Jewelry

Best known for its deep red varieties, this gemstone was once so sought after that Empress Marie Terezie banned its export.

With dedicated fans ranging from King Tut to Tom Ford, this inimitable blue-green gem has style to last millennia.

Beloved by royalty, topazes were once believed to possess special powers for curing diseases and breaking magical spells. While they may not have supernatural properties, these autumnal gems are enchanting just the same.

Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for these mysteriously beautiful gems, learn about the different varieties — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.

The stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor has been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Learn how to shop for the bright blue gem, and why it's chemically impossible for a sapphire to turn red.

Vividly colored. Relatively inexpensive. Effectively cures nightmares? Go green and learn all about peridots, the official August birthstone.

This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — perfect for those born in the middle of summer.

Diamond jewelry can be a big investment. You better know what really counts before making that purchase.

The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn how to tell its origin (and guess at its value!) with our handy primer.