Guide to Popular Colored Gemstones
While diamonds are a common – and beautiful – choice for all manner of jewelry, sometimes you want to add a little pop of color to that engagement ring or tennis bracelet. That’s where colored gemstones come in.
Whether you’re creating a custom piece exactly to your specifications or you’re shopping for something in a jewelry shop, colored gemstones offer exceptional quality and beauty, giving your pieces some personality and fun.
Here’s what you need to know when buying a colored gemstone:
Red Stones
Red gemstones are highly sought-after, and often are used to symbolize love and commitment.
Some popular red-hued stones include:
- Garnet (January’s birthstone)
- Ruby (July’s birthstone)
- Citrine (some varieties)
- Topaz (some varieties)
Typically, naturally occurring rubies will be among the more expensive red stones, and they also rank the hardest on the Mohs scale. However, lab-created rubies do exist if you want that medium-dark pinkish red color without the high price tag.
Garnets, red topaz, and varieties of citrine (such as Madeira citrine) tend to be less expensive and provide a deeper brown-red sparkle.
Pink Stones
Similar to red, pink gemstones are popular among those wanting to gift jewelry to a romantic partner. Their lighter color also makes them a common selection for fun pieces and costume jewelry.
Popular pink stones include:
- Morganite
- Tourmaline (October’s birthstone)
- Topaz (some varieties)
- Sapphire (some varieties)
Among the pink gemstones, sapphires of all varieties and shades will be the most expensive and rate the highest on the Mohs scale. There are lab-created options for pink sapphires for those wishing to save some money.
Morganite and tourmaline rank in the middle of the pack in terms of cost, and pink topaz are the least expensive.
Orange Stones
For anyone looking to make a unique statement, orange gemstones are a solid choice. These stones aren’t quite as sought-after as some other colors, but they lend a bold pop of color to statement rings, pendants, or other jewelry.
Some orange stones include:
- Citrine
- Morganite
- Topaz (some varieties)
- Opals (some varieties)
- Garnet (some varieties)
Orange gems run toward the lower and middle ranges of the price scale, with garnets and morganite being the more pricey options. Citrine and orange topaz are less expensive, and also rank the highest on the Mohs scale for hardness.
Yellow Stones
Like orange stones, yellow gemstones are a great choice for anyone looking for color but without sticking with the traditional options. Additionally, yellow diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for anyone who wants the prestige of a diamond but also desires some color.
Popular yellow stones include:
- Canary diamonds
- Quartz
- Topaz (November birthstone)
- Sapphire (some varieties)
Among the yellow stones, canary diamonds are at the highest end of the price range. They also are the hardest on the Mohs scale, though lab-created options are available.
Quartz and topaz are at the lower end of the price scale, with yellow sapphires being slightly more expensive.
Green Stones
Offering a bright pop of color to any piece, green gemstones are popular in a variety of situations. Emeralds, for example, are incredibly popular choices for engagement rings.
Some common green gemstones include:
- Emerald (May birthstone)
- Peridot (August birthstone)
- Alexandrite (June birthstone)
- Topaz (some varieties)
- Garnet (some varieties)
- Tourmaline
- Moldavite
Because alexandrite is an incredibly rare stone, naturally occurring alexandrite is very expensive. Emerald is also an expensive stone to purchase. However, lab-created options for both stones are available.
Blue Stones
Blue gemstones are used in a variety of jewelry, and often lend a cool, calming tone to each piece.
Popular blue gemstones include:
- Aquamarine (March birthstone)
- Sapphire (September birthstone)
- Topaz (December birthstone)
Aquamarine is the most expensive naturally occurring blue gemstone, but lab-created versions are available for a lower cost. The stone also rates highest on the Mohs scale.
All other blue gemstones tend to be more affordable, and rate very similarly on the Mohs scale.
Purple Stones
Purple is a very popular choice for jewelry, and purple gemstones range from more blue in tone to a deeper, truer purple. This makes them perfect for a variety of uses in jewelry settings.
Some common purple gemstones include:
- Amethyst (February birthstone)
- Alexandrite
- Tanzanite
- Topaz (some varieties)
As stated above, alexandrite is the most expensive purple gemstone and changes color depending on the light it’s viewed in. The other purple gemstones tend to be less expensive, even in their naturally occurring forms.
Black Stones
If you’re looking for something to add a dark, mysterious air to your jewelry creation, a black-hued stone is perfect.
Popular black stones include:
- Diamond
- Spinel
- Onyx
- Tourmaline
All black gemstones are around the same price point, and they won’t set you back as much as some of your other colored gemstone options.
Your Source for Gemstone Jewelry in Frederick, MD
Whether you’re looking to create a custom piece with colored gemstones or you want something you can take home today, Gold Thumb Jewelry in Frederick, Maryland, can help! We’re trusted by customers all over the DMV for our high-quality offerings and exceptional customer service. Visit us today!