Zodiac gem stones are often called astrological gemstones. Zodiac gem stones were most likely named by the Mesopotamians who were some of the earliest astronomers. They found beautiful gem stones and looked to the heavens for their meanings. It is said that the Mesopotamians then associated each gemstone with particular human traits and then assigned them to the different months of the zodiac.
Zodiac signs and astrology are fun to explore and to share. Wearing a Zodiac gem stone can be a great conversation starter and wonderful way to express yourself. Many people find wearing their zodiac gem stone to be extremely supportive and that by wearing zodiac jewelry that they have an easier time fulfilling their goals. As there are many gem stones listed for each zodiac sign, choose the one that you feel most comfortable wearing and would enjoy the most. You will wear the zodiac gem stone more often.
The Astrology stone chart below offers helpful information on Sun sign stones and planetary relationships. Clicking on each zodiac gem stone link provides specific gemstone jewelry, gem care tips, mystical attributes, and lots more. Feel free to combine these gemstones if desired.
When you give someone a Zodiac Gem stone gift, be sure to add some care tips and/or lore from the specific gemstone page associated with it.
Astrology Sign : Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Agate, Garnet, Ruby
Planetary Stone : Lapis Lazuli
Lucky Charms : Ruby
Astrology Sign : Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Amethyst, Garnet, Moss Agate, Opal
Planetary Stone : Turquoise
Lucky Charms : Garnet, Hyacinth
Astrology Sign : Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Amethyst, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, Sapphire
Planetary Stone : Aquamarine
Lucky Charms : Amethyst
Astrology Sign : Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Bloodstone, Diamond
Planetary Stone : Jasper
Lucky Charms : Bloodstone, Diamond, Jasper
Astrology Sign : Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald, Sapphire, Turquoise
Planetary Stone : Aventurine, Emerald
Lucky Charms : Diamond, Sapphire
Astrology Sign : Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl
Planetary Stone : Tiger Eye
Lucky Charms : Agate, Emerald
Astrology Sign : Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby
Planetary Stone : Moonstone
Lucky Charms : Agate, Chalcedony, Emerald
Astrology Sign : Leo (Jul. 23-Aug. 22)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Onyx, Sardonyx, Tourmaline
Planetary Stone : Rock Crystal
Lucky Charms : Amber, Onyx, Peridot
Astrology Sign : Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Carnelian, Jade, Jasper, Sapphire
Planetary Stone : Citrine
Lucky Charms : Carnelian, Sardonyx
Astrology Sign : Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Peridot
Planetary Stone : Sapphire
Lucky Charms : Opal, Chrsolite, Sardonyx
Astrology Sign : Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Aquamarine, Topaz
Planetary Stone : Garnet, Ruby
Lucky Charms : Aquamarine, Beryl
Astrology Sign : Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Zodiac Birth Stones : Amethyst, Sapphire, Topaz, Turquoise
Planetary Stone : Topaz
Lucky Charms : Pearl, Topaz
Pearl Grading
One of the most important items to consider when purchasing pearls is the grade of the pearls. As you would not buy a diamond without understanding its attributes (size, clarity, inclusions, color, etc.), you should not buy pearls without first understanding their attributes.
The core attributes to consider with pearls are: type, size, shape, luster, inclusions, nacre and matching. All of these combined determine the value and quality of any piece of pearl jewelry. As there are no internationally agreed upon grading scales for pearls (unlike most other gems), you must pay close attention to the attributes and not just the scale provided by the vendor. Although most pearl retailers adopt a GIA-based scale (A-AAA), some exaggerate this scale (A-AAAAA) and some are less strict on what is classified as a top level pearl. That is why you need to look closely at the attributes to understand what you are buying. The table below outlines each attribute:
Type
The type of pearl significantly impacts its value. All things being equal, a Freshwater pearl would be the least expensive, next would be an Akoya pearl, next would be a Tahitian pearl, and finally a White or Golden South Sea pearl. Of course, this is only with all other things being equal (Size, Shape, Luster, Inclusions, and Nacre).
Size
The larger the size of the pearl impacts the greater the value, sometimes exponentially as you reach the top sizes.
