There's no denying that colorful gemstone jewelry is captivating. It doesn't matter whether it's a bejeweled necklace worn by royalty hundreds of years ago or a trendy gemstone ring in the latest issue of Vogue—these extraordinary pieces showcase the natural beauty of the vibrant precious stones. Learn why jewelers love designing with colored jewels, discover how they are valued, and find inspiration for your next gemstone jewelry purchase today.
Why Are Gemstones Used in Jewelry?
The sparkling aesthetic of a gemstone is undeniably beautiful, but precious jewels have long been treasured for more than just their stylish use in jewelry. Across the globe, the glittering beauties in gemstone necklaces and gemstone bracelets have had symbolic significance. Rubies, for instance, are often associated with passion and love, while sapphires are thought to bring clarity and wisdom to the wearer.
Gemstones are also available in a never-ending rainbow of hues, from the verdant green of emeralds to the lustrous golden pearl. With such a wide range of colors, there's sure to be a birthstone jewelry design to suit every style, whether it's a fancy colored diamond set in a pair of gemstone earrings or a bold blue turquoise stone adorning a gemstone bracelet.
The majority of gems are highly durable, making those earrings and rings suitable for everyday wear. This factor often comes into play when designing fine birthstone jewelry, but is especially relevant when it comes to daily pieces, like diamond engagement rings or staple pairs of gemstone earrings. That way, you can sport your favorite gemstone bracelet for any occasion, without worrying about scratches, chips, and other potential damage.
The Long Time Tradition of Birthstone Jewelry
While there are many people around the world who wear gemstone jewelry simply because they love the vibrant look, it’s essential to note that many of these colorful designs are purchased and worn as birthstone jewelry. Each month of the calendar year is associated with one to three gemstones. It’s said that if someone born in that month wears the corresponding birthstone jewelry, they will have good luck and be protected from harmful energies.
Traditional Birthstone List
When you’re shopping for birthstone jewelry, make sure you get the correct month. If you’re going to buy a birthstone ring based on the traditional choice of gems, consult this list:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Bloodstone
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Pearl
- July: Ruby
- August: Sardonyx
- September: Sapphire
- October: Opal
- November: Topaz
- December: Turquoise or Lapis
Modern Birthstone List
If you’re looking for a pair of birthstone earrings or a birthstone necklace for your partner, check out the modern list:
- January: Garnet
- February: Amethyst
- March: Aquamarine
- April: Diamond
- May: Emerald
- June: Alexandrite
- July: Ruby
- August: Peridot or Spinel
- September: Sapphire
- October: Tourmaline
- November: Golden Topaz or Citrine
- December: Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, or Tanzanite
How Are Natural Gemstones Formed?
The exact formation depends on the stone of stone. The various types and their formation styles are:
- Igneous: an Earth-focused formation that occurs when molten rock, or lava, cools and solidifies, taking in various elements around it as it arranges into different crystalline structures. Diamonds, garnets, peridot, and quartz are all perfect examples of igneous formation.
- Metamorphic: a formation that occurs when rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressure, like in tectonic plate movements, forcing a chemical reaction where existing minerals within the rock break down and reform into a mineral with a completely different composition. This includes ruby, jade, and various forms of sapphire.
- Sedimentary: a formation that occurs when mineral-rich water seeps into the pores of sedimentary rock and evaporates, forcing the dissolved minerals to precipitate and crystallize and leave gemstones in their place. Examples include opal, turquoise, and azurite.
- Organic: a nontraditional formation process where gemstones develop through natural processes formed from or by living organisms, including fossilization (amber) and nacre secretion by mollusks (pearls).
The Difference Between Precious and Semi-Precious Gemstones
Technically, no scientific difference separates precious and semi-precious gemstones—it's all up to tradition. In the past, precious gemstones or "the big four" as they're sometimes called, were considered the rarest stones and were highly valued in birthstone jewelry based on their beauty and status. All other stones used in necklaces, rings, and bracelets, such as amethyst, opal, and citrine, are classified as semi-precious and are generally more affordable and accessible.
