There is currently no international industry standard for grading gemstones, but four of their common attributes are typically taken into account when evaluating their quality and value: color, carat weight, cut and clarity.

Agate is a member of the quartz family and is commonly found across the world, including in the United States, Africa, India, China, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Mexico. Its abundance makes it relatively affordable, and it's favoured for the beautiful kaleidoscopic stripes that run through it, which look a bit like tiger stripes. Agate has an average hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale.

The beauty and organic nature of gemstones have made them perfect representations over the years for special occasions, including birthday months and zodiac signs. The American National Association of Jewelers first standardised a birthstone chart in 1912, which is similar but not identical to the zodiac gemstone chart. It's believed that each stone shares special significance and spiritual qualities with its corresponding birth months and zodiac months.

Unlike diamonds – the world's traditional choice for engagements – people purchase gemstones for all sorts of reasons, whether it be a birthday, anniversary, or simply as a gorgeous gift to the self or a lucky loved one. While few retailers will include an official gemstone certification document with every gemstone sale, most will supply more basic information, such as the stone's colour, carat weight, size, clarity and dimensions. However, those purchasing something truly rare or expensive may wish to request to have the gemstone certified by an official organisation.

It may upset some purists to know that almost all the gemstones on the market, both loose and those set in jewellery, have been enhanced in some way. This is a common practice, however, and widely accepted by the industry. The American Gem Trade Association currently defines gemstone enhancement as 'any traditional enhancement process other than cutting and polishing that improves the appearance, durability or availability of a gemstone.' The most common methods are listed below.

Gemstones vary greatly in their vulnerabilities, and no matter which beautiful variety you possess, they all need to be looked after with care. Some types of gemstones are sensitive to heat and cold, others are affected by common chemicals, and certain forms can break easier than others. It's important to know which type of gemstone you have and how to specifically care for it, but these general tips will also help protect your gemstone's stunning sparkle.

Gemstones make gorgeous and meaningful personal adornments for a number of reasons, including their vibrant colors, spellbinding shine, natural origin, and long-lauded spiritual benefits. Once the exclusive property of royals and the rich, modern technology has brought gemstones within many people's reach. Pure, stunning, symbolic for special occasions, and believed by many to attract good fortune and protection, gemstone jewellery is beautiful, versatile, meaningful, and suits everybody.

Gemstone pendants have been worn since the ancient days of amulets and talismans, with their earliest wearers embracing them for their supposed protective properties. The belief in the positive spiritual benefits of gemstones has persevered over the centuries, and they remain a beautiful and purposeful accessory that can be fashioned into an array of colours, sizes and styles. Almost the entire spectrum of gemstones can be set into glamorous and attractive pendants, including rubies, sapphires, turquoise, onyxes and amethysts.