Gemstone Education

Gemstones and fine jewelry are some of the most treasured, meaningful heirlooms that are passed down through generations.

Our desire is to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to shop wisely and enjoy the experience of choosing a special piece. From classic birthstones to exotic gemstones, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Just like diamonds, gemstones can vary greatly in quality, value, and price. It’s also essential to consider how the piece will complement your lifestyle and the significance of the occasion.

At D.J. Bitzan Jewelers, every gemstone tells a story,  and that story often begins thousands of miles away. We curate a stunning variety of natural gems from across the globe, sourcing rubies from Mozambique, vibrant pink and green tourmaline from Madagascar, rare green garnet from India, color-shifting Alexandrites from Sri Lanka, and even multi-colored sapphires from right here in the United States. Each stone is hand-selected by our expert gemologists to ensure exceptional color, clarity, and cutting — always at the best possible value.

Photo Credit: Gemological Institute of America

What Are Natural Gemstones

Natural gemstones are minerals formed deep within the earth over millions of years, shaped by intense heat, pressure, and time. These rare and beautiful treasures are sourced from every corner of the globe and are celebrated for their one-of-a-kind beauty, color, and brilliance.

Throughout history, fine gemstones have captivated the human imagination—sought after by empires, adored by royalty, and revered as symbols of power and prestige. Among the most coveted are rubies, sapphires, and emeralds—known as the “big three” of colored gemstones. Their allure has always centered around one essential quality: color.

  • Rubies were once found almost exclusively in Mogok, Burma.
  • Emeralds were treasured in ancient Egypt and later rediscovered in the New World in Colombia.
  • Sapphires, prized by ancient Rome, primarily came from the island of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka).

Today, new sources have expanded the gemstone landscape, with exceptional stones now also mined in regions like Mozambique, Madagascar, and Zambia. The colored gemstone world is more diverse than ever, with increasing interest in vibrant alternatives such as tourmaline, garnet, opal, turquoise, and Paraiba tourmaline.

Many natural gemstones undergo enhancements, like heat treatment, to intensify color or improve clarity. These treatments are standard, widely accepted, and help highlight the stone's natural beauty. At D.J. Bitzan Jewelers, we celebrate our gemstones’ natural beauty—valuing authenticity, craftsmanship, and the uniqueness that only nature can create.

What to Look For in a Gemstone

A gemstone’s beauty goes far beyond the
surface. One of the most important things to look for is what's happening inside the stone—specifically, its inclusions. These tiny, naturally occurring features can take the form of mineral crystals, gas bubbles, or fluid pockets trapped within the gemstone as it formed deep in the earth. Far from being imperfections, inclusions are often a gemstone’s signature. They help gemologists determine whether a stone is natural, synthetic, or treated, and can even offer clues about where in the world it was mined.

When evaluating a gemstone, two key factors are often considered: weight and size. Weight is measured in carats, and while this gives an idea of value, it’s only part of the story. A gemstone’s cut, clarity, color, and rarity also play a vital role in its overall beauty and appeal.

At D.J. Bitzan Jewelers, we examine gemstones under magnification to ensure every stone we offer is not only beautiful, but genuine, unique, and worthy of becoming part of your story.

Our goal is to make your gemstone journey enjoyable, informative,and effortless. Whether you're shopping for a meaningful gift or selecting a piece for yourself, we're here to guide you every step of the way, making the jewelry-buying process as easy and rewarding as possible.