The calming hue of clear skies and the ocean during a crisp summer day is truly majestic, to say the least. The shade of blue, which symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and truth, is always sought-after among gemologists, jewelers, and jewelry collectors. Furthermore, although people have been adorning themselves with blue gemstones for centuries, the variety and quality available today are unrivaled.
If you are searching for your “something blue” for a June wedding (or for any occasion), here are some of the most popular blue gemstones to invest in.
1. Blue Sapphire
Did you picture Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring from Prince William? That popular piece of jewelry, which originally belonged to Princess Diana, is perhaps accountable for the overwhelming demand for blue sapphires since the 80s. Beyond question, the regal blue sapphire is among the finest of all gemstones, which combines excellent color saturation with superior hardness and luster.
2. Tourmaline
Tourmalines are a modern option for the October birthstone. These semi-precious gemstones, which have recently risen in popularity and value, occur in almost every color imaginable. Blue tourmalines, in particular, are rare and highly prized in the jewelry industry. The most expensive are the Paraíba tourmalines, which may fetch tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
3. Aquamarine 
Aquamarine gemstones, which people desire for their enticing ocean-blue and blue-green hues, cannot achieve the high saturation and dark tones of sapphires and tourmalines. Nonetheless, darker-colored aquamarines are more valuable, even if they look somewhat gray.
4. Spinel
Spinel is the newest birthstone for the month of August. Although available in pink, red, orange, and lilac, the unique cobalt-blue variety of spinel stones have been a favorite among jewelers since the Renaissance period. Moreover, due to its rarity, natural blue spinel commands some of the highest prices seen among spinel stones.
5. Turquoise 
Turquoise is one of the most well-known and coveted blue gemstones in existence. A December birthstone with olden symbolism, Ancient Indians worshiped turquoise. They believed it had immense powers and that the fathers of creation sent it to earth.
The hardness of this gem ranges from 3 to 7.5, depending on the mineralogy of its host rock. Ultra high-grade turquoise is rich in color and has a hardness of 5 or higher on the Mohs scale, while low-grade turquoise often undergoes stabilization or receives dye to intensify its blue-green color.
6. Blue Diamond
The stunning brilliance and dispersion of a fancy blue diamond makes it one of the world’s most desirable gemstones. Natural blue diamonds found in nature are what gemologists consider “real” blue diamonds, while the variety that jewelers artificially treat to possess a blue hue are not “real,” even if they are authentic diamonds. The price between a natural blue diamond and an artificially colored one is significantly different.
7. Benitoite
Because blue diamonds are more expensive than almost every other fancy colored diamond, not everyone can afford one. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to diamonds, then consider benitoite. This gemstone has more dispersion than diamonds, and, despite its rarity, it is less expensive, too. This unique stone captivates with a deep blue color and intense fire. However, with a hardness of 6.0-6.5 on the Mohs scale, it may develop scratches over time.
8. Jeremejevite
Jeremejevite is one of earth’s rarest minerals. It occurs only in the Erongo Region of Namibia; the town of Khorog in Tajikistan; and the Pantahole Mine near Momeik, Myanmar. Gem-quality jeremejevite from Namibia — which has the best and most available deposits of this specimen — exhibit aquamarine-blue hues. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 and has no reported gemstone cleavage, which makes this ultra-rare mineral durable enough for regular jewelry wear.
9. Zircon 
Often confused with cubic zirconia, jewelry buyers may overlook the extraordinary brilliance and fire of this natural stone in favor of another gem. The bright blue variety of this modern-day December birthstone was a particular favorite in Victorian times, when fine gemstones were featured in English estate jewelry dating from the 1880s.
10. Blue Jadeite
The rare blue jadeite, which occurs only in Guatemala, is one of the toughest gems in existence and is even known for its musical qualities. The International Gem Society remarked that if you used a hammer to hit a jadeite, it would ring like a bell.
11. Tanzanite 
The popularity of tanzanite has skyrocketed in recent years. Its intense blue and violet shades, which are the result of heat treatment, simulate fine sapphires at a fraction of the cost. However, tanzanite may easily chip if knocked against a hard surface. Regardless, this rare stone can be a beautiful and affordable alternative to blue sapphires.
12. Moonstone
Moonstone has a unique sheen called adularescence, which is best described as a milky, bluish glow originating from beneath the surface of a gemstone. A top-quality moonstone possesses a bright blue adularescence on a colorless body.
13. Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a widespread gemstone with bold royal blue hues and shimmering golden flecks. Its origin dates back thousands of years, with historians believing that the link between humans and this semi-precious stone stretches back more than 6,500 years.
Although lapis lazuli is somewhat prone to scratching, it is quite durable with a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
14. Topaz
Today, blue is one of the most popular topaz colors in the jewelry marketplace. It is available in an array of head-turning blue shades, starting from a powder blue with a pale or light tone and saturation, all the way to a navy blue with a moderate to dark tone and saturation.
Topaz gemstones are somewhat prone to chipping and breaking, but proper cutting angles should decrease this risk.
15. Opal 
In a league of its own, this October birthstone option is, perhaps, the most eye-catching gem on this list. In cerulean hues, an opal’s play of colors have a resemblance to sunlight resting on the ocean’s surface. “The most striking feature of opal is the ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of colors. In fact, the term ‘opalescence’ was coined to describe this phenomenon,” according to Opal Auctions. “The interplay of these pure wavelengths of light gives opal its unique visual appeal and makes it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.”
Blue is an alluring color for a gemstone. But with so many different options to choose from, picking one to invest in can be challenging. The jewelry experts here at Biltmore Loan hope you make an informed purchase by using this guide to determine which of the most beautiful blue gemstones available today is right for you. Once you’re ready to shop, click here.
Sell Your Blue Gemstone Jewelry in Phoenix, AZ
If you’re on the other end of the spectrum and are looking to sell a piece from your collection, Biltmore Loan buys genuine blue gemstone jewelry at a fair and competitive price. Complete our online form here to request a free appraisal.