The "Big Four" Precious Gemstones:
- Sapphire
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Diamond
How Are Gemstones Valued for Jewelry?
Though the majority of crystals have that mystical sparkle, they're not all equal in the world of fine birthstone jewelry. For example, a bracelet with semi-precious stones will always be worth a little less than a bracelet featuring precious stones. When it comes down to valuing individual gemstones for necklaces, rings, and earrings, a few different factors are considered:
Rarity or Scarcity
In general, the rarer a jewel is, the more valuable the piece of gemstone jewelry will be. Certain gemstones have become increasingly scarce over the years, primarily due to limited geographic deposits, historical depletion of mines, or heightened market demand. When those gemstones are categorized as rare, the resulting birthstone jewelry feels like an exclusive, one-of-a-kind find, increasing the gemstone necklace or earrings' overall value.
Durability and Hardness
When you make an investment in gemstone jewelry, you want a bracelet or ring that is sure to last a lifetime. The durability of a stone directly impacts the longevity and overall appearance of the birthstone jewelry. Luckily, expert jewelers have spent hundreds of years determining which gems are reliable enough to be used in luxury necklace and earring designs.
What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?
The Mohs hardness scale is used to determine the scratch resistance of minerals on a scale of 1 to 10. Generally, the higher the score, the more likely the stone is to withstand wear and tear. Here's how a few of the most popular jewels used in gemstone and birthstone jewelry are rated:
- Diamond: 10
- Sapphire and ruby: 9
- Topaz: 8
- Emerald: 7.5-8
- Amethyst: 7
- Opal: 6
- Turquoise: 5
- Pearl: 4
- Coral: 3
- Amber: 2
- Talc: 1
Country of Origin
With certain gems, the region where they were mined can significantly affect a gemstone ring's value. Bracelets featuring the world-renowned Burmese rubies and Kashmir sapphires, for instance, command higher prices than a design with stones from other areas. If a gemstone necklace design boasts historically significant origins, like Colombian emeralds or Australian diamonds, the price tag will reflect that.
The 4Cs of Gemstones
If you've ever shopped for a diamond engagement ring or sought out an emerald design for your 55th wedding anniversary, you may already be familiar with the concept of the 4Cs. Though this system is mainly associated with diamond grading, the individual Cs are generally important in other colorful gemstones used in bracelets, necklaces, and rings. The 4Cs include:
Cut: Though often confused with shape, cut refers less to the overall appearance of a stone and more to the arrangement of facets. When a stone is cut for a piece of gemstone jewelry, the gemologist will carefully shape and polish a rough gem with a faceting machine to get the desired number of facets and shape. The three most basic gemstone cutting styles for birthstone jewelry are:
- Step: rectangular facets that ascend the crown of the stone and descend down the steps, showing off the stone's clarity.
- Brilliant: triangular and kite-shaped facets spreading outward from the stone's center, giving off enhanced scintillation.
- Mixed: combining step cut and brilliant cut, unleashing the ultimate brilliance and sparkle of a stone.
Color: This is one of the most crucial factors in determining the value of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds for birthstone jewelry. When an expert examines a jewel for color, they're getting a closer look at the hue, tone, saturation, and undertone of a gem. The purer and vivid a color is, the more desirable that gemstone necklace, bracelet, or ring becomes.
Clarity: Gemstone clarity grades indicate the absence or presence of inclusions and blemishes. Before setting a gem in a necklace or ring, gemologists use magnification methods to assess the number, size, position, and nature of internal and external flaws within the stone. Jewels with fewer flaws are considered the most valuable, especially when it comes to diamond birthstone jewelry.
Carat: Not to be confused with karat, a measurement for gold purity, a gemstone carat is a unit of weight. In this standard measure, one carat is equal to 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams. Carat is rarely the sole factor considered when valuing a piece for gemstone earrings or rings; it must be evaluated in conjunction with color, cut, and clarity.
How Different Treatments Can Enhance the Beauty of Gemstone Jewelry
Designed to enhance the color, clarity, and durability of each stone in a gemstone ring or necklace, treatments are a valuable tool in the jewelry industry. Every treatment has its own benefits:
- Dyeing: coloring agents are introduced to the stone to enhance or modify the color.
