Gemstone Buying Guides: Types, Meanings & Tips

Dive into our gemstone guides to explore popular gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Learn the meaning and symbolism behind each gemstone, discover birthstones by month, and find the best gemstones for engagement rings and fine jewelry. With tips on durability, care, and how to choose the right gemstone, this board is your go-to resource. Follow for everything you need to know about gemstones!
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How to Choose an Emerald
When choosing an emerald, it’s important to consider your preferred color, saturation, and clarity combination. Read on to learn more about each characteristic as well as sourcing.  

Cut
Emeralds typically form in six-sided prisms, making them especially suited for emerald cuts. This frequently used cut for emeralds, featuring rectangular step cuts, can also help protect against damage. Due to their fragile nature, and because color is the most important factor in determining the stone’s value, emeralds must be carefully cut to maximize the effect of tone and saturation. 

Color
Color is the most important factor in determining emerald quality and price. The highest-value emeralds have bluish green to pure green color with vivid color saturation.

Clarity
Most eme
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Learn About and Design Your Own Emerald Ring | Brilliant Earth
How to Choose an Emerald When choosing an emerald, it’s important to consider your preferred color, saturation, and clarity combination. Read on to learn more about each characteristic as well as sourcing. Cut Emeralds typically form in six-sided prisms, making them especially suited for emerald cuts. This frequently used cut for emeralds, featuring rectangular step cuts, can also help protect against damage. Due to their fragile nature, and because color is the most important factor in determining the stone’s value, emeralds must be carefully cut to maximize the effect of tone and saturation. Color Color is the most important factor in determining emerald quality and price. The highest-value emeralds have bluish green to pure green color with vivid color saturation. Clarity Most eme
This may contain: many different colored diamonds are arranged on a white counter top with the words brilliant earth written below them
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Unique Gemstones for Engagement Rings | Brilliant Earth
✨ Discover the magic of unique colored gemstones for your engagement ring! From vibrant colored diamonds and dazzling colored moissanites to rich rubies, mystical alexandrites, lush emeralds, and stunning sapphires in every shade—these gems bring personalized color and meaning to your love story. 💎 Whether you want bold reds, deep greens, or rare blues, colored gemstones offer a breathtaking alternative to traditional diamonds. Perfect for brides seeking a one-of-a-kind ring that truly stands out. 🌈💍 #ColoredGemstones #ColoredDiamonds #ColoredMoissanite #RubyEngagementRing #AlexandriteRing #EmeraldRing #SapphireEngagementRing #UniqueEngagementRings #BrilliantEarth #CustomEngagementRing #AlternativeEngagementRing
Toi et Moi Morganite and Pink Tourmaline Cocktail Ring

Shimmering in hues reminiscent of an excellent glass of rosé, this rare two stone ring is as on trend as can be and features a morganite and a pink tourmaline as a perfectly matched pair.

This Limited Edition, rare-find item is crafted only in small quantities and features an exclusive, of-the-moment design created with high-quality gemstones, meticulous craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing.

