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

(1,470,610 Results)

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
Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

(11,756)

$29.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,756)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,756)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

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

(70,220)

Star Seller

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

From shop GemMartUSA

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

(82,892)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
Labradorite Evil Eye Carved Stone Labradorite Eye Carving 28 MM Loose Hand Carved Gemstone for Jewelry Making

(203)

Sale Price $26.24
Original Price $34.99 (25% off)

From shop GEMJEWELIN

FREE shipping
Royston Turquoise Green Cabochon

$90.00

From shop ChaseUrlik
Hawaiian Hawai’i Flea Cone Shell Golden Yellow Cone Lot 4 PCS Jewelry Making Craft Supplies Bangles Necklaces Keychains

(69)

$12.00

From shop alohachaybees
11.040 Carats Stitchtite Cabochon Handmade Designer Purpurite Purple Cab for use in Jewelry Pendant One of a Kind Rare Unique Unusual

(5,854)

Star Seller

$20.00

From shop saxdsign

FREE shipping
38.930 Carats White on Black Druzy Quartz on Agate Focal Designer Natural Large Elongated Oval One of a Kind Unique White Crystals

(5,854)

Star Seller

$42.00

From shop saxdsign

FREE shipping
2.005 Carats Tourmaline Bead Focal Rare Indicolite Crystal Natural Gemstone Cabochon Brazilian Polished Designer Grey Green Pink Blue

(5,854)

Star Seller

$52.00

From shop saxdsign

FREE shipping
Terminated Gemmy Green Peridot Crystal Specimen From Supat Mine Pakistan

(44)

$100.00

From shop RockshunterStore

FREE shipping
Amber Gemstone,Top Rare Big Raw Amber,Cabochon, Amber Stone loose stone semi precious Golden Amber for healing Use. 182 Carat. 55X42 MM

Sale Price $7.50
Original Price $30.00 (75% off)

From shop CaitlyGem

FREE shipping
Amber Gemstone,Top Rare Big Raw Amber,Cabochon, Amber Stone loose stone semi precious Golden Amber for healing Use. 98 Carat. 50X37 MM

Sale Price $5.00
Original Price $20.00 (75% off)

From shop CaitlyGem

FREE shipping
Labradorite Evil Eye Carved Stone Labradorite Eye Carving 27 MM Loose Hand Carved Gemstone for Jewelry Making

(203)

Sale Price $26.24
Original Price $34.99 (25% off)

From shop GEMJEWELIN

FREE shipping
AAA+ Natural Clear Crystal Fancy Carving Drop Shape Gemstone Beads jewelry making amazing stone 12x16mm,6 Piece

(48)

Sale Price $84.00
Original Price $140.00 (40% off)

From shop nsgems1

FREE shipping
Mesmerizing Orbicular 7th Vein Ocean Jasper Drop-Shaped Cabochon - Natural Gemstone for Jewelry Making, DIY Jewelry, 25 ct, 38.2 mm

(416)

Star Seller

$30.00

From shop BuyMeCrystals
Top Rainbow Moonstone 20 pcs 6x8mm Oval Cabochon Loose Gemstone For Making Jewelry and pendant

(8,314)

Star Seller

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

From shop SkGemsArt
1.680 carats Opal Cabochon Doublet Australian Boulder with Blue Green Fire Coober Pedy Ocean Aqua Freeform Designer Boulder One of a Kind

(5,854)

Star Seller

$44.00

From shop saxdsign

FREE shipping
Aquamarine gemstones, transitioning into shaded blue-green Tourmaline gemstones

(243)

Sale Price $7.43
Original Price $14.86 (50% off)

From shop RealCrystalGemstoneS
5 carats of Yogo sapphires from Montana - rough natural sapphire crystals - randomly picked from lot

(1,094)

$25.00

From shop OldWorldGems
Wholesale Gemstone Awesome Genuine Copper Calcite Semiprecious Loose Beads Gemstone Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Making for Beads Jewelry

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.87
Original Price $23.75 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
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
Natural AAA Multi Tourmaline Necklace, Natural Multi Color Tourmaline Faceted Rondelle Necklace, Semi Precious Gemstone Engagement Gift

(243)

Sale Price $6.19
Original Price $12.38 (50% off)

From shop RealCrystalGemstoneS
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
Larimar Stretch Bracelet, Dainty Beaded Blue Stone Jewelry, March Birthstone Crystal, Stacking Bracelet, Mother's Day Gift Zodiac Bracelet

(243)

Sale Price $9.91
Original Price $19.81 (50% off)

From shop RealCrystalGemstoneS
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
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
Bullet Shape Gemstone Labradorite Bullet Stone Loose Smooth Gemstone Cabochons AAA Grade - 5pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $28.75
Original Price $57.50 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
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
1pc AAA 11-14mm Gray Round Carved Tahitian Pearl - Hand Cared - Tattoo Tahitian Pearls, carved pearls, flower designs,CAC-FLW-9-3

(75,000)

$29.99

From shop WenPearls
AAA+ Quality Natural Green Amethyst Teardrop Shape Faceted Cut Calibrated Pear Shape Wholesale Gemstones, Custom Sizes Available

(569)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.95
Original Price $7.80 (75% off)

From shop Livenaturalgemstone1
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
Oval Two-Layer Black Agate Mother & Child Cameo, different sizes available.

(6,020)

Star Seller

Sale Price $58.65
Original Price $69.00 (15% off)

From shop SeaStarTrading

FREE shipping
Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

(11,756)

$54.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
OPAL Raw Crystals - A Grade, Small - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0088

(82,892)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.80
Original Price $22.00 (60% off)

From shop ThrowinStones
Boxed Set of 16 x 16mm Handmade Glass Art Marbles - Unique Art Jewellery Pendant Stones

(1,039)

$45.49

From shop WestEndCollectables

Only 2 left — order soon
AAA Rare Genuine Natural White Selenite Polished Smooth Round Gemston Beads - PG17

(14,328)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.80
Original Price $21.00 (20% off)

From shop PGStones
Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut Fancy Mix Color Low Price 2.00 to 5.00 MM 1.00 Ct Lot Q71

(2,652)

Star Seller

Sale Price $36.08
Original Price $41.00 (12% off)

From shop LUKHIDIAMOND

FREE shipping
Loose Gemstone Cabochon Copper White Calcite Oval 10x14 AAA Grade - 6 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $24.71
Original Price $49.42 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Biwa pearls, white top drilled pearl, genuine natural freshwater pearl, irregular lustrous pearl beads, real pearl string on sale, FW520-XS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$52.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
over 1 carat blue sapphire round gem parcel 2mm each

(11,756)

$21.99

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

(11,060)

$25.00

From shop CrystalsGemsMinerals
Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut G H Color VVS1-VS1 Clarity 1.15 To 3.05 MM NQ1

(739)

Sale Price $62.23
Original Price $127.00 (51% off)

From shop NarshihaGemAndJewels

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

(39,077)

Star Seller

$52.00

From shop RockParadise

FREE shipping
Biwa pearls, white freshwater pearl, center-drilled pearls, natural irregular Biwa pearls, genuine pearl full string on sale, FW500-XS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$55.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Black Onyx Smooth Cabochons, Both side Flat Stone, Black Onyx Loose Gemstone Rectangle 10x30x3mm Top Quality Supplies Stone - 2Pcs

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $18.33
Original Price $36.66 (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

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

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

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

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

Labradorite Evil Eye Carved Stone Labradorite Eye Carving 28 MM Loose Hand Carved Gemstone for Jewelry Making

Royston Turquoise Green Cabochon

Hawaiian Hawai’i Flea Cone Shell Golden Yellow Cone Lot 4 PCS Jewelry Making Craft Supplies Bangles Necklaces Keychains

11.040 Carats Stitchtite Cabochon Handmade Designer Purpurite Purple Cab for use in Jewelry Pendant One of a Kind Rare Unique Unusual