Shape
The more close to round a pearl is, typically the greater its value. So most expensive would be round, next would be off-round, next would be oval or drop, and eventually this would end with the least expensive shape being baroque (no symmetry on either axis).
Luster
Luster, or iridescence, is the brightness or radiance of light from a pearl. The greater the luster, the greater the value of a pearl.
Inclusions
Inclusions, or blemishes, are imperfections in the surface of the pearl. The fewer inclusions, the greater the value of a pearl.
Nacre
Nacre is the layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin that form over the bead (or irritant). Nacre is important because it determines the longevity of a pearl. A pearl with a thin nacre will not last as long as a pearl with a thick nacre.
Matching
Matching examines a set of pearls as a whole - specifically how well they resemble or harmonize with each other.
The core attributes to consider with pearls are: type, size, shape, luster, inclusions, nacre and matching. All of these combined determine the value and quality of any piece of pearl jewelry. As there are no internationally agreed upon grading scales for pearls (unlike most other gems), you must pay close attention to the attributes and not just the scale provided by the vendor. Although most pearl retailers adopt a GIA-based scale (A-AAA), some exaggerate this scale (A-AAAAA) and some are less strict on what is classified as a top level pearl. That is why you need to look closely at the attributes to understand what you are buying. The table below outlines each attribute:
Type
The type of pearl significantly impacts its value. All things being equal, a Freshwater pearl would be the least expensive, next would be an Akoya pearl, next would be a Tahitian pearl, and finally a White or Golden South Sea pearl. Of course, this is only with all other things being equal (Size, Shape, Luster, Inclusions, and Nacre).
Size
The larger the size of the pearl impacts the greater the value, sometimes exponentially as you reach the top sizes.
Shape
The more close to round a pearl is, typically the greater its value. So most expensive would be round, next would be off-round, next would be oval or drop, and eventually this would end with the least expensive shape being baroque (no symmetry on either axis).
Luster
Luster, or iridescence, is the brightness or radiance of light from a pearl. The greater the luster, the greater the value of a pearl.
Inclusions
Inclusions, or blemishes, are imperfections in the surface of the pearl. The fewer inclusions, the greater the value of a pearl.
Nacre
Nacre is the layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin that form over the bead (or irritant). Nacre is important because it determines the longevity of a pearl. A pearl with a thin nacre will not last as long as a pearl with a thick nacre.
Matching
Matching examines a set of pearls as a whole - specifically how well they resemble or harmonize with each other.
Tahitian Pearls
Tahitian pearls are best known for their natural dark color. Tahitian pearls are rare and can be quite expensive.
Tahitian Pearls At A Glance
Below is a table summarizing some of the key characteristics of Tahitian pearls:
Origin : French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, the Micronesian Islands, Japan, Philippines, and Thailand.
Sizes : 8.0mm - 24.0mm
Shapes : Round, off-round, drop, baroque, and circled.
Colors & Overtones :
Black to grey body color. Dark, peacock, silver, aqua, bronze, and green overtones
South Sea Pearls
South Sea pearls are one of the largest commercially grown pearls in the world. These pearls are considered to be rare and are can be quite expensive. South Sea pearls have extremely thick nacre, which adds to the durability and luster of the pearl.
South Sea Pearls At A Glance
Below is a table summarizing some of the key characteristics of South Sea pearls:
Origin : Australia, Philippines and Indonesia
Sizes : 8.0mm - 30.0mm
Shapes : Round, near-round, baroque, and drop
Colors & Overtones :
White or golden body
Freshwater Pearls
Freshwater pearls, unlike many other saltwater pearls, are grown in freshwater rivers and lakes. Freshwater pearls are extremely popular and are the most accessible pearl type given their value and pricing. Freshwater pearls come in a wide variety of naturally occurring shapes and sizes.
