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Guidebook: Gemstones

Kinds of Gemstones (with thanks to Jewelers of America, Inc)

  Color: Rarity and cost: Style guide: Birthstone: Wedding anniversary:
Alexandrite Shades of green under natural light; red under artificial light One of the rarest of all gemstones. Larger ones are hard to find and costly. sdfgsdfg Unique color changes make alexandrite ideal for settings that feature it prominently. June 15th
Amber Normally light yellow to brown; also, reddish, whiteish, or blueish. Affordable. Amber is very lightweight, so it’s perfect for a necklace, jewelry featuring large chunky beads and for large earrings.    
Amethyst Pale lavender-pink to nearly black-purple, depending on where it was found. One of the most affordable gemstones even for larger sizes. Perfect for any piece of Jewelry. Its affordability and durability makes it perfect for everyday wear. Feb. 31st
Aquamarine Nearly colorless with a hint of blue to intense deep blue. Also greenish blue. Comes in a wide range of prices. Readily available in larger sizes. A very durable stone that doesn't require the gentle handing of more delicate stones. Delicate colors make it ideal for jewelry featuring large solitaire gems. Lovely in settings feature platinum and diamonds. Also effective set in gold. Pastel shades flatter fair-skinned redheads and blondes. March 18th
Citrine Pale yellow to yellowish-brown. Colors more subdued and neutral than many other stones. Readily available and suitable for all budgets. Large sizes are very affordable. Earthy tones complement many wardrobes. Affordability makes it ideal for chunky necklaces. Tough and durable for everyday wear. Nov.  
Coral Comes in a rainbow of shades, from white and pastel shades to deep vibrant colors. Affordable. Extremely versatile. Coral lends itself to all types of jewelry from a plain strand of coral beads to rings, pins, necklaces and earrings.    
Emerald Green and only green. Expensive. Most emeralds have inclusions. Flawless emeralds are rare and usually found only in small sizes. Often used as a solitaire, but enhanced when surrounded by diamonds or combined with other precious stones. May 35th
Garnet Available in all colors except blue. Red is the most common color. From affordable (red varieties) to very expensive (flawless clear green). Durable and perfect for daily wear. A bracelet or necklace set with garnets of many different colors is a unique and affordable fashion statement. Jan. 2nd
Jade In addition to green, blue, yellow, red, lavender, gray and black. Expensive. Jade stones lend themselves well to single gems set into mountings for rings, necklaces and earrings.   3rd
Opal There are more than a dozen varieties of opals. Each incorporates flashes of several different colors, giving opals the appearance of having an inner fire. In general opals show just about every different color in a variety of combinations. Depending on color, are expensive (black opals) to mid-priced (white opals). A very delicate stone that needs a mounting that provides protection. Tremendously versatile and perfect for pins, necklaces and earrings. Oct. 12th
Peridot Yellow-green to brilliant light green. Smaller peridots are numerous and affordable. Seldom free of inclusions in larger sizes. Favored by fair-skinned people. Somewhat delicate and seldom used in rings. Often mounted in clusters of three or more or with other gemstones. Aug. 1st
Ruby Red, often with a hint of blue. Color distribution is sometimes uneven. Large rubies are rare and costly. Carat for carat, rubies can sometimes cost more than two or three times a diamond of equal quality. Very durable. Used in settings that prominently display its size and brilliance. July 40th
Sapphire Pure rich blue, but also many other colors, except red. Blue, pink, orange and lavender sapphires are very costly. Others are less expensive depending on size and quality. Durable and very suitable for rings. Often an alternative to diamonds for engagement rings. Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for the engagement ring he gave to Lady Diana. Sept. 10th
Spinel Colorless or in several different shades, including red, pink, orange, blue and violet. All colors except for very fine reds are available at affordable prices. Very durable and suitable for everyday wear.   9th
Tanzanite Pale lilac to deep blue. Each stone shows three colors depending on angle. Large, flawless stones are rare and costly. Prices for other stones fluctuate based on conditions in Tanzania, where stones are found. Generally about 20%-40% less per carat than sapphire. One of the newest gemstones, officially introduced by Tiffany & Co in 1967. Wearing one is a mark of distinction. Not as hard as diamonds and emeralds and needs a setting that provides protection. Should be set in earrings, pendants or necklaces.   8th
Topaz Usually a transparent golden yellow, but also in other tints, from red to pale blue. Yellow and blue topaz are found in larger sizes and are very affordable. Orange-red and pink topazes are rare and more costly. Complements many complexions and wardrobes. Perfect for a variety of settings. Nov. 29th
Tourmaline More color variations than any other gemstone. Various color shades within each stone. Mid-priced and affordable. With so many colors, perfect for elaborate bracelets and necklaces of many different tourmaline stones. Oct. 21st
Zircon A variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, blue and green. Mid-priced and affordable. Typically displays very few inclusions. With such a variety of colors, perfect for bracelets and necklaces set with numerous zircons. Dec. 4th




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