Every piece of jewelry has its own style and design, which are factors that make each of them unique. Most women are on the search for the best piece out there, given that jewelry has been a staple in their wardrobe for almost a hundred of years already. For this reason, designers have started to feature gemstones on both statement and subtle jewelry pieces, particularly on necklaces, to create simply stunning pieces. There are many beautiful gems that are widely used in jewelry. Thus, you should be aware of your selections before making any major purchases. Whether you are seeking a specific color, or simply want to know which gem will withstand everyday wear and tear, knowing the many types of popular stones to look for in your necklace designs is essential.
Gemstones have been treasured since ancient times, and they continue to entice more people today than they did years before. The popular gems that are being incorporated into necklaces come in more colors, styles, and sometimes even their texture. From red rubies, pink and blue sapphires, to green emeralds and blue and purple amethysts, a myriad of tones and hues are possible.
In the process of creating and crafting several necklace designs to be people’s staple piece of jewelry, jewelry makers tend to source the gemstones carefully for their quality and color, ensuring that people will be able to receive the best quality stones. Because how beautiful the jewelry pieces would be depends on what gemstone has been added, and how it was completely designed.
Amethyst
Amethysts are considered to be a type of quartz, and rare purple gemstones with a unique color. They tend to be a relaxing stone that is thought to symbolize love, happiness, and fortune in one’s life. Amethysts were previously considered to be more valuable than diamonds, and are deemed to be very versatile and relatively durable.
The purple color actually comes from the iron in the crystal structure. Depending on how much iron is present, this gem can be pale or dark in color. And unlike many other gemstones, amethyst is widely obtainable in bigger sizes, making even larger stones more cheap. These colorful stones have been used in jewelry for centuries. Being incorporated into various necklace designs, amethyst is then proven to be a jewelry gem for all purposes. It also has a relatively high hardness of 7, which is known to be a durable stone. However, it can still be cabbed, carved, and made into a great variety of beads and other ornamental objects.
Emerald
Emeralds have traditionally been a popular gemstone among royalty. Emeralds were once thought to symbolize rebirth and fertility in Egypt, which became the reason why these types of gems immediately became popular. They have long been used in jewelry, including in wedding and engagement rings, and they look stunning when paired with diamonds and other precious stones.
Emerald, in general, tends to be known for its gorgeous green color. It is also considered to be harder than many other precious gems. Although it has a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8.0, they contain many internal cracks that make them brittle. For this reason, it became a crucial consideration when purchasing emerald jewelry, as this stone is not suitable for everyday wear.
Emerald’s striking green color is unlike any other gemstone because of qualities that give each stone its own personality. The green emerald is one of the “big four” gemstones, along with high-quality diamonds, blue sapphires, and red rubies. However, unlike the other three, emeralds are more delicate and should not be exposed to excessive moisture.
Ruby
Because of their captivating red color, high durability, and sleek design, rubies tend to be the top choice in choosing a gemstone for several necklace designs. Its strong and vibrant deep red color makes it standout when used as a gem for various jewelry pieces. Moreover, ruby is known for its deep red color, which is supposed to symbolize love and passion. For this reason, it became a popular choice for those who wanted to express their love and affection. Also, most people are unaware that rubies are red sapphires and that they are both made from the same mineral.
Rubies of high quality are the most expensive colored gemstones in the market, especially those with a strong, deep red tone. And given that rubies are sapphires, they are only next to diamonds in terms of their hardness and brilliance, but are rarer than both diamonds and blue sapphires. Also, fine-quality ones are some of the most expensive gemstones.
Sapphire
One of the most popular gemstones in the world which are used in jewelry, particularly for necklace designs, are sapphires. This type of gemstone, which is made of the same material as rubies, can be any non-red hue of corundum, which is commonly in the shade of blue. But then, they can also come in yellow, pink, orange, and many other shades. There are even white sapphires. It can be a good alternative to diamonds, if you are to wear jewelry pieces everyday. Sapphires with a deep, rich color, few inclusions and other imperfections, and a brilliant cut are the most precious. The best sapphires are extremely scarce and highly prized for their usage in jewelry. And as mentioned that sapphires are made of the same material as rubies, they are equally durable with rubies.
Diamond
Diamonds are the most common gemstones used in jewelry. Particularly in necklace designs and classic, elegant rings as well, which comes as no surprise. Diamond is colorless in its purest form. But different elements in the crystal structure and environmental factors can produce a variety of colors, including yellow, blue, and green, with red being the rarest. The most popular one is clear. Diamonds are frequently used in jewelry pieces with other gemstones, but they can look stunning when used alone. For these reasons, they are popularly used in engagement and wedding rings.
Given that they are rated as one of the hardest and most durable types of gemstones, they tend to be an excellent choice for rings and other jewelry that will be worn frequently and subjected to less-than-ideal conditions.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to selecting a gem for your next piece of jewelry, especially for several necklace designs, personal preference is key. However, durability and cost are also significant factors to consider. Some jewels, such as diamonds, are extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear. While others, such as pearls, require specific care. Knowing your alternatives can also help you in finding the ideal diamond for your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.
