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

(1,473,267 Results)

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,758)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

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

(1,094)

$25.00

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

(82,902)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

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

(11,758)

$54.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

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

(10,173)

Star Seller

$113.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Aurora Opal Cabochon- Peacock Aurora Carved Gemstone- Golden Carving Cabochon- Making for Pendant- Aurora Gems

(452)

Sale Price $19.60
Original Price $69.99 (72% off)

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

(1,039)

$45.50

From shop WestEndCollectables

Only 2 left — order soon
OPAL Raw Crystals - A Grade, Small - Bulk Raw Opal, Rough Opal Lot, Welo Opal, E0088

(82,902)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones
Pinkish and Blue Labradorite Loose Stone One Side Flat Top Grade Labradorite Jewelry Making Ring

(15,980)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.64
Original Price $14.57 (75% off)

From shop TotalStones
Loose Tahitian Pearls, Near Round, Dark Multicolor A+ (RF 31)

(5,881)

$34.45

From shop AlohaPearlsHawaii
ONE Topaz crystal from Ouro Preto, Brazil - choose your size - imperial topaz orange natural crystals chosen at random

(32,124)

Star Seller

Sale Price $9.45
Original Price $13.50 (30% off)

From shop StructureMinerals
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
Amethyst Cabs Round 3mm Approximately 4 Carat, February Birthstone, Smooth Purple Color Flat Bottom Cabochons, For Jewelry Making (6686)

(16,705)

Star Seller

$14.95

From shop BestinGems

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

(75,016)

$29.99

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

(739)

Sale Price $73.66
Original Price $127.00 (42% off)

From shop NarshihaGemAndJewels

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

(3,290)

$15.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
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 $36.90
Original Price $41.00 (10% off)

From shop LUKHIDIAMOND

FREE shipping
Labradorite double terminated point

(61,370)

$15.15

From shop ConnectCo

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

(3,290)

$13.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
ONE Moldavite genuine stone from Maly Chlum, Czech Republic authentic tektite specimen raw crystal loose

(32,124)

Star Seller

Sale Price $31.50
Original Price $45.00 (30% off)

From shop StructureMinerals

FREE shipping
5mm-10mm Pair White AAAA Japanese Akoya Loose Pearl Gemstones Half Full Undrilled Akoya Pearl for Earring Stud Ring Pendant Jewelry Making

(3,498)

Star Seller

$44.99

From shop orienjewel

FREE shipping
Rainbow Druzy quartz chalcedony rose

(10,000)

Star Seller

$36.00

From shop earthlightgems
Blue Princess Diamond loose faceted cut 2mm

(11,758)

$27.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds
Freshwater pearl A grade white off-round beads wholesale, 5-6mm lustrous pearl jewelry, genuine natural pearl, FR250-WS

(10,173)

Star Seller

$28.99

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

(5,186)

Star Seller

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

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

FREE shipping
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
10 Ruby Round Natural Loose Faceted Gems 2mm each

(11,758)

$19.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds
Tourmaline Beads, Oval Beads, Tourmaline Gemstone, Multi Tourmaline Beads, 6mm Each, 13 Inch Strand

(5,186)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.80
Original Price $42.00 (60% off)

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

(10,173)

Star Seller

$64.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Raw Tanzanite Crystal Lot (3) Rough Tanzanite Stones, Tiny Raw Crystal Tanzanite Set of Three Natural Gemstone (XS) Light Blue TANZANIA

(11,066)

$9.00

From shop CrystalsGemsMinerals
Black Onyx 10x35 mm Marquise Shape Pair Gemstones, Flat Back Cabochon, Wholesale Gemstone, Gemstone Supplier, Pair Cabochons -2pcs

(2,427)

Star Seller

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

From shop AceGemstones
7-8mm Dark Round/Semi-Round Loose Tahitian Pearl

(1,745)

Star Seller

$8.00

From shop continentalpearl
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
50 carat African Amethyst Rosecut Cabochon Flat gemstone, free size apprxo..(10x14mm to 13x18mm) lot, Amethyst RoseCut Uneven Loose Gemstone

(5,468)

