13 Most Popular Gemstones Used in Jewelry

Since ancient times, precious gemstones have captivated the eye and the imagination. They’re more than just beautiful – they often hold special meaning when it comes to birthstones and anniversaries.

So, if you keep up on jewelry design trends and the most popular gemstones, here’s a list of the most sought-after gemstones — and what makes them so captivating.

1. Amethyst

This semi-precious gemstone comes from the quartz family and is a popular choice due to its beautiful hues and its durability (not to mention its fair price point). It’s February’s birthstone and scores a seven on the Mohs scale.

The beautiful purple hues of amethyst have long been associated with royalty — and green Amethyst with healing properties.

2. Garnet

Coming in a variety of colors, garnet is a great choice for its versatility. Looking for green gemstones? Garnets have you covered. Orange? Yup – try some garnets. Yellow? Brown? Pink? Purple? You might not believe it, but yes – garnet.

Garnet’s different colors are said to bring different energies into the wearer. Red garnet brings love and vitality, while the green color invites growth and renewal. No matter what color stone you get, its durability guarantees that it can stand up to daily wear.

3. Tanzanite

Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on the list. This precious gemstone is found in only one place on Earth – Tanzania – and wasn’t discovered until the 1960s.

Jewelers love it for its violet and blue hues. When mined from the earth, tanzanite comes out a brownish color. After it’s treated, it gains an intense color that rivals that of blue sapphire. The higher the carat count, the more vibrant the color is.

4. Tourmaline

We mentioned that garnet comes in a wide range of colors – but when it comes to variety, tourmaline reigns supreme.

This type of gemstone comes in virtually every color and can match the brightness of diamonds or the dark, deep black of onyx. Watermelon tourmaline, an especially beautiful gemstone, features three – purple, white, and green – making it a popular choice for chunky pendants and fun, trendy pieces of jewelry.

5. Peridot

This beautiful gemstone comes in a variety of green hues. At its most vivid, the beautiful green color of peridot sets it apart from other stones. This modern August birthstone is associated with healing properties and protecting the wearer – and its affordability makes it a popular choice for buyers who want to add a bit of beauty to their lives without breaking the bank.

6. Topaz

White, pink, and blue topaz are all massively popular choices for jewelry design. Topaz scores an eight on the Mohs scale, making it more than durable enough for daily wear.

White topaz is admired for its stunning clarity and dazzling sparkle. Its beauty makes it a conflict-free and affordable diamond substitute. Pink topaz is loved for its soft, feminine color. (It’s a favorite among romantics and is associated with feelings of deep love and affection.)

Arguably the most popular of the topaz family, blue topaz is a popular choice for engagement rings. It ranges in color from blue-green to pure deep blue hues, and unlike aquamarine, topaz’s color never fades.

7. Moonstone

Moonstone features a unique, soft glow that gives it a stunning, mystical, and mysterious appearance. Some cuts of moonstone come with a greenish-blue cast, others have a peach or apricot color, and some shimmer with the colors of the rainbow. The most sought-after gemstones are pure, milky white.

8. Citrine

There’s no gemstone with a warmer glow than citrine. This type of gemstone features a golden-yellow hue that resembles the vibrance of autumn. It’s often used in larger pendants thanks to its eye-catching depth and variety of colors. This stone is associated with an abundance of positive qualities, such as success and prosperity, and is used in casual, trendy designs as well as in classic fine jewelry pieces.

9. Morganite

Morganite is a variety of beryl (a mineral that includes emerald and aquamarine) that has a pink, peachy color. If you’re looking to add a soft, feminine touch to your wardrobe, this semi-precious stone is a great place to start.

Morganite has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially with those who love pastel tones. Its pink color pairs well with love and romance, making it a popular choice for contemporary engagement rings.

10. Corundum Gemstones

The corundum family features a few types of precious gemstones that are popular choices in jewelry design – namely rubies and sapphires. But, those two precious gemstones come with a hefty price tag… and for good reason. They’re the hardest gemstones after diamonds – and their beauty is difficult to beat.

Believe it or not, blue sapphires come in a variety of colors (all with their own unique luster and brilliance). Some sapphires even change color under different lighting conditions, shifting between blue and violet.

Rubies are adored for their deep, passionate red color that is associated with love and vitality. They’re one of the rare gemstones out there and come with a timeless appeal that some jewelry enthusiasts just can’t pass up.

11. Lapis Lazuli

Looking for a beautiful blue stone without the price tag that comes along with a sapphire? Lapis lazuli can bring the beauty of the night to your fingertips.

Its deep blue is often highlighted by golden flecks, and this gemstone is rare enough to feel exclusive as a staple in art and fine jewelry for centuries.

12. Spinel

Spinels are another great option that rival the brilliance and sparkle of sapphires and rubies – as well as their durability. They score an eight on the Moh scale, which is above average for gemstones. They also come in a variety of diverse colors, such as red, purple, blue, and orange – plus, their highly reflective nature makes their beauty almost blinding to behold.

13. Alexandrite

Do you like to switch things up? So does alexandrite. This gemstone is popular because of its unique color-changing abilities that far surpass sapphires.

Under natural light, this stone exhibits a green hue – but under incandescent light, it switches to red. No matter the hue, alexandrite features deep, vibrant colors that offer a captivating shine.

Colored Gemstone Jewelry For Every Style

Looking for beautiful gemstones that bring out your style? Shop Giving Gems! We offer the finest cuts of a variety of gemstones and we’re all about quality. That means we only select the most popular gemstones – all free of inclusions and cracks. Find your perfect fit today by visiting our convenient online store and take advantage of our free shipping no matter where you are in America!