Colored Gemstones FAQs

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Colored Gemstones FAQs

Gemstones are brilliant to look at, and their various colors and sparkle make them beautiful additions to fine jewelry. If you are looking to purchase

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Fine Jewelry FAQs

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Gemstones are brilliant to look at, and their various colors and sparkle make them beautiful additions to fine jewelry. If you are looking to purchase a fine jewelry piece, read our frequently asked questions about colored gemstones.

What is a gemstone?

A gemstone is a precious, or semiprecious, mineral crystal that is often polished and used in various jewelry items. Gemstones that have been cut and polished are popular for the bright colors and shine they add to jewelry. 

There are many different kinds of gemstones, some rarer than others. They are measured for durability with a scale known as the Mohs scale, which gives each gem a 1-10 rating based on how easily it can be scratched. A diamond, for example, is rated a 10 because it can only be scratched by another diamond.

What type of jewelry contains gemstones?

Gemstones are used in almost every kind of fine jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Gemstones that rate 7 or higher on the Mohs scale are better for everyday jewelry because they are durable enough to withstand daily use.

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What are the most popular gemstones?

The most popular gemstone is the diamond, which is highly sought after in bridal jewelry. The diamond is a common staple of engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary rings, as well as other fine jewelry.

Other popular stones include the emerald, which is known for its beautiful, vivid green hue; the sapphire, which is usually a deep blue; and the ruby, which is bright red. These brightly colored gemstones are all popular choices for jewelry settings.

What are the birthstones for each month?

January

The January birthstone is the garnet. Garnets are usually thought of as red, but they come in many different colors.

February

The February birthstone is the amethyst. This stone ranges from a lighter to deep purple and is very scratch-resistant.

March

The March birthstone is aquamarine. The stone is named for its bluish-green color, which resembles the color of the ocean.

April 

The April birthstone is the diamond. Diamonds are usually clear and are one of the most commonly sought-after gemstones for fine jewelry.

May

The May birthstone is the emerald. Emeralds are known for their beautiful, deep green color.

June

June has two birthstones, pearl and alexandrite. Pearls are typically a creamy white and only found in living creatures, while alexandrite is a rare gem that can appear in different colors depending on the kind of light it is viewed under.

July 

The July birthstone is the ruby. Rubies are a bright, vibrant red and are a durable stone for jewelry.

August 

The August birthstone is the peridot. Light green in color, it often has pretty, yellow undertones.

September 

The September birthstone is the sapphire. Sapphires are a popular gemstone for jewelry and are known for their brilliant blue color.

October 

October also has two birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opals are often pearly white, but they can reflect different colors in the light. Tourmaline is a beautiful gemstone that can come in many colors and even show many colors within a single gem.

November 

The November birthstone is the citrine. This stone is a member of the quartz family and is usually yellow to orange in color.

December 

December has several birthstones as well, including turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. All are various shades of blues.

Gemstones and Fine Jewelry at Preusser Jewelers

Stop by Preusser Jewelers in Grand Rapids to see all kinds of unique wedding bands, engagement rings, colored gemstone jewelry, and fine jewelry! Contact Preusser Jewelers for more info and make an appointment.