Red gemstones bring a bold pop of color to any jewelry collection. From vibrant red hues to deep crimson tones, these stones have captivated wearers for centuries.
Whether you’re into fine jewelry or everyday wear, red gemstone jewelry offers a striking appearance and a captivating range of shades.
1. Ruby
Natural rubies are among the most sought after red gemstones in the world. With a deep red hue and incredible durability (second only to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale), they’re a favorite for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Their rich color often earns them a place in royal collections, including the British Crown Jewels.
2. Red Spinel
Once mistaken for ruby, red spinel now shines in its own right. It displays vibrant red to purplish-red hues and is prized for its brilliance and affordability. This rare red gemstone is making a strong comeback in modern jewelry designs.
3. Garnet
Garnets come in many shades, but red garnet varieties like pyrope and almandine garnet are the most popular of these precious gemstones.
Rhodolite garnet, with its pinkish red to purplish red rhodolite hues, and spessartite garnet, which leans toward reddish orange, also belong to the broader garnet family. These are excellent choices for both everyday jewelry and evening wear.
4. Red Tourmaline
Also known as rubellite, red tourmaline offers a bright red or raspberry tone and is usually faceted, though heavily included rubellite may be cut as a translucent cabochon. It’s a durable and eye-catching jewelry stone, ideal for those seeking a unique charm and vibrant hues.
5. Red Beryl
Considered one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, red beryl (also called bixbite) delivers intense color and rarity in one tiny package. Its deep red color and small crystal size make it a prized specimen in the gem market.
6. Fire Opal
Mexican opal, commonly known as fire opal, ranges from orange red to bright red and features a slightly hazy appearance. While softer than other gemstones, its natural beauty and fiery glow make it a standout in red gemstone jewelry.
7. Red Coral
Organic rather than mineral, red coral brings deep red hues and a smooth matte finish. Used in jewelry for thousands of years, it’s especially popular in Mediterranean and Asian designs.
8. Red Zircon
Red zircon mimics the look of other gemstones but stands out for its brilliance and fire. Though not a natural diamond, its intense red shades and affordable price tag make it a favorite in many jewelry pieces.
9. Raspberry Beryl
A cousin to red beryl, raspberry beryl has pinkish red to reddish tones and offers a softer, more playful look. It’s primarily used in distinctive, high-end jewelry and adds a pop of color with a hint of romance.
10. Red Jasper
Red jasper is a dark red, opaque stone known for its earthy tone and durability. It’s perfect for bohemian or rustic-style jewelry and often paired with other gemstones for a grounded, natural look.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
