What is a gemstone?

Gemstones are naturally occurring minerals that are carefully cut and polished to showcase their color, brilliance, and beauty. Valued for their rarity and durability, gemstones have been treasured for centuries and are often associated with symbolic meanings, traditions, and folklore.

Types of Gemstones

  • Precious Gemstones

    Ruby, sapphire, and emerald have long been treasured as some of the world's most prized gemstones. Formed naturally within the earth, these gems are celebrated for their exceptional beauty, durability, and rarity. Today, many are also available in lab grown varieties, offering the same stunning appearance at a more accessible price.

  • Semi-precious Gemstones

    Most gemstones beyond diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are traditionally known as semi-precious gemstones. Despite the name, many are exceptionally rare, valuable, and highly sought after. Their wide range of colors and price points makes them a wonderful option for anyone looking to add personality and color to their jewelry collection.

  • Natural Gemstones


    Natural gemstones are created by the earth over millions of years through remarkable geological processes. Once discovered, they are carefully cut and polished to reveal the unique color, brilliance, and character that make each gemstone one of a kind.

  • Lab Created Gemstones

    Lab grown diamonds are conflict-free because they are grown in factories, rather than mined. The process of sourcing lab grown diamonds can also be traced, allowing you to buy from reputable sources that don't exploit workers or communities.

Gemstone Quality

Like diamonds, gemstones are evaluated using a combination of quality factors. Color, clarity, cut, brilliance, size, durability, rarity, and unique optical characteristics all contribute to a gemstone's beauty and overall value. Together, these qualities help gemologists assess and compare each stone.

  • Color

    A gemstone's color is evaluated using three key characteristics: hue, tone, and saturation. Hue is the gemstone's primary color, such as red, blue, green, or yellow. Tone describes how light or dark the color appears, while saturation measures the richness and intensity of that color. Together, these qualities give each gemstone its unique appearance.

  • Durability

    A gemstone's durability is measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale, the industry standard for ranking a gemstone's resistance to scratching. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest. Hardness is especially important when choosing a gemstone for jewelry that's worn every day, like an engagement ring.

  • Clarity

    A gemstone's clarity describes the presence—or absence—of internal inclusions and surface blemishes. These natural characteristics can influence a gemstone's appearance and, in some cases, its durability. Unlike diamonds, most colored gemstones are simply described as eye clean, slightly included, moderately included, or heavily included.

  • Cut

    A gemstone's cut is the result of expert craftsmanship that transforms rough crystal into a polished, finished gem. The way a gemstone is cut enhances its color, brilliance, and overall beauty, while its shape is chosen to complement both the stone and the jewelry design.

  • Size

    Gemstone size is generally measured in millimeters rather than carat weight. Since each gemstone has a different density, carat weight can vary widely between stones of the same visual size. For this reason, gemstones are often described by dimensions such as 8x6mm.

  • Enhancement

    Enhancements are sometimes applied to gemstones to improve their appearance or wearability. Different gemstones require different treatments based on their natural properties and intended results.

Gemstone Rings

Gemstone rings bring color, personality, and meaning to any jewelry collection. Whether worn as an everyday statement piece or chosen as a colorful alternative to a traditional engagement ring, gemstones offer a unique way to reflect your style. From vibrant sapphires to rich emeralds and beyond, there’s a gemstone for every look and occasion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between precious and semi-precious gemstones?

Traditionally, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds are classified as precious gemstones, while all other gemstones are considered semi-precious. However, value isn’t determined by category alone—rarity, quality, color, and demand all play a role in a gemstone’s price and desirability.

Are natural and lab grown gemstones the same?

Natural gemstones are formed in the earth over millions of years, while lab grown gemstones are created in controlled environments. Both share the same physical and chemical properties, but differ in origin. Lab grown options often provide a more accessible price point while maintaining the same visual beauty.

What gemstone is best for everyday wear?

Durability varies by gemstone, so some are better suited for daily wear than others. Harder stones like sapphire and ruby are popular for engagement rings and everyday jewelry, while softer stones may require more care depending on how they’re set and worn.

How do I care for gemstone jewelry?

Most gemstone jewelry can be cleaned gently with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals, extreme heat, and ultrasonic cleaners for softer or treated stones. Regular professional cleaning can also help maintain brilliance and security in the setting.

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