Gemstone Guides
Every Journal story filed under gemstone guides — guides, comparisons and care notes from the people who make the rings.
Mystic Topaz: What It Is, Meaning, Value & Care
Mystic topaz explained by a jeweler: what it is, how the PVD rainbow coating is made, whether it's real, its names, meaning,...
Topaz Meaning: Colors, Symbolism & History
Topaz meaning explained: its symbolism of strength and clarity, every topaz color, blue topaz and London blue topaz, white topaz, durability, and...
Blue Zircon: Meaning, the December Birthstone & vs. Cubic Zirconia
One of the oldest, most brilliant gems on Earth — and one of the most misunderstood. What blue zircon is, its meaning,...
Tanzanite Meaning: Symbolism, History, Healing Lore & Value
The stone of transformation and spiritual awareness. Tanzanite's meaning across symbolism, its remarkable discovery, metaphysical lore, the December birthstone, its color, treatment,...
Sapphire Meaning: Symbolism, History & Healing Lore
The stone of wisdom, truth, and faithful love. Sapphire's meaning across symbolism, history and mythology, metaphysical lore, what each color means, the...
Peridot Meaning: Symbolism, History & Healing Lore
The Gem of the Sun — a stone of light, renewal, and prosperity. Peridot's meaning across symbolism, history and mythology, metaphysical lore,...
Ruby Meaning: Symbolism, History & Healing Lore
Passion, love, courage, and vitality — the King of Gemstones. Ruby's meaning across symbolism, history and mythology, metaphysical lore, its colors and...
Rhodolite Garnet: What It Is, Meaning, Value & vs. Red Garnet
The raspberry-purple member of the garnet family. What rhodolite garnet is, how it differs from common red garnet, its color, meaning, value,...
Garnet vs Ruby: An Honest Comparison for Engagement Rings
Two red gems, two different minerals, one big price gap. Hardness, color, value, durability, and how to tell garnet from ruby —...
Black Gemstones: The Complete Guide to Dark Stones for Engagement Rings, Jewelry & Meaning
Fourteen black gemstones from Mohs 10 black diamond to Mohs 2.5 Whitby jet — hardness rankings, 2026 pricing, treatment honesty, symbolism, and...
Black Onyx Meaning: Symbolism, History, Healing Lore & Value
The stone of protection, strength, and grounding. Black onyx's meaning across symbolism, history and mythology, metaphysical lore, its colors and sardonyx, whether...
Black Opal: The Complete Buyer's Guide to Lightning Ridge's Rarest Gemstone
A jeweler's guide to black opal: how body tone (N1-N9), brightness, pattern, and color set the price, where real Lightning Ridge stones...
