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

(1,475,383 Results)

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

(11,760)

$29.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,760)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
0.32 cts. CERTIFIED Modified Pear Cut SI3 Light Golden Brown Color Loose Natural Diamond 29273

(259)

Star Seller

$112.00

From shop IndiGems9

FREE shipping
Loose gemstones natural gemstone 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems. Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$24.99

From shop Verzazio

Bestseller
Tibetan Turquoise Cabochon, Turquoise Oval Shape Cabochons, Loose Gemstone, Gemstone For Jewelry, 6x8mm, 5 Pieces, Wholesale Lot

(249)

Sale Price $11.20
Original Price $28.00 (60% off)

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

(82,907)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$39.44

From shop Verzazio

FREE shipping
Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, 500 Carats, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

(70,242)

Star Seller

Sale Price $82.16
Original Price $102.70 (20% off)

From shop GemMartUSA

FREE shipping
Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstone lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$28.92

From shop Verzazio

Only 3 left — order soon
Gemstone Gem loose natural gemstones 100+ Carat mix mixed gem stone lot loose natural mixed gemstones gems Natural loose mixed gemstone mix

(406)

Star Seller

$32.86

From shop Verzazio
Gemstone Gem loose natural gemstones 100+ Carat mix mixed gem stone lot loose natural mixed gemstones gems Natural loose mixed gemstone mix

(406)

Star Seller

$28.92

From shop Verzazio
Rough Smoky Quartz Points Lot of 10, Raw Smoky Quartz Crystal Points, Black Crystal Quartz Points Set, Smokey Quartz, Bulk Set 10 Pieces

(11,066)

$25.00

From shop CrystalsGemsMinerals
4.5-5mm White Rough Diamond, White Raw Diamond, Uncut Diamond, Loose White Diamond, Conflict Free Diamond For Jewelry (5Pc To 10Pc) - DDP171

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $57.14
Original Price $142.86 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels

FREE shipping
RHODOCHROSITE Crystal Chips - Small Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry Making, Tumbled Crystals, E0086

(82,907)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.00
Original Price $20.00 (60% off)

From shop ThrowinStones
4mm Natural Blue Diamond Round SI Clarity

(11,760)

$125.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
Copper Purple Turquoise Natural Loose Gemstone Cabochon Square 10x10 AAA Grade - 7 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $27.09
Original Price $54.19 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
1 lb Quartz, One Pound Raw Clear Gemstones Rough Cut Natural Gemstone Uncut Translucent, Yellow, Red, Purple, anniversary gift for womangift

(2,194)

Star Seller

Sale Price $109.80
Original Price $122.00 (10% off)

From shop Avello

FREE shipping
11mm Each Emerald Briolette Beads, Faceted Teardrop Gemstone Beads , Sold As 4 Inches And 8 Inches

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $36.40
Original Price $91.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
Lapis Lazuli 10x35 mm Fancy Flat Back Long Rectangle Cabochons, Gemstone Cabochons, Jewelry Making Gemstone- 2 pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $18.33
Original Price $36.66 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
10 Arrowheads Authentic Hand Crafted Agate Stone Arrow Heads Randomly Selected FREE USA SHIPPING!

(3,290)

$13.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
Oval Two-Layer Black Agate Three Graces Cameo

(6,028)

Star Seller

Sale Price $101.15
Original Price $119.00 (15% off)

From shop SeaStarTrading

FREE shipping
Beautiful - Designer Fire Shattuckite Cabochon Hand Polish Loose Gemstone - 24x33x6 MM. At Low Price Oval Shape Shape For Making Jewelry..

(1,046)

Sale Price $9.45
Original Price $35.00 (73% off)

From shop IshraGemsStore

FREE shipping
Petrified Wood Slabs, Five (5) Natural Freeform Petrified Wood Flat Slabs, Wood Beads, Wood Slab Beads, Designer Quality, Item 881gss

(8,647)

Star Seller

$16.99

From shop SleepingSpirit
5 Carat Weight Black Diamond Dust, Natural Raw Rough Uncut Diamond For Jewelry

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.30
Original Price $38.25 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA
10 Agate Slices Coloured Geode Polished Slabs Brazil Agate Slice Random Selection Mix Colours FREE USA SHIPPING!

(3,290)

$19.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
Natural Italian Coral Tube Beads, Original Italian Red Coral Beads, 5mm To 7mm Each Approx. 17 Inch Strand, GFJ504

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $49.60
Original Price $124.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
Genuine Red Ruby, AAA Red Ruby Natural Faceted Rondelle Loose Beads Gemstone - PG70

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.20
Original Price $19.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
5 pcs Bullet Cabochons Green Chalcedony 8x16mm Smooth Semiprecious Loose Gemstone Top Grade

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $27.60
Original Price $55.20 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
6 Pieces 14mm To 18mm Each Smoky Quartz Rose Cut Flat Brown Color Loose Cabochons RS23

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $19.20
Original Price $48.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA
20 pieces 3mm Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Round Gemstone, NATURAL Rainbow moonstone round AAA quality Cabochon gemstone, moonstone Cabochon

