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

(1,460,099 Results)

MYSTIC TOPAZ Loose Gemstone 40To60Ct High Quality Rainbow Mystic Topaz Gemstone Pendant Size Faceted Mystic Topaz Jewelry Making

(458)

Sale Price $26.25
Original Price $105.00 (75% off)

From shop PricelessGemsHub

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

(3,122)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
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

(280)

Sale Price $48.00
Original Price $160.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(668)

Star Seller

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

From shop Gemstonesplace
One Time Sale Ruby Rough Natural 100 -1000 Ct Certified Natural Uncut Earth Mined 77mmx47mm African Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Big Rough Gemstone

(259)

Sale Price $15.31
Original Price $61.23 (75% off)

From shop gemstells

FREE shipping
Flash Sale!!** Extra Large HIGH QUALITY PYRITE Crystal Cluster Specimen (~ 0.4-1 Lb) *Best Seller* Free s&h

(6,261)

Sale Price $39.99
Original Price $79.99 (50% off)

From shop msturquoise

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

(280)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(1,559)

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

From shop DSKgemsSTUDIO

FREE shipping
Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,772)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
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
STRESS-FREE Crystal Confetti Big Scoop, Stress-Free Crystal Confetti Free Shipping, Crystal Confetti Mystery Scoop, Crystals for Anxiety

(2,840)

Sale Price $16.29
Original Price $46.54 (65% off)

From shop gemvitalityinc
6x8mm Oval 20 pcs Lot Natural Teal Moss Kyanite Rosecut Loose Gemstone For making Jewelry and Rings

(442)

Star Seller

Sale Price $28.42
Original Price $98.00 (71% off)

From shop NewStones22
17.95 carats beautiful Tourmaline Rosecuts

(2)

$220.00

From shop SamiGemsStock

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

(3,122)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(134)

Star Seller

Sale Price $14.30
Original Price $26.00 (45% off)

From shop Premiergemstones
Rare Natural Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire Oval 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
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
Summer Sale!! WHOLESALE Lots of (LARGE) Natural Turquoise Rough Plus a Free Faceted Gemstone (3 lbs, 5 lbs, or 11 lbs)

(9,510)

Star Seller

Sale Price $87.99
Original Price $175.99 (50% off)

From shop roughstoneking

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

(47)

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

From shop Beadsgemsshop

FREE shipping
Chrysocolla Chalcedony native copper pendant

(67)

Sale Price $26.79
Original Price $76.53 (65% off)

From shop Madangemstone

FREE shipping
Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

(11,772)

$37.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
Summer Sale!! 500 Carat Lots of Old Stock Kingman, AZ Turquoise Rough High End + A Free Faceted Gemstone

(9,510)

Star Seller

Sale Price $44.99
Original Price $89.98 (50% off)

From shop roughstoneking

FREE shipping
Express Shipping

(816)

Star Seller

$35.00

From shop OmGemsIndia

FREE shipping
1012 Gram Unique Blue & Gray Phantom FLUORITE With CALCITE Crystal Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 133x80x56 mm

(432)

Sale Price $149.25
Original Price $199.00 (25% off)

From shop SunriseMinerals
Tricolour Tourmaline Pair

(40)

Sale Price $913.75
Original Price $1,075.00 (15% off)

From shop Lagoongemsco
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,772)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
12.12 ct AIG Certified Stunning Oval Shape (16 x 13 mm) Sky Blue Aquamarine Genuine and Natural Loose Gemstone

(375)

Sale Price $845.87
Original Price $1,208.39 (30% off)

From shop DeluxeGems

FREE shipping
NATURAL Spiny Oyster Shell, Graduated gorgeous orange color. Full Strand 16” Great for JEWELRY making! Not Treated in anyway! AAA Quality!

(53,782)

Sale Price $55.04
Original Price $68.80 (20% off)

From shop Anniesbead

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

(1,056)

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

From shop IshraGemsStore

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

(280)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
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
Quartz Icosahedron faceted gemstone!

(2,865)

Star Seller

Sale Price $30.00
Original Price $40.00 (25% off)

From shop ColoradoGemworks

FREE shipping
100 Pcs AAA Grade Polished Opal Rough, Black Ethiopian Opal, Flat Black Opal Rough, Polished Opal Chips, Size 7-12mm, Loose Opal

(2,369)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.99
Original Price $15.99 (50% off)

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

(996)

$38.00

From shop Suttikarngems

FREE shipping
OPAL Raw Crystals - Small - A Grade - Natural Opal Crystal Set, Welo Opal, E0088

(15,903)

Star Seller

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

From shop CrystalShopsUSA
100 PCs, AAA grade Opal, Welo Opal, Opal Crystal, Opal Rough, Natural Ethiopian Opal, AAA Polish Opal Rough, Size 3-7mm,Loose Opal Rough

(2,369)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.99
Original Price $5.99 (50% off)

From shop ROSEGEMSIndia
Express Shipping

(1,160)

Star Seller

$44.10

From shop TopNotchGemsCo

FREE shipping
High Quality Lapis Lazuli Bead Stretch Bracelet 4mm Round Bracelet Natural Blue Gemstone Bracelet Triple Protection Yoga Bracelet Gift

(3,054)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.95
Original Price $23.90 (50% off)

From shop CrystalCraftsHut
Swarovski 20 pcs Tooth Gem Butterfly (pls read description)

(385)

Star Seller

$23.00

From shop toothRdare

Bestseller
Zultanite 10 Ct Natural Zultanite Stone Cushion Cut Faceted Colors Changing Diaspore Loose Zultanite Diaspore Zultanite Ring

(675)

Sale Price $24.94
Original Price $41.57 (40% off)

From shop GEMSNUT

FREE shipping
Natural Rainbow Moonstone Flat Back Cabochon Loose Gemstone

(2,016)

Sale Price $4.98
Original Price $16.60 (70% off)

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

(256)

Star Seller

$185.00

From shop HiddenTreasureGems

FREE shipping
2mm Rounds Rainbow Sapphires New Very Beautiful Desings loose Bracelet Set

(389)

Star Seller

Sale Price $92.14
Original Price $122.85 (25% off)

From shop Zehragems

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
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
Dinosaur Bone Gemstone, Natural Dinosaur Bone Cabochon, AAA+ Quality Gemstone, Loose Gemstone, Rare Dinosaur Bone Crystals For Jewelry

(7,669)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.94
Original Price $16.48 (70% off)

From shop OVERSEASGEMS2018
AA+ Grade natural Tanzanite oval cut Gemstone for ring jewelry in reasonable price violetish blue Tanzanite stone from Tanzania

(555)

Sale Price $117.00
Original Price $130.00 (10% off)

From shop MONAISVGSHOP

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

MYSTIC TOPAZ Loose Gemstone 40To60Ct High Quality Rainbow Mystic Topaz Gemstone Pendant Size Faceted Mystic Topaz Jewelry Making

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

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

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

One Time Sale Ruby Rough Natural 100 -1000 Ct Certified Natural Uncut Earth Mined 77mmx47mm African Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Big Rough Gemstone

Flash Sale!!** Extra Large HIGH QUALITY PYRITE Crystal Cluster Specimen (~ 0.4-1 Lb) *Best Seller* Free s&h

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

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

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

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

STRESS-FREE Crystal Confetti Big Scoop, Stress-Free Crystal Confetti Free Shipping, Crystal Confetti Mystery Scoop, Crystals for Anxiety

6x8mm Oval 20 pcs Lot Natural Teal Moss Kyanite Rosecut Loose Gemstone For making Jewelry and Rings

17.95 carats beautiful Tourmaline Rosecuts

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

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

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

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

Summer Sale!! WHOLESALE Lots of (LARGE) Natural Turquoise Rough Plus a Free Faceted Gemstone (3 lbs, 5 lbs, or 11 lbs)

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

Chrysocolla Chalcedony native copper pendant

Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

Summer Sale!! 500 Carat Lots of Old Stock Kingman, AZ Turquoise Rough High End + A Free Faceted Gemstone

Express Shipping

1012 Gram Unique Blue & Gray Phantom FLUORITE With CALCITE Crystal Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 133x80x56 mm

Tricolour Tourmaline Pair

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

12.12 ct AIG Certified Stunning Oval Shape (16 x 13 mm) Sky Blue Aquamarine Genuine and Natural Loose Gemstone

NATURAL Spiny Oyster Shell, Graduated gorgeous orange color. Full Strand 16” Great for JEWELRY making! Not Treated in anyway! AAA Quality!

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

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

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

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

Quartz Icosahedron faceted gemstone!

100 Pcs AAA Grade Polished Opal Rough, Black Ethiopian Opal, Flat Black Opal Rough, Polished Opal Chips, Size 7-12mm, Loose Opal

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

OPAL Raw Crystals - Small - A Grade - Natural Opal Crystal Set, Welo Opal, E0088

100 PCs, AAA grade Opal, Welo Opal, Opal Crystal, Opal Rough, Natural Ethiopian Opal, AAA Polish Opal Rough, Size 3-7mm,Loose Opal Rough

Express Shipping

High Quality Lapis Lazuli Bead Stretch Bracelet 4mm Round Bracelet Natural Blue Gemstone Bracelet Triple Protection Yoga Bracelet Gift

Swarovski 20 pcs Tooth Gem Butterfly (pls read description)

Zultanite 10 Ct Natural Zultanite Stone Cushion Cut Faceted Colors Changing Diaspore Loose Zultanite Diaspore Zultanite Ring

Natural Rainbow Moonstone Flat Back Cabochon Loose Gemstone

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

2mm Rounds Rainbow Sapphires New Very Beautiful Desings loose Bracelet Set

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

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

Dinosaur Bone Gemstone, Natural Dinosaur Bone Cabochon, AAA+ Quality Gemstone, Loose Gemstone, Rare Dinosaur Bone Crystals For Jewelry

AA+ Grade natural Tanzanite oval cut Gemstone for ring jewelry in reasonable price violetish blue Tanzanite stone from Tanzania

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones

Flash Sale!!** Extra Large HIGH QUALITY PYRITE Crystal Cluster Specimen (~ 0.4-1 Lb) Best Seller Free s&h