When you invest in a gemstone it can be for many reasons, perhaps you are buying yourself a pendant with your birthstone or perhaps you are lucky enough to receive a present of a beautiful piece of jewellery. Whatever the reason there is a gemstone to suit every taste and also every budget. In fact, there is a wide range and choice available today in gemstone jewellery.

If the Diamond gemstone is considered to be the king of gemstones then the Ruby is considered the Queen. To receive this accolade the Ruby stone glows with the shimmering intensity of an eternal flame. In contrast, the Sapphire gemstone is known as a gem of Heaven due to the brilliance of skyward colours reflected within this stone. Sapphires are probably best known for their distinctive midnight blue colour,

however, Sapphires also come in a crystal pink colour right through to a deep black colour. The rarest type of Sapphire being the Star Sapphire, so called because these stones show a bright six point star in the centre of their cabochon. These points are formed by the reflection of light on tiny inclusions in the stone. The most famous of these being The Star of India -- A 536-carat blue cabochon-cut star sapphire thought to be the largest cut sapphire -- is part of the Morgan-Tiffany Collection in the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Most gemstones are versatile are can be made into rings, pendants are other types of jewellery. Another advantage of buying a gemstone is colour. Where you may be unable to afford other more expensive stones, semi-precious gemstones can bring choice and value to the buyer.