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By Gavin Clarke
Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk
Guide to Choosing the Right Gemstones for Your Jewelry![]() Buying Gems and Jewelry
Selecting gemstones for your jewelry involves more than just picking the perfect color, although color is undeniably a key factor. The gemstones and jewelry you decide to purchase and wear are a reflection of your unique personality and fashion sense. To assist you in this process, here are some helpful tips on how to choose the right gemstones for your jewelry, ensuring your custom pieces truly represent your style. Considering Durability and WearabilityMost people misinterpret the meaning of durability when it comes to gemstones for jewelry. Often, durability and wearability are gauged solely by level of hardness. Although hardness can be indicative and often coincides with gem durability and wearability, this is not always the case. Gemstone hardness only measures resistance to scratches - and not resistance to fracturing, crumbling, parting, crazing (drying) or even denting. Some hard gemstones are actually quite fragile, due to perfect cleavage, and can be easily split by a single blow. Such gems include diamond and topaz. Yet, some gem types that are actually softer according to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, are considered quite durable, like nephrite and jadeite. The overall toughness, durability and wearability of gemstones for jewelry is measured by several factors, including hardness, cleavage, fracture, tenacity and sensitivity. ![]() Emerald Rings with Diamond Accents
Considering AffordabilityFor those without a budget, natural and untreated gemstones are the best choice. The term "natural" applies to gems that can be found in an untreated, unenhanced state. However, since most people are working with a budget and usually do not hold any strong objections to the concept of enhanced gems, choosing treated or enhanced gemstones can cut costs without sacrificing the look of the finished design. So, if you do not have a strong opinion against treated gemstones, these offer a much larger selection. This is partly because many of the most popular jewelry gemstones available today simply cannot be found untreated, including blue zircon and London blue topaz, both of which obtain their color through routine treatments. Considering VersatilityConsider how often you plan to wear your gemstone jewelry - whether it will be worn occasionally, frequently, or daily. White diamonds, often seen in engagement and bridal jewelry, are versatile and can complement any fashion trend. While colored gemstones may not offer the same level of versatility as white diamonds, custom-designed colored gemstone jewelry can be tailored to suit various occasions and styles. When shopping for the right gemstone for your jewelry, versatility may be important if you plan to wear your jewelry often. Choose versatile gemstones if you plan to invest in jewelry that you want to wear often. Selecting several different colored gemstone jewelry styles will ensure that color of your stone will always suit your attire. Some examples of extremely versatile gems include varieties of sapphire, tourmaline, garnet and spinel, as well as pastel colored stones like aquamarine and kunzite. Considering AvailabilitySome colored stones are simply so rare, that no matter how hard you look, you may not be able to find the size or shape you need. Availability may also affect the way you purchase the gemstone for your jewelry. Common gem types such as amethyst and citrine can usually be found even in small 'mom and pop' jewelry stores, while other lesser-known gems will likely need to be sourced from overseas online suppliers. ![]() Blue Ceylon Sapphire with Diamond Accents
Many types of gemstones may be limited to certain sizes or weights. In most cases, certain gem types will only be available in small sizes, but there are a handful of gems known to be available only in large sizes as well, such as ametrine. This type of bicolor quartz is rarely found in gems weighing less than 5 carats, since cutting it down any smaller could reduce or even eliminate its attractive colors. Other gems such as alexandrite and demantoid garnet are extremely rare in large sizes. The availability of such gems makes it very hard to source large center stones for jewelry, but for smaller accent stones, alexandrite and demantoid garnet are absolutely ideal. When it comes to large green centerstones, there are more varied options, which include chrysoberyl, emerald, tourmaline and sapphire. With regard to sapphire, we have often been asked by clients to find them an unheated 20 carat Ceylon sapphire for their custom jewelry design. To put this into perspective, the fact that the Prince William's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, wears a Ceylon sapphire of only 12 carats in her royal engagement ring, makes the chances of non-noble folks obtaining a substantially larger sapphire slim to none. The availability of natural gems is decreasing by the day. There are several other factors to consider when buying gems for jewelry, including the quality of cut, color and clarity of the gemstones themselves. However, we hope this article will at least help steer you in the right direction and get you to consider to some important points before you start shopping for your next jewelry project. When it is time to choose the right gemstones to meet your needs, we hope this article can be of help.
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Overall Rating -> 10 too much I want to buy. I have been buying and collecting gems for a few years now all from you {gemselect}. great prices great selections. originally, I wanted to get a sample of each gemstone, but realized with all the different types I could never reach that goal. I love reading about all the gems you sell. Posted By Steve13 in June, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 Very surprised how quick and efficient it was to checkout and pay. Also found exactly what I was looking for no issues. Posted By Watson in May, 2025 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 love these guys been ordering since 2000 maybe Posted By JHT in April, 2025 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 So far, my experience was great...Thanks Posted By Kaydi in May, 2025 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 9 Site is easy to navigate - details on cut, polish, and finish work and techniques were helpful. 3d view or wireframe diagram of stones would be nice. Posted By Tb in August, 2024 Source: Bizrate Overall Rating -> 10 I always enjoy the selection and the unique cuts I can find here. I would love to see more hex cuts tho! Maybe some rose cuts too! Posted By Blkfower83 in October, 2024 Source: Bizrate Related Articles Matching Gemstone Pairs About Gemstone Matched Pairs Pink Gemstones for Jewelry Pink Gemstones for Jewelry, Shop Pastel Pink to Hot Pink Gems Untreated Gemstones Untreated Gemstones Buying Aquamarine Buying Aquamarine - What you should know before you buy Buying Gems in Thailand Buying Gems in Thailand Gemstone Supply and Demand Gemstone Supply and Demand Cheap Gemstones Cheap Gemstones Gemstone Price Per Carat Gemstone Value: Price Per Carat for Precious Gems and Jewelry - Ge... Gemstone Jewelry Colored Gemstone Jewelry Information from GemSelect Caring for Opals Caring for Opals - The what, why and where of opal care. Gem Treatment Disclosure Gemstone Treatment Disclosure Certified Gemstones Certified Gemstones Gem Buyer's Guide Advice Buying Loose Gemstones: Buyers Guide to Online Gem Shopping; GemSelect Colored Gem Groups Colored Stones: Guide to Gemstone Groups and Gem Types - GemSelect Gem Size to Weight Ratio Gemstone Size to Weight Ratio Red Gems for Jewelry Buying Red Gemstones for Jewelry Buying Pink Gems for Jewelry Buying Pink Gemstones for Jewelry Engagement Ring Choices Engagement Ring Choices Gemstone Earrings Gemstone Earrings |
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