HOW TO BUY A GEMSTONE

Learn all about gemstone colors, grades, and types. We break down all the essentials about durability, pricing, and quality so you can make an informed and confident choice. Whether it's black diamond, moissanite, or white diamond, our gemologists can make the best recommendations.

DIAMOND GUIDE

Diamonds are the rarest, hardest, most valuable and precious gemstone on earth. Moreover, they are the ultimate symbol of commitment and love. Use our diamond guide to learn the essentials of purchasing this symbol of your commitment.

Moissanite

Moissanite possesses an exceptional visual impact and durable nature that makes it a valuable alternative to mined and lab made diamonds. Moissanite has a unique faceted pattern that creates a rainbow effect under light. Therefore giving moissanite engagement rings and jewelry a brilliance for many to love.

Blue Sapphire

A deep and soulful blue, the sapphire is most popular after the diamond. Sapphires have a royal blue hue that makes it a widely popular gemstone jewelry choice (especially for the 5th, 45th, and/or 70th wedding anniversary). Sapphires are an elegant addition to rings and necklaces. View our Sapphire guide to learn the essentials of sapphire like sourcing, pricing, and selection.

Ruby

Rubies are famous for their deep, vibrant red color that highlights any piece of jewelry. Rubies famously represent the 15th, 40th, and/or 80th wedding anniversary and are an ultimate symbol of love and long term commitment. Ruby color is like none other. Full of passion, this fiery red gemstone captures the essence of life and love.

Blue Topaz

The most popular blue topaz option next to Sky Blue Topaz and Swiss Blue Topaz. This deep blue precious stone with grey and brown hues is considered a healing stone that promotes calm, creativity, and strength. Notably known for its unique color and labeled as the November birthstone, it is also gifted for the 4th wedding anniversary.

Peridot

Earthy, green with a touch of sparkle. This twinkling gemstone is the ideal match for any hand. One of the most ancient gems in the world, with roots dating back to the Egyptians, this stone is gifted for 15th and/or 16th wedding anniversary. Moreover the ideal stone for August babies, or anyone who needs some peace and balance. View more in our guide to learn all about this budget-friendly gemstone.

Aquamarine

A smooth and icy blue stone that pairs perfectly with precious metals and diamond accents. Aquamarine engagement rings famously worn by royalty: Princess Diana, and now worn by Meghan Markle. This blue-green gem is usually gifted for 19th wedding anniversary or those born in March. An aquamarine engagement ring could prove to a more affordable, and unique alternative to diamond engagement rings.

Amethyst

Regal in its purple look, this gem has been a symbol of royalty and authority since ancient times. Varying from a light shade of lilac to a deep plum color, this gem signifies calmness and stillness. Those born in February links to a story of Saint Valentine who wore an amethyst ring etched with Cupid's likeness.

Black Diamond

White diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and a strong relationship. Black diamonds are no different. Famously known for their modern and edgy appearance, use our black diamond guide to learn the essentials of purchasing this symbol of your commitment. Definitely a great choice for a gemstone engagement ring that will be unforgettable.

FAQs

What are the most popular gemstones for engagement rings?

Sapphire and Ruby. Sapphire and Ruby rank second to diamonds for gemstone durability and are in the same family (conundrum). They also have a rich history and have been associated with royalty and wealth for centuries.

What is the most expensive gemstone?

Other than (white) diamonds, rubies are the second most expensive gem. A one-carat ruby engagement ring is at least a 60% increase versus a one-carat (white) diamond engagement ring.

What is the most durable gemstone?

In order to know the answer to this question, one must understand the Mohs Hardness Scale because hardness is a good indicator of how well it will resist abrasions, scratches, breaking, and chipping. This scale ranks gem and mineral hardness on a scale of 1 (least hard) to 10 (hardest). Lab and natural diamonds rank at 10, which makes them the hardest substance known to man. Gemstones at a rank of 9 are ruby and sapphire, which are both in the conundrum family. However, they show no cleavage (splitting due to sharp hit), which is a property diamonds possess.

What shapes are gemstones cut in?

Gemstones are cut in three fundamental ways: Brilliant, Step, and Mixed. Brilliant cuts show triangular and/or kite-shaped facets, like round, oval, cushion, princess, pear, and marquise shapes. Step cuts show rectangular facets (reminiscent of a hall-of-mirrors), like emerald, baguette, and Asscher shapes. Mixed cut is a combination of triangular, kite, and rectangular facets. Oval shapes can be a famous example of mixed cut gems. Radiant shapes, another example, are good at hiding inclusions and concentrating color. They are a mix of brilliant and step cut facets. Cabochons cuts show no facets, oval or elliptical shaped with a dome

How are gemstones graded?

The majority of reputable laboratories grade gemstones on a letter scale AAAA, AAA, AA, and B. Jewelry-ready gemstones need a grade from AAAA, AAA, or AA because any other grade will be too inadequate to set. AAAA gemstones are extremely rare and can make up less than 5% of the market. AAA and AA gems make up a majority of the market and are favorable for rings, earrings, and necklaces. Gemstones that are graded below B could be cut into cabochons or craft beads.