12 Best Gemstones for Pendants

Gemstones have long been prized for their beauty, rarity, and unique properties, making them a perfect choice for jewelry, particularly pendants. Whether you're looking to add a personal touch to your style or give a meaningful gift, the right gemstone pendant can make a bold statement.

But what makes the perfect colored gemstone for pendants? Of course, the first consideration is personal taste – if you like the look it is ideal for you.

There are a few things to bear in mind when deciding on a gemstone for a pendant.

Size matters. Even the most delicate and discreet pendant will typically require a couple of carats, prompting a thoughtful consideration of price and availability. In general, pendants tend to be on the larger side, necessitating the search for gemstones that are available in appealingly substantial sizes.

Pendants hang close to three different Chakra points, the Throat, Heart and Solar Plexus, so choosing a gemstone which can influence these particular Chakras is a good idea.

Similarly, certain gemstones are spiritually more powerful and protective than others and may be able to have a positive influence over specific issues. Selecting a spiritual gemstone with particular powers can help.

How, where and when the pendant will be worn is a factor, the color, size and shape of the gemstone itself, what you will be wearing with it and where will you be? A small faceted gemstone is best for a formal gathering while a large odd-shaped cabochon may be better suited for contemporary or modern settings.

Gemstones are rated for their durability up to a maximum of 10 (diamonds) and while pendants are relatively safe, your choice needs to be able to stand up to scratches and knocks.

Okay let’s get to what we feel are some of the best gemstones for pendants.

Why don’t we begin with some gemstones that are not only classically beautiful with a rich history but also help keep our Chakras in alignment?

Turquoise

Turquoise is a well-known sky blue gemstone which conjures up images of cactus-filled deserts, native American culture and bohemian pendants. This December birthstone accesses the Throat Chakra, comes in lovely big sizes and is very affordable.

Emerald

Emerald is a different style of gemstone altogether. Revered for thousands of years for their lustrous green color and loved for their charming and intriguing inclusions. Emerald is the birthstone for May and can help a blocked Heart Chakra. Large facet cut emeralds demand a high price but some wonderful cabochons are available for a little less.

Citrine

Citrine is the third of our Chakra gemstones and has a history that stretches back as far as any other crystal. The sunny and bright yellow and orange colors of Citrine will bring a smile to everyone’s face and its spiritual powers will get to work on your Solar Plexus Chakra. This November birthstone is also known as the Merchant’s Stone because of its boost for business.

A combination of great colors and swirling patterns can make for some very eye-catching and unique pendants.

Agate

Agate covers almost every color, pattern and size in the gemstone kingdom so you will be spoilt for choice with this durable and readily available crystal. Historical and spiritually powerful, this gemstone is such good value that you could wear a different one every day.

Charoite

Charoite is always purple or perhaps lilac but with swirls of white and darker colored marbling it has quite an arresting appearance. Found in Russia, Charoite comes in large opaque sizes in an array of interesting shapes for a very individual look.

Ammolite

Ammolite is a remarkable and rare gemstone formed over millions of years from the fossils of ancient sea shells. No two Ammolites will ever look the same and the flashing play of color is absolutely mesmerizing.

The next two have often been suggested as gemstones for men although of course they can be made into pendants for anyone who loves a very natural look.

Pietersite

Pietersite is another gemstone with fascinating patterns but with more earthy and rustic colors which make this stone an ideal pendant for men. Hues described as slate gray, rusty red, honey brown and steely blue will give you an idea of its masculine qualities.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is a generally transparent gemstone with a deep brown color which can be cut into any manner of faceted or cabochon shapes. The variety of sizes and ready availability means matching accessories such as rings, earrings and bracelets are easy to come by.

Star gemstones are a rare phenomenon where internal inclusions are arranged in such a way that, when cut into a dome shaped cabochon, a 4 or 6 rayed star shape seems to float just below the gemstone’s surface. They have a long history of spiritual power.

Star Rubies and Sapphires are the most famous star gemstones but good quality examples can be very expensive so I thought of two wonderful alternatives.

Star Garnet

Star Garnets come in deep rich reds and purples and marvelous chunky sizes. They are rare and beautiful but not outrageously expensive. Garnets are the January birthstone.

Star Moonstone

Star Moonstones are a much lighter and brighter gemstone with gold, yellow and creamy tones and a magical shimmering surface that seems almost liquid. The magical sheen that glows about the moonstone like an aura added to extra wonder of the star effect make this a truly enchanting gemstone.

Let’s finish with a couple of more regular looking clear gemstones.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a famous gemstone with a connection to royalty and religion that goes back to ancient times when it was valued as highly as diamonds and sapphires. This purple gemstone is the birthstone for February, comes is all shapes and sizes and is very reasonably priced.

Topaz

Topaz is another gemstone with a long and illustrious history and although it comes in a variety of delightful colors, the blue topaz is ideal for pendants with its large size, array of shapes and dazzling sparkle. This November birthstone is also very durable and easily available for matching items.

So there we have it, our 12 top picks for the best gemstones for pendants.

There are a huge range of different gemstones available at GemSelect so take a look to see if you can come up with one better suited to your taste. You can filter your choice by size, color, price, cut and many more options until you find one to match your specifics.