What Are the Best Gemstones to Wear in 2023?

Did you know that there are over 2,000 natural minerals in the world but less than 100 are considered gemstones? Within that 100, only 16 of those gemstones are important. Gemstones have been around for centuries and have become an essential part of our jewelry collections.

Some of the best gemstones never go out of style. However, you might want to mix up what jewelry you wear during the upcoming year. There are a handful of gemstones that are trending for 2023 that you might want to incorporate into your daily wear.

This guide will discuss the top gemstone trends for 2023. Make an impact with your jewelry by incorporating high-quality pieces into your outfits.

The Big Four

The Big Four consists of the most sought-after gemstones. These include:

• Emeralds
• Rubies
• Sapphires
• Diamonds

These classic precious gems have gotten seen on the red carpet and fashion runways in the past year. These gemstones are durable, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Diamond

Many people consider diamonds to be delicate, fragile gemstones. The only thing that can scratch the surface of a diamond is another diamond.

You can find diamonds in multiple colors. These colors include:

• Red
• Orange
• Green
• Blue

Over time, diamonds have evolved into a symbol of long-lasting love. Many brides opt to have diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. You can't go wrong with a simple diamond tennis bracelet or pair of earrings.

Sapphire

Sapphires are almost as durable as diamonds. They can be sculpted into multiple shapes. The most popular options are cat's eye and star sapphires.

Like diamonds, sapphires can come in multiple colors beyond the traditional blue. Pink and yellow sapphires are extremely popular.

Sapphires have also been associated with royalty for hundreds of years. Kings during the medieval period wore sapphires believing that the stone would protect them as they went into battle.

Ruby

You can find rubies in various shades of red, from dark hues to light, pinkish colors. The red coloring in rubies comes from a mineral called chromium. The more precious a ruby stone is, the darker it'll be.

Rubies are also the birthstone for people born in July. You can also gift a ruby to your significant other on your 15th or 40th wedding anniversary.

Most ruby stones have flaws in them. Rubies that don't have any imperfections are thought to be very rare. It's generally thought that if you find a perfect ruby, then it's not an authentic stone.

Emerald

Emeralds have various meanings. They include:

• Spring
• Renewal
• Rebirth

The name of the stone comes from the word "smaragdos," a Greek word that translates to "green stone." While it's a precious gemstone, it's related to other stones, such as green beryl and aquamarine.

Columbia has been the world's top supplier of emeralds for many years. Emeralds can get manufactured in a lab instead of getting mind. If you're looking for an authentic emerald, you should ensure that it wasn't man-made.

Semi-Precious Stones

While you can never go wrong with a classic gem, semi-precious stones are increasing in popularity for the upcoming year. There's a major focus on the following colors:

• Pastel tones
• Mediterranean greens and blues
• Dark hues like reds and blues

The Pantone color for 2023 is Viva Magenta. It's an empowering color that's deeply rooted in red and raspberry. If you're looking for a stand-out piece of jewelry, look for gemstones that incorporate that color.

Rhodolite Garnet

Rhodolite garnet comes in a wide range of colors. They can look nearly pure purple or have hints of red undertones. Most rhodolite garnets are a combination of the two colors.

Rhodolite garnets are an affordable option if you're looking for a stone that's bold and vibrant. It's also a great choice if your or a loved one's birthday is in January. Its berry hues make it a favorite among gem collectors.

Amethyst

Wearing an amethyst ring or pendant had powerful meanings in ancient times. The stone has been thought to have healing powers in many cultures throughout previous centuries. Amethysts are also the birthstone for February.

Amethysts are considered to be moderately durable. While it's not the softest semi-precious gemstone available, you should be careful when you wear a piece of jewelry with an amethyst. That's because it can get scratched or fade.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite gets mined in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It's the only known source of this gemstone in the world. It got discovered in 1967 by tribesmen in Tanzania.

Some people describe the gemstone as "velvety." That's because it has a saturated and deep color. The color options range from pure blue or blue with hints of purple.

Tanzanite is a delicate gemstone. You should be careful when wearing jewelry with this stone. It should be stored carefully to avoid scratching.

Moissanite

Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a French scientist. He discovered small particles of the stone in a crater caused by a falling meteorite.

