Gemstone Guide

Buying a gemstone is often a very different experience than buying a diamond. Customers buy gems based on favorite colors, wardrobe matches, personality, fashion trends and the gemstone associated with the month of their birth.

While gemstones are judged using the 4Cs, just as diamonds do, each is judged separately. For example, a sapphire is compared to another sapphire, but wouldn't be compared to an emerald or aquamarine. Choose your gemstone jewelry based on your personal preferences.

Color

Gemstone color is different from judging the color of a diamond. Every gemstone has a range of color that runs from light to dark and more vivid to less vivid, with a small range of color considered preferable. All of the families of color are represented by gems of different types.

Birthstones

Birthstones offer a fun and colorful introduction to the world of gemstones. Men, women and children enjoy wearing birthstone jewelry. Mothers often wear jewelry with the birthstones of their children close to their heart.

The concept of birthstones can be found in many cultures and belief systems around the world. According to Biblical legend, these special gems date back to the breastplate of Aaron, which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Birthstone jewelry has been popular in America since the late 1800s. Early in the 20th century, jewelers got together and created a new list of "modern" faceted birthstones. The list has been updated over the years, so that some months have two, three or even four birthstones today. 

List of Traditional and Modern Birthstones

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Bloodstone and Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Alexandrite, Moonstone and Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot and Spinel
September: Sapphire
October: Opal and Pink Tourmaline
November: Citrine and Topaz
December: Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, Turquoise and Zircon

Shape

We sell a number of different shaped gemstone jewelry. Some of our most popular shapes include round, cushion, oval, pear, princess, and emerald. 

Cut

Gems are cut in a variety of different ways. Transparent stones will often be cut with facets. Unlike diamonds, the facets are planned to maximize the color. Other stones like jade, opal, and onyx will be cut into a smooth domed shape known as a cabochon. While still other stones like cameos are intricately carved. 

Clarity

Gems also have internal characteristics called inclusions. Some gemstones are known for having many inclusions like emerald or for having few inclusions like citrine. Each gemstone will be graded for clarity differently.

Like diamonds, gemstones are measured using carats. A carat is equivalent to .2 grams or .007 of an ounce. Unlike diamonds, each gemstone has a different density, which determines its weight versus its measured size.  A one carat citrine won’t measure the same as a one carat sapphire.

Diamond & Gemstone Size Ranges

We take pride in offering great value and quality. In order for us to offer this value, it is necessary to buy and sell diamonds in weight ranges. To help assist you in understanding these ranges, we have provided the following chart of size tolerances.

Gemstone Enhancement Codes

Published by the American Gem Trade Association.

Enhancement: Any treatment process other than cutting and polishing that improves the appearance (color/clarity/phenomena), durability, or availability of a gemstone.

N: The "N" symbol appears on the chart only for natural stones which are not currently known to be enhanced; however, the "N" symbol can also be used for other natural gemstones in the event that a gemstone has received no enhancement and the seller will provide a guarantee that there has been none.

E: The "E" symbol indicates that a gemstone has undergone its traditional enhancement process.