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

(1,444,351 Results)

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

(279)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(457)

Sale Price $31.50
Original Price $105.00 (70% off)

From shop PricelessGemsHub

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

(667)

Star Seller

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

From shop Gemstonesplace
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
50 Pcs Natural Flawless Mogok Red Ruby Round Cut Loose Gemstone Certified-Wholesale Loose Gem-AAA+ Top Quality Ruby-Ring & Jewelry Making

(153)

Sale Price $25.00
Original Price $100.00 (75% off)

From shop CutsAndRough

FREE shipping
AAA+ 31.10 Ct Very Rare Natural Red Painite Rough Unheated Burmese Facet (GIT) Certified Very nice Quality 23.60 x 12.09 x 9.71 mm

(516)

Sale Price $18.75
Original Price $75.00 (75% off)

From shop UniquegemsworldStore

FREE shipping
Natural Purple Copper Turquoise Cabochon Purple Gemstone Purple Copper Turquoise Stone Round Square Shape Purple Crystal ( Stone as picture

(445)

Star Seller

Sale Price $10.20
Original Price $33.99 (70% off)

From shop Cabochonsellers
AAA+++Natural Mix Cabochon, Mix Lot, Cabochon Loose Gemstone, Wholesale Lot Gemstone Cabochon, Mix Shape Mix Size Wholesale Lot Loose Stone.

(3,111)

Sale Price $12.90
Original Price $43.00 (70% off)

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(3,111)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

FREE shipping
400-600 Carat Certified Natural Colombia Emerald Rough Best Price ! Raw Uncut Natural Emerald Rough !for Gifted

(110)

Sale Price $29.70
Original Price $99.00 (70% off)

From shop KozzyCrafts

FREE shipping
Ammolite Imperial Double Sided Polished Gem Display, Natural Canadian ammonite Fossil

(694)

$441.50

From shop ThreeSistersAmmolite

FREE shipping

Only 1 left — order soon
AAAAA Grade Natural Black Opal Cabochon Gemstone+Welo Fire Black Opal+ Handmade Oval Shape Opal+October Birthstone Gemstone, Size 14x10 MM.

(71)

Sale Price $90.00
Original Price $180.00 (50% off)

From shop Buysomegems

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

(279)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
Smooth Opal Rough Lot 50 Cts 8-10 Pc AAA Grade Natural Ethiopian Opal Raw Large Size Opal Suitable For Cut And Jewelry Fire Opal Crystal Raw

(279)

Sale Price $15.60
Original Price $52.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
5mm 20pcs Pack Natural Tibetan Turquoise Flat Back Gemstone For Jewelry Making, Pendant, Ring

(8,326)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.25
Original Price $61.00 (75% off)

From shop SkGemsArt
Super Quality Opal Rough Large Size AAA Grade Ethiopian Welo Opal Raw Suitable For Cutting And Jewelry Dry Opal Rough Lot Fire Opal Crystal

(279)

Sale Price $17.10
Original Price $57.00 (70% off)

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(3,111)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(2,836)

Sale Price $13.93
Original Price $46.43 (70% off)

From shop gemvitalityinc
Raw Black Tourmaline, Labradorite & faceted Tourmaline, Mystical Protection Bracelet| Root -Throat Chakra Bracelet| Unique Handmade Bracelet

(293)

Sale Price $10.00
Original Price $20.00 (50% off)

From shop StarCrystalGemstone
20 pcs Pack 6mm Mint Kyanite Rosecut - Top Quality Rose Cut Flat Back Gemstone 20 Pieces Lot For Jewelry Making,

(8,326)

Star Seller

Sale Price $29.00
Original Price $116.00 (75% off)

From shop SkGemsArt
UNHEATED Cornflower Blue Sapphire, 0.50 Cts / 4.75×4.40mm Oval Blue Sapphire / Blue Sapphire Ring / Natural Untreated / Loose Gemstone

(47)

$285.00

From shop ZainGemsByRimzan

FREE shipping
Black Tourmaline Bracelet, Empath Protection Bracelet, October Birthstone, Genuine Gemstone Beaded Bracelet, thin black tourmaline bracelet

(258)