#twostonering #toietmoiring #birthstonering #morganite #tourmaline #gemstone #toietmoi #twostone #pinkgems #pinkring #uniquering
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Unique Toi Et Moi Birthstone Ring - Brilliant Earth
Toi et Moi Morganite and Pink Tourmaline Cocktail Ring Shimmering in hues reminiscent of an excellent glass of rosé, this rare two stone ring is as on trend as can be and features a morganite and a pink tourmaline as a perfectly matched pair. This Limited Edition, rare-find item is crafted only in small quantities and features an exclusive, of-the-moment design created with high-quality gemstones, meticulous craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing. #twostonering #toietmoiring #birthstonering #morganite #tourmaline #gemstone #toietmoi #twostone #pinkgems #pinkring #uniquering
an engagement ring on top of a wooden box with the words, unique gemstone engagement rings
Design Your Own Gemstone Engagement Ring - Brilliant Earth
Beyond diamonds - make a statement with a vibrant custom gemstone ring. From rich sapphires to rare colored diamonds, choose from our ethically sourced collection of precious stones to design your perfect ring. Your color story starts here. #ColoredGemstones #GemstoneRing #SapphireRing #CustomJewelry #BrilliantEarth #UniqueEngagementRing #ColoredStones #EngagementRingInspo #PreciousGems #JewelryDesign
Discover each birthstone by month and the special qualities and symbolism they hold. From love and luck to wisdom and protection, each gemstone offers something unique. November Birthstone Jewelry, Birthstones By Month, October Birthstone Jewelry, April Birthstone Jewelry, July Birthstone Jewelry, August Birthstone Jewelry, September Birthstone Jewelry, January Birthstone Jewelry, September Birthstone
Personalized Birthstones for Every Month
Discover each birthstone by month and the special qualities and symbolism they hold. From love and luck to wisdom and protection, each gemstone offers something unique.
a woman holding an emerald ring in her hand with the words versatie on it
Unique East West Emerald Cut Teal Sapphire Gemstone Engagement Ring | Brilliant Earth
💍 Say yes to bold brilliance! This custom East-West emerald cut green sapphire engagement ring is a stunning twist on tradition. Featuring a sleek double band and vibrant green sapphire center stone, it's a one-of-a-kind piece for the modern bride who dares to be different. 💚✨ #EastWestEngagementRing #GreenSapphireRing #DoubleBandRing #UniqueEngagementRing #CustomRing #BrilliantEarth #ModernBridal #EmeraldCutEngagementRing
May’s birthstone is the emerald. This precious birthstone is prized for its rich green color and rarity. Emeralds are renowned for their beauty and elegance, making them a popular choice for jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. Their captivating hue adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any design, making them a beloved choice — particularly for those with May birthdays. Whether worn as a statement piece or as a subtle accent, the emerald birthstone is cherished for its timeless appeal and colorful allure. 

We source emeralds from Colombia and Zambia, but they’re also found in India, Austria and the United States, among other countries. For more information about the origins of the May birthstone, read our Emerald Guide. Birthstones By Month, Emerald Birthstone, Brilliant Earth, Buying Guide, Emerald Gemstone, Green Colors, Statement Pieces, Jewelry Pieces, Emerald
All About Emeralds | Brilliant Earth
May’s birthstone is the emerald. This precious birthstone is prized for its rich green color and rarity. Emeralds are renowned for their beauty and elegance, making them a popular choice for jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. Their captivating hue adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to any design, making them a beloved choice — particularly for those with May birthdays. Whether worn as a statement piece or as a subtle accent, the emerald birthstone is cherished for its timeless appeal and colorful allure. We source emeralds from Colombia and Zambia, but they’re also found in India, Austria and the United States, among other countries. For more information about the origins of the May birthstone, read our Emerald Guide.
This may contain: three fancy yellow diamonds are on display in someone's hand with their fingers together
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Unique Yellow Diamonds | Brilliant Earth
Looking for something uniquely stunning? Yellow diamonds are making a major comeback in engagement rings and fine jewelry! These fancy-colored treasures offer a warm, distinctive alternative to traditional colorless diamonds. Yellow diamonds symbolize joy and optimism, making them perfect for celebrating love. Their natural warmth complements any skin tone and metal setting, especially rose and yellow gold for a luxurious monochromatic look. Today's couples are embracing self-expression through non-traditional choices, and yellow diamonds provide that perfect balance of timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Each stone's unique color intensity creates a one-of-a-kind piece that stands out in any collection.
From rich green emeralds to sapphires, rubies, alexandrite, morganite, aquamarine, and trending gems like moissanite, you can design your dream gemstone engagement ring through our "design your own ring" process. 

To do this, first pick out your unique gemstone from our collection. For rings you plan to wear daily like an engagement ring, we recommend sapphires, rubies, and moissanite for their hardness. Plus, sapphires come in almost every color of the rainbow!

