Tips for Finding the Right Gemstone

Buying gemstones can be an exciting yet daunting experience, given the vast array of options available. From the timeless elegance of diamonds to the vibrant hues of sapphires and the mystical allure of amethysts, each gemstone offers unique characteristics and beauty. This guide will help you navigate the essential factors to consider when purchasing different kinds of gemstones, ensuring you make informed decisions whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer. Let’s explore the fascinating world of gemstones and discover how to choose the perfect gem for any occasion.

 

This Article Is Sponsored by Colonial Jewelers 

 

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Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple variety of the quartz mineral, revered for its stunning color and metaphysical properties. It is believed to be especially beneficial to those who practice meditation, as it helps to clear the mind and soothe anxiety.

Tips for Buying

Larger cuts of amethyst are relatively affordable compared to larger cuts of other gemstones, which makes them an excellent choice for reasonable statement pieces. When selecting a larger stone, inspect the color closely, as inconsistencies can be more noticeable in bigger gems.

Tips for Wearing

Amethyst is best paired with silver metal. To maximize its healing properties, it is often worn as a ring on the middle finger, which is believed to be the finger that channels balance and calming energies (ironically).

If you are a ‘light spring’ palette, amethysts with softer hues will suit your features nicely. When styling an amethyst necklace, opt for solid color blocks rather than large prints.

Tips for Gifting

Amethyst, February’s birthstone, makes a meaningful gift for those born in that month. Traditionally, it is given to celebrate six-year wedding anniversaries. According to legend, Saint Valentine wore an amethyst ring engraved with Cupid, symbolizing love and devotion.

Pearl

Pearls are unique gemstones formed in mollusks. They are known for their timeless elegance. They have been cherished for centuries, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and wealth.

Tips for Buying

Pay attention to the luster, surface quality, and shape when shopping for pearls. High-quality pearls have a bright, sharp reflection and a smooth surface. Round pearls are the most coveted, but baroque (irregularly shaped) pearls can be great for trendy statement jewelry.

Tips for Wearing

Pearls are quite versatile, pairing beautifully with both silver and gold metals. Their simplicity, especially in the form of necklaces and earrings, allows us to dress them up or down.

A choker-length pearl necklace looks nice with a cozy sweater for a more casual look, and of course, the combination of a little black dress and classic pearl necklace is always reliable for fancier occasions.

Pearls pop the most against darker colors, so if you are a ‘cool summer’ palette, pearl jewelry will harmonize nicely with your best colors, like navy, fuschia, and deep plum. If you’re looking for a face framing effect, consider wearing tear drop-shaped pearl earrings.

Tips for Gifting

Pearls are traditional for 3rd and 30th anniversaries, and for those born in June. Typically, pearls are found in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, but they can also be featured in accessories like cufflinks, tie pins, or even hairpieces. These options are great for both men and women who appreciate a touch of luxury in their wardrobe.

Diamond

Pressure makes diamonds! Diamonds are renowned for their unmatched brilliance and durability, representing strength and eternal love. They are formed from carbon atoms in high pressure and high temperature environments. 

Tips for Buying

When shopping for diamonds, consider the four Cs: cut, clarity, carat, and color. The cut of a diamond influences its brilliance. Their ability to reflect light is often used as a metaphor for illuminating the path ahead, providing resilience and guidance.

Clarity refers to the presence of imperfections, known as inclusions or blemishes. The fewer there are, the more valuable the diamond! Carat is a measurement of weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams, or 200 milligrams. This is unrelated to a diamond’s size. The larger the carat size, the more expensive the gem.

The color of a diamond can vary, but colorless diamonds are the most sought after. The Gemological Institute of America developed a scale to standardize diamond color grading internationally. The scale begins with the letter D, which represents colorless, and increases in color presence to the letter Z, which represents yellow, gray, pink, or brown.

Tips for Wearing

Like pearls, diamonds are versatile. For daily wear, consider more subtle pieces, like simple stud earrings or a delicate pendant. For formal occasions, statement pieces like larger necklaces, rings, and chandelier earrings can create a stunning focal point. If you are wearing a diamond ring, consider stacking it with other simple ring bands of the same metal.

If you have two ear lobe piercings, consider adding your diamond studs to the second and wear a small diamond hoop or drop earring in the first. This chic layered look introduces a dynamic sense of contrast to your look – mixing size and shape.

Tips for Gifting

Diamonds are classic for the 10th anniversary and are the April birthstone. Remember, diamonds are a girl’s best friend! Gift this stone to someone special, but always consider their personal style when selecting a piece. Diamond jewelry comes in a wide variety of designs, from timeless to contemporary.

Sapphire

Sapphires are derived from the mineral corundum, which also produces rubies. They are celebrated for their deep, vivid blue color. In fact, the name “sapphire” comes from the Greek word for blue, “sappheiros,” and the gemstone’s rich hue has long been associated with royalty, inspiring the term “royal blue.”

Tips for Buying

The most prized sapphires exhibit that iconic blue color, but the gemstone can actually be found in a range of hues. When buying a sapphire, ensure the color is rich and evenly distributed. To maximize reflection and allow in more light, sapphires may have a shallow cut. To showcase a particular gem’s dark saturation, the cut may be deeper.

Sapphires have a higher density than diamonds, so the carat weight differs from that of a diamond. This is why the size of gemstones, including sapphires, is measured by diameter. A sapphire with a six millimeter diameter is roughly equivalent to one carat.

Tips for Wearing

Sapphire jewelry is absolutely stunning on those with blue eyes – even the daintiest of blues can brighten them up. If you enjoy vintage jewelry, antique sapphire pieces are a beautiful option, but silver metal is typically best for this stone.

Since the complementary color of blue is orange, sapphire jewelry goes well with coral or peach-colored clothing. In terms of color palettes, traditional blue sapphires are worn well by those in ‘true winter.’ If you are a spring, yellow and pink sapphires will pair well with your wardrobe.

Tips for Gifting

Sapphire is the September birthstone and is gifted for 5th anniversaries. Known as the “wisdom stone,” sapphires make great gifts for graduates. Do consider that sapphires are not often worn casually, so they may not be the ideal choice for someone with a more laid-back style. They are, however, great for your friend or family member who appreciates classic and sophisticated jewelry.

Garnet

Garnets, which form in metamorphic rocks, were widely traded during the first century. Their name derives from the Latin word for pomegranate, “granatum,” due to their resemblance to the fruit’s seeds. The gem signifies protection and trust.

Tips for Buying

Garnets are known for their deep red color, but like sapphires, they come in a variety of hues. Other options include orange, brown, yellow, pink, green, blue.

The top suppliers of garnets are Orissa (for pure red garnets), Sri Lanka (for deep reddish purple garnets), and Myanmar (for reddish orange garnets). When shopping for a stone, consider where it’s sourced from.

Tips for Wearing

Garnets fit nicely into the autumn color palette, especially with warmer hues, like burgundy and orange. Yellow gold metal enhances the warmth of the stone best, but silver can make for a nice contrast.

Oval and round shapes are popular cuts for garnets. Both are versatile choices that you can wear as a necklace, ring, or pair of earrings. For a more modern look, consider the cushion cut, which features a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

Tips for Gifting

Garnets are the birthstones for January and are traditionally given for 2nd anniversaries. In addition to trust, the stone represents friendship and commitment, making it a fitting gift for a long time friend or partner.