With ever-evolving trends and styles of accessories, it can be challenging to find your perfect piece. Before you venture off to go jewelry shopping, make sure you know some of the most popular and beloved gemstones out there. Once you get to know all the different types of gemstones and each gemstone’s meaning, you’ll be able to curate a beautiful collection.
How to Shop for Gemstones
Before you can enter the alluring gemstone jewelry lifestyle, you need to know how to shop for each type of gemstone. The most important things to consider during this process are your:
- style preferences
- lifestyle
- budget
- occasion
As much as we all want to adorn ourselves in jewels as if we have unlimited budgets, it is not realistic. So first, identify how much you are able and willing to spend on your new piece of gemstone jewelry. Then, your jeweler can help you find gorgeous pieces within your price range.
It’s worth mentioning that you should consider upcoming events and occasions when purchasing jewelry. A big party, vacation, or wedding calls for some new gemstones. Plus, you want to make sure you’re dressing appropriately for everything on your social calendar.
Top 4 Types of Gemstones in Jewelry
The best way to guarantee your jewelry collection is high-quality and beautiful is by knowing the different types and gemstone meanings. Some of the most popular gemstones we carry are:
- Diamonds
- Garnets
- Pearls
- Emeralds
1. Dazzling Diamond Jewelry
Anyone who loves an elegant statement piece needs diamonds in their collection. They’re perfect for all occasions and will catch the eye of everyone who sees you. As a result, diamonds are one of the most valuable, sought-after types of gemstones.
The Formation of Diamonds
Diamonds are precious stones formed from an essentially colorless crystalline of pure carbon. Carbon atoms under high temperature and pressure bond together to start growing crystals that become diamonds. A natural diamond is the hardest known type of gemstone on Earth.
Diamonds were first formed over three billion years ago within the Earth’s crust under intense heat and force conditions. Initially, they were created at the depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth’s mantle. This type of gemstone is present in about thirty-five countries around the world, like South Africa, Russia, and Botswana.
What Do Diamonds Symbolize?
Although they look stunning on your ring finger or draped across your neck, there’s much more to this type of gemstone than just their beauty. They are the ultimate symbol of light, life, and the sun. In an engagement or wedding ring, the gemstone represents faith, commitment, and promise between two partners.
History of Diamonds
Diamonds have been one of the most sought-after materials in the world for thousands of years. In the first century, influential Roman naturalist Pliny stated, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of the precious stones, but of all things in this world.”
This type of gemstone first became popular in India, where they were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Some historians believe that India started trading diamonds as early as the fourth century BC. Although they gained their fame in India, they would soon become even more popular in Western Europe.
Diamonds were brought to Europe in caravans that traveled to the medieval markets of Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds had become a trendy accessory for Europe’s elite. The gemstone showed high status and wealth.
In the 1700s, India’s supply of diamonds began to decrease. The market was still booming, though, because Brazil emerged as a vital source. Gold miners discovered the diamonds as they sifted through the gravels of local rivers.
Diamonds Become an Industry
By the 1800s, the modern diamond market began to form in South Africa. The country’s rich diamond deposits were discovered just as the diamond demand was broadening due to increased wealth in Europe and the United States. Cecil Rhodes, one of the most influential entrepreneurs in diamond mining, established De Beers Consolidated Mines in South Africa.
As the market for diamonds has changed throughout the years, one thing has remained the same: diamonds travel from mines to cutting centers and directly into your beautiful jewelry.
Our Favorite Diamond Jewelry Pieces
If you agree with the statement “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” you must check out our most popular diamond accessories.
Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Diamonds are the most common and classic gemstone to find in engagement and wedding jewelry. Your future fiancé will love this round diamond solitaire ring because of its stunning simplicity.
You can guarantee the quality of this band since the gemstone is G in color and SI2 in clarity. Also, like all of our engagement rings, this piece is backed by the Fink’s Lifetime Guarantee, so you don’t have to live in fear of it getting lost or damaged.
Mocha and White Diamond Necklace
Everyone needs a beautiful staple gemstone to accentuate outfits. The Sabel Collection mocha and white diamond necklace is perfect due to its neutral tones. Since it’s made with yellow gold, the gemstone colors complement each other gorgeously.
2. Garnet Gemstones
Do you need a bit more color than diamonds can offer? Garnet is an attractive option that can be found in a variety of different shades. This type of gemstone is especially recommended if your birthday is in January.
What is Garnet?
Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age. Throughout history, people have used them as gemstones and abrasives. While all pieces of garnet possess similar physical characteristics and crystal forms, they differ in chemical composition.
Different species of garnet are mined all over the world, from Russia to Kenya. There are a bunch of different colors, but the most common ones to find are typically red. However, on a rare occasion, you might be able to find a blue garnet gemstone.
Garnet Gemstone Meaning in History
Garnet’s rich history dates as far back as the stone age. Ancient Egyptians, in particular, praised the stone and referred to it as a symbol of life. Pharos and other people of high status and wealth wore them in necklaces for protection.
In several cultures, talismen used this type of gemstone when going into battle to keep themselves safe. The Hunza warriors from Kashmir would shoot garnet pellets with bows and guns because they thought it would inflict particularly bloody wounds. They also believed it would ward off pestilence and plague.
One of this gemstone’s most common associations, both in history and today, is with the heart and blood. It might sound gruesome, but it was, in fact, seen as an extremely positive and uplifting stone. People believed that this type of gemstone could give them the power to recover from sadness, bring you to your heart’s greatest desires, and even improve circulation in the body.
Elegant Garnet Accessories
It would be best if you had the abundance, happiness, and prosperous energy that comes with understanding this gemstone’s meaning. Plus, the stunning shades of red and pink will give your outfits a sultry touch.
Garnet and Diamond Pendant
This breathtaking statement necklace is exactly what you need for a cocktail party or black-tie dinner. The 14k white gold brings out the bright red garnet gemstone’s beauty. With this necklace on, your little black dress will belong on the red carpet.
Rhodolite Garnet Earrings
A small, feminine touch is the perfect way to accessorize both casual and dressy looks. These pink rhodolite garnet earrings with a diamond halo are a fantastic option if you’re on the hunt for garnet. The 14k white gold metal used in these earrings will guarantee they don’t irritate your ears or leave them feeling sore.
3. Precious Pearls
Every woman needs a classic set of pearls in her jewelry box. Since they’re coined as one of the most timeless and elegant types of gemstones, pearls are an instant way to formalize your look.
What are Pearls?
Pearls are hard, glistening objects produced within a living shelled mollusk or another aquatic animal within the soft tissue. This type of gemstone is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form and deposited in concentric layers. This is what makes pearls so unique; they arise from the depths of the sea.
For thousands of years, people have known pearls as the queen of all gemstones. Historians theorize that people have been trading and admiring pearls for as long as 6,000 years. Because of their rich history and distinctive properties, they are one of the most precious gems ever discovered.
History and Wealth of Pearls
The oldest written mention of beautiful, natural pearls was in 2206 BC. Ever since they were first discovered, this natural gemstone has been a symbol of wealth and status. Members of royal families as well as the wealthy citizens of Asia, Europe, and various other parts of the world treasured natural pearls and passed them down through generations.
In ancient Chinese culture, the gemstone meaning symbolized protection. With pearls by their side, they believed they would be safe from fire and even fire-breathing dragons. Although they were known to have a strong and protective force in China, other cultures believed the gemstone’s meaning was purity.
People valued the wealth of pearls so much that some believed they could be cast with a spell for increasing riches. The spell caster would choose a perfect pearl, infuse it with desire for wealth, and throw it away into a garbage heap. The idea behind the spell was that someone who could throw away pearls was indeed rich.
Pearl Jewelry You Need
If the incredible gemstone meanings and history weren’t enough to get you on board, we’re sure you’ll change your mind after browsing some of our favorite pearl jewelry pieces.
Pearl Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings Set
Few things are more convenient than having an entire set of matching jewlery of matching jewelry to go with any outfit. Pearls are so versatile that they make accessorizing easy. Simply throw on your pearl jewelry pieces and eliminate the hassle of finding coordinating jewelry.
Princess Pearl Starter Necklace
Want to bring some pearl accessories into your wardrobe in a way that’s a little less flashy? Consider checking out the Princess Pearl cultured starter starter necklace. The 14k gold chain features four center pearls, providing the perfect amount of elegance.
4. Emerald Gemstone Jewelry
Emerald is a luscious stone full of incredible qualities. Since its gemstone meaning symbolizes wealth and royalty, it’s no wonder they’re so sought after. It’s also one of the most favored gemstones, along with diamonds, and the traditional jewelry gift for couples celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.
Qualities of Emerald
This type of gemstone is a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Beryl has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale.
Most emeralds are highly included, meaning their toughness is classified as generally poor. However, this doesn’t mean they’ll break or damage easily.
Unlike diamonds, the value of an emerald doesn’t come from its clarity. In fact, inclusions on this type of gemstone are typically desired because they can form beautiful patterns. In the gem trade, these patterns are called the emerald’s Jardin (or garden).
Emerald’s Gemstone Meaning in History
Since their discovery thousands of years ago, people have valued emeralds for their beauty and amazing qualities. Because of its rich shade of green, emerald’s gemstone meaning is associated with lush green and natural landscapes. For example, Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, and the city of Seattle, Washington, is known as the Emerald City.
Emerald is most commonly known throughout history for its links to ancient Egypt and Cleopatra. It’s said that she adorned herself and her palace with emeralds and would also give them as gifts to foreigners. Cleopatra likely played a key role in the popularity of this type of gemstone.
Emerald has always been a sign of royalty. Ancient Indian tales tell of mysterious cities full of wealth with walls and even entire temples made of emeralds. As these ancient tales spread across the world, emerald gained even more value. Wealthy people sought emeralds for their personal jewelry collections for many years to come.
Now that you know all about some of the most popular types of gemstones, finding your new favorite piece will be easy. Before investing, study each gemstone’s meaning and choose a stone that suits you. When you shop from the Fink’s collection, you will always have a stunning and vast array of gemstone jewelry to choose from.
