Crystals and gemstones have long been used as embellishments in jewelry designs, from earrings to rings. People love them for both their beauty and historical symbolism.

Choose natural stones based on their vibrational qualities or choose one associated with your birth month or zodiac sign.

Diamonds

Gemstones have long held humankind in thrall as ornamental treasures and symbols of wealth. Certain gemstones like diamonds and rubies are considered precious while others, like emeralds and sapphires are semi-precious; traditionally speaking the distinction is made based on color, translucency and hardness (rated on Mohs scale).

Many natural gemstones are enhanced with synthetic materials to improve their appearance, so it is essential that you identify whether a gemstone is natural or synthetic so that you can purchase the highest-quality stone at a fair price.

Tanzanite, a relatively recent addition to the gemstone market, stands out with its blue and violet shades of adularescence resembling moonbeams. This captivating stone also marks June as its birthstone! Some believe gemstones possess healing powers; Ayurvedic medicine uses them for energy balance purposes while they’re revered by indigenous cultures as symbols of luck and prosperity. Furthermore, gemstones may include inclusions that provide geological data or create special optical effects.

Sapphires

Sapphire is one of the hardest minerals, scoring 9 on Mohs scale. Due to its strength and scratch-resistance properties, sapphire is widely used for watch crystals, laser lenses, camera lenses, armored windows and armored window construction. Sapphire can also be found naturally occurring throughout nature in many different colors such as blue, pink, green or yellow and is frequently treated using heat treatments, irradiation or waxing to enhance its color or clarity.

Sapphires have long been prized for their beauty and mystique throughout history. From medieval kings to royal brides alike, sapphires have long been prized as symbols of love and devotion.

Other gemstones are said to possess mystifying powers, such as sardonyx which is associated with courage and strength. Gemstones can also be used for astrological purposes as many believe certain stones emit positive energies that provide benefits for their wearers.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz has a gentle yet loving energy that promotes self-love, healing and deep connections with others. Often associated with the heart chakra and encouraging compassion and forgiveness, this crystal has long been known as the Stone of Love – making it an excellent way to attract new relationships or strengthen existing ones.

This crystalline quartz variety boasts a hardness of 7 and no cleavage, making it an excellent gemstone material suitable for beads, spheres and decorative carvings. The pink hue comes from fibrous inclusions of dumortierite-related minerals whose fibrous inclusions produce star-like effects when cut properly; chatoyancy causes some cabochons to appear blue under certain angles of view.

To purify a rose quartz crystal, hold it under the light of a full moon while repeating a mantra or affirmation that corresponds with each chakra you want to align. Saying something such as, “I am aligned with my heart’s true purpose” or “I open myself up to receiving love from all sources” helps connect with the power of your intentions.

Citrine

Citrine, known as the merchant’s stone for its ability to bring prosperity and abundance, can boost confidence, creativity and positivity within its wearer. Furthermore, citrine can help clear away mental clutter and enhance concentration – especially beneficial for those born under zodiac signs Aries, Leo, Gemini or Libra.

Heat treatment gives Citrine its characteristic golden yellow hue and makes it one of the most cost-effective gemstones available for jewelry use. Although natural Citrine also comes in its golden hue variety.

As with other quartz gems, Citrine features no cleavage and is extremely resilient, making it the ideal jewelry stone. Available in large sizes and custom gem cutters can craft it into various styles for custom jewelry pieces and rings alike. Rated at seven on Mohs scale it makes an excellent everyday choice.