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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3.05 CARAT-Natural Paraiba Tourmaline 8X8mm OVAL cut copper bearing loose Gemstones"Pariba jewelry/pendant/ring

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From shop Goldenbeegems

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2.25 CARAT-Natural Paraiba Tourmaline 9X7mm OVAL cut copper bearing loose Gemstones"Pariba jewelry/pendant/ring

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$280.00

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Natural Tanzanite, Custom Alphabet Cut ( A To Z ) Whole 26 Alphabets , 14.05 Ct Weight , A Unique Cutting Idea

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From shop TanzaniteGems

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

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

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15.5 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

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$148.00

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4.5 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

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Galaxy opal Cabochon grade AAA 12.8 x 12.5 x 6.2 mm

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$65.00

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Blue Galaxy Opal Heart pinfire pattern

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$39.00

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

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Multicolor Opalized Petrified Wood Slab for Cabbing Material - Captured on Wet Condition - Unique & Stunning Piece!

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Sale Price $19.96
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Lagoon tourmaline

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$320.00

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Personalized Wholesale Deals for Jewelry Stores, Bulk Order Peronalized Intaglio Carved Gemstone, Custom Stone Engraving, Special works for

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

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8 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

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$118.00

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Extremely RARE Lonsdaleite, free shipping

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Case for Gemologist for Precious Stones, Gems

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please read [oN hOLD]. Do not purchase 5.7 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

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Gnostic Abraxas Engraved on Red Agate Gem Silver Ring

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5.1” Ammolite Rough Display Stone,Handheld Specimen 130x117x27mm, Rough,Fossil,Fengshui,Metaphysical,Home Decor

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NEW 8.40 Ct Natural Sea Blue Aquamarine Rough (Raw) VVS Eye Clean Gemstone | 100% Natural Earth Mined Gemstone [007]

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Emerald Melee from Afghanistan, Swat Valley Emerald 2.1mm Rounds, Low oil emeralds. PRICED PER PIECE

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1 Piece Shattuckite minor Malachite Matrix Freeform Flat Back Gemstone Cabochon Multiple Choice Listing

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NEW 5.85 Ct Natural Untreated Purple Spinel Rough Loupe Clean Gemstone Earth Mined Sri Lanka [010]

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Rare blue Phantom Axinite top cut Gemstone from Pakistan

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

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Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 4.55 carats measure 15x11x4.5 mm

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

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0.78ct natural orange blue sapphire

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Extremely Rare Kashmir Sapphire Trapiche, Natural Star Sapphire Purplish Pink Gemstone, 4.15 carats

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2.5ct Teal sapphire Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan, Vietnam

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Natural imperial topaz Flower Cut ( Special Custom Cut ) , Size 5.72*5.70 MM , Wieght 0.96 Carat, Clarity Loupe Clean

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

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

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

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NEW 4.15 Ct Natural Purple Spinel Rough Loupe Clean Untreated Earth Mined Gemstone from Sri Lanka [008]

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0.84ct natural orange sapphire unheat

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7 Ct Certified Extremely Rare AAA+ Natural Grandidierite Greenish Montana Round Shape Beautiful Cut Loose Grandidierite Gemstone For Jewelry

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Sparkling boulder opal ring stone 4.61cts natural opal from Australia

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Natural Terminated Pink Color Morganite Crystal, Raw Mineral, Morganite Crystal from Dara-i-Pech Afghanistan - 188 gram

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Blue Zircon, 2.13 Carat, Pear Shape, Eye Clean, Faceted Loose Gemstone, December Birthstone

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Black Opal Specking Bags - Lightning Ridge Opal

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246g Genuine Myanmar Old DaMaKan Natural Yellow Jade Jadeite Rough Stone Raw Main Original Stone Gems 黄翡翠原石

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Natural pink Tourmaline Cabochons' originated from Afghanistan.

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Natural green Tourmaline Cabochon originated from Afghanistan.

