Some gemstones are more expensive than others because of demand and rarity. Natural diamonds, for instance, can be a real blow to the budget—plus, mining for them isn’t always ethical. Luckily, various other gems are both beautiful and budget friendly. Keep reading to find out what stones you should consider adding to your jewelry collection.
Amethyst
Amethyst makes our list of top gemstones to buy for affordable jewelry. This gem is both beautiful and popular. Interestingly, up until the 19th century, it was an expensive gem because we thought it was far rarer than it is.
Many people love amethyst because it comes in various shades of purple, ranging from dark to light. And if you’ve got a February birthday, you have even more reason to buy amethyst jewelry—this is your birthstone!
Rose Quartz
Many people who love pink jewelry gravitate toward rose quartz because the inclusions are visible due to the stone’s translucency. To many people, these inclusions add to the aesthetic of an already-beautiful stone. Other people purchase rose quartz jewelry because it symbolizes unconditional love; some even believe it can attract love.
Sapphire
If you’re looking for something that looks luxurious but won’t cost a fortune, then sapphires are the way to go. Some people even choose these stones for their engagement rings. One of the many reasons to buy a sapphire engagement ring outside of the great price is that sapphires are even rarer than diamonds. Plus, sapphires are very durable, so you won’t have to worry about the stone chipping from daily use.
Garnet
Garnet is another lovely choice as you shop around for the top gemstones to buy for affordable jewelry. You can’t beat the deep red hue of this precious stone. Garnet often comes in a deep shade of crimson, but this isn’t the only color you have to choose from—you can also find beautiful shades of brown, green, and more.
One reason people love garnet is because of its rich history, as ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all valued this stone. Some individuals even purchase garnet jewelry for their second wedding anniversaries, as it represents purity and never-ending love.
Topaz
This gem is great because it comes in a variety of shades; plus, it’s durable and inexpensive. Topaz is the birthstone for December birthdays, and it’s abundant compared to other stones. Many people think of blue topaz when they think of this gem, but it also comes in shades of pink, purple, green, yellow, and even orange. Pick out the shade you like most for your next piece of jewelry!