Sale Price $6.21
Original Price $12.41 (50% off)

From shop RealCrystalGemstoneS
Professional DIY Tooth Gem Kit | Swarovski Gems | Assorted Flatback Tooth Gems Jewelry | DIY Crystals Tooth Gems Kit | Sweet Smile Gems

(554)

$26.99

From shop Sweetsmilegems

FREE shipping

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

(1,557)

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

From shop DSKgemsSTUDIO

FREE shipping
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,770)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
High Luminescence LUAG Lutetium Aluminum Garnet Gems Synthetic Laser Crystal Fluorescent Lab Stone Synthesis of Loose Gemstones

(141)

Star Seller

$17.00

From shop FairytreasuryStore

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

(1,047)

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

From shop IshraGemsStore

FREE shipping
Natural Malachite Cabochon Green Malachite Crystal Green Stone Smooth Both Side Polished Flat Back Malachite Gemstne ( Malachite as picture

(445)

Star Seller

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

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

(46)

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

From shop Beadsgemsshop

FREE shipping
Express Shipping

(1,159)

Star Seller

$44.10

From shop TopNotchGemsCo

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
14K Gold GRA Certified Round Moissanite Pendant • D VVS1 Moissanite Pendant With GRA Certificate •

(6,952)

Sale Price $60.00
Original Price $80.00 (25% off)

From shop RockAStud

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

(256)

Star Seller

$185.00

From shop HiddenTreasureGems

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

(130)

Star Seller

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

From shop Premiergemstones
Colombian Emerald Round Loose Faceted Natural Gem Pair 3mm

(11,770)

$21.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds
Herkimer Diamond Bracelet, Silver or Gold Beads, Dainty Crystal Bracelet, Delicate Quartz Jewelry, April Birthstone, zodiac bracelet

(845)

Sale Price $8.19
Original Price $32.77 (75% off)

From shop CrystlMindGemstone
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
Case for Gemologist for Precious Stones, Gems

(624)

$93.37

From shop CoinsandMoreItaly

Only 1 left — order soon
Express Shipping

(815)

Star Seller

$35.00

From shop OmGemsIndia

FREE shipping
Natural violet Ghost Phantom Quartz Crystal Cluster Healing Specimen 1pcs

(76)

Sale Price $51.45
Original Price $68.60 (25% off)

From shop beabeydd

FREE shipping
Real coral, beautiful natural coral, marine coral, aquarium, decorative aquarium coral, natural marine coral, white coral

(144)

$10.57

From shop DecorSeaShell

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

(279)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

FREE shipping
4x3mm Rainbow Sapphires Emerald cut Full Eternity Ring Set Good Quality

(387)

Star Seller

Sale Price $194.51
Original Price $259.35 (25% off)

From shop Zehragems

FREE shipping
5 PCS 1.00 C.T.W Natural White Diamond, Raw Diamond, Rough Diamond, Loose Diamonds, Uncut Diamond, Raw Gemstone, African Diamonds

(95)

$30.38

From shop GOLKDIAM

FREE shipping
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
50 Cts 13 To 15 Pcs Ruby Star Cabochon, Natural Star Ruby Gemstone, 6 Ray Star Ruby Cabochon, Ruby Star Loose Stone For Jewelry Making.

(2,326)

Sale Price $31.49
Original Price $41.99 (25% off)

From shop ELLEJEWELIN

FREE shipping
Round Old European Cut Loose White Moissanite Stone 1.0 To 5.0 CT Vintage Antique Handcrafted Eye Clean Moissanite Engagement Gift Ring Q119

(2,657)

Star Seller

Sale Price $55.20
Original Price $69.00 (20% off)

From shop LUKHIDIAMOND

FREE shipping
10x8mm YAG Yttrium Aluminium Garnet, Oval Cut, Yellow UV Glow Gemstone, Loose Gemstone, For Jewelry Making

(146)

Star Seller

$39.99

From shop BohnBeautiesGems

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

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

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

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

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

50 Pcs Natural Flawless Mogok Red Ruby Round Cut Loose Gemstone Certified-Wholesale Loose Gem-AAA+ Top Quality Ruby-Ring & Jewelry Making

AAA+ 31.10 Ct Very Rare Natural Red Painite Rough Unheated Burmese Facet (GIT) Certified Very nice Quality 23.60 x 12.09 x 9.71 mm

Natural Purple Copper Turquoise Cabochon Purple Gemstone Purple Copper Turquoise Stone Round Square Shape Purple Crystal ( Stone as picture

AAA+++Natural Mix Cabochon, Mix Lot, Cabochon Loose Gemstone, Wholesale Lot Gemstone Cabochon, Mix Shape Mix Size Wholesale Lot Loose Stone.

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

400-600 Carat Certified Natural Colombia Emerald Rough Best Price ! Raw Uncut Natural Emerald Rough !for Gifted

Ammolite Imperial Double Sided Polished Gem Display, Natural Canadian ammonite Fossil

AAAAA Grade Natural Black Opal Cabochon Gemstone+Welo Fire Black Opal+ Handmade Oval Shape Opal+October Birthstone Gemstone, Size 14x10 MM.

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

Smooth Opal Rough Lot 50 Cts 8-10 Pc AAA Grade Natural Ethiopian Opal Raw Large Size Opal Suitable For Cut And Jewelry Fire Opal Crystal Raw

5mm 20pcs Pack Natural Tibetan Turquoise Flat Back Gemstone For Jewelry Making, Pendant, Ring

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

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

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

Raw Black Tourmaline, Labradorite & faceted Tourmaline, Mystical Protection Bracelet| Root -Throat Chakra Bracelet| Unique Handmade Bracelet

20 pcs Pack 6mm Mint Kyanite Rosecut - Top Quality Rose Cut Flat Back Gemstone 20 Pieces Lot For Jewelry Making,

UNHEATED Cornflower Blue Sapphire, 0.50 Cts / 4.75×4.40mm Oval Blue Sapphire / Blue Sapphire Ring / Natural Untreated / Loose Gemstone

Black Tourmaline Bracelet, Empath Protection Bracelet, October Birthstone, Genuine Gemstone Beaded Bracelet, thin black tourmaline bracelet

Professional DIY Tooth Gem Kit | Swarovski Gems | Assorted Flatback Tooth Gems Jewelry | DIY Crystals Tooth Gems Kit | Sweet Smile Gems

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

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

High Luminescence LUAG Lutetium Aluminum Garnet Gems Synthetic Laser Crystal Fluorescent Lab Stone Synthesis of Loose Gemstones

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

Natural Malachite Cabochon Green Malachite Crystal Green Stone Smooth Both Side Polished Flat Back Malachite Gemstne ( Malachite as picture

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

Express Shipping

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

14K Gold GRA Certified Round Moissanite Pendant • D VVS1 Moissanite Pendant With GRA Certificate •

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

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

Colombian Emerald Round Loose Faceted Natural Gem Pair 3mm

Herkimer Diamond Bracelet, Silver or Gold Beads, Dainty Crystal Bracelet, Delicate Quartz Jewelry, April Birthstone, zodiac bracelet

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

Case for Gemologist for Precious Stones, Gems

Express Shipping

Natural violet Ghost Phantom Quartz Crystal Cluster Healing Specimen 1pcs

Real coral, beautiful natural coral, marine coral, aquarium, decorative aquarium coral, natural marine coral, white coral

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

4x3mm Rainbow Sapphires Emerald cut Full Eternity Ring Set Good Quality

5 PCS 1.00 C.T.W Natural White Diamond, Raw Diamond, Rough Diamond, Loose Diamonds, Uncut Diamond, Raw Gemstone, African Diamonds

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

50 Cts 13 To 15 Pcs Ruby Star Cabochon, Natural Star Ruby Gemstone, 6 Ray Star Ruby Cabochon, Ruby Star Loose Stone For Jewelry Making.

Round Old European Cut Loose White Moissanite Stone 1.0 To 5.0 CT Vintage Antique Handcrafted Eye Clean Moissanite Engagement Gift Ring Q119

10x8mm YAG Yttrium Aluminium Garnet, Oval Cut, Yellow UV Glow Gemstone, Loose Gemstone, For Jewelry Making

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones