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Limitless Color - A Guide To Gemstones
Gemstone lovers, you have found your tribe! We’d love to gush all day with you about a juicy gemstone, and of course answer any questions you have. We hand-select every gemstone and pay close attention to color, cut and clarity. On the lookout for something special? Our gemstone experts are here to assist in sourcing the perfect gem. Contact us to set up a video chat to learn more. Looking for a quick read on a certain stone? We’ve got you covered with our Quick Start Gemstone Guide. Inquiring minds, please proceed.
Finding the perfect gemstone is about balancing your wants and needs. Think about what you are looking for and make a list. Is it a certain color you're after? Or is durability a priority? Maybe you are buying a gift so you are looking for a stone with a meaning and symbolism. There is a perfect gemstone out there for everyone, and we are here to help you find it!
Let’s say you are in the market for a ring that you will wear every day, and you are interested in a gemstone that is going to stand the test of time (and everyday life). Through the science of gemology, we are able to assess the characteristics of gemstones so we are able to say which gemstones are going to be the most resistant to scratches and chips. When it comes to determining the hardness of a stone, we look to the Mohs hardness scale. Every mineral is rated on a sale of 1-10, 10 being diamond which is the hardest natural element on earth. Dust is a 7 on the hardness scale, so any gem that is a 7 or less hard will experience tiny scratches causing surface abrasion and ultimately dullness.
Another way to measure durability is in the toughness of the stone. So, while the hardness tells you how resistant the stone is to scratches, toughness tells you how resistant it is to cracks and chips. While diamonds are the hardest element on earth, their toughness score is good- which makes them susceptible to breaking if hit right. Jadeite Jade is by far the toughest gemstone but only scores a 6-7 on the hardness scale. If you improperly store a jade necklace next to a diamond ring, the diamond will scratch your jade.
Phew! Still with us? Great! Let’s chat about our favorite gemstones.
Garnet
The January birthstone’s name derives from the Latin word for pomegranate. Much like the fruit, garnets are commonly a rich red, but also come in orange, yellow, purple, vibrant
green or brown – really any color except blue. Garnet is said to bring health, happiness and wealth.
Garnet is a 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces and bracelets. We love our garnet fashion rings too, but just make sure to wear them with care.
Bohemian Garnet is a special type of garnet that was used in Victorian jewelry. Bohemia, which is now the Czech Republic, was the primary source for these red garnets which were highly prized for their rich wine-red hues. Today, Bohemian garnet jewelry is exceedingly rare and collectable.
Garnet is a 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces and bracelets. We love our garnet fashion rings too, but just make sure to wear them with care.
Bohemian Garnet is a special type of garnet that was used in Victorian jewelry. Bohemia, which is now the Czech Republic, was the primary source for these red garnets which were highly prized for their rich wine-red hues. Today, Bohemian garnet jewelry is exceedingly rare and collectable.
Amethyst
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and the name originates from a Greek word which means “remedy for drunkenness”. Amethyst ranges in hues from lilac to deep purple and is a symbol for personal empowerment and inner strength.
Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for fashion rings, earrings and necklaces and bracelets.
Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for fashion rings, earrings and necklaces and bracelets.
Aquamarine
The March birthstone’s name derives from the Latin word for seawater. The gemstone can be found in deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish blue. Generally, the more saturated colors are rarer the stone is. Faceted aquamarines are as clear as water because they are often free from inclusions, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul.
Aquamarine is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all types of jewelry. We love aquamarine for a non-traditional engagement ring, it just needs to be worn with a little more care (we would not recommend washing dishes or working out in it).
Aquamarine is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all types of jewelry. We love aquamarine for a non-traditional engagement ring, it just needs to be worn with a little more care (we would not recommend washing dishes or working out in it).
Diamond
The scintillating gem is the birthstone for April, and the name comes from the Green word meaning “invincible” or “unbreakable”. A fitting name indeed for the world’s hardest element. Diamonds come in a plethora of hues. White diamonds are graded on a D-Z color scale. Diamonds outside of the D-Z color scale are called fancy colors. Red, green, purple, and orange are generally the rarest, followed by pink and blue. Yellows, browns and black are generally the most common.
Diamond is the most precious of the four precious stones and is the hardest natural element in the world. It is a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and has good toughness, so we recommend it for all types of jewelry.
Want to learn more? Check out our Quick Start Diamond Guide!
Diamond is the most precious of the four precious stones and is the hardest natural element in the world. It is a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and has good toughness, so we recommend it for all types of jewelry.
Want to learn more? Check out our Quick Start Diamond Guide!
