Gemstones

Gemstones are minerals, rocks, or organic materials that are cut and polished for use in jewelry and ornament. They are valued for beauty, rarity, durability, and cultural or historical significance. Most gemstones are crystalline minerals, though some organics such as pearls, amber, and jet are also included.

Classification and grading: Gemstones are often grouped as precious and semi-precious, though these terms are historical and imprecise. Value is influenced by color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and durability. The framework of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight is widely used for diamonds, while other stones are assessed by color quality, transparency, inclusions, and overall durability.

Formation and sources: Gemstones form through crystallization from melts or solutions, metamorphic processes, or biological origins for organics. They are mined worldwide in diverse environments, with major producers in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

Common varieties: Diamond; corundum varieties ruby (red) and sapphire (other colors); emerald (green beryl); aquamarine; topaz; opal; garnet; tourmaline; jade; pearl; amber.

Treatment and synthesis: Many stones are treated to enhance color or clarity, including heating, irradiation, fracture filling, or diffusion. Some are produced synthetically to reproduce natural crystals. Disclosure of treatments or synthesis is standard practice in responsible markets.

Cutting and care: Lapidaries shape and facet gemstones to maximize brilliance; care depends on hardness and composition—soft stones require gentle cleaning and protection from scratches.

Uses and market: Gemstones are primarily used in jewelry and adornment. The market includes mined and lab-grown stones, with increasing emphasis on ethical sourcing, certification, and sustainability.