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

(1,488,342 Results)

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

(671)

$43.00

From shop Gemstonesplace

FREE shipping

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

(3,142)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(11,793)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
Rare blue Phantom Axinite top cut Gemstone from Pakistan

$150.00

From shop crystalgems2013

FREE shipping

Only 1 left — order soon
Rare Natural Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone GIT Certified/AAA+ Top Quality Gemstone/Ring & Jewelry Making Gemstone

(161)

Sale Price $20.00
Original Price $80.00 (75% off)

From shop CutsAndRough

FREE shipping
Santa Maria Aquamarine Loose Gemstone, Faceted Aquamarine Gemstone, Deep Blue Aquamarine For Ring Making, Rare Aquamarine Cut Stone, 4.35 CT

(63)

Sale Price $447.20
Original Price $559.00 (20% off)

From shop farangems

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

(3,142)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(1,569)

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

From shop DSKgemsSTUDIO

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

(303)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(3,142)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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)

(508)

Star Seller

Sale Price $32.00
Original Price $80.00 (60% off)

From shop Jewenty

FREE shipping
Montana Rock Creek Sapphire Gravel

(239)

$65.00

From shop MontanaGems1

FREE shipping
903 Gram Unique Purple/Blue Line Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan Size : 120x75x65 mm

(445)

Sale Price $150.00
Original Price $200.00 (25% off)

From shop SunriseMinerals
Oregon Sunstone - Oregon Sunstone Cab - Lot of 2 Pink Schiller Sunstone Cab Doublets- 1 not finished - Lapis backed Sunstone - E67-2

(105)

Star Seller

$30.00

From shop RockandGemTreasures

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

(6,987)

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

From shop RockAStud

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

(445)

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

From shop SunriseMinerals
Tricolour Tourmaline Pair

(41)

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

From shop Lagoongemsco
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
Large Natural Amethyst Crystal Cluster from Uruguay - Deep Purple Color Geode

$796.68

From shop PandoraSLight

FREE shipping
CLOSEOUT 1.50ct very rare faceted Amber gem Fossil sap Natural GENUINE Mogok Burma Burmite Burmese Fluorescent Untreated Collector Stone WOW

(591)

Star Seller

Sale Price $149.99
Original Price $249.99 (40% off)

From shop FrogRareGems

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

(83,008)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
Native Osmium stones that will transform your jewelry craft collection. Comes in all octahedral shapes, to bring on the perfect impression!

(41)

$100.00

From shop IslandtelluriumGems

FREE shipping
Natural Blue Topaz Texas Lone Star Round Cut Loose Gemstone (8 MM)

(157)

Star Seller

$50.00

From shop TimelessJewells

FREE shipping
Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 12.20 carats measure 17x15x7.5 mm

(1,211)

$61.44

From shop OpalosTamayomx

FREE shipping
482 Gram Unique Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 100x72x65 mm

(445)

Sale Price $45.00
Original Price $60.00 (25% off)

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

(3,256)

Star Seller

Sale Price $22.00
Original Price $55.00 (60% off)

From shop RareStoneBeads

FREE shipping
Bloodstone Carved Crystal Rose, Crystal Gift for Loved One, High Quality Gemstone Carving

(4,759)

Star Seller

Sale Price $14.99
Original Price $19.99 (25% off)

From shop MineralMissy
Natural Unheated Tanzanite, Rare Peacock Colour , 1.32 Ct Weight , 7.77 × 5.96 MM Size , Eye Clean , Loud peacock Colour

(969)

Star Seller

$211.11

From shop TanzaniteGems

FREE shipping
Raw Emerald Crystal, Natural Green Emerald Rough, A Grade Emerald Crystal Hexagon Shape Emerald Rough, Emerald Birthstone Gift For Your Love

(28)

Sale Price $11.84
Original Price $39.45 (70% off)

From shop AfgemsIndia

FREE shipping
Benitoite Melee 2.25mm Round, California Gemstone, US Mined Gemstone, Blue Gem sold by the piece great for Eternity band

(8,342)

Star Seller

$56.00

From shop CecileRaleyDesigns
Amazing Quality Big Larimar Blue Color Gemstone, Smooth Gemstone Cabochon, Dominican Republic Larimar Cabochon, Handmade Loose Gemstone

(87)

Star Seller

$67.00

From shop Sameeragemmes

FREE shipping

Only 2 left — order soon
291 Gram Unique Purple Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 88x65x43 mm

(445)

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

From shop SunriseMinerals
Tourmaline Slice, Perfectly Shaped Slice, Tourmaline Stone, Raw Tourmaline, Tourmaline From Afghanistan - 10.50 carats

(25)

Star Seller

Sale Price $120.00
Original Price $150.00 (20% off)

From shop GeologyParadise

FREE shipping
Ocean Jasper, Ocean Jasper Cabochon, Old Ocean Jasper, Orbicular Ocean Jasper, Ocean Jasper Loose, 8th Vein Ocean Jasper, Jasper Cabochon

(117)

Sale Price $663.95
Original Price $1,355.00 (51% off)

From shop AbdulGemsHub

FREE shipping
Red Spinel from Burma, 3.45mm Vibrant Red Spinel, Spinel Melee, Burmese Spinel. August Birthstone Collector's Stone Price is per piece

(8,342)

Star Seller

$136.00

From shop CecileRaleyDesigns

FREE shipping
0.55ct Intense Barbie Pink Spinel from Burma

(7)

Star Seller

Sale Price $101.82
Original Price $127.28 (20% off)

From shop GEMSBONDByChinan

FREE shipping
Rare Blue Opalized Petrified Wood Pair Earring , Indonesia Opal Gemstone, Loose Gemstone For Making Jewelry, Gift Personal, Gift Wedding

(1,656)

Star Seller

$60.88

From shop StoneAgeLapidary

FREE shipping
Larimar 5 Pcs Top AAA+ Quality 3mm-16mm Gemstones Round Cabochon | Natural AAA Top Quality Larimar 3mm-16mm Gemstones Cabochon Lot. |

(615)

Sale Price $11.46
Original Price $22.92 (50% off)

From shop TopperGems

FREE shipping
Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 11.10 carats measure 18.5x14.5x6 mm

(1,211)

$67.58

From shop OpalosTamayomx

FREE shipping

Only 1 left — order soon
Brazilian Paraiba Tourmalines Loose Gems for Custom Jewelry Design (Sold Individually)

(257)

Star Seller

$185.00

From shop HiddenTreasureGems

FREE shipping
Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 6.00 carats measure 14.5x9x7 mm

(1,211)

$43.01

From shop OpalosTamayomx

FREE shipping
Natural Tanzanite, Custom Alphabet Cut ( A To Z ) Whole 26 Alphabets , 12.53 Ct Weight , A Unique Cutting Idea

(969)

Star Seller

$999.00

From shop TanzaniteGems

FREE shipping
Natural Tanzanite, Light Multi Colour Tanzanite, 0.65 ct weight, 5.61 × 3.80 MM Size , Eye Clean ( both corner blue & Green from Middle )

(969)

Star Seller

$81.25

From shop TanzaniteGems

FREE shipping

Only 1 left — order soon
Australian Rainbow Lattice Sunstone Cabochon 13 x 9mm A4124

(1,496)

Star Seller

$82.10

From shop GeckoStones
Natural Rainbow moon stone, 8 Pieecs, top drill gemstone, long shape pear, blue flash moon stone, natural gemstone, moon stone size 10x25 mm

(3,256)

Star Seller

Sale Price $22.00
Original Price $55.00 (60% off)

From shop RareStoneBeads

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

(3,307)

Star Seller

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

From shop CrystalCraftsHut
Natural Moss Agate Cabochon, Loose gemstone, Moss Agate Crystal, Both Side Polish Moss Agate, Jewelry Making Stone ( Moss Agate As Picture)

(487)

Star Seller

Sale Price $6.44
Original Price $23.00 (72% off)

From shop Cabochonsellers
Unheated Blue Sapphire - 4.51 Cts | 10.5 X 8.60 X 5.85 mm Mixed Cut & Louple Clean Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone | Certified Blue Sapphire

Sale Price $7,599.20
Original Price $9,499.00 (20% off)

