| Gemstones have been used as adornments | | | | One of the most opulent gemstones, this |
| in jewelry and other items since for | | | | stone is a combination of fiery colors |
| centuries. In early times, only royalty | | | | like a rainbow of sparks. Opals are |
| could afford gems but today nearly | | | | used in many different jewelry settings |
| everyone can have a bauble with a | | | | and are a favorite gemstone of jewelry |
| gemstone or two in it. Here's some | | | | wearers today. Originating from |
| information on seven gemstones favored | | | | Australia, this stone has great history |
| by jewelry makers. | | | | and lore. |
| Amethyst | | | | Ruby |
| Amethyst is a type of quartz that comes | | | | This red stone has long been associated |
| in shades of purple. It is a highly | | | | with love, passion and power. One of |
| accessible stone and used in all types | | | | the more precious stones, it is |
| of jewelry. This gemstone can vary | | | | considered the King of gemstones and has |
| greatly in quality and color and is the | | | | been extensively used in crowns and |
| birthstone for the month of February. | | | | jewelry of Kings, Queens and Emperors. |
| There are 14 different locations where | | | | Mined mainly in India, the finest rubies |
| Amethysts are abundantly found today. | | | | are quite rare and expensive. |
| Aquamarine | | | | Sapphire |
| This light blue gemstone is the | | | | When we think of sapphire, we mostly |
| birthstone of March and is a favorite of | | | | think of the deep blue stone, but in |
| jewelry designers today. It can range | | | | fact, this stone can come in many |
| in shade from almost white to sky blue | | | | colors. This stone belonging to the |
| and can be rather expensive. This stone | | | | corundum group of gemstones is hard to |
| belongs to the beryl family of gemstones | | | | find and highly valued. Second only to |
| and is abundant in Brazil. | | | | diamonds on the hardness scale, |
| Bloodstone | | | | sapphires can be more expensive than |
| The vivid red spots in this stone give | | | | diamonds especially the most prized |
| it it's name, but the stone itself is | | | | specimens. |
| really green jasper. The spots come | | | | Topaz |
| from iron oxide deposits within the | | | | With it's rich golden glow, Topaz is |
| stone. This stone was used in ancient | | | | often used as a symbol for the setting |
| times for many carvings and was a | | | | sun. Though typically a golden brown, |
| favorite of Christian martyrs. A German | | | | Topaz can also be found in blue, green, |
| Emperors seal carved in bloodstone is on | | | | pink and red. This birthstone for |
| display at the Louvre museum in Paris. | | | | November is a hard stone but can crack |
| Emerald | | | | with a hard blow so care should be taken |
| One of the more expensive stones, this | | | | when wearing. |
| birthstone of May is the stone of love | | | | These are just a few of the many stones |
| and life. One of the most popular | | | | that are used in modern jewelry designs |
| gemstones of all time, it has been used | | | | today. Some designs use just one stone |
| in many crowns and scepters. Emeralds | | | | or incorporate many different stones for |
| range in shades of green, but the | | | | more color and interest. Perhaps you |
| deepest ones hold the most value and can | | | | have picked a favorite from the list |
| even cost more than diamonds. | | | | above, or if you are like me, you love |
| Opal | | | | them all! |