Emerald
The May birthstone’s name derives from the Greek word for “green gem”. Often thought of as the definition of the color green, this verdant gem is said to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted.
Emerald is one of the four precious stones and is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for fashion rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
We love emerald for a non-traditional engagement ring, just make sure to wear it with a little more care.
Emerald is one of the four precious stones and is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for fashion rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
We love emerald for a non-traditional engagement ring, just make sure to wear it with a little more care.
Pearl
Pearls are the birthstone for June, and nature’s most precious gift from the sea. Rich in luster and in symbolism, they represent purity and innocence. Pearls are created when an irritant, such as sand, gets trapped inside the shell of a mollusk. To protect itself, the mollusk covers the irritant with layers of nacre- a lovely metaphor of victory over irritation.
Pearl is a 2.5-3 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces and bracelets. While we love a good pearl ring for special occasions, remember that pearls are delicate and should be worn carefully.
Pearl is a 2.5-3 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces and bracelets. While we love a good pearl ring for special occasions, remember that pearls are delicate and should be worn carefully.
Moonstone
Moonstone gets its name from the similarities it shares with the moon. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from colorless to gray, pink, green, yellow and brown. Moonstone is said to bring good luck and is associated with love. Moonstone’s display a unique optical property called adularescence which gives the gemstone a special gem glow from within.
Moonstone is a 6-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has poor toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. While we love moonstone rings and have seen many beautiful examples that are over 100 years old, we do not suggest wearing them on a daily basis.
Moonstone is a 6-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has poor toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. While we love moonstone rings and have seen many beautiful examples that are over 100 years old, we do not suggest wearing them on a daily basis.
Ruby
The word “ruby” comes from the Latin for “red” – the color of love and passion. Rubies come in pink to blood-red and are a member of the corundum mineral family. They are said to bring good health, wisdom, wealth and love.
Is one of the four precious gemstones, and is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all jewelry types.
Is one of the four precious gemstones, and is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all jewelry types.
Peridot
Peridot’s name comes from the Latin word that means gem. Peridot was among Cleopatra’s favorite gemstones, so you can know you are in great company when wearing this gemstone. It ranges in hue from yellowish-green to a more rare greenish-yellow. Peridot has been used for centuries as a protective talisman and is said to bring good fortune.
Peridot is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its toughness is fair to good, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces.
Peridot is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its toughness is fair to good, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces.
Spinel
Spinel’s name comes from the Latin word meaning thorn, which refers to the shape of spinel crystals. Historically, red spinel was often misrepresented as ruby. The most famous example of this being the Black Prince Ruby, which is a 170 carat spinel mounted at the front of the Imperial State Crown of England. Spinel comes in a wide array of hues, from intense red to vibrant pink, orange, blue, bluish green and all shades of purple.
Spinel is a 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all jewelry types. We love spinel for a non-traditional engagement ring, just make sure to wear it with a little more care.
Spinel is a 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all jewelry types. We love spinel for a non-traditional engagement ring, just make sure to wear it with a little more care.
Sapphire
The name sapphire comes from the Greek word meaning “blue color”. While blue is one of the most popular colors, this gem can be found in almost every color of the rainbow – except red. Like rubies, sapphires are a member of the corundum mineral family. This means that sapphires and rubies are the same mineral, simply different colors. Sapphires represent wisdom and loyalty and are said to symbolize the soul.
Sapphire is one of the four precious stones and is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all jewelry types.
Sapphire is one of the four precious stones and is a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all jewelry types.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline’s name comes from the Sinhalese word which means “stone with mixed colors”, due to the multiple colors that often are displayed within one crystal. Tourmaline comes in a wide color palette that includes the pink, red and green. Pink tourmaline is associated with compassion and love, and green is said to promote courage and strength. All colors are said to inspire artistic expression.
Tourmaline is a 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Tourmaline can be an excellent choice for a fashion ring, just wear with care.
Tourmaline is a 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Tourmaline can be an excellent choice for a fashion ring, just wear with care.
Opal
Opal’s name is believed to have originated in India, where the Sanskrit word means “precious stone”. Opals are prized for their unique rainbow colored shifting properties – an optical phenomenon called “play-of-color”. Opal’s background color can vary from black opal to white, yellow, red or orange. These mesmerizing gems are a symbol of purity, hope and truth.
Opal is 5-6.5 a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has very poor to fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Opal is an excellent choice for a fashion ring that is meant to be worn on special occasions, but keep in mind its low durability.
Opal is 5-6.5 a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has very poor to fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Opal is an excellent choice for a fashion ring that is meant to be worn on special occasions, but keep in mind its low durability.