(5,468)

Star Seller

$24.99

From shop GEMSDEAL
Herkimer Diamond Nuggets, AAA Herkimer Diamond Beads, Raw Herkimer Diamonds, 10mm To 12mm Each, 6 Inch Half Strand, SKU-B126

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $38.40
Original Price $96.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
6x8mm Huge Ethiopian Opal, Oval Faceted Opal, Fancy Cut Stone For Ring, Faceted Cabochon, Fire Opal, Opal For Jewelry, 0.85CTW - O/53

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.90
Original Price $52.24 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels
Raw Raw Rose Quartz Beads, Natural Hammered Rough Rose Quartz Gemstone Beads, 10-16mm Approx, 10 Inch Strand, SKU-Rg36

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $31.60
Original Price $79.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA
SUPERB ~ Full Purple Flashy Labradorite Cabochon Size - 21x59x7.50 MM. 74.50 CTS. At Cheap Price Labradorite Marquise Shape Loose Gemstone.

(80)

Sale Price $86.12
Original Price $344.49 (75% off)

From shop IndiaGemsIndia

FREE shipping
Rhodochrosite, Grade AAA High Quality Natural Rhodochrosite Smooth Round Sphere Ball Loose Gemstone Beads - PG03

(14,330)

Star Seller

Sale Price $17.60
Original Price $22.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
Natural Geode From Brazil 1.5-2 lbs Full Box Wholesale Crystals Bulk Minerals

(39,084)

Star Seller

$52.00

From shop RockParadise

FREE shipping
10-11x8.0-9mm, 4 pcs, Fresh Water Pearl Drop Pearl, Freshwater Half Drilled Pearl, Grey Gray Pearl, P-0133

(44,318)

Star Seller

$49.90

From shop TerraFinds
13-25mm Labradorite Plain Cabochons, Labradorite Flat Back Mix Cabochon, Labradorite Gemstones For Jewelry (5Pcs To 10pcs Options) - NNP662

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $37.24
Original Price $93.11 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels

FREE shipping
Labradorite Triangle Shape 10x15mm Gemstone, Calibrated Cabochons Gems Supplies, AAA Grade Labradorite Loose Cabochon, Jewelry Making -5 Pcs

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.33
Original Price $32.67 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

(11,760)

$54.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
1/4 lb Amethyst Points - Raw Amethyst Points Extra Quality Rough Points Select 1/4 , 1/2 or 1 pound (TS-139)

(39,084)

Star Seller

$15.00

From shop RockParadise

FREE shipping
Bewitching 2.82ct Pear Greenish Blue Natural Paraiba Mozambique

$2,500.00

From shop GemnobleShop

FREE shipping
20 Pieces Wholesale 4mm To 10mm Fancy Mixed Shaped Natural Aquamarine Faceted Gemstone Lot SKU-RCL6

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $75.60
Original Price $189.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
Beautiful Designer Fire Shattuckite Cabochon Both Side Polish Loose Gemstone Size- 28x29x5 MM. Heart Shape Shape For Making All Jewelry..

(1,046)

Sale Price $13.50
Original Price $50.00 (73% off)

From shop IshraGemsStore

FREE shipping
Lovely 2.65ct Oval Greenish Blue Natural Paraiba Mozambique

$800.00

From shop GemnobleShop

FREE shipping
1 Piece 5mm Natural Pink Color Raw Rough Diamond Loose, Pink Natural Uncut Diamonds SKU-D22P

(5,188)

Star Seller

Sale Price $51.20
Original Price $128.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
8 pieces 5x7mm Ethiopian Opal Faceted Oval Loose Gemstone, Ethiopian Welo Opal Faceted Oval Multi Fire Opals Calibrated Size Opals Oval Gems

(1,031)

$38.00

From shop GEMSSALE

FREE shipping
Dendritic Agate Natural Gemstone Loose Cabochon Round 12x12 AAA Grade - 5 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.72
Original Price $41.45 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones

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

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

0.32 cts. CERTIFIED Modified Pear Cut SI3 Light Golden Brown Color Loose Natural Diamond 29273

Loose gemstones natural gemstone 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems. Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

Tibetan Turquoise Cabochon, Turquoise Oval Shape Cabochons, Loose Gemstone, Gemstone For Jewelry, 6x8mm, 5 Pieces, Wholesale Lot

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

Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, 500 Carats, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstone lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

Gemstone Gem loose natural gemstones 100+ Carat mix mixed gem stone lot loose natural mixed gemstones gems Natural loose mixed gemstone mix

Gemstone Gem loose natural gemstones 100+ Carat mix mixed gem stone lot loose natural mixed gemstones gems Natural loose mixed gemstone mix

Rough Smoky Quartz Points Lot of 10, Raw Smoky Quartz Crystal Points, Black Crystal Quartz Points Set, Smokey Quartz, Bulk Set 10 Pieces

4.5-5mm White Rough Diamond, White Raw Diamond, Uncut Diamond, Loose White Diamond, Conflict Free Diamond For Jewelry (5Pc To 10Pc) - DDP171

RHODOCHROSITE Crystal Chips - Small Crystals, Gemstones, Jewelry Making, Tumbled Crystals, E0086

4mm Natural Blue Diamond Round SI Clarity

Copper Purple Turquoise Natural Loose Gemstone Cabochon Square 10x10 AAA Grade - 7 Pcs.