Moissanite is incredibly rare. Most moissanite that you can find in jewelry stores was created in a laboratory. It's created to look like diamonds but it's quite different.

Moissanite gemstones are thought to be more brilliant than diamonds. When hit with sunlight, moissanite can create an effect that looks like a disco ball.

Aquamarine

As we mentioned, Mediterranean colors are popular this year. Aquamarine is perfect if you're looking for gemstones that are similar to the colors of the ocean.

You can find aquamarine stones in the following colors:

• Green-blue
• Blue
• Very small amounts of green

It's a very delicate and soft stone. They're usually free from imperfections and as clear as the ocean water.

Find the Best Gemstones to Wear in 2023

Wearing the best gemstones at an event or to work can elevate a simple outfit. While choosing a classic gemstone is always a wonderful choice, mix up your jewelry wardrobe by incorporating new stones and colors. Add splashes of color to your outfit with one of the trending jewelry stones for the upcoming year.

wehoautodetail has multiple jewelry collections that incorporate bold colors and traditional gemstones. Browse our Earth and Ocean collection to purchase one of our premium designer pieces today.

Why Cubic Zirconia Is a Great Alternative to Diamonds

Did you know that one of the biggest cubic zirconia stones ever created weighed nearly 6,000 carats? The stone was called The Dare Devil, and it had a pinkish salmon coloring.

Icon Marilyn Monroe may have helped make diamonds a popular jewelry item with her song titled "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," but there are other options to choose from that can also make great diamond alternatives.

Cubic zirconia is a top choice for diamond alternative jewelry, and in this guide, we'll tell you why. Read more to discover more about the comparisons of cubic zirconia vs diamond and find out where you can get gorgeous cubic zirconia jewelry of your very own below.

Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond Comparisons

One of the main differences of cubic zirconia vs diamond is their origins. Natural diamonds are found in the earth and mined. Cubic zirconia is a man-made creation that comes from a lab. 

Diamonds are made from compressed carbon crystals formed under high heat and pressure. Cubic zirconia comes from a form of zirconium dioxide, a synthetic material. A cubic zirconia is also 55% heavier than a natural diamond. 

Because cubic zirconia stones are lab-made, they can be engineered to be virtually flawless by design. They can resemble a natural diamond in color and appearance. In some ways, cubic zirconia can even exceed a natural diamond's qualities of clarity and sparkle.

Though they may be often dismissed as fake or imitation diamonds, the ability of the cubic zirconia to mimic a diamond has many great traits.

Cubic Zirconia Is Budget Friendly

Diamonds, while beautiful, can be very costly. Even a 0.25-carat diamond can cost anywhere between $200-$1,000. Diamond prices can fluctuate drastically due to the 4 C's of Diamond Grading.

The 4 C's take into account the four areas that determine a diamond's overall value. These are:

• Cut- the shape and faceting of the diamond
• Color- the amount of/lack of brown or yellow coloring present
• Clarity- the lack of eye-visible surface flaws/magnified internal flaws
• Carat- the size and total carat weight of the diamond

The number of diamonds used can also influence the price since more diamonds equals a higher cost.

The most desired diamonds are Flawless or Internally Flawless, meaning they are free of marks and other inclusions. They also possess a clear brilliant white coloring that allows more light to pass through and contain multiple facets for refracting the light.

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia is much easier on your wallet. Where you can potentially pay out hundreds and even thousands easily for a 1-carat diamond, you can get a 1-carat cubic zirconia stone for around just $10 to $20. This means you can get all of the features and shimmer of a diamond that won't break the bank.

Cubic zirconia has more sparkle and fire compared to a diamond's brilliance. A cubic zirconia also produces more stunning colored flashes of light. Cubic zirconia can't be told apart from a natural diamond unless a professional jeweler examines it up close.

Since it is a more cost-effective option than a diamond, you can build out your jewelry accessory wardrobe with even more amazing pieces like dazzling sets of cubic zirconia earrings.

You can afford to have earrings to wear with everyday outfits and for special occasions. Change up your looks and styles whenever you want. From drops to dangles and cubic zirconia studs, cubic zirconia can help you up your style game at a fraction of the cost of a pricey diamond. 

Cubic Zirconia Is Eco-Friendly and Socially Conscious

There has been concern over the way diamonds may be mined in some parts of the world. These environmental and ethical implications can be an issue for some who don't want to contribute to conflict. 

Blood diamonds are those that are mined in war-torn areas and used to finance warlord operations. The conditions for the miners are unsafe, and they may even use forced child labor. Digging into the earth is an invasive and costly process as well.

There is also concern over the sustainability of diamonds over time and the havoc the mining process wreaks on the natural environments around these mines. The people and animals in the area can be impacted by air and water quality from diamond mining.

Man-made cubic zirconia is produced in a lab to create a diamond-like stone that is odorless, colorless, and virtually flawless. For the socially conscious individual, the origin of cubic zirconia is widely preferred since it does not involve aggressive mining tactics. You can also be certain that there are no conflicts involved with these created stones. 

What you get is a glimmering stone that offers the glamour of a diamond with none of the stigma attached to it. Cubic zirconia jewelry makes a wonderful diamond alternative.

Cubic Zirconia Is a Safer Diamond Alternative

Having a large sparkly diamond may make you the envy of everyone who sees your sparkling rock. It can also make you a target. 

In 2016, Kim Kardashian made headlines when she had $10 million dollars in jewelry taken from her Paris hotel room during a brazen robbery. Among the jewelry pieces stolen was a diamond ring worth $4 million.

Whether you're famous or not, wearing flashy jewels is an invitation to have your jewelry stolen. If you're traveling, it's a fair bet you could be robbed.

A new trend of buying dupe engagement rings and wedding rings is emerging. The real rings are only worn for very special occasions. Otherwise, they are safely kept tucked away. Women are now buying cubic zirconia doubles of their rings to wear out in public or while traveling. 

The same trend holds true with wearing cubic zirconia necklaces. There is less worry or fear about them becoming lost or stolen because they are easier to replace. This can give you peace of mind while still being able to wear beautiful jewelry pieces. 

Find Affordable and High-Quality Cubic Zirconia Jewelry from wehoautodetail

Cubic zirconia offers affordability and value. Cubic zirconia jewelry is safer to wear in public, and it doesn't cause ethical or environmental problems.

With all of these benefits, you can't go wrong with adding cubic zirconia jewelry to your accessory repertoire. Cubic zirconia jewelry can give you even more style and boost your personal brand.

wehoautodetail offers high-quality affordable fashion jewelry. They are perfect to wear every day or to give as a gift. Find a wide variety of eye-catching jewelry pieces to choose from.

Check out all of our new arrival jewelry items on our website today.  

Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Created or Natural Gemstones?

There are advantages to owning both lab created and natural gemstones. Read further and see if you can tell the difference between them.

Keyword(s): Natural gemstones

In the United States, there has been almost $22 billion worth of gemstones sold. And more than 85% of those gemstones are synthetic or lab-created. The demand for gemstones has led to increased demand in the jewelry industry.

From engagement rings to fine jewelry, gemstones are an investment. That's one reason why choosing the best quality pieces with superior brilliance, and a near-flawless appearance is key.

So, when it comes to lab-grown versus natural gemstones, which one will give you the best quality? Can the average person tell the difference between a natural gemstone and a human-made one?

Here's everything you need to know before buying your next gemstone piece.

What Are Natural Gemstones?

In the most basic definition, a natural gemstone is one that has formed in nature and has little to no interference from humans in its creation. 

These gemstones may still be mined, cut, and polished and still have the "natural" labeling.

Natural gemstones can be faceted and still have the "natural" label. However, there has been a greater demand for the unique look of rough stones. There is no enhancement or alteration to improve color, durability, or value.

Treatment and enhancement aim to fix flaws like inclusions, cracks, and discoloration. For many, this makes the gemstone more stunning in appearance, but the tradeoff is no longer considered a "natural" gemstone.

In some cases, gemstones that are natural and untreated are rarer and more valuable than their treated counterpart. This is the case with sapphires.

You may often see natural gemstones classified as "real" as there is not a dispute with their origins or mineral makeup. Of course, they can vary in size, shape, and color.

These three characteristics are often what determine to quality and price of the gemstone. 

What Are Lab-Created Gemstones?

As the name suggests, these gemstones are created by scientists in laboratories rather than mined after forming in the earth.

This process of creating lab-grown gemstones can vary from 6-10 weeks as opposed to the millions of years for natural gemstones.

You'll often hear terms like synthetic, lab-grown, human-made, and artificial to refer to these gemstones. However, the terms artificial and synthetic can be misleading.

Lab-grown gemstones can have the same chemical composition as those grown in nature. So while they may not have formed in the same environment, lab-grown gemstones are still very much gemstones.

If the mineral makeup is identical to those found in nature, lab-created gemstones can be classified as "real".

Lab-created gemstones are often preferred for their low impact on the environment and use of fewer resources because they don't need to be mined from the ground. 

Natural Versus Lab: Quality

As previously stated, a lab-created gemstone and a natural gemstone have little difference when it comes to mineral makeup. However, quality can still vary across the spectrum with both natural and lab-grown gemstones.

Comparatively, natural gemstones tend to have more imperfections than those grown in a lab. That's not to say that you can't find a near flawless gemstone mined from the earth; it might be a little rarer than a lab-grown gem. 

However, when gemstones are made in a lab, they tend to have fewer imperfections like inclusions, and color variations. This is due to the control the lab has over them during the growing process.

When it comes to durability, because of the identical mineral makeup, lab-grown gemstones will have similar durability to their natural counterpart.

Natural Versus Lab: Price

In general, lab-grown gemstones are less expensive than natural gemstones. Though, that may also depend on what gemstone. For example, rubies and gemstones are easy and inexpensive lab creations, and the price reflects that.

You may see a significant difference in price for gems like lab-grown rubies and sapphires versus natural gems. But that's not the case with every gemstone, namely diamonds.

Because there are many different factors that go into determining a diamond's price, there can be little difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds. In some cases, you may see a 30% reduction from natural to lab-grown.

In conclusion, the price can be difficult to determine because of the factors that affect it.

Natural Versus Lab: Appearance

Though lab-grown and natural gemstones may be identical in their mineral makeup, there can be large differences in appearance. In a lab, appearance can be closely monitored and controlled, leading to more perfect gems.

Lab-grown gemstones tend to have fewer inclusions which directly affects the clarity and color. Scientists are able to create brilliant sparkle and more vivid colors in the lab, growing the desired gemstone on demand.

Natural gemstones tend to have more flaws like inclusions that affect appearance. Finding a natural gem that's flawless may be more rare and pricey, but not impossible.

This doesn't mean that a natural gemstone couldn't have a comparable appearance. A natural gemstone would most likely need treatments to bring out a similar color and sparkle.

So, Can You See the Difference?

Unless one has prior experience or training with gemstones, the average person wouldn't be able to tell the difference with their naked eye.

After all, a natural gemstone and the lab-grown counterpart have the same mineral makeup. That means the two are similar in durability and general appearance.

The difference can come in the flaws like inclusions and vividness of color. But it takes a trained eye and special instruments to be able to spot these differences.

So, you should feel comfortable in your choice to buy both lab-grown and natural gemstones and jewelry.

Sparkle No Matter the Gemstone

Gemstone jewelry pieces are timeless additions to your collection. From ruby rings to diamond necklaces, these pieces will be classic and in style for years to come. That's why it's important to seek out quality gemstones.

Whether you choose human-made or natural gemstones, quality and appearance are essential to a stunning piece of jewelry. The brilliance creates a sparkle that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Ready to find your next luxury piece? Shop our collection of crystal earrings, bracelets, and pendant necklaces. 

As young people increasingly move away from natural diamonds, could lab grown diamonds be the future? Read more to find out.

Keyword(s): lab grown diamonds

Do you love jewelry? Are you one of the 73% of millennials who want to shop sustainably? 

More and more shoppers are willing to pay a little more to ensure their high-quality pieces follow ethical practices. 

Many jewels historically have a somewhat shady past. Conflict diamonds, stones that are mined using unethical practices; the industry has seen it all. Fortunately, times are changing. To both protect our planet and its people. 

Astounding new technologies enable us to create stones in the laboratory. One of these miracle inventions is lab grown diamonds.

You may think this sounds like a strange concept; how can a naturally occurring stone be grown in a lab? However, these fascinating engineered stones are here to stay and have an array of remarkable properties. 

