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Gemstones & Birthstones
Every month's stone plus the buying knowledge that colored gems demand.
How to Buy Colored Gemstones with Confidence
Colored stones play by different rules than diamonds. Learn how color drives value, what treatments are normal, and where the honest bargains hide.
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A Practical Guide to Pearls
Akoya, freshwater, Tahitian, South Sea: what the names mean, what drives pearl prices, and how to keep a strand beautiful for generations.
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Birthstones by Month: The Complete Guide
Every month's birthstone, what it looks like, how durable it is, and which ones make jewelry you can wear daily.
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January Birthstone: Garnet
Garnet is January's stone: deep red at its most familiar, but a whole family of colors, durable enough for daily wear and honestly priced.
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February Birthstone: Amethyst
Amethyst gives February the finest purple in gemstones, once reserved for royalty and now generous enough for any budget.
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March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is March's stone, the cool blue of seawater in gem form, clean, durable, and quietly elegant.
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April Birthstone: Diamond
April claims the king of gems. Here is how to buy diamond as a birthstone gift, including the smart routes that do not require engagement-ring money.
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May Birthstone: Emerald
Emerald is May's stone and the definitive green gem. Learn what jardin means, why oiling is normal, and how to keep an emerald beautiful.
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June Birthstones: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
June gets three birthstones: the classic pearl, the color-changing alexandrite, and the glowing moonstone. Here is how to choose among them.
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July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby is July's stone, the red variety of sapphire and one of the most durable gems there is. Learn what drives its price and how to buy it well.
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August Birthstone: Peridot
Peridot is August's stone, a fresh yellow-green born in volcanoes and occasionally fallen from space, cheerful and honestly priced.
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September Birthstone: Sapphire
Sapphire is September's stone: legendary in blue, available in nearly every color, and durable enough for a ring worn every day for life.
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October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline
October gets two birthstones: opal, with its one-of-a-kind play of color, and tourmaline, the gem that comes in every color there is.
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November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
November's stones are golden topaz and citrine, two warm gems often confused with each other, plus the blue topaz everyone knows.
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December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon
December has three blue birthstones: ancient turquoise, modern tanzanite, and brilliant blue zircon. Each has a distinct character and care profile.
Read the guide →More guides: Diamonds · Metals · Engagement & Wedding · Care & Repair · Custom & Heirloom · Gifting
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