- Irradiation: radiation exposure that brings out vibrant hues in otherwise pale gemstones.
- Heat: heating a stone to deepen the color and reduce inclusions.
- Filling: substances like glass, oil, or resin fill surface-reaching fractures to improve overall appearance and durability.
- Bleaching: lightens the color of a gemstone to remove unwanted hues or improve uniformity.
A Guide to the Most Popular Colored Gemstones for Jewelry
Now that you understand the basics of gemstone grading, it's on to the fun part—shopping for your very own gemstone bracelet, earrings, rings, or necklaces! Let us walk you through the unique characteristics of the most popular jewels used in gemstone jewelry to make the selection process simple:
Sophisticated Sapphire Gemstone Jewelry
If you're looking for birthstone jewelry for your September bride, the sapphire gemstone is the perfect excuse to give her something blue. When trace amounts of titanium and iron appear in the mineral corundum, the jewel can form in a range of cool-toned hues, from deep royal blue to pale baby blue. With a high ranking on the Mohs hardness scale, sitting just under the diamond at a 9, the sapphire is a tried-and-true, durable choice for everyday gemstone earrings, necklaces, and rings.
Are Sapphires Found in Other Colors?
Although blue is the most popular sapphire color for gemstone bracelets, they are available in a rainbow of other hues. Any sapphire used in earrings, necklaces, and rings that is not blue is referred to as a fancy sapphire, including colors such as:
- Pink
- Yellow
- Green
- Teal
- Orange
- Purple
- White
Enchanting Emerald Gemstone Jewelry
Known for their distinctive green coloring and being a traditional choice for May birthstone jewelry, emeralds are a must-have for any gemstone jewelry enthusiast. Made when trace amounts of chromium or vanadium are found within the beryl crystalline structure, emeralds are a highly valued choice for gemstone jewelry. Though they are softer than the other precious gems, emeralds are durable enough for everyday wear in earrings, pendants, and necklaces, though they require more careful handling and cleaning.
Rich Ruby Gemstone Jewelry
Those born in July will adore a piece of ruby birthstone jewelry! A sister stone to the sapphire, rubies are formed when chromium is present in the corundum mineral, resulting in a chemical reaction that gives rubies the fiery red hue they're known for. Whether you're looking for Thai rubies or Madagascar rubies, this vibrant jewel adds a rich and luxurious look to every kind of gemstone jewelry, from huggie hoop ruby earrings to a designer DY Cable ruby bracelet and beyond.
Alluring Amethyst Gemstone Jewelry
If you're searching for birthstone jewelry for the month of February, you're sure to fall in love with the rich purple hues of amethyst. Though it is not considered a precious stone, it has remained a favorite for thousands of years due to its wide range of shades and versatile styling. Add a little pop of violet to your gemstone jewelry collection with a pair of amethyst dangle earrings or a stunning amethyst bracelet.
Opulent Opal Gemstone Jewelry
Often referred to as the "Queen of Gems," the opal boasts a stunning, glimmering appearance that is unparalleled. Formed when silica-rich water runs through sandstone and evaporates, leaving behind a deposit, opals are known best for their iridescent rainbow appearance. Although opal designs are the traditional birthstone jewelry for October, anyone can own a pair of diamond halo opal earrings, a striking opal bracelet, or a luxurious opal necklace.
Perfect Pearl Gemstone Jewelry
Romantic, lustrous, and utterly unique, pearl gemstone jewelry remains a timeless favorite. Where other jewels are formed in the earth, pearls are organically formed in the sea when debris enters a mollusk and is coated over and over again with a substance called nacre, eventually creating a shining pearl perfect for earrings or bracelets. Available in an extensive assortment of colors, pearl designs are best suited for anyone looking for June birthstone jewelry or a gemstone necklace that will never go out of style.
With countless options to choose from in every color, gemstone jewelry is destined to be your new staple. Be bejeweled when you find your dream gemstone bracelet, ring, necklace, or earrings today.
