A Beginner's Guide to Gemstones

Gemstones have captivated people for thousands of years, not just for their beauty, but for the stories, emotions, and symbolism they carry. Whether you're buying your first piece of gemstone jewelry, creating a custom design, or simply curious about these natural wonders, this guide will help you understand the essentials.

What Are Gemstones?

Gemstones are minerals, rocks, or organic materials that have been cut and polished for use in jewelry and decorative items. Some, like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, are formed deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure. Others, like pearls or amber, come from organic sources such as oysters or ancient tree resin.

• Precious gemstones – Traditionally include diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
• Semi-precious gemstones – Include a wide variety of other gems like amethyst, citrine, peridot, garnet, and more.

The distinction between 'precious' and 'semi-precious' is historical, many so-called semi-precious stones can be just as rare and valuable as precious ones.

Top 10 Most Popular Gemstones

Diamond

Clear, fancy colors

Purity, love, strength

Ruby

Deep red

Passion, energy, protection

Sapphire

Blue (also pink, yellow, green)

Wisdom, loyalty, royalty

Emerald

Rich green

Rebirth, growth, abundance

Amethyst

Purple

Calm, clarity, spiritual protection

Topaz

Blue, yellow, pink

Friendship, joy, confidence

Aquamarine

Light blue

Serenity, courage, communication

Garnet

Red to orange

Strength, healing, protection

Peridot

Yellow-green

Prosperity, luck, renewal

Opal

Iridescent/multicolor

Creativity, inspiration, passion

Each gemstone has its own unique story, appeal, and properties, which is why many people feel personally drawn to a particular stone.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Gemstones

The 4 Cs of Gemstone Quality

When buying a gemstone, jewelers and gemologists typically evaluate them based on four key characteristics:

1. Color: The intensity, tone, and hue matter most. Rich, vibrant, evenly distributed color generally indicates higher quality.
2. Clarity: Refers to internal flaws (inclusions) and surface blemishes. Some gemstones (like emeralds) almost always have inclusions, so clarity is judged differently by stone type.
3. Cut: The shape and proportions of the gemstone affect how it reflects light and sparkles. A well-cut gem will have brilliance and symmetry, regardless of shape.
4. Carat Weight: Measures how heavy the gemstone is. A higher carat generally means a larger stone, but size can vary by gem density.

Note: These criteria apply to all gemstones, but each type has its own grading standards.

Birthstones: Gemstones by Month

Birthstones add a personal touch to jewelry and make meaningful gifts.

How to Care for Gemstone Jewelry

• Remove jewelry when doing physical work, exercising, or using cleaning chemicals.
• Use a soft cloth or mild soap and warm water to clean most stones.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for softer stones like opals, turquoise, or pearls.
• Store gemstones separately, preferably in soft pouches or compartments, to avoid scratches.

Pro Tip: Diamonds are the hardest, but they can still scratch other gemstones, so keep them apart!

Gemstone Myths & Lore

While the historical lore of gemstones is fascinating, today's jewelry professionals focus on the intrinsic qualities and certified value of each stone. These stories, however, continue to add cultural depth and customer interest.

How to Choose the Right Gemstone