The average American spends over $6,000 on an engagement ring.
While diamonds remain the ever-popular choice, other gemstones are becoming increasingly well-liked.
Whether you are looking for an anniversary gift, a wedding band, or a birthday treasure, these popular gemstones can make your present sparkle and sizzle. And don’t forget to mix and match them for a truly unique and sophisticated piece.
Here are some of our favorites.
1. Amethyst
The amethyst is known for its plum color, durability, and solid structure. The February birthstone has been associated with many Greek and Roman myths and legends. It is a violet-hued variety of quartz.
The royal purple of an amethyst complements both warm and cool hues when you are dressing up. It represents wealth and deep happiness. Try an amethyst pendant, ring, or pair of earrings for a bold, sophisticated statement with little effort.
2. Aquamarine
The word “aquamarine” means seawater. It symbolizes the iridescent turquoise of a seascape on a gentle day.
The aquamarine is a symbol of youth, hope, and fidelity. It gets cut from the mineral beryl, just like its cousin the emerald.
Shades of aquamarine range from a very light blue to blue-green. Those that are especially clear and bright are more costly. Aquamarine stones with more inclusions, or birthmarks, will fit most budgets.
The famous Mohs scale for minerals measures the scratch-resistance of minerals. Aquamarine gems range from 7.5 to 8 out of 10, which means that they are a good choice for jewelry that will get a little wear and tear.
The color of aquamarine stones can get improved by the heat. Larger stones tend to take on more intense color.
3. Diamond
When you are ready to pop the question, it’s time to head to a fine jeweler like Gemvara for a girl’s best friend.
A diamond is the hardest naturally-occurring substance on the earth, registering 10 on the Mohs scale. The first diamonds were found in Australia, South Africa, and India. The US, India, Israel, and Belgium are popular places to have them cut and processed.
The diamond remains the most popular gem for engagement rings, wedding rings, and earings. While they are colorless in their purest forms, elements in their crystal structure and environments can produce colors such as blue, green, and pink.
Diamonds are the most precious of gemstones, composed of 99.9% carbon. They can get cut into ovals, hearts, pears, and princess styles.
Don’t forget to consider the four “C’s” when choosing a diamond! You should consider cut, clarity, color, and carat before you make this important investment.
4. Emerald
The emerald got discovered over 4,000 years ago in Egypt. It has a rich green color. The emerald gets cut from the mineral beryl and is a cousin of the aquamarine.
Popular emerald-producing areas include Columbia, Zambia, and Brazil. The May birthstone is a favorite of celebrities and royal families.
The Emerald has a Mohs score of 7.8 to 8, which makes it harder than most gemstones. Most emeralds also contain internal fissures and inclusions.
These gemstones are second only to diamonds in cost per carat.
5. Garnet
This deep-red January birthstone can look almost purple in color. It can also come in orange, brown, green, and pink. Its light-transmission qualities can range from transparent to opaque.
Garnets get made from silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age in gemstones.
Garnets register 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. They are a popular choice for rings and bracelets.
6. Onyx
Known for their silky black color, onyx stones actually come from a reddish-brown agate that gets dyed black for jewelry.
With a Mohs score of 6.5 to 7, onyx pieces are a good choice for jewelry that doesn’t get a lot of wear and tear. They are popular for masculine and religious jewelry. The rich black color looks sleek, classic, and contemporary.
7. Pearl
The pearl is the birthstone for June. Originally created by oysters, many are now cultured in controlled environments similar to those that create natural pearls.
Pearls may come in white, black, gray, or brown. Cultured pearls can get tinted in colors such as white cream, rose, lilac, or green.
Large, round pearls are the most expensive. A pearl’s value gets determined largely by the thickness of its outer layer.
Pearls have a notoriously low Mohs hardness. They are gorgeous and popular on necklaces, where they do not take a lot of abuse. Pearl strands are a delicate, understated classic.
8. Rubies
Rubies are known for their stunning red colors and high durability.
They are created from the mineral corundum, just as sapphires are. They also contain chromium, which gives them their red or pink color.
Rated a 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies are almost as durable as diamonds. They are ideal for rings because they can withstand active daily wear.
High-quality rubies are very expensive. They rival the cost of diamonds.
The July birthstone is also a popular gift for fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries. The deep red symbolizes passion, courage, and emotion.
The brightest and most valuable cut is a Burmese Ruby, which has a red so deep it almost appears blue.
9. Sapphires
Sapphires, like rubies, get cut from corundum. They are typically brilliant blue but may contain yellow, purple, orange, or green undertones.
Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gem of the 45th anniversary. It is a deep, stunning stone.
10. Opals
Opal is a mineraloid. It gets deposited at a low temperature and may get found between the fissures of any rock.
Opal can be transparent or opaque. It may be black, white, gray, or green. Opals are popular in earrings and necklaces.
Popular Gemstones
Today’s popular gemstones will light your way with sparkle, energy, and sophistication. Delicate pearls, stunning emeralds, or passionate rubies will tell the world that you or your loved one is worth the finest. Dazzling diamonds, sleek onyx pieces, and brilliant aquamarines make bold, singular statements worth their weight and investment.
For more great lifestyle ideas, read our blog today.