From shop RubhyGems

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

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

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

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

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

Santa Maria Aquamarine Loose Gemstone, Faceted Aquamarine Gemstone, Deep Blue Aquamarine For Ring Making, Rare Aquamarine Cut Stone, 4.35 CT

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

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

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

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

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

Montana Rock Creek Sapphire Gravel

903 Gram Unique Purple/Blue Line Phantom Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan Size : 120x75x65 mm

Oregon Sunstone - Oregon Sunstone Cab - Lot of 2 Pink Schiller Sunstone Cab Doublets- 1 not finished - Lapis backed Sunstone - E67-2

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

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

Tricolour Tourmaline Pair

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

Large Natural Amethyst Crystal Cluster from Uruguay - Deep Purple Color Geode

CLOSEOUT 1.50ct very rare faceted Amber gem Fossil sap Natural GENUINE Mogok Burma Burmite Burmese Fluorescent Untreated Collector Stone WOW

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

Native Osmium stones that will transform your jewelry craft collection. Comes in all octahedral shapes, to bring on the perfect impression!

Natural Blue Topaz Texas Lone Star Round Cut Loose Gemstone (8 MM)

Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 12.20 carats measure 17x15x7.5 mm

482 Gram Unique Cubic FLUORITE With CALCITE Specimen From Pakistan @... Size : 100x72x65 mm

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

Bloodstone Carved Crystal Rose, Crystal Gift for Loved One, High Quality Gemstone Carving

Natural Unheated Tanzanite, Rare Peacock Colour , 1.32 Ct Weight , 7.77 × 5.96 MM Size , Eye Clean , Loud peacock Colour

Raw Emerald Crystal, Natural Green Emerald Rough, A Grade Emerald Crystal Hexagon Shape Emerald Rough, Emerald Birthstone Gift For Your Love

Benitoite Melee 2.25mm Round, California Gemstone, US Mined Gemstone, Blue Gem sold by the piece great for Eternity band

Amazing Quality Big Larimar Blue Color Gemstone, Smooth Gemstone Cabochon, Dominican Republic Larimar Cabochon, Handmade Loose Gemstone

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

Tourmaline Slice, Perfectly Shaped Slice, Tourmaline Stone, Raw Tourmaline, Tourmaline From Afghanistan - 10.50 carats

Ocean Jasper, Ocean Jasper Cabochon, Old Ocean Jasper, Orbicular Ocean Jasper, Ocean Jasper Loose, 8th Vein Ocean Jasper, Jasper Cabochon

Red Spinel from Burma, 3.45mm Vibrant Red Spinel, Spinel Melee, Burmese Spinel. August Birthstone Collector's Stone Price is per piece

0.55ct Intense Barbie Pink Spinel from Burma

Rare Blue Opalized Petrified Wood Pair Earring , Indonesia Opal Gemstone, Loose Gemstone For Making Jewelry, Gift Personal, Gift Wedding

Larimar 5 Pcs Top AAA+ Quality 3mm-16mm Gemstones Round Cabochon | Natural AAA Top Quality Larimar 3mm-16mm Gemstones Cabochon Lot. |

Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 11.10 carats measure 18.5x14.5x6 mm

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

Amazing fire opal on matrix with its beautiful sparkles and landscapes AAA quality weight 6.00 carats measure 14.5x9x7 mm

Natural Tanzanite, Custom Alphabet Cut ( A To Z ) Whole 26 Alphabets , 12.53 Ct Weight , A Unique Cutting Idea

Natural Tanzanite, Light Multi Colour Tanzanite, 0.65 ct weight, 5.61 × 3.80 MM Size , Eye Clean ( both corner blue & Green from Middle )

Australian Rainbow Lattice Sunstone Cabochon 13 x 9mm A4124

Natural Rainbow moon stone, 8 Pieecs, top drill gemstone, long shape pear, blue flash moon stone, natural gemstone, moon stone size 10x25 mm

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

Natural Moss Agate Cabochon, Loose gemstone, Moss Agate Crystal, Both Side Polish Moss Agate, Jewelry Making Stone ( Moss Agate As Picture)

Unheated Blue Sapphire - 4.51 Cts | 10.5 X 8.60 X 5.85 mm Mixed Cut & Louple Clean Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone | Certified Blue Sapphire

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones