Elements
Emerald Emerald, one of the most coveted and historically significant gemstones, has been prized for over 3,500 years. A variety of the beryl family, emerald’s vivid green color comes from traces of chromium and vanadium. Though it scores 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, its inclusions reduce toughness, making special care important when cleaning. Where It’s Found Emeralds are mined worldwide, with the finest specimens coming from Colombia, known for their high chromium content and clarity. Other notable sources include Zambia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and North Carolina. Untreated emeralds are extremely rare, and most are enhanced with colorless resins or oils to improve clarity and durability. Any treatments should always be disclosed to the buyer. In Jewelry Emerald is a beloved gem in jewelry, especially for rings. Though relatively hard, its internal fissures require care, particularly when cleaning. Despite this, emerald's timeless beauty and vibrant color make it a sought-after choice in all types of jewelry.
Sapphire Sapphire is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world—and for good reason. Best known for its rich, deep blue, sapphire actually comes in nearly every color of the rainbow (except red, which would technically be a ruby!). The finest blue sapphires have a velvety, royal quality that can stop you in your tracks, especially when they show flashes of violet or a hint of cornflower blue. Sapphire belongs to the corundum family and has a Mohs hardness of 9, making it second only to diamond in durability—perfect for daily-wear jewelry. Some sapphires even display a star-like pattern called asterism when cut into cabochons, and these “star sapphires” are highly prized. Where it’s found: Sapphires are mined all over the world, with key sources including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), and Montana in the U.S. Kashmir sapphires, now very rare, are considered legendary for their deep, velvety blue. Treatments: Most sapphires on the market today are heat treated to improve color and clarity—a standard, accepted practice. Unheated stones with exceptional color can be especially valuable.
Ruby If sapphire is the queen of gems, ruby might just be the king. Rich, red, and powerful, ruby has been prized for centuries as a symbol of passion, protection, and prosperity. It’s also a variety of corundum—same as sapphire—but once that red color hits, it earns its own royal title. The most sought-after rubies are vivid, pure red with just a hint of blue undertone—what the gem world calls “pigeon blood” red. A fine ruby with strong saturation and minimal inclusions can be more valuable than a diamond of the same size. Where it’s found: Myanmar has produced some of the most famous rubies in history, but newer deposits in Mozambique are now leading the market with some incredible stones. Rubies are also found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Treatments: Like sapphire, rubies are often heat treated to improve color. In some cases, fracture-filling is used to reduce visible inclusions—something to look out for when buying.
Tanzanite Tanzanite is a one-location wonder—found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Discovered in the 1960s, this mesmerizing blue-violet gem quickly won over the world with its unique, shifting color and vibrant personality. Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, meaning it can show blue, violet, and even burgundy tones depending on the angle. The deeper the saturation, the more valuable the gem. While it’s not as hard as sapphire (6 to 7 on the Mohs scale), it’s still a popular choice for special occasion jewelry. Where it’s found: Just one place—Tanzania. That limited supply adds to its allure and long-term collectibility. Treatments: Almost all tanzanite is gently heated to bring out its iconic blue-violet color. It’s a stable and accepted treatment that mimics the natural heating process that occurs in the Earth.
Amethyst Amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, has been used as a gemstone for centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans believed it could prevent drunkenness, often wearing amethyst jewelry or drinking from amethyst vessels. The gem’s color ranges from light violet-pink (“Rose de France”) to deep purple. The finest amethyst features flashes of red and blue and is highly prized, especially when deep purple with this effect. Where It’s Found Amethyst is found across the globe, with the largest deposits in Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia. Historically, Siberia produced some of the finest deep purple stones, while the US has notable deposits in Georgia and Arizona’s Four Peaks region. Though mostly untreated, amethyst can be heated to lighten its color or create the rare and valuable ametrine. In Jewelry Thanks to its good hardness (7 on the Mohs scale) and availability in larger sizes, amethyst is a popular choice for jewelry. It is commonly found in both traditional faceted cuts and carvings.
Citrine Citrine is like a drop of sunlight in gem form. With warm hues that range from soft honey to deep amber-orange, it’s a member of the quartz family—and one of the most affordable and cheerful gemstones out there. Its name comes from the French word citron, meaning lemon. Because it’s relatively abundant and has a Mohs hardness of 7, citrine is an excellent everyday gem. It’s often used in bold, bright designs and pairs beautifully with other gemstones for a warm, earthy palette. Where it’s found: Most commercial citrine today comes from Brazil, though it’s also found in Madagascar, Russia, and the U.S. Treatments: Natural citrine is rare, so most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz. This treatment is stable, permanent, and widely accepted in the industry.
Tourmaline Tourmaline is a stunning gemstone known for its dazzling array of colors, ranging from vibrant reds and greens to rich blues and purples. Some varieties even showcase multiple colors within a single gem, a rare and beautiful trait in the gemstone world. As a member of the beryl family, tourmaline is durable, with a Mohs hardness of 7.0-7.5, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. Where It’s Found Tourmaline is found worldwide, with major deposits in the United States (Maine and California), Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Kenya. Treatments To enhance its natural beauty, tourmaline may be heated to adjust its color or clarity. Some stones are treated with polymers to improve their appearance, particularly if they contain natural fissures. In Jewelry With its brilliant color range and durability, tourmaline is perfect for a wide variety of jewelry, from rings to necklaces, and is a favorite for those seeking something unique and vibrant.
Rhodolite Rhodolite is a stunning variety of garnet known for its beautiful pinkish-red to purple-red hues. This gemstone is a natural blend of almandine and pyrope garnets, with iron providing its vibrant color. Fine rhodolites are prized for their brilliance and the soft glow created by rutile inclusions, known as “silk,” which add a unique charm to the gem. With a Mohs hardness of 7-7.5, rhodolite is durable and perfect for all types of jewelry. Where It’s Found Rhodolite garnets were first discovered in North Carolina, but today, the most significant deposits are found in Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. Smaller deposits can also be found in Sri Lanka and Nigeria. In Jewelry With its striking color and brilliant shine, rhodolite makes a bold statement in jewelry. It is often used in rings, earrings, and necklaces, particularly for those who love red gemstones.
Aquamarine Aquamarine, a captivating blue-green variety of beryl, has been cherished for centuries. Its color varies from a soft blue-green to a vivid blue, with the most prized stones being those with deep, pure blue hues. Known for its clarity and large sizes, aquamarine is both beautiful and durable, with a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. Where It’s Found Aquamarine is sourced from all over the world, with notable deposits in Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, and the United States, including states like Maine and California. Treatments Most aquamarines undergo gentle heating to enhance their natural blue color, a process that’s undetectable and doesn’t impact their value. In Jewelry Thanks to its clarity and resilience, aquamarine is a popular choice for all types of jewelry, from intricate carvings to stunning faceted gems.