What Are the Most Popular Gemstones? A Guide to the World's Most Coveted Jewels
Share
What are the most popular gemstones — and which are considered the most beautiful?
Among the 300+ known varieties, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and amethysts consistently rank as the most popular gemstones worldwide. Others like opal, aquamarine, and turquoise are admired for their colour and meaning.
This guide explores the top 10 most beautiful gemstones, why they’ve remained in demand, and what makes them so loved, from history and symbolism to durability and colour.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Gemstones
Based on search trends, cultural significance, and timeless appeal, here are the 10 most beautiful gemstones often named in global rankings. While beauty is subjective, these stones consistently stand out for their brilliance, colour, and symbolism.
Jump to Sections:
- Diamond – The Timeless Classic
- Ruby – The Gem of Passion
- Sapphire – The Royal Blue Jewel
- Emerald – The Vibrant Green Treasure
- Amethyst – The Stone of Tranquillity
- Aquamarine – The Ocean’s Gem
- Citrine – The Golden Sunshine Stone
- Peridot – The Gem of the Sun
- Turquoise – The Sky Stone
- Opal – The Living Rainbow
- Tanzanite – The Rare Velvet Blue
- Topaz – The Gem of Fire and Ice
- Conclusion & Share Your Thoughts
- FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Symbolism & Further Reading
Diamond – The Timeless Classic
Diamonds are the most sought-after gemstone worldwide, prized for their exceptional brilliance, durability, and symbolism of love. Ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest natural material, making them ideal for engagement rings and fine jewellery.
- Hardest gemstone, ideal for everyday wear
- Represents eternal love & commitment
- Found in white, pink, blue, and yellow varieties
Ruby – The Gem of Passion
Rubies, with their deep red hues, symbolize love and power. Known as the King of Gemstones, their Mohs hardness of 9 makes them highly durable. The most valuable rubies, such as Burmese "pigeon blood" rubies, are among the rarest gemstones.
- Rich red hues symbolize passion & royalty
- Highly durable (9 on the Mohs scale)
- One of the rarest & most valuable gemstones
Sapphire – The Royal Blue Jewel
Sapphires are best known for their deep blue colour, though they come in many shades. With a Mohs hardness of 9, sapphires are a popular choice for engagement rings and heirloom jewellery. Historically, they have been associated with wisdom and protection.
- Second hardest gemstone after diamond
- Royal connections (favoured by British royalty)
- Available in pink, yellow, and green varieties
Emerald – The Vibrant Green Treasure
Emeralds, with their rich green hues, symbolise renewal and prosperity. They are a member of the beryl family and have a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8. While slightly softer than diamonds, their stunning colour makes them one of the most treasured gems in history.
- Deep green hues symbolize wealth & nature
- Featured in historical royal jewellery
- Softer than diamonds, requires extra care
Amethyst – The Stone of Tranquillity
This purple quartz gemstone is known for its calming properties and was historically believed to promote clarity and protection. With a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst is durable yet elegant, making it a favourite in rings, pendants, and earrings.
- Calming properties with a soothing purple hue
- Historically linked to clarity and protection
- Durable quartz (Mohs 7) suitable for everyday wear
Aquamarine – The Ocean’s Gem
Aquamarine’s name means "water of the sea," reflecting its tranquil blue hues. As a member of the beryl family (Mohs 7.5–8), aquamarine has long been associated with courage and serenity.
- Tranquil blue hues reminiscent of the sea
- Symbolises courage and serenity
- Member of the beryl family (Mohs 7.5–8)
Citrine – The Golden Sunshine Stone
Citrine’s warm golden hues symbolise joy, abundance, and positivity. As a durable quartz variety (Mohs 7), it is one of the most affordable yet stunning gemstones, making it highly popular in jewellery.
- Warm golden hues that evoke joy and abundance
- One of the most affordable yet attractive gemstones
- Durable quartz (Mohs 7) ideal for everyday jewellery
Peridot – The Gem of the Sun
Peridot is cherished for its vibrant green-yellow hues. Admired since ancient times, it is believed to bring good fortune and a sense of renewal.
- Vibrant green-yellow colour that stands out
- Historically admired for its beauty and symbolism
- Believed to bring good fortune and renewal
Turquoise – The Sky Stone
Turquoise is celebrated for its unique blue-green colour and has been used for centuries in jewellery and ceremonial adornments. It is often associated with protection and spiritual grounding.
- Distinctive blue-green hue with historical significance
- Used in jewellery and ceremonial adornments for centuries
- Associated with protection and spiritual grounding
Opal – The Living Rainbow
Opals are renowned for their mesmerizing play of colour, displaying a shifting spectrum of hues. They inspire creativity and enhance emotional expression.
- Mesmerising play of colour with a shifting spectrum
- Inspires creativity and emotional expression
- Uniquely captivating and rare
Tanzanite – The Rare Velvet Blue
Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, tanzanite is celebrated for its deep blue-violet hues. Although its Mohs hardness is between 6 and 7, its rarity and captivating colour make it a luxury gemstone.
- Deep blue-violet hues that exude luxury
- Relatively soft (Mohs 6–7) but highly desirable
- Exclusively found in Tanzania
Topaz – The Gem of Fire and Ice
Topaz occurs in various colours, from deep orange to icy blue. With a Mohs hardness of 8, it is durable and versatile, making it a popular choice for everyday jewellery.
- Variety of colours from deep orange to icy blue
- Durable and versatile (Mohs 8)
- Popular for everyday jewellery
Conclusion & Share Your Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what are the most popular gemstones, this guide highlights the top choices for their beauty, durability, and symbolism. Whether you're drawn to diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds, these gemstones have stood the test of time.
If you enjoyed this read, why not check out more gemstone articles below? Discover further insights on lab-grown gems, sustainable jewellery trends, and gemstone innovations.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular gemstone in the world?
Diamonds are the most sought-after gemstone due to their brilliance, durability, and symbolism of eternal love.
Which gemstone is considered the most beautiful?
While beauty is subjective, gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies often top global rankings due to their timeless appeal and cultural significance.
What makes a gemstone valuable?
Factors like rarity, clarity, cut, colour, and overall quality contribute to a gemstone’s value. Historical significance and cultural demand can also impact its worth.
How do gemstones get their colors?
The color of a gemstone is determined by its chemical composition and the presence of trace elements. For example, the blue of sapphires comes from iron and titanium, while rubies get their red hue from chromium.
What is the best gemstone for everyday wear?
Gemstones with a high Mohs hardness, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, are ideal for everyday wear due to their durability and resistance to scratches.
Related Symbolism & Further Reading
Explore More Gemstone Guides
Looking to explore more about gemstones? Check out our detailed Lab Grown Ruby Jewellery guide for everything you need to know about this popular gemstone. Additionally, if you're curious about what your personal birthstone is, be sure to read our insightful article on What Is My Birthstone? to learn more about the symbolism and significance behind each stone.
