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Gemstones

Learn about Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Pearls and more. Precious and semi-precious gemstones come in every color imaginable, and they add interest and excitement to any piece of jewelry.

23 articles in this category :: back to FJU home

  1. The Birthstones

    This is a short overview of each of the traditional birthstones for all twelve months of the year. Most of the gems have more in-depth articles that you can read as well, but this is a handy reference to quickly learn which gem is associated with which month. We also touch on a bit of the gemology and folklore for each month's gemstones... read more »

  2. Three loose garnets red organge and green

    Gem in the Spotlight: Garnet

    Garnet’s rich history and varieties demonstrate garnets are more than the little red gem. Garnets allow for great personal diversity and style. The wide world of garnets invites all to become a garnet fan. Garnet is January’s birth stone. January babies born in the midst of cold, white (valley fog) and at times stark surroundings are rewarded with one of the most varying birth gemstones…Garnet. Garnet’s pizzazz energizes the gloomiest day. Garnet varieties brighten the world in colors of yellow to gold, bright orange to true orange, brown to cinnamon... read more »

  3. Tsavorite garnet is a rare and beautiful green gem

    Gem in the Spotlight: Tsavorite Garnet

    The discovery of Tsavorite in East Africa in the 1960s changed the jewelry world. Here was a gem with the color to rival the most exquisite emeralds and the clarity of the cleanest sapphires, all with the time tested durability of garnet. Tsavorite is a unique form of garnet with a stunningly vivid green color. It is bright and lively with a high refractive index giving it excellent sparkle and scintillation. Tsavorite is also a very rare gemstone. It is uncommon to find Tsavorite in sizes larger than five carats... read more »

  4. Group of loose amethyst gems emerald cut trillion and oval

    Gem in the Spotlight: Amethyst

    Amethyst is known for its beautiful purple color, and it is the most important quartz variety used in jewelry. Purple has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been in so much demand throughout history. Gemology Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is colored by the presence iron and aluminum. The violet color of amethyst can range from a pale lavender to a deep, dark purple, and it is often found in shades of pale to medium purple. Amethyst is typically found... read more »

  5. Loose fantasy cut aquamarine

    Gem in the Spotlight: Aquamarine

    Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin which literally means “seawater,” a tribute to its beautiful blue color. As a member of the beryl family, Aquamarine has some illustrious cousins in addition to a rich history of its own. The Mythology of Aquamarine Long associated with tranquility and happiness, aquamarine was also thought to instill courage, cure laziness, and sharpen the intellect. The ancient Greeks used aquamarine often in jewelry believing it captured the true spirit of the sea. Best known for its beautiful blue color, aquamarine was used to... read more »

  6. A collection of jade jewelry and loose gems

    Gem in the Spotlight: Jade

    Jade has one of the richest heritages of all gemstones. People have been using jade from as early as 6,000 BC, and it has been an incredibly important part of Asian, Central American, and North American history ever since. But, what is jade, and what has given it such a prominent place in human history? The term “jade” actually refers to two completely different gems: nephrite and jadeite. These are actually two unique mineral species, but since they have been confused for so many years, and are similar in many... read more »

  7. Group of loose emerald gemstones

    Gem in the Spotlight: Emerald

    Emerald is a stunningly beautiful green stones in Beryl family. In this article we take a deep dive into the mythology, history, and science surrounding this incredible gem. You will learn about Nero's emerald sunglasses, Cleopatra's emerald collection, and the science of fracture filling gemstones. In the end, we can say that no jewelry collection is complete without a beautiful emerald... read more »

  8. Morganite is a beautiful soft-pink gemstone

    Gem in the Spotlight: Morganite

    Morganite is a beautiful, soft pink gemstone and a graceful expression of elegance. It is not a very well-known gem, but it definitely should be. It is pastel or pale in color by nature and known for its transparent peach-pink hue though it also occurs as soft pink, violet-pink, or pale salmon. It is the subtle, understated nature of Morganite’s color that sets it apart from many of the more popular gemstones. Morganite has an impressive family tree. It is a beryl gem which puts it in the same family... read more »

  9. Single white round pearl on white background

    Gem in the Spotlight: Pearl

    Pearls have been sought after and loved by people for hundreds of years of human history. In this in-depth article, we explore the science, history, and gemology of this incredible product of nature. Learn about famous pearls like La Peregrina, the seven value factors of pearls, the difference between saltwater and freshwater pearls, and much more... read more »