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

(1,469,608 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

(288)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(11,774)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

(11,774)

$29.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

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

(156)

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

From shop CutsAndRough

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

(3,125)

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

From shop KareemGemsWorld

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

(3,125)

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

(137)

Star Seller

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

From shop Premiergemstones
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,774)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

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

(82,960)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

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

(1,561)

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

From shop DSKgemsSTUDIO

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
8.10 Carat AAA+ Natural Purple Tanzanite Round Cut Extremely Rare Loose Gem| Halloween Gift | Free Delivery

(675)

Sale Price $26.72
Original Price $44.54 (40% off)

From shop GEMSNUT

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

(288)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

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
Loose Stone, Ammolite,Freeform, Cabochon 48.5x21mm, Loose gemstone Canadian Ammonite,wrapping jewellery,Bright!

(1,100)

Star Seller

Sale Price $49.50
Original Price $55.00 (10% off)

From shop AmmoniteRainbow

FREE shipping
Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

(11,774)

$37.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

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

(288)

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

From shop InfinityOpal

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

(8,371)

Star Seller

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

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

(112)

Sale Price $28.67
Original Price $47.79 (40% off)

From shop Gemsmart1

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

(16,734)

Star Seller

$117.95

From shop BestinGems

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

(390)

Star Seller

$217.35

From shop Zehragems

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

(4,748)

Star Seller

Sale Price $15.59
Original Price $19.99 (22% off)

From shop MineralMissy
Express Shipping

(1,160)

Star Seller

$44.10

From shop TopNotchGemsCo

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

(433)

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

From shop SunriseMinerals
0.70 Ct hard-to-find Ultra Rare Two Color Blue-Green Hue With Golden Lazulite Crystal From Laila Pakistan

(6)

$95.55

From shop Mineralbhk

Only 1 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
0.80 to 4 MM Colorless D White Color Round Brilliant Diamond Cut Loose Moissanite for Ring Earring Pendant Jewelry Making (Wholesale Price)

(480)

Star Seller

Sale Price $34.67
Original Price $86.67 (60% off)

From shop FacetGuru

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

(997)

$38.00

From shop Suttikarngems

FREE shipping

Only 3 left — order soon
Tricolour Tourmaline Pair

(40)

$1,075.00

From shop Lagoongemsco
Best Quality Blue Color Afghanite Tumble Bracelets,Afghanite Stone, Tumble Bracelet,Blue Afghanite,Afghanite Stone

(108)

Star Seller

Sale Price $21.00
Original Price $28.00 (25% off)

From shop RockandMount
Customized Stone for Bags & Wallets (can not be purchased separately)

(551)

Star Seller

$9.50

From shop MyGratitudeBali

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

(3,250)

Star Seller

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

From shop RareStoneBeads

FREE shipping
Selectable 2pcs 12 - 13mm Natural Color Genuine South Sea Cultured Baroque Loose Pearls #L031

(483)

Star Seller

Sale Price $85.97
Original Price $101.14 (15% off)

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

(3,250)

Star Seller

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

From shop RareStoneBeads

FREE shipping
GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Emerald Cut Stones D VVS1 Sizes 4x6 mm 5x7 mm 6x8 mm 7x9 mm USA Stock

(815)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.49
Original Price $48.50 (66% off)

From shop NaturalDiamondsofNYC

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

(3,117)

Star Seller

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

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

(997)

$35.00

From shop Suttikarngems

FREE shipping

Only 3 left — order soon
GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Round Cut Stones D VVS1 All Sizes 3 - 15 mm USA Stock

(815)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.61
Original Price $25.31 (66% off)

From shop NaturalDiamondsofNYC

FREE shipping
Charoite Sphere, Choose a Sphere, High Quality Charoite, Pink Charoite, Balancing Stone, Charoite, Charoite Crystal, Purple Crystal Sphere

(9,520)

Star Seller

Sale Price $39.15
Original Price $45.00 (13% off)

From shop KarmaAndCoral

FREE shipping
Crazy Lace Agate Cabochon Lot, Natural Crazy lace Gemstone, Smooth Wholesale Cab Crazy lace Stone for Making Jewelry

(3,846)

Sale Price $3.09
Original Price $12.38 (75% off)

From shop BulkGems

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
10-11mm Stunning Edison Pearl Drops with Intensive Luster and All Natural Color in Undrilled or Large Hole, SKU # 1807EP

(2,627)

Star Seller

$40.00

From shop UODORA

FREE shipping

Bestseller
Raw Black Tourmaline,free shipping,black tourmaline, tourmaline mineral, ritual stone , tourmaline , black stone.

(22,298)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.25
Original Price $9.67 (25% off)

From shop CaNatureLover

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

(8,339)

Star Seller

$56.00

From shop CecileRaleyDesigns
Your Favorite Crushed Opal Value Pack, 7G Total of Crushed Opal - Best Sellers, Inlay Material, Jewelry Making, Ring Making, Resin Art

(7,563)

Star Seller

Sale Price $58.31
Original Price $68.60 (15% off)

From shop TheOpalDealer

FREE shipping
AAA Micro Faceted Sparkling Genuine Natural Gradient Colorful Fluorite Round Small Gemstone Beads 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 15.5" Strand Wholesale

(117)

$4.69

From shop XRGlobalTradeShop
Fossilized Palm Root Pair Erring, Indonesia Fossilized Gemstone, Loose Gemstone For Making Jewelry, Hand Polished Stone

(1,655)

Star Seller

$28.89

From shop StoneAgeLapidary
Best Quality Natural Yellow Brucite, Natural Raw Brucite, Yellow Brucite, Natural Yellow Brucite, Raw Brucite, Brucite Chips, Brucite Stone

(219)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.25
Original Price $15.00 (25% off)

From shop MineralStoneShop

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

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

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

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

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

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

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

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

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

8.10 Carat AAA+ Natural Purple Tanzanite Round Cut Extremely Rare Loose Gem| Halloween Gift | Free Delivery

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

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

Loose Stone, Ammolite,Freeform, Cabochon 48.5x21mm, Loose gemstone Canadian Ammonite,wrapping jewellery,Bright!

Aquamarine gem mix loose parcel over 10 carats

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

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

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

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

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

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

Express Shipping

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

0.70 Ct hard-to-find Ultra Rare Two Color Blue-Green Hue With Golden Lazulite Crystal From Laila Pakistan

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

0.80 to 4 MM Colorless D White Color Round Brilliant Diamond Cut Loose Moissanite for Ring Earring Pendant Jewelry Making (Wholesale Price)

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

Tricolour Tourmaline Pair

Best Quality Blue Color Afghanite Tumble Bracelets,Afghanite Stone, Tumble Bracelet,Blue Afghanite,Afghanite Stone

Customized Stone for Bags & Wallets (can not be purchased separately)

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

Selectable 2pcs 12 - 13mm Natural Color Genuine South Sea Cultured Baroque Loose Pearls #L031

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

GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Emerald Cut Stones D VVS1 Sizes 4x6 mm 5x7 mm 6x8 mm 7x9 mm USA Stock

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

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

GRA Certified Loose Moissanite Round Cut Stones D VVS1 All Sizes 3 - 15 mm USA Stock

Charoite Sphere, Choose a Sphere, High Quality Charoite, Pink Charoite, Balancing Stone, Charoite, Charoite Crystal, Purple Crystal Sphere

Crazy Lace Agate Cabochon Lot, Natural Crazy lace Gemstone, Smooth Wholesale Cab Crazy lace Stone for Making Jewelry

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

10-11mm Stunning Edison Pearl Drops with Intensive Luster and All Natural Color in Undrilled or Large Hole, SKU # 1807EP

Raw Black Tourmaline,free shipping,black tourmaline, tourmaline mineral, ritual stone , tourmaline , black stone.

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

Your Favorite Crushed Opal Value Pack, 7G Total of Crushed Opal - Best Sellers, Inlay Material, Jewelry Making, Ring Making, Resin Art

AAA Micro Faceted Sparkling Genuine Natural Gradient Colorful Fluorite Round Small Gemstone Beads 2mm 3mm 4mm 6mm 15.5" Strand Wholesale

Fossilized Palm Root Pair Erring, Indonesia Fossilized Gemstone, Loose Gemstone For Making Jewelry, Hand Polished Stone

Best Quality Natural Yellow Brucite, Natural Raw Brucite, Yellow Brucite, Natural Yellow Brucite, Raw Brucite, Brucite Chips, Brucite Stone

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones