Gemstones

The January birthstone is garnet, a gemstone best known for its rich red color, distinctive sparkle, and long history in jewelry. Traditionally associated with protection, friendship, loyalty, and devotion, garnet is a meaningful choice for birthday gifts and personal jewelry. Although deep red is the shade most people recognize, garnet occurs in a surprising range … Read more

If you were born in June, pearl is one of your traditional birthstones, and one of the most distinctive gems you can wear. Unlike most gemstones, pearls form inside living mollusks rather than deep within the earth. Their soft glow, natural individuality, and long history have made them a classic choice for jewelry. Pearl is … Read more

If you were born in October, you have one of the most distinctive birthstones on the calendar: opal. Unlike gemstones that are known for one dominant color, opal can flash blue, green, pink, orange, yellow, and red as the stone moves in the light. October actually has two recognized birthstones, opal and tourmaline, but opal … Read more

If you were born in May, your birthstone is emerald, the rich green gemstone traditionally associated with spring, renewal, love, and growth. Emerald has been treasured for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to royal collections around the world. Its unmistakable green color makes it one of the easiest birthstones to recognize, while its history … Read more

Citrine and topaz are often compared because both can have beautiful yellow, golden, or orange tones. But they are not the same gemstone. Citrine is a variety of quartz, while topaz is a separate mineral. Topaz is harder, with a Mohs hardness of 8 compared with 7 for citrine, but it also has perfect cleavage, … Read more

If you’re choosing between opal vs tourmaline, you’re comparing two gemstones that share October as a birthstone month but have very different personalities. Opal is famous for its shifting play-of-color, which can produce flashes of green, blue, orange, red and other colors across the stone. Tourmaline is known for its enormous range of body colors, … Read more

Amethyst and purple sapphire can look surprisingly similar at first glance, but they are very different gemstones. Amethyst is a variety of quartz, while purple sapphire is a variety of corundum. That difference affects hardness, durability, appearance, price, and how well each stone suits everyday jewelry. So, which is better: amethyst vs purple sapphire? For … Read more

Emerald and peridot are both green gemstones, but they create very different looks once you see them side by side. Emerald is known for its rich, classic green color and luxurious appeal, while peridot is usually brighter, more yellow-green, and more affordable. The differences go beyond color. Emerald and peridot come from different mineral families, … Read more

If you were born in March, your birthstone is aquamarine, a blue-to-blue-green gemstone known for its clear, ocean-like appearance. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “seawater,” which fits its cool blue color and long connection with the sea. Aquamarine is more than a pretty blue gemstone. It has a history tied to … Read more

If you were born in April, your birthstone is the diamond, one of the most recognizable and durable gemstones in the world. Known for its brilliance and exceptional hardness, diamond has long been associated with strength, clarity, commitment, and enduring love. But the April birthstone is not limited to the traditional colorless diamond. Diamonds can … Read more