Gemstones

Quartz for Elegance and Expression

 

Out of all the gems on earth, quartz is among the most plentiful. It can be found all over the world and is native to no specific region or climate. While quartz gemstones may be common, this does not mean they lack diversity. Quartz is available in an array of types, colors, and clarities and has long been utilized for both ornamental and spiritual purposes. It appears in jewelry of all kinds as either an accent or as the centerpiece stone. Depending on the cut and qualities, you can use quartz stones to compliment and accentuate any attire, no matter where you're headed.

 
45.00 Carat Smoky Quartz and 2.80 ct. t.w. White Topaz Ring in Sterling Silver. #904031

Types of Quartz Jewelry

There's more to this gem than just a simple white or clear quartz crystal. Quartz comes in a variety of shades, clarities, and names, all of which have different meanings and go with various styles. A particularly popular stone is rose quartz that comes in either cloudy or clear types. It has a light pink color that may show as a soft accent or as a distinct pop of brightness. If you're looking for brown or gray gemstones to wear with a sophisticated outfit, choose smoky quartz that has an opaque or transparent appearance.

The quartz family includes other stones such as amethyst, agate, citrine, alexandrite, and tiger's eye. The most popular kind of quartz, deep purple amethyst stands out and is a popular choice for jewelry designers. Alexandrite has color-changing properties and can range from green to blue and even red, depending on the light. Tiger's eye has an exotic quality that shines when it catches the light, highlighting its mesmerizing bands of golden to deep browns. The orange of citrine ranges from yellowish to deep-red shades that pops with simple clothing and blends with creams or apricots. Agate comes in a wide assortment of colors, including white, brown, yellow, black, and red. Depending on your mood or fashion, there's a type of quartz for almost any occasion.

 
(17)
Super Deal: $140
Compare: $195
Save: $55 (28%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(14)
Super Deal: $99
Compare: $140
Save: $41 (29%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(11)
Super Deal: $89
Compare: $120
Save: $31 (26%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(9)
Sale: $105
$140 (Save 25%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(4)
Sale: $66.75
$89 (Save 25%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
 

The History of Quartz Jewelry

Some believe the name quartz may have come from the Greek word "krystallos," meaning ice. Ancient Greeks believed quartz crystal was fossilized ice. Quartz's high thermal conductivity, which makes the gemstone feel cool to the touch, may have added to this belief. Though quartz is found worldwide, significant mines are located in Brazil, Madagascar, Canada, and the United States.

The first quartz jewelry began appearing in 7000 BC as natural stone beads in Mesopotamia, although quartz sculptures were around long before. Tools and weapons were among the first things to have been crafted from quartz. Native Americans and Australian Aborigines used quartz crystals in their rain rituals. Ancient Romans used colorless quartz to cool their hands in hot weather. And quartz crystal balls have been used to predict the future since the middle ages.

Since then, many cultures demonstrate the use of the stone for jewelry and cultural practices. The ancient Egyptians used crystals as decorative talismans that could supposedly prevent aging. The ancient Romans used them as a type of seal that signified ownership. The popularity of quartz as gemstones in jewelry increased during the Middle Ages, where it worked as a necklace or pendant to heal or balance emotions. It cuts and polishes well and can be tumbled into a smooth finish. Throughout history, in many cultures, you can find quartz in necklaces, rings, or bracelets.

 
(7)
Super Deal: $159
Compare: $225
Save: $66 (29%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
Super Deal: $99
Compare: $140
Save: $41 (29%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(8)
Sale: $112.50
$150 (Save 25%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
 

Matching Quartz to Your Tastes

Certain complexions and personalities go with different gemstone colors. Citrine, tiger's eye, and smoky quartz complement brown eye color or dark hair. Amethysts may bring out the color of green eyes. If you feel jubilant or bubbly, consider rose quartz as a way to show off your buoyant character.

It appears in different settings and cuts as well. Bezel setting cocktail rings without accent stones show off quartz without any extra bells and whistles. It commonly comes in large carat sizes, in round, oval, or cushion cuts. You can also find them in emerald and checkerboard cuts whose lines add extra splendor to the stones.

As far as metals go, quartz blends effortlessly. Clear quartz sparkles brightly when paired with sterling silver and white gold, creating an opulent look comparable to diamonds' brilliance. Rose quartz, smoky quartz, and other colored crystals gain extra sparkle when framed with yellow or rose gold.

 
(23)
Super Deal: $139
Compare: $195
Save: $56 (29%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(81)
Super Deal: $129
Compare: $180
Save: $51 (28%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
Super Deal: $129
Compare: $170
Save: $41 (24%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
Sale: $141.75
$189 (Save 25%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
(1)
Super Deal: $99
Compare: $140
Save: $41 (29%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
 

Using Quartz for a Variety of Occasions

This stone comes in such a wide variety of colors, shades, and opaqueness levels that it matches just about any event. Select amethysts for purple and blue outfits or smoky quartz for black and white affairs. Choose earrings in pear cuts for a classic look or natural quartz pendants as a conversation starter. Select from a medley of vintage estate pins or brooches set with bold quartz gems to garner the look of days gone by.

This moderately common semi-precious stone comes engineered or found naturally, so it's generally less expensive than precious stones such as diamonds. Even then, quartz with excellent clarity in large sizes can look luxurious and grand with formal outfits. You may simulate the sparkle of a diamond without the high price tag.

 
Super Deal: $89
Compare: $130
Save: $41 (32%)
Extra 10% Off at Checkout!
Free Shipping!
 

Quartz Jewelry: FAQs Answered

Wearing quartz jewelry brings joy and beauty, but it also may raise some questions. If you wonder how to care for your stones or the uses of quartz, read below for answers.

How do You clean quartz gemstones?

Quartz is a relatively soft stone, registering only a seven of ten on the Mohs scale, so it is vital to protect your rock from bumps, scratches, and dents. Keeping it stored in a closed box will help protect it and preserve its color as exposure to sunlight may cause fading over time. When cleaning this sort of jewelry, use simple materials and non-caustic substances. Warm water and a dry cloth work for basic cleaning. If you need to remove stuck-on grime, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. An ultrasonic cleaner may cause damage to the stone, so it's best to avoid using it.

Does quartz have healing properties?

Many cultures believe that quartz has spiritual purposes, including healing. They believe the stone pulls impurities from different body systems and reduces pain. Psychologically, it reportedly centers and balances the mind to bring inner peace. In some beliefs, wearing a quartz ring on different fingers causes assorted kinds of healing. The index finger, for example, promotes hopes and goals. The pinkie finger relates to new ideas and self-expression.