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

(1,451,758 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

(279)

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

(457)

Sale Price $31.50
Original Price $105.00 (70% off)

From shop PricelessGemsHub

FREE shipping
Bulk Semi precious Faceted Gemstones Wholesale Lot, Mixed Loose Gemstones, Assorted Shape-Size-Weight, Hydro Quartz Multi Gemstones, 6-16mm

(667)

Star Seller

Sale Price $34.40
Original Price $43.00 (20% off)

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

(153)

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

From shop CutsAndRough

FREE shipping
50 Pcs Natural Flawless Mogok Red Ruby Round Cut Loose Gemstone Certified-Wholesale Loose Gem-AAA+ Top Quality Ruby-Ring & Jewelry Making

(153)

Sale Price $25.00
Original Price $100.00 (75% off)

From shop CutsAndRough

FREE shipping
AAA+ 31.10 Ct Very Rare Natural Red Painite Rough Unheated Burmese Facet (GIT) Certified Very nice Quality 23.60 x 12.09 x 9.71 mm

(516)

Sale Price $18.75
Original Price $75.00 (75% off)

From shop UniquegemsworldStore

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

(3,111)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(3,111)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
Lapis Lazuli Box, Lapis Box, Lapis Stone Box, Lapis Lazuli Rectangle Box, Lapis Lazuli, Lapis Jewelry Box, Lapis Lazuli Jewelry Box 310g

(219)

Star Seller

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

From shop MineralStoneShop

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

(279)

Sale Price $17.10
Original Price $57.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(3,111)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(279)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
UNHEATED Cornflower Blue Sapphire, 0.50 Cts / 4.75×4.40mm Oval Blue Sapphire / Blue Sapphire Ring / Natural Untreated / Loose Gemstone

(47)

$285.00

From shop ZainGemsByRimzan

FREE shipping
Ethiopian fire Opal Mix lot fire opal Cabochon top quality opal gemstone AAA Natural multi fire Opal cabochon for jewelry making use.

(1,557)

Sale Price $11.40
Original Price $37.99 (70% off)

From shop DSKgemsSTUDIO

FREE shipping
5mm 20pcs Pack Natural Tibetan Turquoise Flat Back Gemstone For Jewelry Making, Pendant, Ring

(8,326)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.25
Original Price $61.00 (75% off)

From shop SkGemsArt
Natural Malachite Cabochon Green Malachite Crystal Green Stone Smooth Both Side Polished Flat Back Malachite Gemstne ( Malachite as picture

(445)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.10
Original Price $27.00 (70% off)

From shop Cabochonsellers
Raw Black Tourmaline, Labradorite & faceted Tourmaline, Mystical Protection Bracelet| Root -Throat Chakra Bracelet| Unique Handmade Bracelet

(294)

Sale Price $10.00
Original Price $20.00 (50% off)

From shop StarCrystalGemstone
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmalines Loose Gems for Custom Jewelry Design (Sold Individually)

(256)

Star Seller

$185.00

From shop HiddenTreasureGems

FREE shipping
High Luminescence LUAG Lutetium Aluminum Garnet Gems Synthetic Laser Crystal Fluorescent Lab Stone Synthesis of Loose Gemstones

(141)

Star Seller

$17.00

From shop FairytreasuryStore

Bestseller
Professional DIY Tooth Gem Kit | Swarovski Gems | Assorted Flatback Tooth Gems Jewelry | DIY Crystals Tooth Gems Kit | Sweet Smile Gems

(554)

$26.99

From shop Sweetsmilegems

FREE shipping

Bestseller
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,770)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

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

(1,047)

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

From shop IshraGemsStore

FREE shipping
Black Tourmaline Bracelet, Empath Protection Bracelet, October Birthstone, Genuine Gemstone Beaded Bracelet, thin black tourmaline bracelet

(258)

Sale Price $6.21
Original Price $12.42 (50% off)

From shop RealCrystalGemstoneS
Ammolite Imperial Double Sided Polished Gem Display, Natural Canadian ammonite Fossil

(694)

$441.50

From shop ThreeSistersAmmolite

FREE shipping

Only 1 left — order soon
0.80mm to 4.00mm Full White D Color Small Round Brilliant Diamond Cut Loose Moissanite For Ring, Earring, Jewellery Making (Wholesale Price)

(504)

Star Seller

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

From shop Jewenty

FREE shipping
Alexandrite Stone,Loose Faceted Round Shape,June Birthstone For Jewelry 6MM-10MM Ring Size Color Change Stone

(130)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.95
Original Price $29.00 (45% off)

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

(6,952)

