There has been an increase in the popularity of types of gemstones other than diamonds. Stones come in an endless variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, which is why they are useful for a wide range of applications.
Also, gems have played an influential role in both myths and rituals throughout history. There’s something special about every stone. It’s powerful, has a deeper meaning, and plays an important role in our lives. Many gemstones have been discovered and brought to the world by archaeologists, including some recent discoveries.
Thus, if you’re looking for an engagement ring for a birthday present, a statement cocktail ring, or even an everyday pendant or earring, this guide will help you understand the fascinating world of different types of gemstones.
What Is a Gemstone?
Gemstones are basically mineral crystals that can be cut and polished for color and style. There are several precious stones, such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and tourmalines.
As an important reminder, some organics can also be classified as gemstones, such as amber, pearls, jet, and copal. Although these stones are not minerals, that does not mean they can’t be cut, polished, and used to embellish people.
Jewellery is created using minerals and organics that are beautiful, rare, durable, and long-lasting. Thus, not all minerals are gemstones, as many minerals don’t have the aesthetic or economic value to be considered gemstones.
Fashion and tastes change over time, as do the preferences for a variety of gemstones, and this does not diminish the need for beautiful and eye-catching jewelry.
Gemstone Classification
Traditionally, gemstones were classified as either precious or semi-precious based primarily on color. However, as some of these ‘semi-precious’ stones are pretty scarce and expensive (they are neither ‘half precious’ nor ‘unprecious’), the distinction has been dropped in favor of simply calling them gemstones.
Undoubtedly, some gemstones have a much greater value than others. It is reasonable to obtain a gemological laboratory’s report when buying significant jewelry such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires so that you can identify whether they are fake or not and determine the quality.
Furthermore, the report will indicate whether or not the gemstone was subjected to any treatments before its sale.
Gemstone Treatments
Today, colored gemstones are subjected to various treatments designed to improve their value. It is routinely used for enhancing the color of rubies and sapphires with heat treatment, which is used in conjunction with diffusion treatments.
There are times when diamonds and gemstones such as topaz are exposed to irradiation to add color. In most instances, this treatment is permanent.
Different Types Of Gemstones
Topaz
Colored in golden hues, browns, honey, greens, blues, reds, pinks, or even without any color at all, Topaz can appeal to a broad range of tastes. Topaz usually comes in pale pink or sherry red colors, but amber gold or yellow are exceedingly rare.
One of the most sought-after colors of Topaz is Imperial Topaz, which has an exquisite orange color with pink undertones. Today, topaz is available in many colors, but blue is the most common and widespread; Topaz that naturally has a blue tone is extremely rare.
In ancient Egypt and Rome, this golden gem was associated with the sun god as a source of protection and healing. According to experts, it also dispels enchantments. As one of history’s most famous types of gemstones, you will surely want to find your perfect Topaz.
Alexandrite
If you love jewellery that will do wonders at a party, you’ll probably love Alexandrite, which is often referred to as “the color-changing gem.”
You’ll notice it is an excellent, moist green in daylight, but it becomes a rich, blue turquoise hue at night. When lit, it is a lovely red gem with a warm raspberry tone that appears to come to life.
With the switch from fluorescent to incandescent lights, you can see it changing color. As a result, these types of gemstones will become more valuable as the color change may be more apparent. There is even the possibility that you will be able to sense some of the enchantment and lore associated with it.
Having it strengthens intuition, encourages creativity, and inspires imagination. There is no gemstone as rare and valuable as this.
Amethyst
Amethyst was seen by the ancient Greeks and Romans as an antidote to Bacchus intoxicating powers, keeping the wearer sharp-minded and prompt-witted.
The gemstone amethyst has been associated for hundreds of years with myths, legends, and religions involving various cultures. The beauty of this gem lies not only in its stunning color but also in its extensive collection of shapes and sizes — making it an affordable gem to buy.
Even though amethyst is a reddish purple stone without any visible zoning, its complementary properties make it look amazing when paired with yellow metals or white metals. A pair of amethyst will look splendid with almost any color in your wardrobe.
Aquamarine
Many people associate the name Aquamarine with pastel navy or vivid sea hues. It has been a symbol of youth, hope, health, and faithfulness for centuries because of its timeless nature.
