How to Choose a Gemstone That Is Right for Me

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by Suzanne Sachs  5 min read

sapphire-engagement-rings

THE BASICS --

A gemstone can be a colorful, distinctive accent to your jewelry style, but which gemstone is best? There are many factors to consider when selecting your “signature” gemstone. From the perennially popular ruby, sapphire, and emerald to less well known but just as lovely options like tourmaline, zircon, and moonstone, it can be overwhelming to commit to a single stone.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

  • Choosing Your Best Gemstone
  • Color
  • Skin Tone
  • Durability
  • Versatility
  • Availability
  • Timelessness
  • Meaning
  • Cost
  • The Most Important Factor
  • Choosing Jewelry With Your Signature Gemstone
  • Why Choose Just One? 

Choosing Your Best Gemstone

There are many factors to consider when deciding on one beautiful gemstone to focus on for your personal style. The importance of different factors will vary for different individuals, but you should at least give some thought to each one as you select that perfect gemstone.

1. Color

What color or range of colors is the gemstone available in? Do you like only one particular hue, or would a rainbow of shades best suit your style? You might prefer a vibrant, noticeable shade, or a more subtle, subdued color could best suit your fashionable flair. 

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2. Skin Tone

How will a specific gemstone color look against your skin tone? If your skin tone fluctuates throughout the year, such as becoming tanned or darker in the summer months when you may be outdoors more, consider year-round wear when deciding on a gemstone.

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3. Durability

If it is your goal to wear the gemstone on a daily basis, choose one with greater
hardness to withstand daily tasks. How you will wear the gem – as earrings or a ring, or both – will also impact how durable it should be to be safely worn as your signature stone. 


4. Versatility

If you want to wear the same type of gemstone in many different pieces and for different occasions, you will want to choose a gem that has versatile appeal to coordinate with different clothing, styles, and occasions, from daily wear to special events.

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5. Availability

While very rare gemstones are certainly eye-catching, they can be much more difficult to match in multiple pieces of jewelry. Likewise, you may not want a stone that could be considered too popular and common as it is seen everywhere.

how-to-choose-a-gemstone-that-is-right-for-me

6. Timelessness

Flashy gems may be very trendy for a moment, such as when a celebrity features
one in an engagement ring, but will the gemstone still appeal to you years later?

how-to-choose-a-gemstone-that-is-right-for-me

My experience with Vintage Diamond Ring was so excellent I really had to think about it for a while. First their selection of jewelry is profound. The quality is superior.”

 Claude P verified buyer

7. Meaning

Many people select a signature gemstone that has meaning to them, either through the symbolism of its color, a significant birthstone, or an association with a particular person, place, or event. A meaningful gem is one you will be happy to wear for years to come. 

 

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8. Cost

Consider the affordability of a gemstone if you plan to select it for many different jewelry pieces. Vintage jewelry may be a more affordable and lovely option, or consider gems that may have undergone treatments to enhance their color or clarity at a lower price point if necessary.

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The Most Important Factor

One single factor is most important when choosing the right gemstone for you, and that is the joy you get from wearing it. If you love the color, meaning, style, and other features of the stone, you will happily wear it regularly or choose many pieces featuring the same elegance, and it will come to be a central feature of your individual jewelry style.

Choosing Jewelry With Your Signature Gemstone

Once you have chosen what you believe to be the right gemstone for you, each individual piece of jewelry must still be carefully selected to showcase that gem to its best advantage. Take the time to try on different pieces of various carat weights, cuts, and shapes to determine what you like best and what type of jewelry best complements your features. Also consider the type of metal the stone may be mounted in, the impact of any accent stones, and how different settings can change the look of a stone. Not every piece may look as appealing to you or suit you, even if it is your favorite gemstone.

Why Choose Just One?

After doing a great deal of research on the “right” gemstone for you, it may still be difficult to narrow down the selection to just one type of stone. Depending on the meaning of different stones, how different gems may coordinate with your various looks, or what types of jewelry you like to wear on different occasions, you may prefer to select more than one gemstone.

Other options might include choosing a color family – blue gemstones, for example – and enjoying several stones that share similar hues. You may even find that other traits, such as a particular stone cut or shape, appeal to you more than simply the same gemstone. As you narrow down your jewelrypreferences, you will discover what works best for you

You may even find that certain jewelry eras, such as Art Deco, Victorian, or Edwardian jewelry appeal to you most, rather than a single gem or gemstone trait.

Whatever you choose as your “right” gemstone, taking the time to find which pieces and stones work best for you will help you feel more confident and fashionable with every jewelry piece you wear.

 

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ANTIQUE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE:

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:

Antique diamond cuts are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Gemstone Rings today!

SUZANNE SACHS

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
 

Press Love:

Thrive Global

 

Art Deco Emerald Ring


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