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

From shop RockAStud

FREE shipping
Best Quality 100% Natural White Scolecite Round Shape Smooth Beads Making For Jewelry 16 Inch Strand Beads Natural Stone Natural Beads

(46)

Sale Price $43.01
Original Price $86.02 (50% off)

From shop Beadsgemsshop

FREE shipping
Cut Grade Opal Rough Lot 10 Pieces Lot Large Size Ethiopian Opal Raw Suitable For Cutting & Jewelry Dry Opal Raw Gemstone Fire Opal Crystal

(279)

Sale Price $10.50
Original Price $35.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
Colombian Emerald Round Loose Faceted Natural Gem Pair 3mm

(11,770)

$21.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds
Natural Rainbow moon stone 8 Pieces moon, Crescent Moon jewelry, Carving gemstone moon, Top drilled moon for jewelry, moon size 7x18 mm moon

(3,248)

Star Seller

Sale Price $22.00
Original Price $55.00 (60% off)

From shop RareStoneBeads

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

(3,111)

Sale Price $10.39
Original Price $34.63 (70% off)

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
Case for Gemologist for Precious Stones, Gems

(624)

$93.37

From shop CoinsandMoreItaly

Only 1 left — order soon
Natural Red Spinel, 0.80 / 6.9×5.2mm Oval Red Spinel / Ceylon Red Spinel / Natural Untreated / Loose Gemstone

(47)

$250.00

From shop ZainGemsByRimzan

FREE shipping
Express Shipping

(1,159)

Star Seller

$44.10

From shop TopNotchGemsCo

FREE shipping
5 PCS 1.00 C.T.W Natural White Diamond, Raw Diamond, Rough Diamond, Loose Diamonds, Uncut Diamond, Raw Gemstone, African Diamonds

(95)

$30.38

From shop GOLKDIAM

FREE shipping
AAA Natural Blue Sapphire Rough, EarthMined Facet Wholesale Loose Rough Lot, Untreated Raw,Healing Crystal,Rocks,Wiccan,Raw,Minerals 7x10 MM

(673)

Sale Price $9.28
Original Price $28.99 (68% off)

From shop PreciousSapphireGems
2 MM Natural Green Emerald Round Normal Cut Loose Gemstone Lot , Natural gemstones

(996)

$38.00

From shop Suttikarngems

FREE shipping
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
Natural Eagle Carving Bird, Mix Gemstone, Beautiful Hand Carved, Carved Eagle Bird Crystal, Real Gemstone, Jewelry Making, Crystal Shop

(1,551)

$7.99

From shop SKGemsNBeads

Bestseller
Round Lab Grown Ruby

(1,286)

Star Seller

$10.00

From shop CascadeJewels

Bestseller
Express Shipping

(815)

Star Seller

$35.00

From shop OmGemsIndia

FREE shipping
Lab Created Emerald | Hydrothermal Emerald | Round shape AAA+ Quality | Various Sizes | Faceted Loose gemstone

(294)

$10.00

From shop JewelryArcanum

FREE shipping

Bestseller
50 Cts 13 To 15 Pcs Ruby Star Cabochon, Natural Star Ruby Gemstone, 6 Ray Star Ruby Cabochon, Ruby Star Loose Stone For Jewelry Making.

(2,326)

Sale Price $31.49
Original Price $41.99 (25% off)

From shop ELLEJEWELIN

FREE shipping
Budget 96T index gear for faceting machine

(3)

$55.00

From shop KHMGoodsAndTools

FREE shipping

Only 2 left — order soon
Pink Tourmaline Crystal, Tourmaline Earth Mined Mineral Rough, 100% Natural Tourmaline Raw, Loose Tourmaline Size 8-14 MM, for Jewelry

(1,878)

Sale Price $16.80
Original Price $24.00 (30% off)

From shop watermelongallery
Your Favorite Crushed Opal Value Pack, 7G Total of Crushed Opal - Best Sellers, Inlay Material, Jewelry Making, Ring Making, Resin Art

(7,552)

Star Seller

Sale Price $58.31
Original Price $68.60 (15% off)

From shop TheOpalDealer

FREE shipping
2.7 - 2.8 MM Natural Multi Color Sapphire Round Diamond Cut Loose Gemstones Lot

(996)

$35.00

From shop Suttikarngems

FREE shipping

Only 3 left — order soon

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

Bulk Semi precious Faceted Gemstones Wholesale Lot, Mixed Loose Gemstones, Assorted Shape-Size-Weight, Hydro Quartz Multi Gemstones, 6-16mm

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

50 Pcs Natural Flawless Mogok Red Ruby Round Cut Loose Gemstone Certified-Wholesale Loose Gem-AAA+ Top Quality Ruby-Ring & Jewelry Making