1 lb Quartz, One Pound Raw Clear Gemstones Rough Cut Natural Gemstone Uncut Translucent, Yellow, Red, Purple, anniversary gift for womangift

11mm Each Emerald Briolette Beads, Faceted Teardrop Gemstone Beads , Sold As 4 Inches And 8 Inches

Lapis Lazuli 10x35 mm Fancy Flat Back Long Rectangle Cabochons, Gemstone Cabochons, Jewelry Making Gemstone- 2 pcs.

10 Arrowheads Authentic Hand Crafted Agate Stone Arrow Heads Randomly Selected FREE USA SHIPPING!

Oval Two-Layer Black Agate Three Graces Cameo

Beautiful - Designer Fire Shattuckite Cabochon Hand Polish Loose Gemstone - 24x33x6 MM. At Low Price Oval Shape Shape For Making Jewelry..

Petrified Wood Slabs, Five (5) Natural Freeform Petrified Wood Flat Slabs, Wood Beads, Wood Slab Beads, Designer Quality, Item 881gss

5 Carat Weight Black Diamond Dust, Natural Raw Rough Uncut Diamond For Jewelry

10 Agate Slices Coloured Geode Polished Slabs Brazil Agate Slice Random Selection Mix Colours FREE USA SHIPPING!

Natural Italian Coral Tube Beads, Original Italian Red Coral Beads, 5mm To 7mm Each Approx. 17 Inch Strand, GFJ504

Genuine Red Ruby, AAA Red Ruby Natural Faceted Rondelle Loose Beads Gemstone - PG70

5 pcs Bullet Cabochons Green Chalcedony 8x16mm Smooth Semiprecious Loose Gemstone Top Grade

6 Pieces 14mm To 18mm Each Smoky Quartz Rose Cut Flat Brown Color Loose Cabochons RS23

20 pieces 3mm Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon Round Gemstone, NATURAL Rainbow moonstone round AAA quality Cabochon gemstone, moonstone Cabochon

Herkimer Diamond Nuggets, AAA Herkimer Diamond Beads, Raw Herkimer Diamonds, 10mm To 12mm Each, 6 Inch Half Strand, SKU-B126

6x8mm Huge Ethiopian Opal, Oval Faceted Opal, Fancy Cut Stone For Ring, Faceted Cabochon, Fire Opal, Opal For Jewelry, 0.85CTW - O/53

Raw Raw Rose Quartz Beads, Natural Hammered Rough Rose Quartz Gemstone Beads, 10-16mm Approx, 10 Inch Strand, SKU-Rg36

SUPERB ~ Full Purple Flashy Labradorite Cabochon Size - 21x59x7.50 MM. 74.50 CTS. At Cheap Price Labradorite Marquise Shape Loose Gemstone.

Rhodochrosite, Grade AAA High Quality Natural Rhodochrosite Smooth Round Sphere Ball Loose Gemstone Beads - PG03

Natural Geode From Brazil 1.5-2 lbs Full Box Wholesale Crystals Bulk Minerals

10-11x8.0-9mm, 4 pcs, Fresh Water Pearl Drop Pearl, Freshwater Half Drilled Pearl, Grey Gray Pearl, P-0133

13-25mm Labradorite Plain Cabochons, Labradorite Flat Back Mix Cabochon, Labradorite Gemstones For Jewelry (5Pcs To 10pcs Options) - NNP662

Labradorite Triangle Shape 10x15mm Gemstone, Calibrated Cabochons Gems Supplies, AAA Grade Labradorite Loose Cabochon, Jewelry Making -5 Pcs

Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

1/4 lb Amethyst Points - Raw Amethyst Points Extra Quality Rough Points Select 1/4 , 1/2 or 1 pound (TS-139)

Bewitching 2.82ct Pear Greenish Blue Natural Paraiba Mozambique

20 Pieces Wholesale 4mm To 10mm Fancy Mixed Shaped Natural Aquamarine Faceted Gemstone Lot SKU-RCL6

Beautiful Designer Fire Shattuckite Cabochon Both Side Polish Loose Gemstone Size- 28x29x5 MM. Heart Shape Shape For Making All Jewelry..

Lovely 2.65ct Oval Greenish Blue Natural Paraiba Mozambique

1 Piece 5mm Natural Pink Color Raw Rough Diamond Loose, Pink Natural Uncut Diamonds SKU-D22P

8 pieces 5x7mm Ethiopian Opal Faceted Oval Loose Gemstone, Ethiopian Welo Opal Faceted Oval Multi Fire Opals Calibrated Size Opals Oval Gems

Dendritic Agate Natural Gemstone Loose Cabochon Round 12x12 AAA Grade - 5 Pcs.

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones