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

(1,468,719 Results)

7.00 Ct Natural Ruby lozenge Cut Loose Gemstone faceted gemstone [TREATED GEM] 16x10x6mm

(47)

$133.00

From shop FKGEMSTONE

FREE shipping
5.50 Ct Natural Ruby lozenge Cut Loose Gemstone faceted gemstone [TREATED GEM] 15x10x6mm

(47)

$120.00

From shop FKGEMSTONE

FREE shipping
Black Opal 1.98 ct

(632)

Star Seller

$396.00

From shop opalgalaxyaustralia
Blue Fire Oval Black Opal 1.32 ct

(632)

Star Seller

$389.00

From shop opalgalaxyaustralia
Emerald Shape 4.00 Ct Natural Ruby lozenge Cut Loose Gemstone faceted gemstone [TREATED GEM] 13x8x5mm

(47)

$166.00

From shop FKGEMSTONE

FREE shipping
Golden Rutilated Quartz Oval Shape Pair Faceted 33.55 Carats 23x15.50x8 mm Semiprecious Natural Gemstone For Making Jewelry

(42)

Sale Price $36.00
Original Price $60.00 (40% off)

From shop Semiprecioushub

FREE shipping
100% Natural Clear Rock Crystal Quartz Carving Sea Shell Gemstone Sea Shell Shape Carving Stone Best For Jewelry Uses Size - 26*51*9mm.

(3)

$199.99

From shop Ridhanjewellers

FREE shipping
Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

(11,756)

$29.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

(11,756)

$49.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping

Bestseller
Loose gemstones natural gemstone 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems. Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$24.99

From shop Verzazio

Bestseller
Gorgeous! Amazonite Cabochon, Natural Amazonite Gemstone, Wholesale Amazonite Loose Stone For Jewelry Making (43X30) MM 55 Cts. #2106

(45)

Sale Price $6.00
Original Price $20.00 (70% off)

From shop FuriousGemstone
over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

(11,756)

$16.00

From shop pinnaclediamonds

Bestseller
Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, 500 Carats, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

(70,218)

Star Seller

Sale Price $82.16
Original Price $102.70 (20% off)

From shop GemMartUSA

FREE shipping
Gorgeous! Amazonite Cabochon, Natural Amazonite Gemstone, Wholesale Amazonite Loose Stone For Jewelry Making (36X17) MM 38 Cts. #2105

(45)

Sale Price $4.50
Original Price $15.00 (70% off)

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

(82,889)

Star Seller

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

From shop ThrowinStones

FREE shipping
Super Quality ~Natural Dendrite Agate Cabochon, Heart Shape Calibrated Dendrite Size-5mm to 30 mm Both Side Flat Jewelry Making Gemstone !!!

(3,040)

Sale Price $1.30
Original Price $4.33 (70% off)

From shop stonescompany
Super Quality ~Natural Dendrite Agate Cabochon, Heart Shape Calibrated Dendrite Size-5mm to 30 mm Both Side Flat Jewelry Making Gemstone !!!

(3,040)

Sale Price $1.30
Original Price $4.33 (70% off)

From shop stonescompany
Delightful set tanzanite rosecut flats weight 24 carats size 6x4-10.5x8mm pcs 19 rosecut tanzanite rosecut gems fallback

(1,331)

Star Seller

Sale Price $83.10
Original Price $277.00 (70% off)

From shop GemSourceCorporation

FREE shipping
Wholesale Gemstone Awesome Genuine Copper Calcite Semiprecious Loose Beads Gemstone Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Making for Beads Jewelry

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $11.87
Original Price $23.75 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
Cornflake Pearls, 10-12mm White Petal Keishi Pearls, Center Drilled Keshi Pearls, Genuine Loose Freshwater Pearl Beads For Wedding, FK720-WS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$113.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Aquamarine Nuggets, 16" inch Strand Blue Aquamarine Beads, Jewelry Supplies, Beading Supplies, Item 1800gss

(8,643)

Star Seller

$14.99

From shop SleepingSpirit

Only 1 left — order soon
16" Strand, 5-5.5mm, 15% off sale, Lustrous Genuine Round Fresh Water Pearls, Creamy White Freshwater Pearl

(44,312)

Star Seller

$73.73

From shop TerraFinds

Only 1 left — order soon
3-3.5mm Blue Aquamarine Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Micro Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Beads For Jewelry (1 Strand To 5 Strand Options)

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $25.69
Original Price $64.23 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels
Oval Two-Layer Black Agate Mother & Child Cameo, different sizes available.

(6,020)

Star Seller

Sale Price $58.65
Original Price $69.00 (15% off)

From shop SeaStarTrading

FREE shipping
Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstone lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$28.92

From shop Verzazio

Only 3 left — order soon
5mm-10mm Pair White AAAA Japanese Akoya Loose Pearl Gemstones Half Full Undrilled Akoya Pearl for Earring Stud Ring Pendant Jewelry Making

(3,498)

Star Seller

$44.99

From shop orienjewel

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

(839)

Sale Price $8.18
Original Price $32.71 (75% off)

From shop CrystlMindGemstone
Gemstone Gem loose natural gemstones 100+ Carat mix mixed gem stone lot loose natural mixed gemstones gems Natural loose mixed gemstone mix

(406)

Star Seller

$28.92

From shop Verzazio
Large pearls, 11-12mm, white near round cultured freshwater pearls for making jewelry, big real natural pearls, big hole available, FR812-WS

(10,172)

Star Seller

$89.99

From shop YouPearl

FREE shipping
Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

(406)

Star Seller

$39.44

From shop Verzazio

FREE shipping
Amethyst Cab Oval 16x12x6mm Approximately 18 Carat, February Birthstone, Smooth Flat Bottom Cabochons, For Jewelry Making (8617)

(16,698)

Star Seller

$16.95

From shop BestinGems

FREE shipping
Copper Purple Turquoise Natural Loose Gemstone Cabochon Square 10x10 AAA Grade - 7 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $27.09
Original Price $54.19 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
5 pcs Bullet Cabochons Green Chalcedony 8x16mm Smooth Semiprecious Loose Gemstone Top Grade

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $27.60
Original Price $55.20 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
1 lb Quartz, One Pound Raw Clear Gemstones Rough Cut Natural Gemstone Uncut Translucent, Yellow, Red, Purple, anniversary gift for womangift

(2,194)

Star Seller

$122.00

From shop Avello

FREE shipping
Tourmaline Beads, Oval Beads, Tourmaline Gemstone, Multi Tourmaline Beads, 6mm Each, 13 Inch Strand

(5,184)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.80
Original Price $42.00 (60% off)

From shop GemsDiamondsBySHIKHA
67 Carat Beautiful Natural African Blue Sapphire Fancy Pair Carving. Sapphire Carving Cabochon. Flat Back Handmade Making Gemstone/ code.4

(26)

$49.99

From shop RealStoneGemsIndia

FREE shipping
burmese red spinel necklace burma red spinel old cut necklace very very rare size 4mmm to 9mm wt 287.5 carats red spinel

(1,331)

Star Seller

Sale Price $309.00
Original Price $1,030.00 (70% off)

From shop GemSourceCorporation

FREE shipping
7-9mm Ruby Rough Strand, Ruby Beads, Rough Ruby Glass Filled Gemstones, Raw Ruby, Ruby Pink Beads For Jewelry (5IN To 15IN Options)

(10,374)

Star Seller

Sale Price $46.94
Original Price $117.35 (60% off)

From shop gemsforjewels

FREE shipping
Purple Copper Turquoise Loose Gemstone, Smooth Calibrated Cabochons, Wholesale Gemstone, Turquoise Oval 10x14mm - 5Pcs

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.32
Original Price $40.64 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones
10-11x8.0-9mm, 4 pcs, Fresh Water Pearl Drop Pearl, Freshwater Half Drilled Pearl, Grey Gray Pearl, P-0133

(44,312)

Star Seller

$49.90

From shop TerraFinds
Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut G H Color VVS1-VS1 Clarity 1.15 To 3.05 MM NQ1

(739)

Sale Price $62.23
Original Price $127.00 (51% off)

From shop NarshihaGemAndJewels

FREE shipping
Kunzite Gemstone, Bluish Green Color Kunzite Gemstone, Emerald Cut, Flawless clarity, Spodumen Kunzite Gemstone For Making Jewelry, 53.30 CT

(35)

Sale Price $360.00
Original Price $450.00 (20% off)

From shop GemGeneve

FREE shipping
Brilliant Champagne Bytownite Feldspar Gemstone from Mexico 21.52 cts

(387)

$860.00

From shop KosnarGemCo

FREE shipping
Obsidian double terminated obelisk, obsidian point, obsidian tower, obsidian grid, obsidian double point

(61,365)

$13.26

From shop ConnectCo

FREE shipping
8-9mm AKOYA Pearl, Japanese Pearls, Loose Akoya Pearl Beads

(1,392)

Star Seller

$288.99

From shop KongsPearl

FREE shipping
Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

(11,756)

$54.99

From shop pinnaclediamonds

FREE shipping
10 Agate Slices Coloured Geode Polished Slabs Brazil Agate Slice Random Selection Mix Colours FREE USA SHIPPING!

(3,290)

$19.99

From shop PhoenixMint

FREE shipping
Loose Gemstone Cabochon Copper White Calcite Oval 10x14 AAA Grade - 6 Pcs.

(2,427)

Star Seller

Sale Price $24.71
Original Price $49.42 (50% off)

From shop AceGemstones

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

7.00 Ct Natural Ruby lozenge Cut Loose Gemstone faceted gemstone [TREATED GEM] 16x10x6mm

5.50 Ct Natural Ruby lozenge Cut Loose Gemstone faceted gemstone [TREATED GEM] 15x10x6mm

Black Opal 1.98 ct

Blue Fire Oval Black Opal 1.32 ct

Emerald Shape 4.00 Ct Natural Ruby lozenge Cut Loose Gemstone faceted gemstone [TREATED GEM] 13x8x5mm

Golden Rutilated Quartz Oval Shape Pair Faceted 33.55 Carats 23x15.50x8 mm Semiprecious Natural Gemstone For Making Jewelry

100% Natural Clear Rock Crystal Quartz Carving Sea Shell Gemstone Sea Shell Shape Carving Stone Best For Jewelry Uses Size - 26*51*9mm.

Over 100 Carats of Loose Natural Semiprecious Gemstones

Over 200 Carats of Loose Natural Gemstone Mix Parcel Lot

Loose gemstones natural gemstone 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems. Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

Gorgeous! Amazonite Cabochon, Natural Amazonite Gemstone, Wholesale Amazonite Loose Stone For Jewelry Making (43X30) MM 55 Cts. #2106

over 50 carats of loose natural semiprecious gemstones

Mix Gemstone, 100% Natural Faceted Loose Gems, Wholesale Gemstones, 6-12mm, 500 Carats, GemMartUSA (MX-60001)

Gorgeous! Amazonite Cabochon, Natural Amazonite Gemstone, Wholesale Amazonite Loose Stone For Jewelry Making (36X17) MM 38 Cts. #2105

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

Super Quality ~Natural Dendrite Agate Cabochon, Heart Shape Calibrated Dendrite Size-5mm to 30 mm Both Side Flat Jewelry Making Gemstone !!!

Super Quality ~Natural Dendrite Agate Cabochon, Heart Shape Calibrated Dendrite Size-5mm to 30 mm Both Side Flat Jewelry Making Gemstone !!!

