20 Beautiful Crystals For Your Necklace – See Our Top Picks!

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

| Updated

20 Beautiful Crystals For Your Necklace – See Our Top Picks!

By Keith Jackson - Geologist

Updated

When it comes to jewelry, especially necklaces, incorporating crystals can turn a simple accessory into a stunning piece that stands out. The vibrant colors and fascinating shapes of these natural wonders can complement any style or occasion.

Beyond their beauty, they are often chosen for their personal significance or the subtle way they reflect one’s personality. Let’s get to know the beautiful crystals that can enhance your style and become a cherished part of your jewelry collection.

Crystal Necklace

Below are 20 beautiful crystals that are often used in jewelry, especially necklaces, for their aesthetic appeal and attributed meanings:

Diamond

A diamond necklace with a large, sparkling, pear-shaped diamond pendant
Diamond necklace photo provided by Christie’s Jewellery

Diamond is often chosen for necklaces because it’s incredibly shiny and strong. There are also many types of diamond, so you have a chance to find one that suits your taste.

This gem is the hardest natural material, so it doesn’t scratch easily. This means a diamond necklace can be worn every day and still look as good as new.

But it’s not only used in jewelry. Because they’re so hard, they’re also used in tools for cutting and drilling.

Pearl

A sterling silver necklace adorned with white pearls
White pearl necklace photo provided by Michael Opipari

Pearls are a classic choice for necklaces because they add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Their soft, natural shine brings a glow to any outfit.

When it comes to identifying pearls, there’s a simple test you can do. Gently rub the pearl against your teeth; if it feels slightly gritty, it’s real. This is because the layers of nacre, the substance that forms the pearl, aren’t perfectly smooth.

They are unique because they’re made by oysters. This makes them the only gems created by a living creature.

Amethyst

Elegant bands of necklace made out of amethyst beads
Amethyst necklace photo provided by 𝐍.𝐒.𝐉𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒|𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐲

Amethyst is a popular choice for necklaces because of its beautiful purple color that stands out. It’s also tough enough to wear every day.

The value of amethyst comes from its color and clarity, which can range from light lavender to deep violet. Plus, it’s more affordable than some other gems, making it accessible for all kinds of jewelry lovers.

It was once considered as valuable as diamonds. Long ago, people thought amethyst was super rare. Over time, as more were found, it became more available.

Rose Quartz

A beautiful pendant with a big, soft pink-hued rose quartz
Rose quartz pendant photo provided by Ruby Gemstones

Rose quartz is used in necklaces because of its soft pink color, which adds a gentle touch to any look. It’s durable enough for jewelry that you can wear a lot.

Sometimes, it can show a star-like pattern or asterism. When cut and polished in a certain way and light hits it just right, rose quartz can display a beautiful six-rayed star.

This happens because of the tiny fibers inside the stone, which makes it even more special and sought after for unique jewelry pieces.

Sapphire

A stunning necklace with small diamonds on the lace and a big, blue sapphire as pendant
Sapphire necklace photo provided by Shweta Bansal

Because they’re really strong and come in beautiful colors, sapphires are often used in necklaces. Their durability means they can be enjoyed for a long time without getting damaged easily.

Plus, the variety of colors of sapphire, from deep blue to pink and yellow, lets people pick the perfect shade that they love or that means something special to them.

This crystal is made of the same stuff as rubies, which is corundum. The main difference is the color, which depends on the minerals that are in them.

Emerald

A beautiful necklace with white diamonds on the lace and a big, green emerald set as center stone
Emerald necklace photo provided by Shweta Bansal

The rich green color of emeralds really stands out and makes it a great choice for use in necklaces. People love its color because it looks elegant and can make any outfit look more special.

They’re not the hardest gem, but with care, they can make a necklace shine for a long time.

One way to identify real emerald is by looking at its color and clarity. They often have unique marks called inclusions. Plus, they are cooler to the touch compared to artificial ones.

