Learn About Alexandrite
Hardness: 8.5
Toughness: Excellent
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 18
Alexandrite is known for its ability to show different colors under certain light sources. Under natural daylight, it is a beautiful green, but changes to a purplish red in incandescent light. This rare and intriguing gemstone is durable and ideal for everyday wear.
- Member of the chrysoberyl species
- Stable around heat and chemicals and excellent for daily wear
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Amethyst
Hardness: 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing: 
Birthstone: February
Anniversary: 6
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Known for its rich, wine-purple color, Amethyst has been associated with royalty and prestige for many years. Legend has it that Amethyst gives the wearer a clear mind and quick wit in challenging situations. Amethyst can be widely found and comes in a large range of sizes. Color selections range from pale lilac to rich purple.
- Member of the quartz species
- Should avoid exposure to intense heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic cleaning, but avoid steam cleaning
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Learn About Ametrine
Hardness: 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing:
Ametrine is a fascinating, transparent, bicolor gemstone as it is composed of two different gemstone varieties within the quartz family: Amethyst and Citrine. Incredibly rare, no two Ametrine gemstones look alike. This gemstone holds the same characteristics of the two gemstones that form it.
- Member of the quartz species
- Should avoid exposure to intense heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic cleaning, but avoid steam cleaning
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Learn About Aquamarine
Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing: 
Birthstone: March
Anniversary: 19
Zodiac: Cancer
Named for the cool blue hues of sea water, Aquamarine features light tones ranging from light blue to blue green. Aquamarine crystals can grow easily in large sizes while showcasing excellent clarity. The more intense colors in Aquamarine are typically seen in larger gemstones.
- Member of the beryl species
- Although stable, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Bloodstone
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: March
Bloodstone — also known as Heliotrope — is an opaque stone that features a dark green color flecked with bright red spots. Ancient Greeks named it for the scarlet color they saw as they lowered it in water and flashed it toward the sun. With its complex color composition, Bloodstone offers a masculine appeal.
- Member of the chalcedony species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Cameo
Hardness: Varies
Toughness: Fair to Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
First appearing during the time of Alexander the Great, a Cameo is a gemstone that has been carved with a portrait. Cameos are often made of Black Agate, Orange Shell, Onyx, Coral, and more. Cameos began to grow in popularity during the Victorian Era and project a timeless beauty sought to be handed down throughout the generations.
- Mineral species varies depending on gemstone used
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Carnelian
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: Good
Anniversary: 17
Carnelian is a semitransparent to translucent gemstone with a deep reddish orange to brown tone showing an abundant orange. Carnelian is often formed into beads or cameos. Ancient civilizations once believed Carnelian to have the ability to promote speaking skills.
- Member of the chalcedony species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Chalcedony
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing:
Chalcedony is actually a very common gemstone family name that refers to any quartz with crystals too small to be seen by the naked eye. While several gemstones belong to the Chalcedony family, the jewelry industry refers to Chalcedony as a smooth gemstone showcasing a light blue color with light gray tones.
- Member of the chalcedony species, but similar to quartz
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Chrysoprase
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing:
Zodiac: Libra
Chrysoprase is the most sought after member of the chalcedony family of gemstones. This bright green, semitransparent to translucent gemstone’s name means golden apple.
- Member of the chalcedony species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Citrine
Hardness: 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: November
Anniversary: 1, 13
Zodiac: Leo
Citrine is one of the most popular gemstones in the yellow to orange color range. Natural Citrine is rare, so a majority of jewelry-quality Citrine is created by heat treating Amethyst. Citrine is a great option for good wearability at a moderate price point.
- Member of the quartz species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic, but avoid steam cleaning
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Learn About Coral
Hardness: 3 - 4
Toughness: Fair to Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Coral is a type of biogenic gem material that has been prized for centuries. This gemstone is formed from the discarded carbonic platforms of marine invertebrate. One thing to note is that the Coral used in jewelry is different than the environmentally protected species. Although found in a variety of colors, its red and orange hues are extremely popular for cabochons, beads, and cameos.
- Member of the corallium species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Only clean using a soft, moist cloth
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Learn About Cubic Zirconia
Hardness: 8.5
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Cubic Zirconia is a man-made gemstone made to imitate a diamond. While the most commonly used Cubic Zirconia is colorless, this gemstone can be made in a variety of colors — depending on which color agents it was exposed to in the growing process.