Read on to find out why lab created diamonds are the future.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

Diamonds formed deep in the earth billions of years ago and were brought to the earth's surface with the heat and pressure caused by volcanic explosions. 

Lab created diamonds undergo a similar process. High pressure and high temperatures are used to replicate the same chemical processes natural diamonds go through. It just happens in a machine rather than on the earth.

For this reason, diamonds that are grown in a lab are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. You can't tell the difference to look at them either. 

Lab diamonds start life as a seed. It then undergoes the process of making it into the beautiful stone we know and love. Due to the artificial process, the seed goes through, diamonds made in a lab are often referred to as synthetic diamonds.

How Are Lab Diamonds Graded?

Artificial diamonds are also graded in precisely the same way as mined diamonds. They are cut by experts and graded using the same quality criteria as mined diamonds. 

They are rated using the 4 C's: 

• Carat
• Cut 
• Color 
• Clarity 

You would not be able to tell the difference between a mined diamond and a man-made one if you just looked at them. 

Why Are Synthetic Diamonds the Future?

Diamond mining is notorious for being unsustainable, unethical, linked to child labor, as well as war and conflicts. Although the diamond industry has been cleaned up since the Kimberly Process Certification was introduced in 2003, it is sometimes difficult to trace a diamond's origin.  

Many diamond dealers still can't tell you which mine their diamonds originate from. The Kimberly Process is hard to monitor, and many clean diamonds end up in the same shipments as those from less ethical origins. 

If a diamond is grown in a lab, it is easy to trace and harms nobody. Let's take a more in-depth look at why consumers are starting to choose man-made diamonds. 

They Are More Ethical

Even if a diamond claims to be conflict-free and not used to fund corrupt governments and warfare, we can never be entirely sure.

You also don't know if the workers who mine your natural diamond are paid fairly or treated humanely. Many countries where diamonds naturally occur don't have laws to ban child labor or enforce strict minimum wage or labor safety requirements. 

Ethical diamonds are having a moment, and we won't ever go back to the dark days of unethical diamond extraction. 

They Are More Environmentally Friendly 

Mining diamonds also have a significant impact on the natural environment. Digging up the earth to extract a stone is not the most sustainable of practices after all. Hundreds of tonnes of earth need to move to find just one diamond. 

This messes with local ecosystems and can end up displacing wildlife and communities. Local water sources can also end up polluted as a result of diamond mining. Minerals unearthed when the rocks are moved can run off into the water, causing it to become toxic. 

The air miles that a mined diamond costs are also huge. They fly from origin to middle man, to cuter, to trader. 

A lab grown diamond can be made in a few days and sold in the same city it is created. Further to this, a lot less energy is needed to create an artificial diamond. Thus, lab grown diamonds have a significantly lower carbon footprint. 

Artificial Diamonds Are Less Expensive

Lab grown diamonds have the same properties and high quality as mined diamonds but a lower price tag. 

Mined diamonds pass through many hands on their way to the store; each person involved takes a cut of the final price.

There are fewer people involved in creating a lab grown diamond which means fewer people who need paying. This, in turn, lowers the price for the end consumer. 

Diamond Jewelry Is Always In Fashion 

Ever since the 1940s, when diamonds became the height of fashion, they have been a staple in our jewelry boxes. We will continue to collect precious jewels for decades to come. They will be different from the jewels of the past. 

Want to make a statement with your outfit? Say it with diamonds. Want to give a gift that lasts an eternity? Diamonds are perfect. They last indefinitely and are a symbol of class.

Diamonds are also the most popular gemstone used for engagement rings. This stunning stone has represented love for centuries. 

Conscious Consumers Prefer Lab Diamonds 

You don't want your beautiful diamond to have a shady past, do you? Unethical practices and dubious origins are not what this stone should represent. For this reason, lab grown diamonds are the future. 

As consumer demands shift towards more transparent supply chains and the accountability of manufacturers, we need a change in the way goods are produced.

Innovative technologies that create lab-made diamonds can help us take much-needed steps towards a more sustainable and green future. 

Feel inspired to browse some ethically sourced diamonds? Check out our collection of diamond rings. 

If you are not into natural or lab grow diamonds there are options for you! Swarovski Crystals are beauiful, affordable and are sure to draw admiring eyes!