Ruby

A gorgeously regal necklace adorned with small white diamonds and sparkling red rubies
Ruby necklace photo provided by Jewellerydesignshubonline

Rubies are known for their deep red color, which is why they’re often used in necklaces. They add a touch of luxury and elegance to any piece of jewelry.

They’re also very hard, making them perfect for everyday wear. This makes them a favorite choice for special occasions or as a statement piece in a necklace.

Ruby’s value comes from its color, clarity, and how rare it is. The more vibrant and clear the red, the more valuable it is. While closely related to sapphire, its color is caused by chromium.

Aquamarine

A sparkling blue-green aquamarine surrounded by small white diamonds on a white gold necklace
Aquamarine pendant photo provided by J. Lewis Jewelry

Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone with a color that reminds you of the sea. It ranges from light blue to greenish-blue, making it a popular choice for necklaces.

People love wearing aquamarine because its calming colors go well with almost any outfit, adding a touch of elegance and serenity.

One of the interesting uses of aquamarine, beyond jewelry, is in eyeglasses for water sports. Its clear, light blue color is perfect for reducing glare and improving vision underwater.

Garnet

Silver and gold necklaces both with deep red garnet pendants
Garnet pendant necklaces photo provided by VIANNE | Demi-Fine Gemstone Jewellery

Most people think of a rich, dark red when they hear garnet, but it comes in many colors, from deep red to vibrant green. There are many types of garnet, each with its unique hue and characteristics.

This variety in colors makes it a versatile choice for necklaces. It can match different styles and personal tastes, adding a touch of color and sophistication to any look.

It’s been used for thousands of years, not just in jewelry but also as an abrasive for polishing.

Opal

A fascinating boulder opal set as a center stone of a pendant
Boulder opal necklace photo provided by Opals Down Under

Opal is known for its amazing play of colors. It can show many different colors in one stone, like a rainbow trapped inside.

The colors of opal can range from bright blues and greens to warm reds and oranges, depending on the light and angle. That’s why it’s often used in necklaces. An opal pendant can catch the light and show off its beautiful colors.

Interestingly, it contains water of up to 20%. It’s made of tiny silica spheres, and water is trapped between these spheres. This helps create a stunning play of color.

Jade

A collection of jade-adorned pendants on gold necklaces
Jade-adorned pendants photo provided by Jades by MK

Jade comes mostly in shades of green but can also be found in lavender, orange, and white. People like to wear this gem because it looks elegant and has a rich, deep color that’s perfect for necklaces.

It’s made of two different minerals: nephrite and jadeite. Jadeite is the rarer and more valuable of the two, and it’s what most people think of when they think of high-quality jade.

Jade’s value isn’t just about how it looks. For a long time, it’s been a symbol of good luck and protection.

Peridot

Beautiful pieces of peridot hand-knotted on silver sterling
Peridot necklace photo provided by Disa Allsopp

Peridot catches the eye with its bright green color. It’s not too dark or too light, which makes it just right for adding a pop of color to necklaces. It has a sunny, cheerful look that can lighten up any outfit.

Identifying peridot is pretty interesting because it’s one of the few gemstones that comes in a single color: olive green. The intensity of the green can vary, but it’s always green.

It’s sometimes found in meteorites, which means some peridot gems have actually come from space!

Citrine

A sparkling rich orange citrine pendant on a gold necklace
Citrine pendant photo provided by Tom Munsteiner

Citrine shines in sunny shades of yellow and gold, making it a favorite for necklaces. Its warm color can light up any look, giving a touch of brightness that’s perfect for all kinds of occasions.

Citrine’s value comes from its beautiful color and clarity. It’s known as the “success stone” because of its bright, optimistic hue.

This crystal is quite rare in its natural form. Most of the citrine we see in jewelry has been heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.

Morganite

A gemmy morganite pendant with a small faceted pink tourmaline
Morganite pendant photo provided by Olga Sitnik Designs

Morganite has a soft pink to peach color. Its gentle hue adds a touch of romance and elegance, perfect for those who like subtle yet beautiful necklaces. It offers a versatile and feminine touch.

Morganite’s value is often linked to its color and clarity. The clearer and more vibrant the pink, the more sought after the stone is.

It’s part of the same family as emerald and aquamarine. This means it shares some of the same qualities but stands out with its unique pink color.

Turquoise

Turquoise pendant set in sterling silver necklace
Turquoise pendant photo provided by Manon Doyle | Metalsmith

Turquoise has a unique blue-to-green color that often has veins of other materials running through it. This makes each piece one-of-a-kind. Its striking color can brighten up any look and jewelry, especially necklaces.

One of the interesting uses of turquoise, beyond jewelry, is in art and decoration. Long ago, people believed it could protect them and bring good luck.

Today, its vibrant color and historical significance continue to make it a favorite choice for necklaces and other accessories.

Moonstone

A fringe necklace made out of beautiful moonstone pieces
Moonstone necklace photo provided by Douce

Moonstone has a special glow, almost like moonlight shining on water. This glow moves when you turn the stone, which is why people love it in necklaces. It catches the eye and adds a bit of magic to any outfit.

Moonstone comes in different types, from clear and colorless to blue, peach, and even rainbow, each with its own unique charm.

It’s been used in jewelry for centuries, treasured for its dreamy, ethereal appearance. Blue moonstone is especially prized for its deep, clear blue glow.

Sodalite

A gold necklace with a deep blue sodalite pendant
Sodalite necklace photo provided by Júlia Duran

Sodalite has a deep, rich blue color with white streaks running through it, almost like the night sky filled with stars. This striking appearance makes it a popular choice for necklaces.

It wasn’t widely known until 1806, when large deposits were discovered. Since then, it has been appreciated for its beauty and used in all kinds of jewelry, especially necklaces.

Sodalite’s vivid blue hue, sometimes with hints of purple or grey, can vary from piece to piece, which means every necklace made out of it is unique.

Lapis Lazuli

A captivating necklace made out of several pieces of bright blue lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli necklace photo provided by H.A.Kareem Gems, JAIPZU

Lapis lazuli is a stunning stone with a deep blue color. It often has little flecks of gold in it, which are actually bits of pyrite, and sometimes white streaks from calcite.

This beautiful mix of colors makes it a favorite for necklaces. Wearing it around your neck lets the stone stand out.

People long ago believed it was a symbol of power and wisdom. Artists also used it to make a special blue paint called ultramarine, which was highly prized for its bright and lasting color.

Labradorite

Several pendants made out of labradorite
Labradorite necklaces photo provided by ᴡᴀʜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ❅ ᴀᴍᴜʟᴇᴛᴏꜱ ᴄᴏɴ ᴘɪᴇᴅʀᴀꜱ ᴍÁɢɪᴄᴀꜱ ʏ ᴍᴀᴄʀᴀᴍÉ

Labradorite was first discovered on the coast of Labrador in Canada, which is how it got its name.

It looks like it holds the northern lights inside. Its surface is mostly dark, but when you move it around, it shows off amazing colors like blue, green, gold, and sometimes even pink or purple.

This effect is called labradorescence, and it’s what makes it so special for necklaces. Identifying labradorite is all about looking for this special glow.

Rhodonite

A light red pendant on a necklace
Rhodonite necklace photo provided by and available for purchase at IndigoLizardJewelry

Rhodonite has a deep pink to reddish color, often with black or gray patterns running through it. These unique markings make each piece stand out, especially when used in necklaces.

People like adding rhodonite to their jewelry because its bold colors and interesting patterns can make a simple outfit pop.

Rhodonite’s value comes not just from its beauty but also from its uniqueness. The mix of pink with black gives it a distinctive look that’s hard to find in other stones.

About Keith Jackson - Geologist

Keith Jackson is an avid rockhound who is constantly exploring new sites to expand his collection. He is an active Geologist with a wealth of experience and information from across the country that he loves to share with the Rock Chasing crew.

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