Bloodstone is a gemstone that speaks through character, not shine. With its deep green base and natural red markings, it has a raw, earthy appeal. And this is what jewelry makers love working with. This gemstone is bold, durable, and full of personality.

If you’re a jewelry maker, you should understand certain factors about bloodstone when sourcing it. In this bloodstone stone buying guide, we’ve decoded everything you need to know!

Bloodstone Quality Factors You Must Check Before Buying

Bloodstone is a unique gemstone, but not all pieces are the same. Even though it’s famous for the deep green based and natural red spots, bloodstone quality factors still matter. These include color, clarity, cut, and finish. That’s because they can make a big difference in both appearance and durability. So, let’s explore them:

Color

Ideally, you should always prefer a bloodstone with a rich, dark green base with bright, well-distributed red spots. Don’t go for stones with too many dull or brownish areas. A good-quality bloodstone will always have a strong contrast between the green and red tones.

Surface and Clarity

Bloodstone is naturally opaque. So, here clarity refers to a smooth, clean surface rather than transparency. When getting this gemstone, always check for cracks, pits, or chalky patches. These can weaken the stone or affect its beauty. If you want to buy bloodstone stones online in the USA, always prefer a well-polished one. It displays the stone’s natural shine and patterns.

At GemstonesforSale, you will find such types of bloodstones in our collection. That’s because we source only the finest gems, which are handpicked for their quality and shine.

Cut and Shape

Most bloodstones are cut as cabochons. It allows the stone to show off its natural pattern while preventing chipping. Generally, well-cut cabochons are symmetrical and smooth. This makes the stone feel balanced and polished. But you should always avoid uneven or rough cuts, as they can make even a good-quality stone look dull.

Origin and Finish

Most bloodstones are sourced from India and Brazil. Hence, if you’re wondering where to buy bloodstone gemstones, always go for reputable sellers. That’s because they source the stones directly from the origin. In addition to this, craftsmanship also matters. As a buyer, you should look for stones with a solid, well-finished feel. A high-quality bloodstone has clear red specks, smooth polish, and a balanced shape. 

How to Judge Bloodstone Quality Like a Professional

Professionals don’t judge bloodstone on looks alone. They assess structure, balance, and how the stone behaves in real conditions. So, let’s explore how to judge bloodstone quality:

Pattern Balance and Flow: Firstly, you should look at how the red inclusions appear on the green base. The pattern should feel naturally balanced, not crowded in one area or completely absent in another.

Depth and Density of Color: Check color depth as a high-quality bloodstone will always showcase a denser hue and not a washed out one. You have to tilt the stone under light. When doing so, the green color should remain rich and stable, not grey or flat.

Subtle Translucency at the Edges: While bloodstone is opaque, better-quality stones may show slight translucency at very thin edges. This is a sign of good chalcedony structure. If the stone has dull edges, then it indicates either a synthetic or low-grade material.

Weight and Compactness: Another important thing to check when buying bloodstone gemstones is how the stone feels in hand. A good-quality bloodstone feels compact yet solid. If the stone feels too lightweight, then it’s not a natural one.

Back and Girdle Finish: Experts always inspect the back of the stone. Thus, you should always ensure that the stone has a smooth, clean back. The girdle should be well-defined as well. If the stone has a rough back, sharp edges, or uneven thickness, then it’s a sign of a rushed cutting.

If you’re drawn to Bloodstone's fiery hues, explore other captivating red gems in List of Top Red Gemstones - Every Jewelry Designer Should Know Before Buying.

Bloodstone Cut, Shape, and Forms for Jewelry Making

When getting a bloodstone for jewelry making, you have to pay attention to its pattern, color, and strength. That’s why its cut and form matter more than brilliance. Usually, jewelry makers choose cuts that protect the stone while showing its natural character. Here’s what you should know:

Cabochon: It’s the most common cut for bloodstone. It has a smooth, rounded top that highlights the green base and red inclusions. Cabochon cuts also reduce weak points and make the stone more durable. This type of cut works well in rings, pendants, and bracelets, especially for everyday wear.

Shape: When it comes to shape, oval and round are the most popular ones. These shapes distribute pressure evenly and are easy to set. If you want to buy bloodstone, you can also consider freefoam shapes. They are widely used in artisan and bohemian jewelry. They allow makers to work with the stone’s natural pattern instead of forcing symmetry.

Need to know more about Top 20 Affordable Gemstones Every Jewelry Maker Must Stock.

