Your Guide to Gemstones
Every colored gemstone has a character of its own. The deep blue of a sapphire, the lush green of an emerald and the glowing red of a ruby each bring something a diamond alone cannot. In our Hanover showroom you will find gemstone and birthstone jewelry, as well as loose stones ready to be set in a custom design. Whether you are marking a special occasion, choosing a birthstone or creating something new, our team will help you find a stone you will love for years.
Why We Love Colored Gemstones
No two gemstones are exactly alike. Natural variations in color, clarity and sparkle make every stone one of a kind. We love helping our clients find gemstone jewelry that reflects their personality, celebrates life’s milestones, or simply becomes a piece they treasure and pass down.
Expert Guidance at Every Step
Choosing a colored gemstone is about more than picking a favorite color. Color, clarity, durability, rarity, treatments, and whether a stone is natural or lab-grown all shape its beauty and value. At Avitabile Fine Jewelers we explain these differences in plain terms, so you can choose with confidence.
Since 1999, Stephen Avitabile and our team have helped Hanover and the South Shore choose, set and care for fine gemstones. With our master jeweler working on site, you can compare stones side by side, ask every question, and see a design come together, whether you are choosing a birthstone, a custom piece or something truly rare.
Emerald: The Richest Green in Nature
The birthstone for May, emerald has been treasured for thousands of years for its deep, living green. It is often linked with renewal, hope and lasting love, which makes it a meaningful choice for anniversaries, birthdays and custom jewelry.
The most desirable emeralds show a vivid green spread evenly through the stone. Unlike many gemstones, natural inclusions are expected in emerald and are part of its character, sometimes called its “garden.” Emeralds are lovely in rings with a protective setting, and they are especially popular in pendants, earrings and heirloom pieces.
Sapphire: Far More Than Blue
The birthstone for September, sapphire is best known for its rich blue, but it occurs in almost every color: pink, yellow, green, purple, orange and white. The one exception is red, which is called ruby.
Sapphire is one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamond, which makes it an excellent choice for jewelry worn every day, including engagement rings. Color matters most to its value, with vivid, evenly saturated stones the most sought after. Whether you prefer a classic blue or a fancy color, sapphire offers lasting beauty and versatility.
Ruby: The Classic Red Gemstone
The birthstone for July, ruby has long stood for love, passion and courage. Its vibrant red has made it one of the world’s most treasured gemstones, and fine natural rubies are among the rarest colored stones of all.
When judging a ruby, color comes first: the finest show a rich, vivid red with good transparency and brilliance. Ruby is as durable as sapphire, so it is well suited to rings, earrings and pendants made to be worn every day, whether to celebrate a July birthday or simply because you love the color.
Birthstone Chart
From January’s garnet to December’s blue zircon, every birthstone has its own color and character.
Use this chart to find the gemstones for each month of the year and discover the one that is yours. Our showroom offers birthstone rings, earrings, necklaces and more, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and life’s special moments.
Availability varies by gemstone. Our team can help you explore natural, lab-grown and other options to find the right stone for you.
Choosing Your Gemstone
Choosing a gemstone is about finding the one that is right for you. Every stone has its own beauty, and keeping a few key points in mind will help you pick one you will enjoy wearing for years.
Let Color Lead
For most colored gemstones, color is the most important quality. Look for a rich, lively color that catches your eye.
Whether you love bold, vivid shades or soft, subtle ones, the right color is simply the one you love most.
Think About Durability
Some gemstones handle everyday wear better than others. The Mohs scale rates resistance to scratching: the higher the number, the tougher the stone.
Sapphire and ruby are excellent for rings worn every day, while softer stones are often better in earrings and pendants.
Size Isn’t Everything
A bigger gemstone is not always the better choice. Color, brilliance and cut often matter more to a stone’s beauty than size alone, and a smaller stone with exceptional color can outshine a larger, duller one.
Find the Right Fit for Your Budget
Beautiful gemstones come at a wide range of prices. Different varieties, colors, sizes and qualities offer options for nearly every budget.
Tell us what you have in mind, and we will help you compare choices and find a stone you love, without the pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you carry gemstone and birthstone jewelry in your store?
Yes. Our Hanover showroom has gemstone and birthstone jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces and one-of-a-kind pieces. Our selection changes regularly, so visit us to see what is in the cases today. Looking for something specific? We can also source a stone or create a custom piece.
Which gemstones are best for everyday wear?
Sapphire and ruby, at 9 on the Mohs scale, are among the most durable gemstones after diamond. Spinel and topaz also wear well. Softer stones such as opal, pearl and turquoise are better saved for earrings, pendants and occasional wear.
Can I use a gemstone in an engagement ring?
Yes. Sapphire is the classic alternative to a diamond, and ruby is a striking choice too. We will help you choose a durable stone and a setting that protects it.
Are gemstones natural or lab-grown?
Both are available. Natural gemstones form in the earth over millions of years; lab-grown gemstones are created in a controlled setting but share the same chemistry and crystal structure. The difference is their origin, rarity and price, and we are happy to show you both.
Are gemstones treated?
Many are. Heating sapphire and ruby, and oiling emerald, are long-standing and widely accepted practices. Treatments can affect value and care, so we always tell you what is known about a stone.
Can gemstones scratch?
Yes. Every gemstone can be scratched by a harder material. Harder stones such as sapphire and ruby resist everyday scratches far better than softer ones like opal or pearl.
How do I care for gemstone jewelry?
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush are safe for most stones. Some gemstones, including emerald, opal and pearl, should never go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, or near heat and harsh chemicals. Bring your jewelry in any time and we will clean and check it for you.
Can you help me identify my gemstone?
Yes. Bring the piece to our showroom and we will take a look and tell you what we can about the stone. For a formal identification, we can explain your options for an independent lab report.
Can you appraise my gemstone jewelry?
Yes. We offer appraisals for insurance and peace of mind. Bring your piece to our Hanover showroom, or book an appointment ahead of time.
Can you set a gemstone I already own?
Often, yes. Bring the stone in so we can examine it, and we will talk through settings and designs that suit it and how you plan to wear it.
Can you source rare or unusual gemstones?
Yes. Through our network of trusted suppliers we can find specific colors, sizes and rarer gemstones, including stones for a custom design.
Ready to Explore Our Gemstone Collection?
Color is best judged with your own eyes. Visit Avitabile Fine Jewelers in Hanover to compare gemstones or start a custom design around a stone you love.