Many people around the world have a love and passion for jewelry. While most jewelry connoisseurs are familiar with all the different types of jewels and gemstones out there, the average person usually isn’t. Whether you are on the hunt for a new piece of jewelry or simply want to explore the different types of jewels and learn about their uniqueness and significance, it’s fun to dive into the world of gems and jewels.
We are going to go over some common jewel types and discuss their differences to give you a better idea of what’s out there in the world of jewelry.
Ruby
The ruby is a beautiful and durable red-colored gemstone that is the official birthstone of people born in July. The ruby is made of the same mineral as sapphires, called corundum, and is a favorite among jewelry lovers. High-quality rubies are one of the most expensive gemstones on the market and have an extremely high durability rating – 9.0 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Although it’s not the most common today, rubies make great gemstones for engagement rings. They are also suitable for daily wear and will surely turn heads when you adorn your outfit with them.
Diamond
The most classic jewel of all time is the diamond. Whether it’s on a necklace, bracelet, pendant, or brooch, diamonds always get the attention of others and are the most classic jewel of all time. Diamonds, which are the most costly gem in existence, are actually a form of carbon and are the hardest substance naturally occurring on our planet according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Diamonds are always one of the best sellers in jewelry stores across the United States as they are often used for engagement and wedding rings. Although don’t be mistaken, wearing a diamond necklace to any event will be a sure-fire way to turn heads and receive compliments.
Emerald
The emerald has always been famous for its gorgeous and captivating green color. A form of beryl and a cousin of the gemstone aquamarine, the emerald can vary from blue-green to yellow-green and is the birthstone for people born in the month of May.
Emeralds are harder than several common gemstone types with a rating of 7.5 to 8.0 on the Mohs hardness rating scale, but the structure of these gems contains many internal fissures that make them brittle. This is something you might consider if you were wondering if this gem would be ideal for daily wear. It would be more durable and less likely to crack if it was enclosed in some type of pendant necklace.
Pearl
Pearls are not technically a stone, but they have always held importance in the world of jewelry. Pearls are actually created by oysters in the ocean or fresh water, rather than mined from the earth like other gemstones. Pearls come in a wide range of colors including pink, white, black, yellow, gray, and brown. The large round pearls are the most valuable and the thickness of the luminous outer layer also determines its value. It’s not ideal for daily wear due to its low durability. It has a meager rating of 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs hardness rating scale.
A pearl necklace is a great addition to an outfit for any type of classy occasion and is the birthstone for people born in the month of June.
Sapphire
Sapphires are made of the same mineral as ruby and can be any non-red shade of corundum. The most common color of this precious gemstone is blue, but they also come in a variety of colors including pink, orange, and yellow. Their durability is comparable to rubies, so they are ideal for daily wear. The highest quality sapphires are extremely rare and prized for use in jewelry pieces.