Since the color of the gemstone is the same as that of the sky and water, the meaning of its gemstone is that it embodies eternal life. A long time ago, it was believed that Aquamarine has a calming effect on married couples, making it a perfect gift to give on your anniversary.
Aquamarines have a wide range of blue hues, from pale pastels to greenish blues to deeper hues. It is increasingly rare to find aquamarines with more subtle shades of blue, which increases their value.
The gemstone is often a pastel blue. Aquamarines can have a more intense color in larger gemstones, but smaller gemstones are usually less intense.
Citrine
A legend states that this gem was given to mankind by the sun. Citrine is named after the French word for lemon, similar to its range of colors, from an intense yellow to a rich orange-brown. Most people consider themselves to have a high level of personal taste, but some of the most sought-after Citrine gemstones display a vivid and clear color ranging from yellowish to brownish-red in the shade.
Traditionally, Citrine was used as a protective stone against venomous snakes and evil thoughts. The merchant’s stone is known as the stone of success and prosperity and holds many essential myths and lores.
It is a popular and low-in-price gemstone, making it one of the most sought-after gemstones. These statement pieces are not only relatively common, available in various shapes, colors, and sizes, but they are also striking and bold.
Diamond
From ancient times, diamonds have been seen as objects of desire and have been admired as objects of beauty. Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, and they were formed more than a billion years ago, more than 100 miles below the Earth’s surface.
It has been speculated that diamonds were formed while rocks were being carved by lightning. Women and men have worn diamonds as adornments for centuries, and they are considered the ultimate gift, a symbol of eternal love and life.
In today’s world, diamonds are still one of the most admired gemstones. As of the mid-20th century, diamonds had no standard of evaluation. It wasn’t possible to have a standard for classifying diamonds before GIA came out. Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight are used now to categorize diamonds globally.
In the modern era, the four Cs of diamond quality are universally accepted as the most reliable way to evaluate the quality of a diamond, no matter where it may be found. There is nothing to take lightly when it comes to finding the perfect diamond. The key is to find a reliable supplier rather than go for the first shop you come across. When you visit the store, ask them for a list of gemstone prices.
Emerald
Emerald was traditionally associated with spring and was thought to symbolize rebirth and love. This gemstone is also said to aid in fertility.
It was known that Cleopatra, Egypt’s stormy queen, wore Emerald to the same extent that Liz Taylor wore diamonds. It is frequent for Egyptian mummies to be buried wearing emeralds carved with the symbol of verdure – the flourishing color of green – around their necks, symbolizing eternal youth and fertility.
The more prosperous and profound the green color, the more precious the gemstone. Emeralds with a strong blue hue and vibrant green color are charming and beautiful.
It has been observed that emeralds, among the rarest of all gemstones, are almost always found with inclusions, also known as birthmarks. As with other gemstones, some inclusions are expected and will not significantly diminish the stone’s value.
Fancy Color Diamonds
A Fancy colored diamond is a true miracle of nature. These colors are rare due to the geological conditions, making them valuable and scarce. Pinks and blues are among the colors they are available in as well as yellows, oranges, greens, reds, and browns such as cognac and champagne.
Dark shades that are distinguishable in color tend to be rated higher than those which are light or pale.
According to GIA, hue, tone, and saturation elements are evaluated. When it comes to diamonds, hue refers to its color, tones refer to how dark and light the diamond will be, and saturation refers to how vibrant the diamond will be.
A fancy color grader tests the color by viewing it under highly controlled conditions, compares it with other colors, and then selects one of 27 hues. It describes the intensity and saturation with terms such as “Fancy Light,” “Fancy Intense,” and “Fancy Vivid.” This system of grading colors was developed by GIA and is used globally.
Today, the yellow diamond is regarded as a “traditional” diamond and the most plentiful of all “fancy colored diamonds.” In general, red, green, purple, and orange diamonds are rarer than blue and pink diamonds.
Garnet
Currently, the gem can be found in an enormous range of colors, from the deep red of the Bohemian garnet to the vibrant green of the Russian Demantoid and the African Tsavorite. Additionally, we can also observe it in the orange and brown colors of Spessartite, and Hessonite found in Namibia and Sri Lanka, as well as the subtle pinks and purples found in Rhododendrons.