- Member of the zirconium oxide species
- Safe to expose to most chemicals, but can be sensitive to very high heat
- Safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Emerald
Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Toughness: Poor to Good
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: May
Anniversary: 35, 55
Zodiac: Aries
One of the most iconic gemstones in history, Emerald is known for its verdant and deep green color. It is believed that this color represents new life and shines beautifully in direct sunlight. Emerald is formed under rare conditions that often result in subtle fractures and cavities. These inclusions are considered a part of the gemstone’s character, even in top-quality Emeralds.
- Member of the beryl species
- Avoid exposure to heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Garnet
Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Toughness: Fair to Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: January
Anniversary: 2, 25
Zodiac: Pisces, Virgo
Garnet refers to a group of gemstones in almost every color. Popular colors include the red and orange tones (Mozambique, Rhodolite, and Spessartite) as well as the green hues (Tsavorite and Demantoid). This gemstone can be found across the globe in varying amounts and price points.
- Member of the garnet species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic cleaning, but avoid steam cleaning
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Learn About Iolite
Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Toughness: Fair
Metal Pairing:
Iolite features a color range of light to dark blue and violet. One of the most interesting features of Iolite is that it’s pleochroic, which means that it showcases different colors based on the angle it’s viewed. The blue color Iolite is known for is best viewed from the top angle. While not as durable, Iolite is a popular alternative to Sapphire.
- Member of the cordierite species
- Avoid exposure to high heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Lapis
Hardness: 5 - 6
Toughness: Fair
Metal Pairing: Varies
Anniversary: 9
Lapis Lazuli, commonly referred to as Lapis, is best identified from its vibrant blue color, which is described as either a navy, royal, or midnight blue. This gemstone can also feature veins of white calcite, which depreciates value, or flecks of gold pyrite, which makes the gemstone unique. Lapis is popularly used in beads, cabochons, and carvings.
- Member of the lapis lazuli species, which is an aggregate of several different minerals, including lazurite and calcite
- Avoid exposure to high heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Moissanite
Hardness: 9.25
Toughness: Good to Excellent
Metal Pairing: Varies
Moissanite was originally founded in a meteorite crater in Arizona. Since then, it has been replicated in laboratory settings as a diamond substitute showcasing a variety of colored and colorless options. With a durability near that of a diamond, twice the sparkle of a diamond, and a fraction of a diamond’s price point, Moissanite is quickly becoming one of the most popular diamond alternatives on the market.
- Man-made using a gem quality of silicone carbide
- Safe to expose to heat and most chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Moonstone
Hardness: 6 - 6.5
Toughness: Poor
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: June
Moonstone features a milky translucence that changes with every movement. It features a reflective blue glow within its mysterious depths. Moonstone is most often found colorless, white, or light gray, but other colors include light green, yellow, brown, and black.
- Member of the orthoclase feldspar species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Never use with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Morganite
Hardness: 7.5 - 8
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing:
Named after famous banker and financier J. P. Morgan, Morganite is a rose pink to lilac cousin of Emerald and Aquamarine. While the most desirable shade of Morganite is magenta, most varieties on the market are a peachy pink or pale pink color. Consider Morganite as an alternative for Pink Tourmaline.
- Member of the beryl species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Onyx
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing:
Anniversary: 7
Onyx is a commercial nickname for an opaque black color of Chalcedony, which can also be accompanied by straight parallel bands of white. This gemstone is often associated with unmistakable statements of power, authority, and sophistication. Easy to work with, Onyx is a favored gemstone for cabochons, beads, and cameos as well as faceted options.
- Member of the chalcedony species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Opal
Hardness: 5 - 6.5
Toughness: Very Poor to Fair
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14
Zodiac: Taurus
More than any other gemstone, Opal is known for its pulsating display of fire and color, caused by its unique structure.. The changeable color and flashing fire seen in Opal are symbolic of love, life, hope, and truth. Varieties of Opal include white, black, fire, and boulder. When selling certain varieties of Opal, be sure to point out their unique play of color.
- Member of the opal species
- Avoid exposing the stone to heat, chemicals, and intense lighting
- Never use with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Pearl
Hardness: 2.5 - 4
Toughness: Fair to Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 3, 30
Pearls are among the most beloved gemstones throughout history. Modern-day cultured Pearls are biogenic gem materials featuring a range of colors from cream and white to black, gray, and silver as well as a variety of sizes and overtones. Whether used to accent statement pieces or pieced together as a strand, Pearls appeal to traditional and modern style preferences.
- A biogenic product produced by many species of mollusks
- Avoid exposing the stone to heat, chemicals, and intense lighting
- Never use with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Peridot
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: Fair to Good
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: August
Anniversary: 16
Zodiac: Gemini
Peridot’s green apple color shines brilliantly in the sun. Peridot has always been associated with light and was once believed to ward off the terrors of the night. Relatively inexpensive and plentiful in a variety of shapes and sizes, Peridot is perfect for jewelry. Pair with contrasting colors for an eye-catching combination.