Freshwater Pearls At A Glance
Below is a table summarizing some of the key characteristics of Freshwater pearls:
Origin : China, Japan, and United States
Sizes : 1.0mm - 14.0mm
Shapes : Near-round, off-round, rice, baroque, coin, button, and drop
Colors & Overtones :
Wide variety
Conch Pearls
Conch pearls are a bit unique from most other 'pearls'. Conch pearls have no nacre, but are made completely of calcareous concretions. So technically speaking, conch pearls are not really pearls are at all. Also, Conch pearls are natural pearls. There is no developed method to culture these pearls. This makes Conch pearls both rare and valuable.
Conch Pearls At A Glance
Below is a table summarizing some of the key characteristics of Conch pearls:
Origin : Caribbean
Sizes :<1.0mm>
Shapes :Baroque and Oval
Colors & Overtones :
Body colors are usually pink, yellow, brown, white, or golden
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are one of the most popular pearls sold today. Akoya pearls are renowned for their beauty and luster. Part of the popularity of the Akoya pearl is the result of the work of Kokichi Mikimoto. Mikimoto perfected pearl culturing methods. This created the ability for Japan (and later China) to produce large numbers of desirable Akoya pearls.
Akoya Pearls At A Glance
Below is a table summarizing some of the key characteristics of Akoya pearls:
Origin : Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand
Sizes : 1.0mm - 10.0mm.
Shapes: Round (majority), Baroque and Keshi
Colors & Overtones :
White or Cream body naturally (Black are dyed). Overtones are typically Ivory, Silver, or Rose
Abalone Pearls
Abalone pearls are truly some of the most spectacular and rare pearls in the world. The rainbow of intense colors and irregular shapes make these a true gem among pearls.
Abalone Pearls At A Glance
Below is a table summarizing some of the key characteristics of Abalone pearls:
Origin : United States, New Zealand, Australia, Korea, and Japan
Sizes : 1.0mm - 15.0mm
Shapes : Round, oval, baroque, horn
Colors & Overtones :
Mixed colors of blues, lavender, orange, green, pink, and silver
Types of Pearls
There are many different types of pearls. On ShopPearls.com, we focus on the most popular pearl types available today. This includes Abalone, Akoya, Conch, Freshwater, South Sea, and Tahitian.
Abalone Pearls Abalone pearls are truly some of the most spectacular and rare pearls in the world. The rainbow of intense colors and irregular shapes make these a true gem among pearls.
Akoya Pearls Akoya pearls are one of the most popular pearls sold today. Akoya pearls are renowned for their beauty and luster.
Conch Pearls Conch pearls are a bit unique from most other 'pearls'. Conch pearls have no nacre, but are made completely of calcareous concretions. Also, Conch pearls are natural pearls. There is no developed method to culture these pearls.
Freshwater Pearls Freshwater pearls, unlike many other saltwater pearls, are grown in freshwater rivers and lakes. Freshwater pearls are extremely popular and are the most accessible pearl type given their value and pricing.
South Sea Pearls South Sea pearls are one of the largest commercially grown pearls in the world. South Sea pearls have extremely thick nacre, which adds to the durability and luster of the pearl.
Tahitian Pearls South Sea pearls are one of the largest commercially grown pearls in the world. South Sea pearls have extremely thick nacre, which adds to the durability and luster of the pearl.
Abalone Pearls Abalone pearls are truly some of the most spectacular and rare pearls in the world. The rainbow of intense colors and irregular shapes make these a true gem among pearls.
Akoya Pearls Akoya pearls are one of the most popular pearls sold today. Akoya pearls are renowned for their beauty and luster.
Conch Pearls Conch pearls are a bit unique from most other 'pearls'. Conch pearls have no nacre, but are made completely of calcareous concretions. Also, Conch pearls are natural pearls. There is no developed method to culture these pearls.
Freshwater Pearls Freshwater pearls, unlike many other saltwater pearls, are grown in freshwater rivers and lakes. Freshwater pearls are extremely popular and are the most accessible pearl type given their value and pricing.
South Sea Pearls South Sea pearls are one of the largest commercially grown pearls in the world. South Sea pearls have extremely thick nacre, which adds to the durability and luster of the pearl.
Tahitian Pearls South Sea pearls are one of the largest commercially grown pearls in the world. South Sea pearls have extremely thick nacre, which adds to the durability and luster of the pearl.
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