Citrine
The name is believed to have been derived from the French word for lemon. Citrine can be found in yellow to brownish orange hues. Today, most of the citrine available in the result of the heat treatment of amethyst. This is the result of the overmining of gemstones, but there are still exquisite examples of natural citrine gemstones in antique jewelry.
Citrine is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Citrine is a wonderful choice for a fashion ring, but it should be worn a little more carefully.
Citrine is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Citrine is a wonderful choice for a fashion ring, but it should be worn a little more carefully.
Topaz
The word topaz is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word which means fire. Topaz comes in a variety of colors including white, light blue, yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown and blue. Today, most blue topaz is the result of treating colorless topaz.
Topaz is a 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has poor toughness, so a tough blow could crack your stone. Fortunately, topaz is generally very affordable which makes it easy to replace. We recommend topaz for all types of jewelry.
Topaz is a 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has poor toughness, so a tough blow could crack your stone. Fortunately, topaz is generally very affordable which makes it easy to replace. We recommend topaz for all types of jewelry.
Turquoise
Turquoise is also a birthstone for December, the name is derived from the French word meaning “Turkish” because the gemstone was first brought to Europe through Turkey from Persian mines. Turquoise is an opaque blue to green stone that often has veins (remnants of the rock in which is formed) running through it. It is said to be a stone of good fortune, health and peace.
Turquoise is a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Turquoise is a fine choice for a fashion ring, but keep in mind it is a soft stone (dust is harder) and it can be easily scratched.
Turquoise is a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Turquoise is a fine choice for a fashion ring, but keep in mind it is a soft stone (dust is harder) and it can be easily scratched.
Zircon
Zircon is one of December’s birthstones, and the name is believed to have come from the Persian word meaning “golden colored”. Zircon comes in a multitude of colors from orange or red, yellow, brown, green, blue, and white. Zircon is known for its brilliance colored flashes of light, called fire.
Zircon is a 6-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Zircon is a wonderful option for a fashion ring, just remember that it will scratch easily due to the lower hardness.
Zircon is a 6-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair to good toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Zircon is a wonderful option for a fashion ring, just remember that it will scratch easily due to the lower hardness.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. The December birthstone was discovered in Tanzania, and comes in velvety shades of pure rich blue to violet.
Tanzanite is a 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has poor to fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces.
Tanzanite is a 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has poor to fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces.
Morganite
Morganite was discovered in 1910, and was named after J.P. Morgan to honor his support for the arts and sciences. Morgan was a gem collector, and gifted many gems to the Museum of Natural History in New York and Paris. It comes in hues of pink to orange-pink.
Morganite is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all types of jewelry. We love morganite for a non-traditional engagement ring, it just needs to be worn with a little more care (we would not recommend washing dishes or working out).
Morganite is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has good toughness, so we recommend it for all types of jewelry. We love morganite for a non-traditional engagement ring, it just needs to be worn with a little more care (we would not recommend washing dishes or working out).
Iolite
Iolite comes from the Greek word meaning “violet”. It comes in beautiful hues of violet and blue, and displays different colors when viewed at different angles, a property called pleochroism.
Iolite is a 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces.
Iolite is a 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces.
Jade
Jade has cultural roots dating back to ancient civilization, when Stone Age workers would shape it into weapons and objects. In China, carving jade evolved into a form of art that has flourished for over 3,000 years. Jade is the toughest of all the gemstones, and is most commonly green but can also be found in yellow, red, lavender, black and white.
Jade is a 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has excellent toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces and fashion rings.
Jade is a 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has excellent toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces and fashion rings.
Onyx
Onyx comes from the Greek word for “fingernail” because onyx with flesh colored bands can sometimes resemble a fingernail. Black onyx is the most popular, but more commonly it is seen with bands of color. Artificial treatments have been used since ancient times to achieve the black color, and today most onyx on the market is artificially colored.
Onyx is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has excellent toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces, bracelets and fashion rings.
Onyx is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has excellent toughness, so we recommend it for earrings, necklaces, bracelets and fashion rings.
Lapis
Lapis is a rock, meaning it is a combination of several minerals. One of these is pyrite, which creates golden flecks of sparkle embedded in the stone. While most people associate lapis with dark blue, it does come in other shades of blue, greenish blue, and violet blue.
Lapis is a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Lapis makes a beautiful statement in a fashion ring, but should be worn carefully.
Lapis is a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. It has fair toughness, so we recommend it for earrings and necklaces. Lapis makes a beautiful statement in a fashion ring, but should be worn carefully.