Delightful set tanzanite rosecut flats weight 24 carats size 6x4-10.5x8mm pcs 19 rosecut tanzanite rosecut gems fallback

Wholesale Gemstone Awesome Genuine Copper Calcite Semiprecious Loose Beads Gemstone Beautiful Pear 14x20 mm, Making for Beads Jewelry

Cornflake Pearls, 10-12mm White Petal Keishi Pearls, Center Drilled Keshi Pearls, Genuine Loose Freshwater Pearl Beads For Wedding, FK720-WS

Aquamarine Nuggets, 16" inch Strand Blue Aquamarine Beads, Jewelry Supplies, Beading Supplies, Item 1800gss

16" Strand, 5-5.5mm, 15% off sale, Lustrous Genuine Round Fresh Water Pearls, Creamy White Freshwater Pearl

3-3.5mm Blue Aquamarine Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Micro Faceted Rondelles, Aquamarine Beads For Jewelry (1 Strand To 5 Strand Options)

Oval Two-Layer Black Agate Mother & Child Cameo, different sizes available.

Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstone lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

5mm-10mm Pair White AAAA Japanese Akoya Loose Pearl Gemstones Half Full Undrilled Akoya Pearl for Earring Stud Ring Pendant Jewelry Making

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

Gemstone Gem loose natural gemstones 100+ Carat mix mixed gem stone lot loose natural mixed gemstones gems Natural loose mixed gemstone mix

Large pearls, 11-12mm, white near round cultured freshwater pearls for making jewelry, big real natural pearls, big hole available, FR812-WS

Gemstones loose natural gemstones 100+ carat mix mixed gemstones lot wholesale loose mixed gemstones gems Natural loose gemstones mixed lot

Amethyst Cab Oval 16x12x6mm Approximately 18 Carat, February Birthstone, Smooth Flat Bottom Cabochons, For Jewelry Making (8617)

Copper Purple Turquoise Natural Loose Gemstone Cabochon Square 10x10 AAA Grade - 7 Pcs.

5 pcs Bullet Cabochons Green Chalcedony 8x16mm Smooth Semiprecious Loose Gemstone Top Grade

1 lb Quartz, One Pound Raw Clear Gemstones Rough Cut Natural Gemstone Uncut Translucent, Yellow, Red, Purple, anniversary gift for womangift

Tourmaline Beads, Oval Beads, Tourmaline Gemstone, Multi Tourmaline Beads, 6mm Each, 13 Inch Strand

67 Carat Beautiful Natural African Blue Sapphire Fancy Pair Carving. Sapphire Carving Cabochon. Flat Back Handmade Making Gemstone/ code.4

burmese red spinel necklace burma red spinel old cut necklace very very rare size 4mmm to 9mm wt 287.5 carats red spinel

7-9mm Ruby Rough Strand, Ruby Beads, Rough Ruby Glass Filled Gemstones, Raw Ruby, Ruby Pink Beads For Jewelry (5IN To 15IN Options)

Purple Copper Turquoise Loose Gemstone, Smooth Calibrated Cabochons, Wholesale Gemstone, Turquoise Oval 10x14mm - 5Pcs

10-11x8.0-9mm, 4 pcs, Fresh Water Pearl Drop Pearl, Freshwater Half Drilled Pearl, Grey Gray Pearl, P-0133

Natural Loose Diamond Round Rose Cut G H Color VVS1-VS1 Clarity 1.15 To 3.05 MM NQ1

Kunzite Gemstone, Bluish Green Color Kunzite Gemstone, Emerald Cut, Flawless clarity, Spodumen Kunzite Gemstone For Making Jewelry, 53.30 CT

Brilliant Champagne Bytownite Feldspar Gemstone from Mexico 21.52 cts

Obsidian double terminated obelisk, obsidian point, obsidian tower, obsidian grid, obsidian double point

8-9mm AKOYA Pearl, Japanese Pearls, Loose Akoya Pearl Beads

Over 1/4 Carat Loose Blue Diamond Parcel 1.5mm

10 Agate Slices Coloured Geode Polished Slabs Brazil Agate Slice Random Selection Mix Colours FREE USA SHIPPING!

Loose Gemstone Cabochon Copper White Calcite Oval 10x14 AAA Grade - 6 Pcs.

There's so much more for you to discover

Related to Gemstones

100% Natural Clear Rock Crystal Quartz Carving Sea Shell Gemstone Sea Shell Shape Carving Stone Best For Jewelry Uses Size - 26519mm.