JEWELRY EDUCATION
Gemstone Education
COLOR, CHARACTER & BEAUTY
Understanding Colored Gemstones
Colored gemstones offer an incredible range of color, character and individuality. From richly saturated sapphires and rubies to vibrant emeralds and distinctive stones such as opal and turquoise, every gemstone has qualities that make it unique.
When choosing a gemstone, consider more than color alone. Durability, clarity, cut, treatments and how you plan to wear the jewelry can all influence which stone is right for you.
Classic Colored Gemstones
Sapphire
Best known for its rich blue color, sapphire can actually occur in nearly every color of the rainbow. With excellent durability, sapphire is a beautiful choice for rings and jewelry designed for frequent wear.
KNOWN FOR
Durability, rich color and timeless elegance.
Ruby
Ruby is prized for its intense red color and remarkable durability. A member of the corundum family alongside sapphire, fine rubies can display colors ranging from vivid red to deeper purplish red.
KNOWN FOR
Bold red color, rarity and strength.
Emerald
Emeralds are celebrated for their unmistakable green color. Natural inclusions are common and often considered part of an emerald's individual character rather than something that must be completely absent.
KNOWN FOR
Distinctive green color and natural character.
What Determines Gemstone Quality?
Like diamonds, gemstones are evaluated by several characteristics. However, the importance of each factor can vary greatly depending on the type of gemstone.
Color
For many colored gemstones, color is one of the most important characteristics. Hue, tone and saturation all contribute to a stone's overall appearance and value.
Clarity
Natural gemstones may contain inclusions formed during their creation. Acceptable clarity varies by gemstone, and some inclusions contribute to a stone's unique identity.
Cut
A skilled cut can showcase a gemstone's color and brilliance while minimizing less desirable characteristics. Different gems may be cut differently to highlight their natural beauty.
Carat Weight
Carat measures weight rather than physical size. Because gemstones have different densities, two stones with the same carat weight may appear noticeably different in size.
Explore More Gemstones
Amethyst
A variety of quartz known for colors ranging from delicate lavender to rich purple. Amethyst offers beautiful color and versatility at an approachable price point.
Aquamarine
Named for the sea, aquamarine is loved for its serene blue to blue-green color. Its clarity and fresh appearance make it especially beautiful in larger cuts.
Garnet
Although deep red is the color most associated with garnet, the gemstone family includes an impressive range of colors including orange, green and purple.
Peridot
Peridot is recognized by its lively yellow-green to olive-green color. Unlike many gemstones that occur in several colors, peridot is found only in shades of green.
Topaz
Topaz occurs naturally in several colors and is especially familiar in beautiful shades of blue. It can offer impressive size, clarity and color in fine jewelry.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is one of the most colorful gemstone families, appearing in pink, green, blue and even multiple colors within a single stone.
UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL
Opal, Pearl & Turquoise
Not every gemstone behaves like sapphire or ruby. Opal, pearl and turquoise are loved for their distinctive appearance, but they require a little more care than many traditional faceted gemstones.
Opal is known for its remarkable play-of-color and can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, impact and harsh chemicals.
Pearls have a soft, organic luster and should be protected from perfumes, cosmetics and abrasive surfaces.
Turquoise is prized for its blue to blue-green color and natural matrix patterns. Because it can be porous, it should be kept away from chemicals, oils and prolonged moisture.
Before You Choose a Gemstone
Beauty matters, but understanding how a gemstone was treated and how it will be worn can help you choose a piece you'll enjoy for years.
Gemstone Treatments
Many natural gemstones are treated to improve their color or clarity. Heat treatment is common for stones such as sapphire and ruby, while other gemstones may receive different enhancements.
Treatments are not automatically a negative, but they can affect value and determine how a gemstone should be cleaned or repaired.
Durability Matters
Hardness is only one part of gemstone durability. Toughness, stability and the way a stone is set also affect how appropriate it is for everyday wear.
A gemstone that works beautifully in earrings or a pendant may require additional protection when worn every day in a ring.
PROTECT YOUR JEWELRY
Caring for Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstones have different care requirements, so there isn't one cleaning method that's appropriate for every stone. As a general rule, clean gemstone jewelry gently and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures or unnecessary impact.
Soft, porous or treated gemstones may require additional precautions. When you're unsure how a piece should be cleaned, professional care is always the safest option.