38.930 Carats White on Black Druzy Quartz on Agate Focal Designer Natural Large Elongated Oval One of a Kind Unique White Crystals

2.005 Carats Tourmaline Bead Focal Rare Indicolite Crystal Natural Gemstone Cabochon Brazilian Polished Designer Grey Green Pink Blue

Terminated Gemmy Green Peridot Crystal Specimen From Supat Mine Pakistan

Amber Gemstone,Top Rare Big Raw Amber,Cabochon, Amber Stone loose stone semi precious Golden Amber for healing Use. 182 Carat. 55X42 MM

Amber Gemstone,Top Rare Big Raw Amber,Cabochon, Amber Stone loose stone semi precious Golden Amber for healing Use. 98 Carat. 50X37 MM

Labradorite Evil Eye Carved Stone Labradorite Eye Carving 27 MM Loose Hand Carved Gemstone for Jewelry Making

AAA+ Natural Clear Crystal Fancy Carving Drop Shape Gemstone Beads jewelry making amazing stone 12x16mm,6 Piece

Mesmerizing Orbicular 7th Vein Ocean Jasper Drop-Shaped Cabochon - Natural Gemstone for Jewelry Making, DIY Jewelry, 25 ct, 38.2 mm

Top Rainbow Moonstone 20 pcs 6x8mm Oval Cabochon Loose Gemstone For Making Jewelry and pendant

1.680 carats Opal Cabochon Doublet Australian Boulder with Blue Green Fire Coober Pedy Ocean Aqua Freeform Designer Boulder One of a Kind

Aquamarine gemstones, transitioning into shaded blue-green Tourmaline gemstones

5 carats of Yogo sapphires from Montana - rough natural sapphire crystals - randomly picked from lot

Wholesale Gemstone Awesome Genuine Copper Calcite Semiprecious Loose Beads Gemstone Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Making for Beads Jewelry

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

Natural AAA Multi Tourmaline Necklace, Natural Multi Color Tourmaline Faceted Rondelle Necklace, Semi Precious Gemstone Engagement Gift

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

Larimar Stretch Bracelet, Dainty Beaded Blue Stone Jewelry, March Birthstone Crystal, Stacking Bracelet, Mother's Day Gift Zodiac Bracelet

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

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

Bullet Shape Gemstone Labradorite Bullet Stone Loose Smooth Gemstone Cabochons AAA Grade - 5pcs.

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

1pc AAA 11-14mm Gray Round Carved Tahitian Pearl - Hand Cared - Tattoo Tahitian Pearls, carved pearls, flower designs,CAC-FLW-9-3

AAA+ Quality Natural Green Amethyst Teardrop Shape Faceted Cut Calibrated Pear Shape Wholesale Gemstones, Custom Sizes Available

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

Oval Two-Layer Black Agate Mother & Child Cameo, different sizes available.

Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

OPAL Raw Crystals - A Grade, Small - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0088

Boxed Set of 16 x 16mm Handmade Glass Art Marbles - Unique Art Jewellery Pendant Stones

AAA Rare Genuine Natural White Selenite Polished Smooth Round Gemston Beads - PG17

Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut Fancy Mix Color Low Price 2.00 to 5.00 MM 1.00 Ct Lot Q71

Loose Gemstone Cabochon Copper White Calcite Oval 10x14 AAA Grade - 6 Pcs.

Biwa pearls, white top drilled pearl, genuine natural freshwater pearl, irregular lustrous pearl beads, real pearl string on sale, FW520-XS

over 1 carat blue sapphire round gem parcel 2mm each

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

Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut G H Color VVS1-VS1 Clarity 1.15 To 3.05 MM NQ1

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

Biwa pearls, white freshwater pearl, center-drilled pearls, natural irregular Biwa pearls, genuine pearl full string on sale, FW500-XS

Black Onyx Smooth Cabochons, Both side Flat Stone, Black Onyx Loose Gemstone Rectangle 10x30x3mm Top Quality Supplies Stone - 2Pcs

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones