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

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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

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

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Natural Tanzanite , Blue Colour Oval , 2.02 Ct Weight , 8.57 × 6.59 MM Size , Loupe Clean

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Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

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11.50ct Winza Ruby Crystal, Tanzania, Untreated Unheated.

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17.95 carats beautiful Tourmaline Rosecuts

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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

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

AAA 18x13 MM Flawless Brazilian Aquamarine Loose Oval Gemstone Cut, Captivating Aquamarine Fashion Jewelry Making Tool And Ring Making Oval

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

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

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

Red Spinel, Burma Spinel, 2mm Spinel, Round Spinel, Spinel Melee, Burma Spinel Melee, Jedi Spinel, August Birthstone. Sold per piece.

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

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

Rare blue Phantom Axinite top cut Gemstone from Pakistan

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

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

100 Pcs Natural Flawless Pink Ceylon Sapphire Round Cut Loose Gemstone Lot GIT Certified-AAA+ Top Quality Sapphire/Ring & Jewelry Making Gem

Pink Fire ring sized cabochon from Brazil, RARE Covellite inclusion in Quartz

Natural Columbian Emerald 8-9Cts Emerald Cut Certified Loose Emerald Gemstone Natural Emerald From Columbia Elite Finish

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

Natural Tanzanite , Blue Colour Oval , 2.02 Ct Weight , 8.57 × 6.59 MM Size , Loupe Clean

2.45 ct Heated Green Sapphire with Certification Report, Cushion / Mixed Loose Gemstone for Anniversary Pendant or Ring

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

Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

11.50ct Winza Ruby Crystal, Tanzania, Untreated Unheated.

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

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

2.5mm Rounds Rainbow Sapphires Tennis Bracelet loose stones sets Beautiful Desing

Summer Sale!! 1000 Carat Lots of Unsearched Natural Fluorite Rough + a Nice Free faceted Gemstone

Blue natural diamond loose faceted round pair 3mm each

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

Vietnam milky sapphire 1.31ct

Madagascar Ruby Round 9mm Approximately 4.10 Carat Single Piece, July Birthstone, Pigeon Blood Red, Phenomenal Gemstones, For Jewelry(49131)

Lagoon tourmaline

500 Gram Unique Deep Blue Phantom CUBIC FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 109x90x56 mm

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

4x2mm Baguettes cut Rainbow Sapphires Eternity Ring Set Top Quality Perfect Color combination

Cassiterite, golden-brown faceted, Bolivia. 4.58 carats.

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

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

Express Shipping

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

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

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Swarovski 20 pcs Tooth Gem Butterfly (pls read description)

Handful of Tahitian Pearls, Black Tahiti Pearls, Tahitian Pearl, Direct from Farmers in Tahiti

17.95 carats beautiful Tourmaline Rosecuts

291 Gram Unique Purple Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 88x65x43 mm

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

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

182 Gram Unique Gray Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 88x67x22 mm

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