AltGems
Updated as of June 2026

Gemstone guides and rankings

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All gemstones

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Every cut compared

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Jewelry by type

Rings, necklaces, earrings

Metals

Vermeil to solid gold

Birthstones

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Education

The 4 Cs

How we score

The AltGems Score method

Rankings

Best Gemstones for Engagement Rings

Durability is everything for a ring worn every day. These stones…

Most Durable Gemstones for Everyday Wear

Hardness on the Mohs scale is the best single guide to how a stone…

Affordable Diamond Alternatives

Want diamond sparkle without the price? These white and colorless…

Most Affordable Gemstones

Beautiful stones that do not break the bank. Ranked from the lowest…

Best Birthstone Gifts by Stone

Birthstone jewelry is the easy personalized gift. Every stone here…

Rare and Collectible Gemstones

Hard to find and prized by collectors. These stones command…

Best Blue Gemstones

From deep sapphire to soft aquamarine, here are the blue stones…

Best Green Gemstones

Emerald gets the headlines, but green comes in many stones at every…

Best Purple Gemstones

Purple stones from amethyst to rare sapphires, ranked for jewelry.

Best Pink Gemstones

Soft and romantic, pink stones suit everything from everyday studs…

Best Red Gemstones

Bold red stones led by ruby and garnet, compared for color and…

Best Gemstones for Necklaces and Pendants

Necklaces protect the stone, so this is where softer beauties shine.…

Hardest Gemstones on the Mohs Scale

A quick reference to gemstone hardness, ranked. Higher is more…

Best Lab-Created Gemstones

Lab-grown stones offer consistent quality at a lower price. Here are…