Gemstones vs Diamonds | Learn The Differences

While all diamonds are gemstones, not all gemstones are diamonds. Diamonds are renowned for their unparalleled hardness, brilliance, and enduring beauty, making them an enduring choice for everything from engagement rings to classic jewelry essentials  like diamond necklaces.

Rarity, size, and quality all play a role in determining a stone’s value. Generally, diamonds are considered more valuable due to their high demand in the jewelry market. However, certain gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, can rival diamonds in value, especially if they are of exceptional quality or have unique characteristics. For instance, a rich ruby ring or deep emerald ring can be as coveted as a diamond piece.

Composition:

• Diamonds: Made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
• Gemstones: Composed of various minerals; like corundum for sapphires and rubies, beryl for emeralds, and calcium carbonate for pearls.

Formation:

• Diamonds: Formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and temperature over millions of years.
• Gemstones: Formed in various geological environments; processes include crystallization from magma, sedimentation, and biological processes in the case of pearls.

Hardness:

• Diamonds: The strongest natural material, rated 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
• Gemstones: Vary in hardness; sapphires and rubies are 9, emeralds are 7.5-8, and pearls are about 2.5-4.5 on the scale.

Color:

• Diamonds: Typically colorless, but can come in various colors due to impurities (e.g., yellow, blue, pink).
• Gemstones: Available in a broad spectrum of colors, each type with its characteristic hues (e.g., red for rubies, green for emeralds, blue for sapphires).

Uses in Jewelry:

• Diamonds: Commonly used in engagement rings, classic jewelry pieces, and luxury items.
• Gemstones: Worn in a wide variety of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets; valued for their vibrant colors and unique properties.

Clarity and Inclusions:

• Diamonds: Valued for their clarity; inclusions can affect value significantly.
• Gemstones: Inclusions can sometimes add to the uniqueness and value (e.g., "silk" in sapphires, "Jardin" in emeralds).

Market and Demand:

• Diamonds: High global demand driven by its symbol of commitment and milestones, especially for engagement rings.
• Gemstones: Demand varies by gemstone type and cultural significance; some gemstones are highly sought after in specific regions.

Symbolism and Meaning:

• Diamonds: Often associated with love, eternity, and strength.
• Gemstones: Each has its own symbolism; for example, rubies symbolize passion, sapphires wisdom, emeralds growth and renewal, pearls purity, and opals creativity.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Composed of pure carbon atoms and arranged in a crystal lattice structure, they have incredible hardness. Over millions of years, these carbon atoms bond together to form diamonds. The journey of a diamond from its formation to a sparkling gemstone necklace or a set of gemstone earrings is truly a geological marvel.

Gemstones are formed in a variety of geological environments and can be composed of different minerals. For example, rubies and sapphires are formed from the mineral corundum, while emeralds are derived from beryl. Pearls are created by mollusks in the ocean, opals form from silica-rich water, and moonstones from the cooling of magma. This diversity in formation processes results in the stunning array of unique colors and properties found in gemstones.

At Catbird, our curated selection of precious gemstone jewelry is crafted with care and designed to enchant. Here are some of our bestsellers that highlight the beauty and diversity of gemstones:

• Baby Deco Ring, Emerald: This elegant ring features a solid 14k gold band adorned with a vibrant emerald stone, perfect for adding a touch of color to an everyday ring stack.
• Painter's Blue Sapphire Ring: Crafted from solid 14k yellow gold, this ring showcases pale blue rose-cut sapphires flanked by sparkling diamonds, creating a delicate statement piece.
• Baby Pearl Collar: A timeless classic, this collar features solid 14k yellow gold strung with hand-knotted pearls, available in 14" or 16" lengths with an additional 2" extender.