AAA+ 31.10 Ct Very Rare Natural Red Painite Rough Unheated Burmese Facet (GIT) Certified Very nice Quality 23.60 x 12.09 x 9.71 mm

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

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

Lapis Lazuli Box, Lapis Box, Lapis Stone Box, Lapis Lazuli Rectangle Box, Lapis Lazuli, Lapis Jewelry Box, Lapis Lazuli Jewelry Box 310g

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

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

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

UNHEATED Cornflower Blue Sapphire, 0.50 Cts / 4.75×4.40mm Oval Blue Sapphire / Blue Sapphire Ring / Natural Untreated / Loose Gemstone

Ethiopian fire Opal Mix lot fire opal Cabochon top quality opal gemstone AAA Natural multi fire Opal cabochon for jewelry making use.

5mm 20pcs Pack Natural Tibetan Turquoise Flat Back Gemstone For Jewelry Making, Pendant, Ring

Natural Malachite Cabochon Green Malachite Crystal Green Stone Smooth Both Side Polished Flat Back Malachite Gemstne ( Malachite as picture

Raw Black Tourmaline, Labradorite & faceted Tourmaline, Mystical Protection Bracelet| Root -Throat Chakra Bracelet| Unique Handmade Bracelet

Brazilian Paraiba Tourmalines Loose Gems for Custom Jewelry Design (Sold Individually)

High Luminescence LUAG Lutetium Aluminum Garnet Gems Synthetic Laser Crystal Fluorescent Lab Stone Synthesis of Loose Gemstones

Professional DIY Tooth Gem Kit | Swarovski Gems | Assorted Flatback Tooth Gems Jewelry | DIY Crystals Tooth Gems Kit | Sweet Smile Gems

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

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

Black Tourmaline Bracelet, Empath Protection Bracelet, October Birthstone, Genuine Gemstone Beaded Bracelet, thin black tourmaline bracelet

Ammolite Imperial Double Sided Polished Gem Display, Natural Canadian ammonite Fossil

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

Alexandrite Stone,Loose Faceted Round Shape,June Birthstone For Jewelry 6MM-10MM Ring Size Color Change Stone

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

Best Quality 100% Natural White Scolecite Round Shape Smooth Beads Making For Jewelry 16 Inch Strand Beads Natural Stone Natural Beads

Cut Grade Opal Rough Lot 10 Pieces Lot Large Size Ethiopian Opal Raw Suitable For Cutting & Jewelry Dry Opal Raw Gemstone Fire Opal Crystal

Colombian Emerald Round Loose Faceted Natural Gem Pair 3mm

Natural Rainbow moon stone 8 Pieces moon, Crescent Moon jewelry, Carving gemstone moon, Top drilled moon for jewelry, moon size 7x18 mm moon

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

Case for Gemologist for Precious Stones, Gems

Natural Red Spinel, 0.80 / 6.9×5.2mm Oval Red Spinel / Ceylon Red Spinel / Natural Untreated / Loose Gemstone

Express Shipping

5 PCS 1.00 C.T.W Natural White Diamond, Raw Diamond, Rough Diamond, Loose Diamonds, Uncut Diamond, Raw Gemstone, African Diamonds

AAA Natural Blue Sapphire Rough, EarthMined Facet Wholesale Loose Rough Lot, Untreated Raw,Healing Crystal,Rocks,Wiccan,Raw,Minerals 7x10 MM

2 MM Natural Green Emerald Round Normal Cut Loose Gemstone Lot , Natural gemstones

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

Natural Eagle Carving Bird, Mix Gemstone, Beautiful Hand Carved, Carved Eagle Bird Crystal, Real Gemstone, Jewelry Making, Crystal Shop

Round Lab Grown Ruby

Express Shipping

Lab Created Emerald | Hydrothermal Emerald | Round shape AAA+ Quality | Various Sizes | Faceted Loose gemstone

50 Cts 13 To 15 Pcs Ruby Star Cabochon, Natural Star Ruby Gemstone, 6 Ray Star Ruby Cabochon, Ruby Star Loose Stone For Jewelry Making.

Budget 96T index gear for faceting machine

Pink Tourmaline Crystal, Tourmaline Earth Mined Mineral Rough, 100% Natural Tourmaline Raw, Loose Tourmaline Size 8-14 MM, for Jewelry

Your Favorite Crushed Opal Value Pack, 7G Total of Crushed Opal - Best Sellers, Inlay Material, Jewelry Making, Ring Making, Resin Art

2.7 - 2.8 MM Natural Multi Color Sapphire Round Diamond Cut Loose Gemstones Lot

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones