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

(1,467,185 Results)

17.3x16.5 mm Off Round White Colour Pink-Rainbow Hues AA-Graded Smooth Luster Cultured Australian Mabe Pearl Loose, Jewellery Making R49

(872)

$94.01

From shop LQCJewellery

FREE shipping
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
Certified 133-170 Ct Uncut Green Emerald Rough Natural Discover the Amazing Quality Uncut Earth Mined from Colombian Emerald A Huge Gemstone

(252)

Sale Price $15.58
Original Price $62.33 (75% off)

From shop gemstells

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
100% Natural ~ Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon, Size - 8x16 mm to 15x35 mm Both Side Flat Rainbow Moonstone, Kite Shape Moonstone For Jewelry !!!

(3,040)

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

From shop stonescompany
3-3.5mm Blue Aquamarine Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Micro Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Beads For Jewelry (1 Strand To 5 Strand Options)

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $25.69
Original Price $64.23 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels
Cornflake Pearls, 10-12mm White Petal Keishi Pearls, Center Drilled Keshi Pearls, Genuine Loose Freshwater Pearl Beads For Wedding, FK720-WS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$113.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Iron Maiden Turquoise {IM938} Cabochon | Gemstone | Cab | Polished Stone

(2,217)

Star Seller

$35.00

From shop OttesonTurquoiseSST

FREE shipping
Heart cut Padaparscha sapphire Loose Gemstone VVS Excellent Cut Calibrated Vivid loose Gemstone

$14.50

From shop ALADDINGEMSTONE

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

(82,889)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
Delightful set tanzanite rosecut flats weight 24 carats size 6x4-10.5x8mm pcs 19 rosecut tanzanite rosecut gems fallback

(1,331)

Star Seller

Sale Price $83.10
Original Price $277.00 (70% off)

From shop GemSourceCorporation

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)

(70,218)

Star Seller

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

From shop GemMartUSA

FREE shipping
Dendritic Opal Triangle Cabochon, Peach Agate Pendant Stone, Moss Agate, Necklace Options Available, 20mm x 20mm x 7mm, 19 Carats

(433)

Star Seller

$27.30

From shop Jamgemsuk
Golden South Sea Loose Pearls Dark Oval (#122)

(5,878)

$32.50

From shop AlohaPearlsHawaii
16" Strand, 5-5.5mm, 15% off sale, Lustrous Genuine Round Fresh Water Pearls, Creamy White Freshwater Pearl

(44,312)

Star Seller

$73.73

From shop TerraFinds

Only 1 left — order soon
Iron Maiden Turquoise {IM935} Cabochon | Gemstone | Cab | Polished Stone

(2,217)

Star Seller

$150.00

From shop OttesonTurquoiseSST

FREE shipping
1 CITRINE & 1 AMETHYST Crystal Double Terminated Polished Semi-Precious Gemstones Free USA Shipping!

(3,289)

$20.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
Semi Precious 7 mm Faceted Round Brilliant Cut Rainbow Moonstone For One

(2,709)

$23.95

From shop RitchardsGems
8-9mm AKOYA Pearl, Japanese Pearls, Loose Akoya Pearl Beads

(1,392)

Star Seller

$288.99

From shop KongsPearl

FREE shipping
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
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,756)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Large pearls, 11-12mm, white near round cultured freshwater pearls for making jewelry, big real natural pearls, big hole available, FR812-WS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$89.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Purple Copper Turquoise Loose Gemstone, Smooth Calibrated Cabochons, Wholesale Gemstone, Turquoise Oval 10x14mm - 5Pcs

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.32
Original Price $40.64 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
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
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
2 Pcs Matched Pair Outrageous Top To Bottom Drilled Peridot Green Quartz Mughal Carved Drops Size 19X12 MM

(625)

$39.15

From shop GemstoneJewellery26

FREE shipping
Unique Natural Amethyst Gemstone - Faceted Loose Amethyst 6.70 CTS - oval 20 x 10 mm - February birthstone - transparent purple Quartz stone

(803)

Star Seller

$49.22

From shop PurityGems

FREE shipping
7-9mm Ruby Rough Strand, Ruby Beads, Rough Ruby Glass Filled Gemstones, Raw Ruby, Ruby Pink Beads For Jewelry (5IN To 15IN Options)

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $46.94
Original Price $117.35 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels

FREE shipping
Aquamarine Nuggets, 16" inch Strand Blue Aquamarine Beads, Jewelry Supplies, Beading Supplies, Item 1800gss

(8,643)

Star Seller

$14.99

From shop SleepingSpirit

Only 1 left — order soon
Edison Pearl AA2 Strand pink/multicolor 10-11mm

(5,878)

$153.50

From shop AlohaPearlsHawaii
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
Brazil Citrine Point Double Terminated Crystal Random Selection FREE USA SHIPPING!

