Colorful gemstones have long been at the heart of extraordinary jewelry, prized not only for their hue, but for the stories they tell. Many of these stones formed millions or even billions of years ago. Shaped deep within the earth through intense heat, pressure, and mineral-rich environments, each gem develops its own unique character and beauty over time.
While Kwiat is renowned for our diamonds, we also craft exquisite designs featuring sapphires, emeralds, and more, each chosen for their remarkable color and brilliance. Our sister brand, Fred Leighton, offers a distinguished collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary gemstone jewelry, featuring rare designs that have adorned tastemakers for generations. Whether you’re drawn to the deep blue of a sapphire, the vibrant green of an emerald, or the romantic glow of a spinel, you’ll find an exceptional selection of colorful gemstone jewelry here.
What Are the Most Popular Gemstone Colors?
Colorful gemstones captivate with their depth of color, each shade offering a unique expression. Choose the one that speaks to you or carries special meaning, such as your birthstone. Here, a look at some of the most popular color gemstones.
Blue Gemstones: Sapphire, Blue Topaz, and Aquamarine
If you’re wondering “which blue gemstone should I buy?” here is a bit of information to help you. Blue gemstones have long been symbols of wisdom and elegance, with sapphires being the most iconic. Known for their deep, rich blue color, this September birthstone and 45th anniversary gift is treasured for its timeless beauty and durability. The striking color is a statement in itself, making blue sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings, bracelets, and other fine jewelry. For those who appreciate this classic blue gemstone, a slim band with alternating diamonds and blue sapphires makes a sophisticated addition to any ring stack.
Blue topaz, another captivating blue gemstone, offers a brilliant clarity and vibrant hue. Natural blue topaz is quite rare and typically pale — most blue topaz is created by heat or radiation treatment of colorless topaz. Blue topaz is the March birthstone and the fourth wedding anniversary gift.
Aquamarine, with its serene blue hue, evokes the calm of the sea. This gemstone is prized for its clarity and soothing color, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more subtle, tranquil hue.
Green Gemstones: Emerald, Tsavorite, and Green Quartz
Emerald, a member of the beryl family, has long been prized for its rich green color and timeless appeal. This coveted gemstone has been associated with vitality and sophistication for centuries. It’s the May birthstone as well as the 35th anniversary gift. Our emerald argyle ring offers a refined take on an early 20th-century design, celebrating the beauty of this classic stone. Emeralds usually have inclusions, which are not considered flaws, but rather unique characteristics that make each stone distinctive.
Tsavorite is a rare and valuable type of garnet with a vivid green hue. You might be wondering “What is the difference between tsavorite and emerald?” and with good reason. There are a few key points to consider. First of all, tsavorite is actually rarer than emerald — however, it tends to be more affordable. It is also better suited for faceted cuts, which reveal more sparkle. But if it’s a rich, deep green you’re after, opt for emerald — tsavorite is usually brighter and lighter in color, as you can see in this gold and tsavorite bangle.
Green quartz, also known as prasiolite and green amethyst, is yet another gorgeous green gemstone. While often overlooked, green quartz has a soothing green hue that is perfectly displayed in these Fred Leighton drop earrings.
Golden Gemstones: Citrine and Yellow Sapphire
Citrine radiates a warm, golden glow that adds energy and optimism to fine jewelry — plus, it’s the birthstone for November and an ideal gift for a 13th anniversary. This Fred Leighton citrine solitaire ring beautifully showcases the sunny stone. Similarly, yellow sapphires, with their rich golden tones, offer a luminous quality that elevates any collection, making them a striking and radiant choice for those seeking a touch of warmth and brilliance.
Pink and Purple Gemstones: Amethyst, Tanzanite, and Pink Sapphire
Purple gemstones present a stunning array of hues, from the deep violet of amethyst to the captivating blue-violet tones of tanzanite. Amethyst, the February birthstone and sixth anniversary gift, is often associated with creativity and introspection, while tanzanite, a December birthstone and 25th anniversary gift, offers an intriguing color that may change under different types of light.
These Fred Leighton drop earrings highlight the elegance of amethyst, beautifully set in antique-style collets. For those seeking a sweet, romantic touch, consider pink sapphires — they offer a playful quality to our petite hoop earrings.
Red Gemstones: Ruby and Red Spinel
Are rubies and red spinels different? They certainly seem similar — in fact, spinel was historically confused for ruby, as in the case of the 170-carat red spinel in the British Imperial State Crown, which is still referred to as the Black Prince’s Ruby.
So, how do ruby and red spinel compare? For one thing, ruby is a deep red, while red spinel tends to be a bit more pink. Spinel is also slightly less durable than ruby, although both are great for everyday wear. However, because rubies are rarer than red spinel, they command a higher price — something to consider if you are looking for a more affordable red gemstone. You can see the difference in the color and price of rubies and red spinels in our Argyle pendants featuring each type of gemstone. If your birthday is in July, go for ruby, the month’s birthstone. It also happens to be the 15th anniversary gift. And if your birthday is in August, lucky you! Red spinel is one of three birthstones for the month.
How Do You Clean Color Gemstone Jewelry?
Proper care is essential to keep gemstone jewelry looking its best for years to come. Durable stones can be worn every day and cleaned with mild detergent and water. These include amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, emerald, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, and topaz.
Soak the jewelry for a few minutes in warm (never hot!) water with a few drops of mild detergent. Then, gently scrub the piece with a soft brush (an ultra-soft toothbrush is great for this — gems are more scratch-resistant than teeth). Rinse your jewelry in water that’s the same temperature that you soaked it in.
Be cautious with emeralds; never use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as emeralds often contain natural inclusions that make them more fragile. Also, put on perfume and hairspray before your jewelry — the chemicals in them can dull and damage gemstones.We recommend professional cleaning for heirloom or antique pieces. With the right care, these treasures can be enjoyed for generations.
How to Choose Your Colored Gemstone
Selecting a colored gemstone is an expression of your personality and individual style. Your choice should reflect not only your preferences but also how the gemstone will complement your existing jewelry collection and wardrobe. A modern design may pair beautifully with everyday pieces, while a vintage treasure adds depth and character to more formal looks.
At Kwiat, we offer gemstones that are carefully selected for their quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece tells a story and stands the test of time. Explore our collection to find a gemstone that fits your unique style and becomes a lasting addition to your collection.