Bloodstone Durability and Suitability for Jewelry

Bloodstone is a strong and reliable gemstone. It has a Mohs rating of 6.5 to 7, which makes it a good choice for jewelry. This level of hardness allows it to handle regular wear when it is properly set and cared for.

Jewelry makers also trust bloodstone because of its compact structure. It does not have cleavage. As a result, it’s less likely to split under pressure. When cut as a cabochon, the smooth surface further reduces the risk of chipping. This makes bloodstone suitable for rings, pendants, bracelets, and even everyday pieces.

if you want to read The Warrior’s Stone for Strength and Vitality of healing of bloodstone read now!

Bloodstone Price Factors Explained

Even though bloodstone is an affordable gemstone, its prices can vary widely. It depends on the following bloodstone price factors:

Color Quality: Stones with a deep, rich green base and bright, well-defined red spots are priced higher. On the contrary, pale greens or brownish red inclusions lower the value.

Pattern and Distribution: Evenly spread red inclusions make a stone more attractive and valuable. On the other hand, stones with overcrowded or barely visible inclusions usually cost less.

Cut and Finish: Well-cut cabochons with smooth domes and clean backs are more expensive. That’s because a high-quality polish enhances the stone’s depth and feel.

Size and Thickness: Generally, larger bloodstones cost more, especially if the quality remains consistent throughout the stone. This is because good thickness adds both value and usability.

Form and Preparation: You must’ve noticed that loose cabochons, matched pairs, beads, and calibrated stones are priced differently. Stones that are ready for jewelry making often cost more than rough or uneven cuts.

Treatment and Authenticity: Natural, untreated bloodstone holds better value. Contrarily, dyed or heavily treated stones are usually cheaper. 

If You want to know all details about Bloodstone you can explore Gemstone 101 : Bloodstone.

Where to Buy Bloodstone Gemstones Online in the USA

When buying bloodstone online in the USA, you should always stick to established gemstone platforms rather than random marketplaces. That’s because reputable sellers clearly list stone type, cut, size, origin, and provide multiple high-quality images. For example, At GemstonesforSale, we specialize in natural gemstones and cater to jewelers, collectors, and designers. It allows us to deliver better quality and transparency.

Our collection offers a wide selection of bloodstone in different forms, including cabochons, beads, and faceted stones. We also provide a certificate of authenticity upon request with every purchase.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Bloodstone Stones

Even after sticking to the bloodstone gemstone buying guide, sometimes we make mistakes when making the purchase. Here’s what you should avoid when buying a bloodstone:

Judging Bloodstone by Price Alone: While bloodstone is affordable, good quality stones still fetch fair prices. If the stone is extremely cheap and has duller color or weak patterns, then probably it’s not a real one. 

Expecting Transparency or Sparkle: Bloodstone is naturally opaque and does not sparkle like faceted gems. That’s why you should not expect clarity or excessive shine from this stone. Instead, you should judge a bloodstone by the richness of its color and the surface finish.

Ignoring Color Balance and Pattern: A muddy green base or brownish red spots reduce the stone’s appeal. Hence, you should always go for stones having deep green color with clearly visible, well-spread red inclusions. Ensure to avoid poor color balance as it lowers both beauty and value.

Overlooking Cut and Surface Finish: Uneven cabochons, flat domes, or rough polish affect durability and setting. On top of that, poor cutting can make even the good material appear inferior. Thus, you should always purchase bloodstones that are well-cut, feel smooth, and are symmetrical. 

Buying from Unverified Sellers: Many buyers skip checking seller credibility, return policies, and treatment disclosures. You should always rely on reputable platforms when getting gemstones in addition to following a bloodstone buying guide. Such platforms provide clear photos, accurate descriptions, and customer support. Hence, buying from them protects you from low-grade or misrepresented stones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is bloodstone a natural gemstone?
Yes, bloodstone is a natural variety of chalcedony family. Also, most bloodstones used in jewelry are untreated.

Can bloodstone be worn every day?
Yes, you can wear bloodstone daily, especially in bezel or protective settings.

Does bloodstone need special care?
Since bloodstone is a durable stone, basic care is enough. However, ensure to avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

How can I tell if bloodstone is high quality?
A high-quality bloodstone has deep green color, clear red inclusions, and a smooth polish with no visible cracks.

Is bloodstone expensive?
Bloodstone is generally affordable but prices often increase with better color, cut, size, and craftsmanship.