Use this reference library to find facts and advice that will help you make the best purchase when you shop for gemstones. Gemstone details are a must-know if you love ruby, turquoise, sapphire, opal, amethyst and all of the other colorful gemstones used in jewelry.
Amber
Amber Pellets - Photo by Albert J. Copley / Photodisc for Getty Images
Even experienced buyers have been duped into buying "amber" specimens that weren't genuine amber. Use these tips to learn some amber basics before you go shopping.
Aquamarine (March Birthstone)
Aquamarine Necklace by Shanker/Novica
They might look completely different, but aquamarine is in the same family of minerals that emerald belongs to. The highest quality of aquamarine is very clear, with fewer inclusions than emerald, but aquamarine with somewhat less clarity can be just as beautiful.
Emerald (May Birthstone)
Emerald and Diamond Ring from Blue Nile
Prized since ancient times, a fine emerald can be more expensive than a high quality diamond of the same carat weight. Take a look at some of the facts and folklore that surround this popular gemstone.
Garnet
Photo by Ryan McVay / Getty Images
Garnet is the January birthstone. You might think that all garnets are deepest red, but there are other colors to consider, including gems that are a pretty shade of green.
Jade Variations
Katie Holmes Wearing Jade at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - Mark Mainz/Getty Images
True jade can actually be one of two minerals, either jadeite or nephrite. Each one mineral is slightly different, they both occur a variety in colors and prices. Use these facts to sort out the differences and to help you avoid jade impostors.
Opal (October Birthstone)
John Shane holds opals from the Australian town of Coober Pedy - Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images
Gemstone opal has fiery sparks that dance through it as the stone is moved. Use this reference to learn about the many variations of opal and find out how to detect simulated and composite stones which are sometimes used in opal jewelry.
Peridot (August Birthstone)
Peridot, photographed by Ron Gibbs - TheImage.com
Peridot is a green gemstone that's sometimes called the evening emerald. In fact, some historians think that many of the emeralds worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot. The birthstone for August, peridot is thought to bring its wearer success and good luck.
Ruby (July Birthstone)
Ruby Pendant from Mondera - Part of the Ruby Jewelry Top Picks Collection
If a member of the corundum family of gemstones is red, it's a ruby. The traditional July birthstone, fine rubies can be more costly than diamonds. Use this reference to learn more about the qualities and characteristics you should be aware of before you buy a ruby.
Sapphire (September Birthstone)
A Group of Faceted Blue Sapphires - Lawrence Lawry/Photodisc/Getty Images
Cornflower blue is the most popular color for sapphires, but this member of the corundum family of minerals exists in nearly every color you can imagine. Second only in hardness to diamonds, sapphires are durable gemstones that have been popular since ancient times.
Turquoise (December Birthstone)
A collection of turquoise beads - Carly Wickell
What's your favorite turquoise--a clear, robin-egg blue version, deep green stones, or the turquoise called spider web, containing delicate markings of matrix, the rock that turquoise forms in? Use this guide to find answers to your questions about turquoise.