- Member of the olivine species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Avoid using with ultrasonic and steam cleaners
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Learn About Quartz
Hardness: 7
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Quartz is a mineral species that boasts several well-known varieties with unique visual appearances, including Amethyst, Citrine, smoky, rose, honey, rutilated, tourmalinated, speckled, and more. With a variety of sizes set at accessible price points, these unique gemstones make excellent accents as well as statement pieces.
- Member of the quartz species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic cleaners, but avoid steam cleaning
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Learn About Ruby
Hardness: 9
Toughness: Excellent
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: July
Anniversary: 15, 40
Beloved throughout the world as one of the most sought-after red gemstones, Ruby’s vibrant color catches the eye and warms the heart. Rubies in large sizes are rare and valuable but are durable and the perfect future heirloom. Throughout history, Ruby has been associated with wealth, invincibility, and love.
- Member of the corundum species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Sapphire
Hardness: 9
Toughness: Excellent
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: September
Anniversary: 5, 45
Zodiac: Capricorn
Mostly recognized for its deep blue color, Sapphire actually comes in every shade of the rainbow except red (which would be a Ruby). Sapphire has long been associated with the virtues of royalty and romance. With a favorable durability and a variety of sizes, Sapphire is the perfect addition to any piece of jewelry.
- Member of the corundum species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Spinel
Hardness: 8
Toughness: Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: August
Anniversary: 65
Zodiac: Aquarius
In a time when gemstones were only identified by color, Spinel, which was frequently found in the same mines, spent years being mislabeled as Ruby and Sapphire. Like corundum, members of the Spinel family come in a rainbow of options. With good durability and an appealing price point, Spinel is a perfect alternative to Ruby, Sapphire, and Tourmaline.
- Member of the spinel species
- Although stable with light and chemicals, avoid exposing the stone to heat
- Usually safe with ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Learn About Tanzanite
Hardness: 6 - 7
Toughness: Fair to Poor
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: December
Tanzanite is one of the newest gemstones to be discovered and jewelry-quality stones have only been found in Tanzania so far. This transparent stone showcases a vivid violet blue hue. Tanzanite also features pleochroism, which means that it exhibits different colors when viewed at different angles — alternating between purple and violet blue.
- Member of the zoisite species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Never use with ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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Learn About Topaz
Hardness: 8
Toughness: Poor
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: November
Anniversary: 4, 50
Topaz is a family of gemstones that offer a wide variety of eye-catching colors, such as imperial, white, sky blue, mystic (coated), and more. Consumers often confuse Imperial Topaz for Citrine or Smoky Quartz so education on this gemstone is key in the sales process. While Topaz is relatively hard, be aware that it is easy to cleave it when struck.
- Member of the topaz species
- Although generally stable with light and chemicals, avoid exposing the stone to heat
- Never use with ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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Learn About Tourmaline
Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Toughness: Fair
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 8
Tourmaline is a group of gemstones that feature any color of the spectrum, but the most commercially common shades are pink and green. Some varieties of Tourmaline are specifically known for their parti-color combinations and chatoyancy — the cat's eye phenomenon.
- Member of the tourmaline species
- Although generally stable with light and chemicals, avoid exposing the stone to heat
- Avoid using with ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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Learn About Turquoise
Hardness: 5 - 6
Toughness: Poor to Good
Metal Pairing:
Birthstone: December
Anniversary: 11
One of the most ancient gemstones, Turquoise has been traced to jewelry worn dating back to ancient times. This opaque gemstone ranges in color from medium blue to a greenish blue. Turquoise can also feature web-like patterns called a matrix or some golden flakes of pyrite, but the most valuable gemstones are smoothly polished with a uniformed color.
- Member of the turquise species
- Although stable with light, avoid exposing the stone to heat and chemicals
- Never use with ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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Learn About Zircon
Hardness: 6 - 7.5
Toughness: Poor to Good
Metal Pairing: Varies
Birthstone: December
Zodiac: Scorpio
Zircon is a vibrant and colorful natural gemstone that is vastly different from Cubic Zirconia, which it is unfortunately associated with due to the name similarity and history of diamond simulation. One of the most common colors of Zircon is aqua blue tinged with shimmering teal. Be sure to point out the color dispersion that flashes in the light.
- Member of the zircon species
- Although generally stable with light and chemicals, avoid exposing the stone to heat
- Avoid using with ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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