Star Seller

$30.00

From shop GEMSDEAL
Tourmaline crystal rough gem mix parcel lot over 50 carats

(11,758)

$14.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds
2-3mm Black Rough Diamonds, Black Raw Diamond Beads, Black Uncut Diamonds, Raw Black Diamond Beads For Jewelry (4IN To 16IN Options)

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.59
Original Price $51.48 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels
Amethyst Briolette, Heart Faceted Gemstone Beads, 2 MATCHED PAIRS, High Quality, Brides, Feburary Birthstone, 4 pcs, 10-12mm

(58,260)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.88
Original Price $13.20 (10% off)

From shop SilverCityBeads
Cubic Zirconia CZ Gemstone loose for Metal Clay PMC and prong setting

(2,001)

$0.53

From shop DivineOrnaments

Bestseller
Larimar slab- raw

(10,000)

Star Seller

$28.00

From shop earthlightgems
Kingman Turquoise Cabs Round 3mm Approximately 1 Carat, December Birthstone, Robin Egg Blue Color, Turkish Stone, For Jewelry Making (4718)

(16,705)

Star Seller

$17.95

From shop BestinGems

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

(8,645)

Star Seller

$16.99

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

(5,186)

Star Seller

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

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA

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 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

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

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

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

Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

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

Aurora Opal Cabochon- Peacock Aurora Carved Gemstone- Golden Carving Cabochon- Making for Pendant- Aurora Gems

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

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

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

Pinkish and Blue Labradorite Loose Stone One Side Flat Top Grade Labradorite Jewelry Making Ring

Loose Tahitian Pearls, Near Round, Dark Multicolor A+ (RF 31)

ONE Topaz crystal from Ouro Preto, Brazil - choose your size - imperial topaz orange natural crystals chosen at random

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

Amethyst Cabs Round 3mm Approximately 4 Carat, February Birthstone, Smooth Purple Color Flat Bottom Cabochons, For Jewelry Making (6686)

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

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

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

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

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

Labradorite double terminated point

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

ONE Moldavite genuine stone from Maly Chlum, Czech Republic authentic tektite specimen raw crystal loose

5mm-10mm Pair White AAAA Japanese Akoya Loose Pearl Gemstones Half Full Undrilled Akoya Pearl for Earring Stud Ring Pendant Jewelry Making

Rainbow Druzy quartz chalcedony rose

Blue Princess Diamond loose faceted cut 2mm

Freshwater pearl A grade white off-round beads wholesale, 5-6mm lustrous pearl jewelry, genuine natural pearl, FR250-WS

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

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

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

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

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

10 Ruby Round Natural Loose Faceted Gems 2mm each

Tourmaline Beads, Oval Beads, Tourmaline Gemstone, Multi Tourmaline Beads, 6mm Each, 13 Inch Strand

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

Raw Tanzanite Crystal Lot (3) Rough Tanzanite Stones, Tiny Raw Crystal Tanzanite Set of Three Natural Gemstone (XS) Light Blue TANZANIA

Black Onyx 10x35 mm Marquise Shape Pair Gemstones, Flat Back Cabochon, Wholesale Gemstone, Gemstone Supplier, Pair Cabochons -2pcs

7-8mm Dark Round/Semi-Round Loose Tahitian Pearl

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

50 carat African Amethyst Rosecut Cabochon Flat gemstone, free size apprxo..(10x14mm to 13x18mm) lot, Amethyst RoseCut Uneven Loose Gemstone

Tourmaline crystal rough gem mix parcel lot over 50 carats

2-3mm Black Rough Diamonds, Black Raw Diamond Beads, Black Uncut Diamonds, Raw Black Diamond Beads For Jewelry (4IN To 16IN Options)

Amethyst Briolette, Heart Faceted Gemstone Beads, 2 MATCHED PAIRS, High Quality, Brides, Feburary Birthstone, 4 pcs, 10-12mm

Cubic Zirconia CZ Gemstone loose for Metal Clay PMC and prong setting

Larimar slab- raw

Kingman Turquoise Cabs Round 3mm Approximately 1 Carat, December Birthstone, Robin Egg Blue Color, Turkish Stone, For Jewelry Making (4718)

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

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones