Gemstone jewelry has always been popular throughout history, and it is very much on trend right now. Here’s a dive into the subject with everything you need to know about gemstones.
What is Gemstone Jewelry?
Gemstone jewelry includes minerals, rocks, or petrified substances in its design. Gemstones are typically mined from the earth before being cut and polished to give them their unique, sparkly, and desirable look; some may even be treated with heat or wax to produce the desired effect and minimize any natural flaws.
What’s the difference between precious and semi-precious gemstones?
When buying gemstone jewelry, you may notice the terms “precious” and “semi-precious” being bandied about. Basically, precious gemstones are the most beautiful, rare, and high-quality gemstones available. There are currently only four gemstones that are considered to be precious, and they are:
- Ruby
- Diamond
- Sapphire
- Emerald
All other natural gemstones will be typically categorized as semi-precious, although amethyst is occasionally considered to be precious too.
In practice, the biggest difference you’ll notice between gemstone jewelry that is precious and gemstone jewelry that is semi-precious is the price, with precious gemstones being significantly more expensive.
Is all gemstone jewelry cut and polished?
Although most of the gemstone jewelry you’ll see in the store has been cut and polished to create sparkling facets and a better shine, it is possible to buy jewelry that features gemstones in their raw, “unprocessed” state. These are typically much duller and bear little resemblance to the fancy pieces you’ll find in the average jewelry store, which means they are much less popular; but if you’re after an alternative, more natural look, they are well worth considering.
Some of the most popular gem cuts are:
- Smooth
- Rounded
- Cabochon
Which cut will suit you best depends on your personal style and how you want your gems to catch the light, so it is a good idea to try a few out for size before you make a purchase.
What are the current trends in gemstone jewelry?
Although there are more styles of gemstone jewelry than we could ever hope to mention in this piece, let’s take a look at some of the most popular trends for 2021:
Mood rings
They were big in the 90s, and like all things 90s fashion, they’re set to be big again. Mood rings, if you aren’t old enough to remember, are rings that contain a liquid crystal thermometer that gives them the ability to change color as the wearer’s temperature changes. So, although they can’t really tell how you’re feeling, they can be a lot of fun.
Typically, they are decorated with a quartz gemstone that enables the color to come through. If you’re looking for a quirky piece, this is the one for you.
Birthstones
Every birth month has its own assigned gemstone known as a birthstone, with some months having multiple birthstones to choose from. This makes them the ideal gift for birthday celebrations or special momentos.
Healing crystals
Some people believe that gemstones and crystals like amethyst, turquoise, and citrine have healing qualities, and this has pushed the trend for gemstone jewelry in the form of pendants and necklaces to be very popular right now.
Gemstone jewelry is precious, popular, and pretty fashionable right now, so why not treat yourself to a piece or two?