(3,289)

$15.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
burmese red spinel necklace burma red spinel old cut necklace very very rare size 4mmm to 9mm wt 287.5 carats red spinel

(1,331)

Star Seller

Sale Price $309.00
Original Price $1,030.00 (70% off)

From shop GemSourceCorporation

FREE shipping
Iron Maiden Turquoise {IM936} Cabochon | Gemstone | Cab | Polished Stone

(2,217)

Star Seller

$35.00

From shop OttesonTurquoiseSST

FREE shipping
10-12mm big kasumi like pearl, AA white freshwater off round nucleated baroque druzy pearl beads, genuine natural pearl good luster FQ830-WS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$64.99

From shop YouPearl

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

(70,218)

Star Seller

Sale Price $9.55
Original Price $11.94 (20% off)

From shop GemMartUSA
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
Obsidian double terminated obelisk, obsidian point, obsidian tower, obsidian grid, obsidian double point

(61,365)

$13.26

From shop ConnectCo

FREE shipping
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 Peach Sapphire | Oval Cut | 1.74 Carat | 7.80x6.30x4.60 mm | Unheated | Earth mined natural gemstones | Jewellery Making supplies

(584)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1,235.56
Original Price $1,544.45 (20% off)

From shop SapphirePal

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

(14,328)

Star Seller

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

From shop PGStones
Blue Princess Diamond loose faceted cut 2mm

(11,756)

$27.99

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

(14,328)

Star Seller

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

From shop PGStones
Amethyst Cab Oval 16x12x6mm Approximately 18 Carat, February Birthstone, Smooth Flat Bottom Cabochons, For Jewelry Making (8617)

(16,698)

Star Seller

$16.95

From shop BestinGems

FREE shipping

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

17.3x16.5 mm Off Round White Colour Pink-Rainbow Hues AA-Graded Smooth Luster Cultured Australian Mabe Pearl Loose, Jewellery Making R49

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

Certified 133-170 Ct Uncut Green Emerald Rough Natural Discover the Amazing Quality Uncut Earth Mined from Colombian Emerald A Huge Gemstone

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

100% Natural ~ Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon, Size - 8x16 mm to 15x35 mm Both Side Flat Rainbow Moonstone, Kite Shape Moonstone For Jewelry !!!

3-3.5mm Blue Aquamarine Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Micro Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Beads For Jewelry (1 Strand To 5 Strand Options)

Cornflake Pearls, 10-12mm White Petal Keishi Pearls, Center Drilled Keshi Pearls, Genuine Loose Freshwater Pearl Beads For Wedding, FK720-WS

Iron Maiden Turquoise {IM938} Cabochon | Gemstone | Cab | Polished Stone

Heart cut Padaparscha sapphire Loose Gemstone VVS Excellent Cut Calibrated Vivid loose Gemstone

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

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

Delightful set tanzanite rosecut flats weight 24 carats size 6x4-10.5x8mm pcs 19 rosecut tanzanite rosecut gems fallback

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)

Dendritic Opal Triangle Cabochon, Peach Agate Pendant Stone, Moss Agate, Necklace Options Available, 20mm x 20mm x 7mm, 19 Carats

Golden South Sea Loose Pearls Dark Oval (#122)

16" Strand, 5-5.5mm, 15% off sale, Lustrous Genuine Round Fresh Water Pearls, Creamy White Freshwater Pearl

Iron Maiden Turquoise {IM935} Cabochon | Gemstone | Cab | Polished Stone

1 CITRINE & 1 AMETHYST Crystal Double Terminated Polished Semi-Precious Gemstones Free USA Shipping!

Semi Precious 7 mm Faceted Round Brilliant Cut Rainbow Moonstone For One

8-9mm AKOYA Pearl, Japanese Pearls, Loose Akoya Pearl Beads

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

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

Large pearls, 11-12mm, white near round cultured freshwater pearls for making jewelry, big real natural pearls, big hole available, FR812-WS

Purple Copper Turquoise Loose Gemstone, Smooth Calibrated Cabochons, Wholesale Gemstone, Turquoise Oval 10x14mm - 5Pcs

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

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

2 Pcs Matched Pair Outrageous Top To Bottom Drilled Peridot Green Quartz Mughal Carved Drops Size 19X12 MM

Unique Natural Amethyst Gemstone - Faceted Loose Amethyst 6.70 CTS - oval 20 x 10 mm - February birthstone - transparent purple Quartz stone

7-9mm Ruby Rough Strand, Ruby Beads, Rough Ruby Glass Filled Gemstones, Raw Ruby, Ruby Pink Beads For Jewelry (5IN To 15IN Options)

Aquamarine Nuggets, 16" inch Strand Blue Aquamarine Beads, Jewelry Supplies, Beading Supplies, Item 1800gss

Edison Pearl AA2 Strand pink/multicolor 10-11mm

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

Brazil Citrine Point Double Terminated Crystal Random Selection FREE USA SHIPPING!

burmese red spinel necklace burma red spinel old cut necklace very very rare size 4mmm to 9mm wt 287.5 carats red spinel

Iron Maiden Turquoise {IM936} Cabochon | Gemstone | Cab | Polished Stone

10-12mm big kasumi like pearl, AA white freshwater off round nucleated baroque druzy pearl beads, genuine natural pearl good luster FQ830-WS

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

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

Obsidian double terminated obelisk, obsidian point, obsidian tower, obsidian grid, obsidian double point

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

Natural Peach Sapphire | Oval Cut | 1.74 Carat | 7.80x6.30x4.60 mm | Unheated | Earth mined natural gemstones | Jewellery Making supplies

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

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

Blue Princess Diamond loose faceted cut 2mm

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

Amethyst Cab Oval 16x12x6mm Approximately 18 Carat, February Birthstone, Smooth Flat Bottom Cabochons, For Jewelry Making (8617)

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones