 10x14mm Emerald cut stone Loose Gemstone

(810)

Star Seller

$26.99

From shop Lovewishjewels

FREE shipping

Bestseller
Swarovski 20 pcs Tooth Gem Butterfly (pls read description)

(386)

Star Seller

$23.00

From shop toothRdare

Bestseller
7 Ct Certified Extremely Rare AAA+ Natural Grandidierite Greenish Montana Round Shape Beautiful Cut Loose Grandidierite Gemstone For Jewelry

(112)

Sale Price $28.39
Original Price $47.31 (40% off)

From shop Gemsmart1

FREE shipping
Small Size Mix Shape Agate Cabochon, Natural Agate Gemstone Cabochon Lot, Multi Color Agate Cabochon, Agate Loose Stone For Jewelry Making.

(2,333)

Sale Price $9.00
Original Price $29.99 (70% off)

From shop ELLEJEWELIN

FREE shipping
Express Shipping

(1,160)

Star Seller

$44.10

From shop TopNotchGemsCo

FREE shipping
Summer Sale!! 1000 Carat Lots of (TUMBLED) Natural Turquoise (7 - 9 Tumbled Stones) + a Free Faceted Gemstone

(9,534)

Star Seller

Sale Price $34.99
Original Price $69.98 (50% off)

From shop roughstoneking

FREE shipping
Emerald Cut Natural Green Moss Agate Faceted Calibrated Top Quality Loose Gemstone Moss Agate Pendant Ring Earrings Gift For Jewelry Making

(294)

Star Seller

Sale Price $46.40
Original Price $58.00 (20% off)

From shop RHfinds

FREE shipping
Parcel of 7 Stunning Tiny Natural Mintabie Opals - TCW 4.1ct (629) - See IMPORTANT NOTE in Description

(1,519)

$341.34

From shop AffordableOpalsAU

FREE shipping
Wonderful Quality Labradorite Oval Shape Cabochon Loose Gemstone Size- 6x8 MM. - 20x30 MM. Beautiful Blue Fire Labradorite For Jewelry.!!

(1,056)

Sale Price $3.69
Original Price $14.78 (75% off)

From shop IshraGemsStore
Oval Cut Natural Green Moss Agate Faceted Calibrated Top Quality Loose Gemstone Moss Agate Pendant Ring Earrings Gift For Jewelry Making

(294)

Star Seller

Sale Price $41.60
Original Price $52.00 (20% off)

From shop RHfinds

FREE shipping
Natural Leaf shape bumble bee gemstone briolette beads, Gemstone Briolette Side Drill Beads, Faceted Gemstone Jewelry| Size- 18X21 MM Approx

(1,899)

Sale Price $29.99
Original Price $39.99 (25% off)

From shop watermelongallery
291 Gram Unique Purple Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 88x65x43 mm

(433)

Sale Price $30.00
Original Price $40.00 (25% off)

From shop SunriseMinerals
Dainty Black Tourmaline Stretch Bracelet, Ultra Delicate Faceted Beaded Gemstone Jewelry

(2,132)

Sale Price $6.20
Original Price $12.41 (50% off)

From shop Crystljems
Blue natural diamond loose faceted round pair 3mm each

(11,774)

$89.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Marqise Cut Stones D VVS1 Sizes 5x10 mm 6x12 mm 7x14 mm USA Stock

(815)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.57
Original Price $48.74 (66% off)

From shop NaturalDiamondsofNYC

FREE shipping
GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Emerald Cut Stones D VVS1 Sizes 4x6 mm 5x7 mm 6x8 mm 7x9 mm USA Stock

(815)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.49
Original Price $48.50 (66% off)

From shop NaturalDiamondsofNYC

FREE shipping
STRESS-FREE Crystal Confetti Big Scoop, Stress-Free Crystal Confetti Free Shipping, Crystal Confetti Mystery Scoop, Crystals for Anxiety

(2,843)

Sale Price $16.31
Original Price $46.61 (65% off)

From shop gemvitalityinc
Raw Emerald Crystal, Natural Green Emerald Rough, A Grade Emerald Crystal Hexagon Shape Emerald Rough, Emerald Birthstone Gift For Your Love

(28)

Sale Price $11.84
Original Price $39.45 (70% off)

From shop AfgemsIndia

FREE shipping
Multicolor Opalized Petrified Wood Rare

(2,207)

Sale Price $17.34
Original Price $43.35 (60% off)

From shop Hibarstone
Bloodstone Carved Crystal Rose, Crystal Gift for Loved One, High Quality Gemstone Carving

(4,748)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.59
Original Price $19.99 (22% off)

From shop MineralMissy
Natural Moss Agate Cabochon, Loose gemstone, Moss Agate Crystal, Both Side Polish Moss Agate, Jewelry Making Stone ( Moss Agate As Picture)

(483)

Star Seller

Sale Price $6.44
Original Price $23.00 (72% off)

From shop Cabochonsellers
5PCs Genuine White Diamond Raw Gemstone, 10x12m12x14mm Raw Crystal Diamond Rough Stone, Specimen herkimer diamond GEMS-Faceting Diamond ROCK

(750)

Sale Price $7.20
Original Price $18.00 (60% off)

From shop DREAMGEMSIndia

There's so much more for you to discover

Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Gemstones

Extremely Rare Large 5 Pc Opal Rough Lot 50 Cts AAA Grade Natural Ethiopian Opal Raw Suitable For Cut And Jewelry Fire Opal Crystal Gemstone

MYSTIC TOPAZ Loose Gemstone 40To60Ct High Quality Rainbow Mystic Topaz Gemstone Pendant Size Faceted Mystic Topaz Jewelry Making

AAA+++Natural Mix Cabochon, Mix Lot, Cabochon Loose Gemstone, Wholesale Lot Gemstone Cabochon, Mix Shape Mix Size Wholesale Lot Loose Stone.

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

Rare Natural Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone GIT Certified/AAA+ Top Quality Gemstone/Ring & Jewelry Making Gemstone

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

AAA+++ Top Quality Natural Ethiopian Opal Cabochon Lot Welo Opal Making Jewelry

Precious natural gem loose faceted round mix parcel lot over 1 carat top quality !!!

Flash Sale!!** Extra Large HIGH QUALITY PYRITE Crystal Cluster Specimen (~ 0.4-1 Lb) *Best Seller* Free s&h

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

AAA+++ Top Quality Natural Ethiopian Black Opal Cabochon Lot Welo Opal Making Jewelry

Natural Columbian Emerald 8-9Cts Emerald Cut Certified Loose Emerald Gemstone Natural Emerald From Columbia Elite Finish

OPAL Raw Crystals - AA Grade, Large - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0216

0.80mm to 4.00mm Full White D Color Small Round Brilliant Diamond Cut Loose Moissanite For Ring, Earring, Jewellery Making (Wholesale Price)

Summer Sale!! 2000 Carat Lots of Ruby/Sapphire Rough Plus a Free Faceted Gemstone

Natural Neon Blue Kyanite Rosecuts 6mm Round 20Pcs Lot, Faceted neon blue kyanite cabochons, neon kyanite rosecuts, blue kyanite 6mm round

Opal Rough AAA Grade Large Size Ethiopian Welo Opal Raw Suitable For Cutting And Making Jewelry Dry Opal Rough Lot Fire Opal Crystal

5Pcs Natural Pink Copper Turquoise Pear Shape Cabochon lot -Pink Turquoise Cabochon - Loose Pink Oyster Turquoise Gemstone 10x14mm cabochon.

Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

Summer Sale!! 500 Carat Lots of Old Stock Kingman, AZ Turquoise Rough High End + A Free Faceted Gemstone

Loose Stone, Ammolite,Freeform, Cabochon 56x17mm, Loose gemstone Canadian Ammonite,wrapping jewellery,

Rainbow Multicoloured Ammolite Gemstone Cabochon, Freeform Canadian Ammonite Gem

Lovely 1ct Freeform Natural Australian Mintabie Opal (631) - Details in Description

over 50 carats amethyst loose faceted natural gem mix parcel lot top quality

14K Gold GRA Certified Round Moissanite Pendant • D VVS1 Moissanite Pendant With GRA Certificate •

4.1" Ammolite ,Rainbow colors, Horns,Rough Hand Specimen, Gemstone, Fengshui,Metaphysical, Chamber piece,Home Décor,Buffalo stone,Palm stone

Natural Crystal Watermelon Tourmaline Gemstone Faceted Doublet Bi Color Tourmaline Doublet Octagon 10x14mm Emerald cut stone Loose Gemstone

Swarovski 20 pcs Tooth Gem Butterfly (pls read description)

7 Ct Certified Extremely Rare AAA+ Natural Grandidierite Greenish Montana Round Shape Beautiful Cut Loose Grandidierite Gemstone For Jewelry

Small Size Mix Shape Agate Cabochon, Natural Agate Gemstone Cabochon Lot, Multi Color Agate Cabochon, Agate Loose Stone For Jewelry Making.

Express Shipping

Summer Sale!! 1000 Carat Lots of (TUMBLED) Natural Turquoise (7 - 9 Tumbled Stones) + a Free Faceted Gemstone

Emerald Cut Natural Green Moss Agate Faceted Calibrated Top Quality Loose Gemstone Moss Agate Pendant Ring Earrings Gift For Jewelry Making

Parcel of 7 Stunning Tiny Natural Mintabie Opals - TCW 4.1ct (629) - See IMPORTANT NOTE in Description

Wonderful Quality Labradorite Oval Shape Cabochon Loose Gemstone Size- 6x8 MM. - 20x30 MM. Beautiful Blue Fire Labradorite For Jewelry.!!

Oval Cut Natural Green Moss Agate Faceted Calibrated Top Quality Loose Gemstone Moss Agate Pendant Ring Earrings Gift For Jewelry Making

Natural Leaf shape bumble bee gemstone briolette beads, Gemstone Briolette Side Drill Beads, Faceted Gemstone Jewelry| Size- 18X21 MM Approx

291 Gram Unique Purple Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 88x65x43 mm

Dainty Black Tourmaline Stretch Bracelet, Ultra Delicate Faceted Beaded Gemstone Jewelry

Blue natural diamond loose faceted round pair 3mm each

GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Marqise Cut Stones D VVS1 Sizes 5x10 mm 6x12 mm 7x14 mm USA Stock

GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Emerald Cut Stones D VVS1 Sizes 4x6 mm 5x7 mm 6x8 mm 7x9 mm USA Stock

STRESS-FREE Crystal Confetti Big Scoop, Stress-Free Crystal Confetti Free Shipping, Crystal Confetti Mystery Scoop, Crystals for Anxiety

Raw Emerald Crystal, Natural Green Emerald Rough, A Grade Emerald Crystal Hexagon Shape Emerald Rough, Emerald Birthstone Gift For Your Love

Multicolor Opalized Petrified Wood Rare

Bloodstone Carved Crystal Rose, Crystal Gift for Loved One, High Quality Gemstone Carving

Natural Moss Agate Cabochon, Loose gemstone, Moss Agate Crystal, Both Side Polish Moss Agate, Jewelry Making Stone ( Moss Agate As Picture)

5PCs Genuine White Diamond Raw Gemstone, 10x12m12x14mm Raw Crystal Diamond Rough Stone, Specimen herkimer diamond GEMS-Faceting Diamond ROCK

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones

Flash Sale!!** Extra Large HIGH QUALITY PYRITE Crystal Cluster Specimen (~ 0.4-1 Lb) Best Seller Free s&h