#gemstone #birthstone #uniquering #gemstonering #gemstoneengagement #engagementring #emerald #ruby #aquamarine #alexandrite #moissanite #labemerald #uniqueengagement #diamondring #conflictfree #naturalgemstone #labgemstone
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Design Your Own Colored Gemstone Engagement Ring | Brilliant Earth
From rich green emeralds to sapphires, rubies, alexandrite, morganite, aquamarine, and trending gems like moissanite, you can design your dream gemstone engagement ring through our "design your own ring" process. To do this, first pick out your unique gemstone from our collection. For rings you plan to wear daily like an engagement ring, we recommend sapphires, rubies, and moissanite for their hardness. Plus, sapphires come in almost every color of the rainbow! #gemstone #birthstone #uniquering #gemstonering #gemstoneengagement #engagementring #emerald #ruby #aquamarine #alexandrite #moissanite #labemerald #uniqueengagement #diamondring #conflictfree #naturalgemstone #labgemstone
a woman's hand with five different colored rings on it, including one blue and one red
Unique Gemstone Rings - Brilliant Earth
Create a ring as unique as your journey together with our custom colored gemstone engagement rings. ✨ From vibrant sapphires and emeralds to rare alexandrites and tourmalines, our ethically sourced gemstones let you express your individuality in vivid color. Each custom creation begins with your vision and transforms into a wearable masterpiece that celebrates what makes your love extraordinary. When you design with colored gemstones, you're not just creating a ring—you're crafting an heirloom that tells your distinctive story for generations to come. #BrilliantEarth #CustomEngagementRing #ColoredGemstones #UniqueEngagementRing #EthicalJewelry #SapphireEngagementRing #CustomJewelry #ColorfulBridal #DesignYourOwn #PersonalizedJewelry
This may contain: a woman's hand holding a ring with an emerald colored stone in the middle
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Luna Bezel Emerald Engagement Ring - Brilliant Earth
Bezel engagement rings offer a sleek and modern twist on traditional styles. With a bezel setting, the diamond or gemstone is securely encircled by a metal rim, providing both protection and a contemporary look. This design not only enhances the stone's brilliance but also creates a smooth silhouette that’s perfect for everyday wear. Bezel settings are ideal for those seeking a unique, low-profile option that balances elegance with durability. If you're looking for a ring that stands out while standing up to daily life, a bezel engagement ring could be your perfect match.
Curious if your birthstone reflects your personality? This guide explores how each gemstone is linked to unique traits and qualities. Discover how birthstones represent character and personality based on your birth month! November Birthstone Jewelry, October Birthstone Jewelry, April Birthstone Jewelry, July Birthstone Jewelry, August Birthstone Jewelry, September Birthstone Jewelry, January Birthstone Jewelry, November Birthstone, Brilliant Earth
Birthstones & Personality Traits by Month
Curious if your birthstone reflects your personality? This guide explores how each gemstone is linked to unique traits and qualities. Discover how birthstones represent character and personality based on your birth month!
This month-by-month guide reveals each birthstone’s history and significance. Explore the vibrant colors and stories behind every gemstone and learn more about their symbolism. November Birthstone Jewelry, October Birthstone Jewelry, April Birthstone Jewelry, July Birthstone Jewelry, August Birthstone Jewelry, September Birthstone Jewelry, January Birthstone Jewelry, November Birthstone, September Birthstone
Birthstone Meanings: The Story Behind Each Month
This month-by-month guide reveals each birthstone’s history and significance. Explore the vibrant colors and stories behind every gemstone and learn more about their symbolism.
This guide explores each month’s unique gemstone, its meaning, and symbolism. Discover the rich history behind your birthstone and find out what it says about you! Learn more today! November Birthstone Jewelry, October Birthstone Jewelry, April Birthstone Jewelry, July Birthstone Jewelry, August Birthstone Jewelry, September Birthstone Jewelry, January Birthstone Jewelry, November Birthstone, September Birthstone
Discover Your Birthstone: A Monthly Gemstone Guide
This guide explores each month’s unique gemstone, its meaning, and symbolism. Discover the rich history behind your birthstone and find out what it says about you! Learn more today!
Dive deeper into the meaning behind each month’s birthstone. Learn what qualities are associated with your gemstone and how it reflects your personality. Discover more about each birthstone and its unique significance. November Birthstone Jewelry, Birthstones By Month, October Birthstone Jewelry, April Birthstone Jewelry, July Birthstone Jewelry, August Birthstone Jewelry, September Birthstone Jewelry, January Birthstone Jewelry, November Birthstone
Birthstones by Month & Meaning
Dive deeper into the meaning behind each month’s birthstone. Learn what qualities are associated with your gemstone and how it reflects your personality. Discover more about each birthstone and its unique significance.