Stones

Gemstone Basics

The four C's don’t just apply to diamonds. Color, cut, clarity and carat weight are still important with gemstones and other precious stones. For gemstones, darker doesn’t mean better. The best gems always have a more vivid, vibrant color.

Birthstones

A set of twelve gemstones that are associated with births during a specific zodiac sign or month of the year. Stones vary by culture.

Month	Birthstone	Symbol & Meaning
January	Garnet	Constancy Faith, eternity, truth, natural energy, self-confidence, creativity, friendship, constancy and good health.
February	Amethyst	Sincerity Tranquility, sincerity, courage, calmness, spirituality and health.
March	Aquamarine	Courage Happiness, youth, calmness, tranquility and courage.
April	Diamond	Innocence Love, innocence, clarity, strength and courage.
May	Emerald	Success Love, prosperity and eternity.
June	Pearl	Health Peace, love, innocence, wealth and purity.
July	Ruby	Contentment Love, freedom and peace.
August	Peridot	Happiness Protection and happiness.
September	Sapphire	Insight Truth, clarity, clear-thinking, sky and heaven.
October	Opal	Hope Hope, good fortune and purity.
November	Citrine	Protection Romance, enlightenment, increased self-esteem and success.
December	Blue Topaz	Strength Success, luck, forgiveness, strength and happiness.

Precious Stones

More opaque than traditional gemstones, the natural elegance of precious stones is sure to capture your attention.

Stones	Picture	Description
Cat's-eye		Derived from the French word chatoyancy, which literally means "cat's eye," these unique stones have a lighter colored line down their center, simulating the look of a feline eye.
Turquoise		These blue-green stones have dark brown or black freckles, giving them a rustic, natural look. Used frequently in Native American jewelry.
Quartz		One of the earth's most abundant minerals, quartz stones come in a rainbow of colors. They can be polished or left with a natural, faceted finish.
Onyx		Onyx stones are a specific variety of quartz in a striking black. Often polished for a stunning shine.
Mother-of-Pearl		Otherwise known as "nacre," mother-of-pearl is an iridescent substance found inside shells.
Chalcedony		These bluish-gray stones have a waxy luster, giving their translucent shapes an intentionally cloudy finish.
Carnelian		A variant of chalcedony, carnelian stones vary from a deep reddish-brown to a peachy flesh tone.
Marcasite		These pyrite stones are typically black with a greenish shine, resembling the iridescence of an oil spot.
Olivine		Also known as "peridot," olivine stones come in a natural green tone. While peridot is practically translucent, olivine is significantly more opaque.
Jade		Considered the "imperial gem" of China, the milky-green beauty of jade is recognized the world over. Made of calcium-rich minerals, these stones are most stunning when polished to a glossy finish.