Very often people yearn to buy exquisite jewelry, but look for a gemstone that is cheap but looks very similar to the expensive ones. There are actually hundreds of gemstones that have a matching look-alike in the wide spectrum of colors available, especially for 'the big three' namely greens, reds and blues.

For instance, various gemstones are available in an effervescent red that could be mistaken for ruby. This includes fiery gems like rubellite tourmaline, red spinel, red beryl, pyrope and rhodolite garnet. Blue gemstones are products of various minerals like tanzanite, sapphire, iolite, benitoite, and indicolite tourmaline, with a characteristic color, brilliance, and luster for every gem color.

In case of green, you can consider tsavorite garnet, emerald, peridot and chrome tourmaline. Tsavorite garnet is very similar to the pure green shade of the emerald, whereas peridot and chrome tourmaline have lovely yellowish-green tinge.

Always consider how you would be wearing the gems and their expected durability before buying them. While garnet may not be as hard as ruby it could still be durable and hence used in bracelets and rings. In contrast tourmaline is not as hard-wearing as ruby.

Benitoite, tanzanite, and iolite are softer stones that need require gentler handling. They are worn best in earrings and pendants. Sapphire, without doubt, is the best choice for active or exposed jewels, like bracelets and rings that are worn daily.

Whenever you consider colored gemstones, you must juxtapose several criteria that affect value: color, cut, durability, clarity, place of origin and rarity. Every gemstone is affected by the given criteria in varied degrees. Nevertheless, color is very often the most important factor of all.

Being familiar with the origin of the gemstone can add an extra tinge of enjoyment and appreciation to the jewel. However, an alleged country of origin must not be taken for granted when it comes to the quality of the gemstone. Given below are some rules you ought to follow while shopping for precious colored gemstones or diamonds.

1. Gather sufficient information about the gemstone you wish to obtain. Gemstone and jewelry education is the best way of increasing your confidence and enjoyment when you are looking for a particular gemstone.

2. Never buy the first gemstones you come across. You can acquire a better understanding of the range of price, value, quality and colors that are available in the gemstones you are looking for.

3. Seek guidance from an independent appraiser/gemologist, if you are doubtful about the value or quality of a gemstone you wish to buy. Independent gemologists can help you keep away from shenanigans and offer you the technical know-how in acquiring exquisite jewelry at a reasonable price.

Always be careful when you are buying gemstones, even if they are substitutes. Very often inexpensive gemstones are sold fraudulently instead of the original gemstones that have a greater value. Make sure you get an authentic letter signed by the goldsmith/seller of gemstones. If you are doubtful about certain gemstones, seek guidance from a gemologist who would evaluate the authenticity of the stone. Reputable sellers would never object to adhering to these kinds of requests before making a sale.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - Gemstones And Their Substitutes

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry and diamonds. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds, diamond rings, gemstone fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion pendants, gemstone engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.