Top 12 Gemstones for Holiday Jewelry (Ranked)

Holiday jewelry gifting blends tradition, symbolism, and visual impact. Gemstones play a central role because they allow buyers to express emotion, personalization, and lasting value in a single piece. Certain gemstones consistently rise to the top during the holiday season due to their beauty, durability, seasonal color alignment, and cultural significance.

Below are the top 12 gemstones for holiday jewelry, ranked based on popularity, gift versatility, symbolism, durability, and long-term appeal, from the Gems 2026 Most Popular Gemstones for Luxury Jewelry Report. 

1. Diamond

Why it ranks #1: Universal appeal, unmatched brilliance, enduring symbolism

Diamonds remain the most sought-after gemstone for holiday jewelry because they transcend trends. Their ability to reflect light makes them especially striking during winter months, when artificial lighting and festive décor enhance their brilliance.

Diamonds symbolize endurance, clarity, and commitment, which aligns naturally with holiday milestones such as engagements, anniversaries, and major life celebrations. Their extreme hardness makes them ideal for everyday wear, allowing holiday gifts to become permanent wardrobe staples rather than occasional pieces.

Best holiday uses:

• Stud and drop earrings

• Pendants and solitaires

• Engagement and anniversary jewelry

Diamonds also pair seamlessly with nearly every metal and style, making them one of the safest and most versatile holiday gift choices.

2. Sapphire

Why it ranks high: Rich color, durability, timeless elegance

Sapphires—particularly deep blue varieties—are strongly associated with winter tones and refined luxury. Historically favored by royalty, sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and integrity, qualities that resonate during the reflective holiday season.

With a hardness just below diamond, sapphires are among the most durable colored gemstones, making them suitable for rings and everyday jewelry. Their durability allows buyers to give a gemstone gift that combines color with long-term practicality.

Best holiday uses:

• Rings and stackable bands

• Bracelets and bangles

• Statement pendants

While blue sapphires dominate holiday gifting, fancy-color sapphires (pink, yellow, green) offer unique alternatives for more personalized gifts.

3. Opal

Why it stands out: Play-of-color, uniqueness, artistic expression

Opals are unlike any other gemstone. Their internal play-of-color—flashes of red, green, blue, and gold—can resemble holiday lights, making them visually captivating during festive celebrations.

Each opal is unique, which appeals to buyers seeking one-of-a-kind gifts. Opals are often chosen for recipients who value creativity, individuality, and nontraditional jewelry.

Best holiday uses:

• Pendants and necklaces

• Earrings

• Artistic or vintage-inspired designs

Because opals are softer and sensitive to temperature changes, they are best suited for occasional-wear pieces rather than daily jewelry.

4. Pearl

Why it’s a holiday classic: Elegance, tradition, timeless femininity

Pearls have been associated with refinement and sophistication for centuries. Their soft luster complements winter wardrobes, formal attire, and holiday events, making them a perennial favorite during the season.

Unlike faceted gemstones, pearls offer a gentle glow rather than sparkle, which appeals to buyers who prefer understated luxury. They are also frequently chosen for milestone and multigenerational gifts.

Best holiday uses:

• Classic necklaces

• Stud or drop earrings

• Bracelets

Pearls require gentle care, but their timeless appeal makes them one of the most emotionally resonant holiday gemstones.

5. Tanzanite

Why it’s special: Rarity, December birthstone, seasonal relevance

Tanzanite is prized for its rich blue-violet color, which feels distinctly winter-appropriate. Found in only one region of the world, it carries a sense of rarity that appeals to buyers seeking something special and less mainstream.

As a December birthstone, tanzanite sees heightened demand during the holiday season, particularly for birthday gifts and end-of-year milestones.

Best holiday uses:

• Statement rings

• Pendants

• Birthstone jewelry

Tanzanite is softer than sapphires and should be worn with care, making it best for special occasions rather than daily wear.

6. Ruby

Why it shines during the holidays: Bold red color, passion, warmth

Rubies align perfectly with holiday color palettes. Their vivid red hues evoke warmth, love, and vitality—sentiments closely tied to holiday gifting.

Rubies are also among the most durable gemstones, making them suitable for rings and frequently worn jewelry. Historically associated with power and protection, rubies offer both emotional and practical appeal.

Best holiday uses:

• Rings and eternity bands

• Earrings

• Romantic gifts

High-quality rubies are rare, which adds to their prestige and desirability.

7. Emerald

Why it’s popular: Evergreen color, luxury heritage, symbolism

Emeralds’ deep green tones naturally echo evergreen imagery associated with the holiday season. Symbolizing renewal and growth, emeralds are often chosen for meaningful gifts that represent new beginnings.

Emeralds are prized for color over clarity, and inclusions are common and accepted. Their distinctive appearance makes them ideal for statement jewelry.

Best holiday uses:

• Pendants

• Rings

• Heirloom-style pieces

Emeralds are softer than sapphires and rubies and should be worn with care.

8. Tourmaline

Why it’s versatile: Color variety, accessibility, personalization

Tourmaline is one of the most color-diverse gemstones, available in pinks, greens, blues, and multi-color varieties. This versatility allows buyers to tailor gifts to personal preferences or symbolic meanings.

Tourmaline offers strong value across price points, making it attractive for both statement pieces and everyday jewelry.

Best holiday uses:

• Custom-designed jewelry

• Color-themed gifts

• Modern and layered designs

Its balance of durability and affordability makes tourmaline a flexible holiday choice.

9. Turquoise

Why it’s meaningful: Cultural significance, distinctive color

Turquoise is valued for its vibrant blue-green color and deep cultural associations with protection and wisdom. It stands out visually, making it ideal for bold holiday gifts.

Best holiday uses:

• Statement necklaces

• Bracelets

• Artistic designs

Turquoise is softer and often treated, so it is best suited for occasional wear rather than everyday jewelry.

10. Amethyst

Why it’s reliable: Rich color, affordability, symbolism

Amethyst’s purple tones convey warmth and depth during winter months. Historically associated with clarity and balance, amethyst is widely available and budget-friendly.

Best holiday uses:

• Earrings

• Pendants

• February birthstone jewelry

Amethyst provides strong visual impact without premium pricing, making it an excellent value-focused gift.

11. Aquamarine

Why it works: Icy blue tones, elegance, versatility

Aquamarine’s pale blue color feels crisp and wintery, making it well-suited for holiday jewelry. Its refined appearance appeals to buyers who prefer subtle elegance.

Best holiday uses:

• Necklaces

• Rings

• Minimalist designs

Aquamarine is durable enough for regular wear with appropriate care.

12. Garnet

Why it earns a spot: Deep red color, January birthstone, affordability

Garnet’s rich red hues make it a natural holiday gemstone. As a January birthstone, it bridges holiday and New Year gifting seamlessly.

Best holiday uses:

• Rings

• Earrings

• Birthstone jewelry

Garnet is durable and offers excellent value, making it a practical everyday gemstone.

How to Choose the Right Holiday Gemstone

When selecting holiday gemstone jewelry, consider:

• The recipient’s lifestyle and wear habits

• Symbolic meaning and color preferences

• Durability for everyday vs occasional wear

• Budget and metal pairing

The most successful holiday gifts balance beauty with long-term wearability.

Key Takeaways

Holiday gemstone favorites combine visual appeal, symbolism, durability, and emotional meaning. Diamonds and sapphires lead in universal appeal, while gemstones like tanzanite, ruby, emerald, and opal offer seasonal color and individuality. Choosing the right gemstone transforms holiday jewelry into a gift that lasts well beyond the season.