This stunning green gem gets its name, from the ancient Greek word “smaragdos,” meaning “green stone,” and helps to celebrate those born in May as well as 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Its lush green hue has soothed souls and excited imaginations since ancient times, and in 2013 emerald green is the designated “Color of the Year”.

Vintage jewelry is experiencing a revival in popularity, perhaps inspired by a surge of period movies and shows like the PBS hit Downton Abbey. Art Nouveau in particular influences many contemporary jewelry designs today. The Art Nouveau design period lasted between 1890 and 1914, and was in many ways a response to the Industrial Revolution.

April babies are lucky enough to have the most celebrated gemstone on Earth for a birthstone. So brilliant they were once thought to be fallen stars, diamonds are considered the hardest natural substance.

Our favorite leading ladies stepped onto the red carpet in vibrantly colored gowns bedecked with glittering jewels for this year’s 85th Academy Awards. Yesterday, we covered breathtaking blue gemstones, which enhanced bold sapphire-colored gowns worn by celebrities such as Lilly Collins and Jennifer Hudson. Today, we’ve compiled a list of colored gemstones in celebration of the glamorous demonstrations of color Oscars fashion has inspired.

As its namesake suggests, the cool blue hues of March’s captivating gemstone are reminiscent of a tranquil sea. Aquamarine crystals can grow in large sizes with excellent clarity.

Dazzling gemstones lit the red carpet at this year’s 85th Academy Awards on Sunday, February 24^th. Striking gowns enhanced by colored gems topped our list of favorite styles. Bold shades of blue, like those worn by Robin Roberts and Lilly Collins, were flawlessly paired with brilliant blue sapphire jewelry. Here are some interesting facts about sapphires and other blue gems provided by our GIA experts that every colored gemstone lover should know.