Legend says Garnets glow in the dark and keep their owners from having nightmares so they can sleep through the night. There has always been a tradition among travelers of wearing garnets to protect them in case of accidents far from home. Despite being the birthstone for January, garnet comes in many colors, making it a gift appropriate for every occasion.
Jade
From at least 2950 BC onwards, jade has been regarded as one of the finest gemstones in China. Jade was thought to be able to preserve the dead body of the emperor thousands of years ago, where jade can be found in tombs. Today, people still believe in the power of jade to protect themselves from harm.
Jade is known for its beautiful and vivid green color. However, it also comes in many other colors, including lavender, pink, yellow, and white. A pi disc is a flat, donut-shaped disc with a flat bottom, and it is frequently worn as a necklace. Seeing a breathtaking piece of jade jewelry will surely turn any individual green with envy.
Lapis Lazuli
From as early as 400 BC, Lapis Lazuli has been prized as a precious gemstone. Over centuries, Lapis Lazuli has been revered for its ability to create beautiful blue hues in paintings created during the Renaissance.
“Bluestone” is its name and couldn’t be more appropriate. In addition to its dark blue color, Lapis Lazuli is often adorned with golden pyrite inclusions that give it a shimmering appearance. A majestic gem, Lapis Lazuli resembles the starry night sky with its bright lights. During the Middle Ages, this practice was believed to preserve one’s health and to keep one free from falsehoods, envy, and fear. If you cast your eyes on this gem, you will indeed be spellbound by its beauty when you look at it.
Morganite
Morganite, the stone of love, is well known for its dazzling brilliance and soft peach, rose, and peach colors. It’s no surprise that Morganite is called the stone of true love, and this delicate pink stone is said to encourage love and happiness.
Fashion is dominated by shades of pink these days, so Morganite is one of the most popular choices for women of all ages. Morganite is a pink stone from subtle lavender to delicate fuchsia, from bright fuchsia to pale apricot, and even a pastel pink blend of apricots, exuding charm and tenderness for its wearer. Its appeal lies in its versatile pink colors that can be matched with virtually every skin tone and can either be white or yellow gold in color.
Onyx
Nowadays, when referring to Onyx, we often precede the word with black to make it stand out from other types. This gem is available in several colors: white, brown, reddish-brown, and banded.
Alternatively, Sardonyx is a reddish-brown variety of Onyx with bands of a white and light reddish color. There is never anything wrong with black Onyx because it is always in style.
Because of its appealing, vibrant black color, black Onyx can be classy and contemporary.
Opal
As an ancient gem, Opal was called the queen of gems due to its ability to embrace all colors. It is truly a miracle that every Opal is unique, just as our fingerprints are. Others love the vibrant colors of reds and yellows, while others prefer the calming colors of blues and greens.
Turning and moving the Opal, the color is seen to play and shift, giving you a gem you can wear with various ensembles. In Australia, Lightning Ridge is famous for its black Opals, which are rare and stunning.
One of the best types of Opals would be a ring with a broad pattern encompassing the surface in all the rainbow colors. Make sure you choose the Opal that reflects your preferred colors and patterns.
Ruby
The Ruby is regarded as a symbolic representation of love, passion, courage, and emotion. This gem has been referred to as the ‘king of gems.’ In the past, people believed that wearing a fine red Ruby would bring them good fortune.
Since the earliest days of human civilization, rubies have been prized possessions of emperors and kings, and they remain the most valuable gemstones to this day.
The color of a Ruby is one of its most essential features. Despite its name, rubies are available in various hues ranging from purple and blue to orange-red. Ruby is one of the most brilliant jewelry stones ever created.
It is often called “a Burmese Ruby” because it is a rich, extensive, red-colored stone with a slight blue tint. A color called “pigeon blood’ red is sometimes referred to as this Ruby color, which is only widespread in Mogok Valley mines in Myanmar.
Pigeon Blood Ruby red does not represent pigeons’ blood but instead refers to the white pigeons’ eyes.
Conclusion
You might have found this guide helpful in determining what types of gemstones you want and how they’ll complement your personality. Don’t wait any longer; contact reliable gemstone suppliers and you will indeed fall in love seeing the breathtaking gems. Also, if you’re considering purchasing gemstone earrings, check out this blog.
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