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Chrysocolla with native copper

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Gemstones

3.05 CARAT-Natural Paraiba Tourmaline 8X8mm OVAL cut copper bearing loose Gemstones"Pariba jewelry/pendant/ring

2.25 CARAT-Natural Paraiba Tourmaline 9X7mm OVAL cut copper bearing loose Gemstones"Pariba jewelry/pendant/ring

Natural Tanzanite, Custom Alphabet Cut ( A To Z ) Whole 26 Alphabets , 14.05 Ct Weight , A Unique Cutting Idea

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

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

15.5 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

4.5 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

Galaxy opal Cabochon grade AAA 12.8 x 12.5 x 6.2 mm

Blue Galaxy Opal Heart pinfire pattern

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

Multicolor Opalized Petrified Wood Slab for Cabbing Material - Captured on Wet Condition - Unique & Stunning Piece!

Lagoon tourmaline

Personalized Wholesale Deals for Jewelry Stores, Bulk Order Peronalized Intaglio Carved Gemstone, Custom Stone Engraving, Special works for

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

8 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

Extremely RARE Lonsdaleite, free shipping

Case for Gemologist for Precious Stones, Gems

please read [oN hOLD]. Do not purchase 5.7 ct carat Opal Shell Med Size Rough Opal Freeform Rock A++++ Fire Ships World Wide FROM USA

Gnostic Abraxas Engraved on Red Agate Gem Silver Ring

Express Shipping

5.1” Ammolite Rough Display Stone,Handheld Specimen 130x117x27mm, Rough,Fossil,Fengshui,Metaphysical,Home Decor

NEW 8.40 Ct Natural Sea Blue Aquamarine Rough (Raw) VVS Eye Clean Gemstone | 100% Natural Earth Mined Gemstone [007]

Emerald Melee from Afghanistan, Swat Valley Emerald 2.1mm Rounds, Low oil emeralds. PRICED PER PIECE

1 Piece Shattuckite minor Malachite Matrix Freeform Flat Back Gemstone Cabochon Multiple Choice Listing

NEW 5.85 Ct Natural Untreated Purple Spinel Rough Loupe Clean Gemstone Earth Mined Sri Lanka [010]

Rare blue Phantom Axinite top cut Gemstone from Pakistan

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

Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 4.55 carats measure 15x11x4.5 mm

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

0.78ct natural orange blue sapphire

Extremely Rare Kashmir Sapphire Trapiche, Natural Star Sapphire Purplish Pink Gemstone, 4.15 carats

2.5ct Teal sapphire Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan, Vietnam

Natural imperial topaz Flower Cut ( Special Custom Cut ) , Size 5.72*5.70 MM , Wieght 0.96 Carat, Clarity Loupe Clean

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

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

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

Natural Colombian Emerald 0.71Ct, Top Gem Grade, Flawless Teardrop Cut, Earth Mined, Cut In Israel, Gorgeous Gem

NEW 4.15 Ct Natural Purple Spinel Rough Loupe Clean Untreated Earth Mined Gemstone from Sri Lanka [008]

0.84ct natural orange sapphire unheat

7 Ct Certified Extremely Rare AAA+ Natural Grandidierite Greenish Montana Round Shape Beautiful Cut Loose Grandidierite Gemstone For Jewelry

Sparkling boulder opal ring stone 4.61cts natural opal from Australia

Natural Terminated Pink Color Morganite Crystal, Raw Mineral, Morganite Crystal from Dara-i-Pech Afghanistan - 188 gram

Blue Zircon, 2.13 Carat, Pear Shape, Eye Clean, Faceted Loose Gemstone, December Birthstone

Black Opal Specking Bags - Lightning Ridge Opal

246g Genuine Myanmar Old DaMaKan Natural Yellow Jade Jadeite Rough Stone Raw Main Original Stone Gems 黄翡翠原石

Natural pink Tourmaline Cabochons' originated from Afghanistan.

Natural green Tourmaline Cabochon originated from Afghanistan.

Chrysocolla with native copper

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