Gemstones

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a gemstone?

  

  A gemstone is a mineral or rock that is cut and polished for use in jewelry or other decorative items. There are hundreds of types of gemstones, but the most common are diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls. Gemstones are formed deep within the Earth's crust under extreme heat and pressure. They are found in a variety of locations around the world, including mines, riverbeds, and volcanic areas.

• What is the rarest gemstone?

  

  The rarest gemstone is painite, which was discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s by British mineralogist Arthur C. D. Pain. Once considered the rarest mineral on Earth, only a handful of painite crystals are known to exist. However, more recent discoveries have led to increased availability and reduced rarity. Painite is a reddish-brown or orange color and is highly sought after by collectors.

• How can you tell if a gemstone is real?

  

  To determine if a gemstone is real, examine its color, clarity, and hardness. Gemstones should also be examined under a loupe or microscope to look for natural inclusions or other imperfections that can help verify their authenticity. For diamonds, make sure to look for certification from reputable gemological organizations, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), or the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL).

• How can I polish gemstones at home?

  

  True polishing can only be done by professionals with specialized tools. But deep cleaning at home can often bring back the sparkle and desired look of your stone. To do so, use a soft-bristled brush, warm water, and mild soap to gently clean the gemstone. A soft cloth can be used to dry and buff the gemstone after cleaning. For gemstone rings, buyers should take care to avoid exposing the gemstone to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the stone. 

• What are the gemstones for each month?

  

  Each month is associated with a specific birthstone gemstone. The birthstones are as follows: January Birthstone - Garnet, February Birthstone - Amethyst, March Birthstone - Aquamarine, April Birthstone - Diamond, May Birthstone - Emerald, June Birthstone - Pearl or Alexandrite, July Birthstone - Ruby, August Birthstone - Peridot, September Birthstone - Sapphire, October Birthstone - Opal or Tourmaline, November Birthstone - Citrine or Topaz, and December Birthstone - Turquoise, Tanzanite or Zircon. Discover our birthstone jewelry collection to shop all.

• What is the hardest gemstone?

  

  The hardest gemstone is diamond, which ranks at a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 to 10 based on their relative hardness, with 10 being the hardest. Other hard gemstones include sapphire, ruby, and moissanite.

• What are gemstone engagement rings and what do they mean?

  

  Gemstone engagement rings are rings that feature a gemstone as the center stone instead of a traditional diamond. Gemstone engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique and personalized nature. The gemstone chosen for an engagement ring can have special significance or meaning for the couple. For example, sapphire is often chosen for its symbolic association with loyalty and commitment and rubies are chosen for their romantic red hue.

• What are precious gemstones?

  

  Precious gemstones are typically considered to be diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. These gemstones are highly valued for their beauty, rarity, and durability. In contrast, semi-precious gemstones include a wide range of other gemstones that are valued for their color, clarity, and other characteristics.

• How are gemstones mined?

  

  ​Gemstones are typically mined from the earth or extracted from other materials. Mining methods vary depending on the type of gemstone and the location of the deposit. Some gemstones are found in alluvial deposits, while others are mined from underground mines or open pits.

• What is the most common gemstone?

  

  The most common gemstone is quartz, which is widely used in jewelry and decorative items due to its availability and affordability. The most delicate commonly worn gemstone is probably opal, which is known for its delicate structure and susceptibility to damage from heat, moisture, and impact.