‘Choosing the Perfect Piece of Jewelery: Gem Stone Types Explained

When it comes to choosing the perfect piece of jewelry for a loved one, gemstones are the star of the show. Their rich colors, beautiful shine, and classic, timeless appeal are always going to wow the recipient, whether they’re the central part of necklaces, rings, earrings, or bracelets. 

That said, actually choosing which gemstone to go for can be a bit of a minefield. In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of gemstones and what distinguishes them.

Diamonds

Everyone is happy with diamond jewelry and with good reason. One of the most sought-after gemstones available, these stones are known for their incredible sparkle and unparalleled durability. They’re a symbol of love and commitment, making them the go-to choice for anniversary gifts.

When considering diamond jewelry, it’s important to remember the ‘4 Cs’: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The color of a diamond can range from completely transparent to having a slightly yellow tinge; the cut determines the ability of the diamond to maximally reflect light; clarity refers to how many imperfections the stone has; and carat weight is essentially the size of the diamond. How a diamond performs in each of these sections determines its overall cost. 

Precious Gemstones

The precious gemstones category includes rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, each known for their distinct colors:

Rubies

Rubies are a deep, fiery red – they’re considered a symbol of passion. Given the vibrancy of the color, they’re an excellent choice if you want a piece of jewelry to stand out against anything else the person is wearing, or in other words, to make a statement. 

Emeralds

Known for their characteristic beautiful green color, emeralds signify growth and new beginnings, making them a versatile gift for many different occasions. 

Sapphires

Sapphire stones are typically a rich blue color, but they can come in varying shades of turquoise and green as well. They represent wisdom and loyalty, making them the perfect choice for engagement rings. 

Semi-Precious Gemstones

Semi-precious stones are cheaper than precious stones and encompass a wide range of different colors and properties. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Citrine

Citrine is a golden-colored stone that is considered to symbolize positivity. It’s a special variety of quartz, and the name comes from the old French word for lemon. 

Amethyst

Amethyst is known for its delightful purple tones – it’s associated with calmness, serenity, and being at peace. 

Aquamarine

Unlike most expensive sapphire stones, aquamarine is a much softer variety of blue. It’s associated with the beauty of the sea. 

Semi-precious gemstones are a great option for everyday wearing, as they’re typically more versatile for pairing with a variety of different outfits than show-stopping precious stones. 

There’s a lot more that goes into choosing a piece of jewelry than the gemstones, of course, but they do represent the most important feature to get right. Now that you understand how each type of stone is defined, go out and take a look at some in person to cement your decision.