Top 20 Affordable Gemstones Every Jewelry Maker Must Stock

If you're a jewelry maker, whether you're designing custom pieces for clients or selling handcrafted beauties, YOUR MATERIALS MATTER!!! 
Choosing cheap stones for jewelry doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or quality. In fact, some of the world’s most mesmerizing gems fall into the semi-precious category and are surprisingly budget-friendly.

This guide dives into 20 of the most affordable gemstones for jewelry making, balancing cost, visual appeal, versatility, and demand. Whether you're sourcing natural stones for jewelry making or just exploring new textures and colors to expand your collection, this list has you covered.

Let’s explore the ultimate toolbox of jewelry making stones every creator should have on hand.

1. Amethyst

A staple in every jeweler’s kit, amethyst is beloved for its dreamy purple hue and spiritual energy. It's both affordable and elegant.

• Color: Light lilac to deep royal purple
• Vibe: Calming, protective, spiritual clarity
• Mohs Hardness: 7
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Rings, pendants, earrings
• Best Setting: Sterling silver or platinum, gold-plated settings, or bezel set in minimalist designs
• Pairs Well With: Moonstone (for dreamy energy), Citrine (for contrast), Labradorite (for mysticism)

Shop Amethyst gemstone Online

Amethyst is such a versatile stone, you can pair it with almost anything given you understand color theory. On that note, check out our article that explains color theory, especially in the content of amethyst gemstone. 

2. Opal

Opal is beloved for its hypnotic play-of-color, ranging from subtle shimmer to fiery flashes. It's perfect for magical, one-of-a-kind pieces.

• Color: White, black, fire, or translucent with rainbow fire
• Vibe: Dreamy, creative, emotional
• Mohs Hardness: 5.5–6.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Rings (with protective settings), statement pendants, stud earrings
• Best Setting: Bezel settings in gold, silver, or protective inlay; avoid open prongs
• Pairs Well With: Labradorite (for magic), Moonstone (for softness), Amethyst (for contrast)

Buy Opal stone Online

Common opals (no fire) or Ethiopian opals are much more affordable than Australian ones. Perfect for layered necklaces or mystical collections.

Explore from our range of natural stones for jewelry making on gemstonesforsale and we are sure you’ll find a stone that speaks to you! 

3. Labradorite

Famous for its electric flashes of blue, green, and gold, Labradorite is a mystical stone loved for its light-play.

• Color: Gray base with iridescent flashes
• Vibe: Magical, intuitive, protective
• Mohs Hardness: 6–6.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Statement rings, pendants, adjustable cuffs
• Best Setting: Gunmetal, matte silver, or antique bronze to highlight the flash
• Pairs Well With: Moonstone (for lunar energy), Aquamarine (for harmony), Amethyst (for psychic boost)

Shop Labradorite gemstone Online

Labradorite gemstone is a shimmering favorite among makers and buyers, especially when polished into cabochons. Set it into statement earrings or bold rings to highlight its natural iridescence.

4. Malachite

This banded green beauty is eye-catching and bold, often used in boho and statement jewelry.

• Color: Vivid green with dark green swirls or stripes
• Vibe: Protective, transformative, bold
• Mohs Hardness: 3.5–4
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Earrings, pendants, brooches (avoid rings unless protected)
• Best Setting: Bezel settings in copper, brass, or oxidized silver; also suits leather wraps
• Pairs Well With: Turquoise (for boho contrast), Black Spinel (for edge), Moonstone (for softness)

Shop Malachite Crystals Online

Eye-catching banded patterns, easy to polish, and widely available, malachite crystals is a kind of its own. However, avoid soaking in water - while this stone looks quite sturdy as if it's the next emerald, it's comparatively softer. 

5. Moonstone

A favorite in feminine and spiritual jewelry, Moonstone glows with soft iridescence and embodies lunar energy.

• Color: Milky white, peach, or gray with blue or rainbow shimmer
• Vibe: Intuitive, emotional balance, dreamy, feminine energy
• Mohs Hardness: 6–6.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Dainty rings, moon-themed pendants, minimalist earrings
• Best Setting: Sterling silver, rose gold, or bezel settings to protect the softer surface
• Pairs Well With: Labradorite (for mystical synergy), Rhodochrosite (for emotional healing), Amethyst (for clarity)

BuyBuy Moonstone Crystal Online

A classic in boho and spiritual jewelry niches, moonstone has set its name both in aesthetic and metaphysical world! Affordable moonstone beads and cabochons are easy to source as well as great for any kind of jewelry. 

6. Moss Agate

Known as the “gardener’s stone,” Moss Agate features moss-like inclusions that make every piece unique. It embodies nature in stone form.

• Color: Translucent milky white with green, brown, or black mossy patterns
• Vibe: Grounding, nurturing, earthy
• Mohs Hardness: 6.5–7
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Pendants, beaded bracelets, statement earrings
• Best Setting: Antique brass, macramé cord, or oxidized silver for a rustic look
• Pairs Well With: Malachite (for earthy synergy), Kyanite (for contrast), Amber (for warmth)

Buy Moss Agate Gemstone Online

Each piece looks like a tiny natural scene, reminds me of terrariums. A go-to choice for natural stones for jewelry making with organic vibes.

7. Meteorite (Gibeon or Campo del Cielo)

A literal piece of the cosmos, Meteorite stones offer a textured, industrial look and a conversation-starting origin story.

• Color: Silver-gray with etched or streaky patterns
• Vibe: Cosmic, ancient, grounding
• Mohs Hardness: 4–6 (varies by type)
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Men's rings, pendants, cufflinks
• Best Setting: Titanium, stainless steel, or carbon fiber inlays
• Pairs Well With: Black Spinel (for contrast), Lapis Lazuli (for cosmic blue), Hematite (for industrial edge)

Shop Meteorite Gemstone Online

Surprisingly affordable in slices or cabochons, meteorite is ideal for men’s jewelry and spiritual pieces.

8. Citrine

Known as the “stone of abundance,” Citrine radiates sunny, uplifting energy. It’s a warm-toned favorite for everyday wear.

• Color: Golden yellow to orange-brown
• Vibe: Energetic, optimistic, empowering
• Mohs Hardness: 7
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Stackable rings, dainty necklaces, casual drop earrings
• Best Setting: Yellow gold or rose gold; also pairs beautifully with minimalist vermeil
• Pairs Well With: Garnet (for warmth), Amethyst (its sister stone), Pearl (for soft contrast)

Buy Citrine Crystal Online

Durable and low-cost, citrine is perfect for sunny, affordable statement rings or pendants. Ladies can pair it with summer pastels and florals to bring the best vibe. Also note that most commercial citrine gemstone is heat-treated amethyst—still natural, still gorgeous.

9. Turquoise

One of the oldest known gemstones in jewelry, Turquoise has been prized in cultures from Egypt to the American Southwest.

• Color: Sky blue to green with or without brown/black veining
• Vibe: Calming, protective, cultural richness
• Mohs Hardness: 5–6
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Earrings, pendants, or protected bezel-set rings
• Best Setting: Antiqued silver, copper, macramé for boho looks
• Pairs Well With: Coral (traditional combo), Malachite (for green harmony), Amber (for warmth)

Shop Turquoise Gemstone Online

Go for stabilized turquoise gems, it’s more affordable and less fragile. Great for southwestern-style jewelry.

10. Garnet

Deep red and full of fire, Garnet is a classic symbol of love and vitality that never goes out of style.

• Color: Deep red (also orange, green, or pink variants)
• Vibe: Passionate, energizing, grounding
• Mohs Hardness: 6.5–7.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Cocktail rings, charm necklaces, vintage-style earrings
• Best Setting: Yellow gold or bronze for warmth, or rhodium-plated silver for contrast
• Pairs Well With: Citrine (for fire energy), Black Spinel (for bold elegance), Moonstone (for softness)

Buy Garnet Gemstones Online

Excellent durability, and its affordability makes it a staple for winter or romantic collections + its the birthstone of jan-babies which automatically makes it a go-to choice for wintery outfits. Think of this deep red with browns, whites, khakis and even emerald colored outfits. 

11. Pearl

Intro: Timeless and organic, pearls bring a sense of softness and luxury to any jewelry piece, from classic to contemporary.

• Color: White, cream, pink, lavender, black
• Vibe: Elegant, nurturing, graceful
• Mohs Hardness: 2.5–4.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets (avoid rings unless protected)
• Best Setting: Stringing with silk thread, post-style studs, or bezel settings in gold or silver
• Pairs Well With: Garnet (for vintage charm), Moonstone (for ethereal looks), Black Spinel (for modern edge)

 Shop Pearl Gemstones Online

Freshwater pearls are budget-friendly and come in endless sizes and shapes. If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then pearls are a girl’s soulmate, a must-have for any feminine or bridal line.

12. Amber

Technically fossilized tree resin, Amber carries ancient energy and natural warmth, making it a favorite in holistic and boho styles.

• Color: Golden yellow to deep honey or cognac
• Vibe: Warm, soothing, ancient wisdom
• Mohs Hardness: 2–2.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Beaded necklaces, lightweight earrings, brooches
• Best Setting: Leather cords, macramé, or carved settings in brass or bronze
• Pairs Well With: Turquoise (for earthy balance), Moss Agate (for grounded calm), Citrine (for solar warmth)

Shop Amber Crystal Online

Lightweight, organic, and perfect for bohemian aesthetics. Each piece is millions of years old, worth a 3-hour story! Btw, if you are ever confused about what to pair an amber with, go for monochromatic settings, light to dark yellows, oranges, browns are the best. 

13. Kyanite

Known for its striated texture and vibrant blue hue, Kyanite is a high-vibration stone that never holds negativity, perfect for spiritual jewelers.

• Color: Blue, green, sometimes black
• Vibe: Clear-minded, cleansing, tranquil
• Mohs Hardness: 4.5–7 (anisotropic—hardness varies by direction)
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Earrings and pendants (avoid rings due to fragility)
• Best Setting: Bezel or prong setting in silver, or wire wrapping for rough cuts
• Pairs Well With: Moonstone (for softness), Amethyst (for clarity), Labradorite (for intuition)

Buy Kyanite Gemstone Online

Kyanite is a bit brittle but that’s also what makes it a rarity for not every jeweler can work with it, it takes an expert to deal with Kyanite giving it extra care while carving a piece of jewel. 

14. Scenic Agate (a.k.a. Landscape Agate)

Also called “landscape agate,” this stone contains natural patterns that resemble mountain ranges, forests, or desert scenes.

• Color: Cream, beige, brown, black, and gray banded tones
• Vibe: Reflective, grounding, creative
• Mohs Hardness: 6.5–7
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Statement pendants, wide cuff bracelets, artistic brooches
• Best Setting: Oxidized silver, antique bronze, or natural hemp cord for earthy designs
• Pairs Well With: Moss Agate (for nature themes), Amber (for warmth), Lapis Lazuli (for depth)

Shop Scenic Agate Gemstone Online

Scenic agate, as the name suggests, are literally the perfect stones to wear when you are out in nature, perhaps on a picnic, a sweet date or just some solo-hour! 

15. Aquamarine

We are talking about affordable YET absolutely gorgeous stones and to not include aquamarine would be a hate-crime! With its crystal-clear blue tones, Aquamarine channels the calm of ocean waters and is highly favored in minimalist and beach-themed designs.

• Color: Pale to deep sea blue
• Vibe: Soothing, cleansing, clarity
• Mohs Hardness: 7.5–8
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Dainty rings, bridal earrings, pendants
• Best Setting: White gold, sterling silver, or fine bezel settings for refined looks
• Pairs Well With: Moonstone (for oceanic vibes), Labradorite (for contrast), Citrine (for energy)

Buy Aquamarine Crystal Online

But lemme tell you something, an aquamarine can literally pair with anything and just increase its charm. Blacks with aquamarines are royal, powerful while whites make you look like you are the main case in a fairyland! It’s also the perfect stone for ocean-themed designs or March birthstone pieces.

Jewelry makers, take notes! If you ever happen to design a line of your own, consider a jewelry line called - “The origin of life” to honor the sea where aquamarine is the shows-stopper with clear quartz, lilac amethysts, citrines can complement the aqua color of the stone while larimar, blue lace agate and turquoise can enhance the overall theme! 

16. Lapis Lazuli

Intro: Prized since ancient Egypt, Lapis is a rich blue stone with flecks of gold pyrite, giving it a luxurious royal energy.

• Color: Deep cobalt or navy blue with golden pyrite inclusions
• Vibe: Intuition, wisdom, nobility
• Mohs Hardness: 5–5.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Necklaces, signet rings, earrings
• Best Setting: Gold (to match pyrite sparkle), or matte blackened silver for contrast
• Pairs Well With: Garnet (for bold richness), Turquoise (for Egyptian-style combos), Pearl (for grace)

Buy Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Online

Widely used in both vintage and contemporary jewelry. 

Pro tip -Whenever you want to buy gemstones online, always opt for sellers that have verified reviews. Verified reviews come when a user has created an account on the website and made a purchase. Non-verified reviews are generally fake, written by the seller’s team only to boost the reviews number or sometimes by guest buyers. 

17. Azurite

A deep blue copper-based stone, Azurite offers intense visual depth and metaphysical flair, making it popular in spiritual and artistic pieces.

• Color: Bright to deep azure blue
• Vibe: Insightful, creative, intuitive
• Mohs Hardness: 3.5–4
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Pendants, inlays, earrings
• Best Setting: Brass, copper, or resin-covered settings to protect delicate surfaces
• Pairs Well With: Malachite (for a classic duo), Amethyst (for spiritual boost), Kyanite (for vibrancy)

Buy Azurite Stone Online

Ideal for chunky rings or mixed-media designs. Affordable and incredibly vibrant.

18. Rhodochrosite

With its beautiful shades of pink and creamy banding, Rhodochrosite is a favorite for love-infused, heart-centered jewelry.

• Color: Rose pink with white or gray bands
• Vibe: Loving, emotional healing, compassionate
• Mohs Hardness: 3.5–4.5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Pendants, wire-wrapped charms, beaded necklaces
• Best Setting: Soft gold tones, brass, or rose gold; also works in macramé
• Pairs Well With: Moonstone (for soft emotion), Garnet (for passion), Larimar (for balance)

Buy Rhodochrosite Gem Online

Perfect for self-love or heart chakra collections. It’s a unique stone with solid resale value.

19. Larimar

Found only in the Dominican Republic, Larimar is a rare blue gem that resembles tropical sea foam and tranquil waters.

• Color: Sky blue to turquoise with white marbling
• Vibe: Peaceful, nurturing, emotional balance
• Mohs Hardness: 4.5–5
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Beachy pendants, earrings, boho rings
• Best Setting: Sterling silver, macramé, or leather wraps for casual styles
• Pairs Well With: Moonstone (for ocean energy), Amber (for warmth), Rhodochrosite (for harmony)

Shop Larimar Crystals Online

Larimar cabochons are great for beachy or summer jewelry lines. One of the more affordable “rare-looking” stones.

20. Black Spinel

Often mistaken for black diamond, Black Spinel offers luxurious depth at a fraction of the price, making it perfect for elegant designs.

• Color: Opaque jet black with glossy luster
• Vibe: Grounding, elegant, empowering
• Mohs Hardness: 7.5–8
• Best for (Jewelry Type): Everyday rings, stackables, high-polish studs
• Best Setting: High-polish silver or white gold; claw settings enhance its sparkle
• Pairs Well With: Garnet (for rich tones), Malachite (for a color pop), Pearl (for contrast)

Buy Black Spinel Gemstones Online

A budget-friendly alternative to black diamonds. Excellent for minimalist or gothic jewelry styles.

Where to Buy Natural Stones for Jewelry Making

When stocking up on stones to make jewelry, always prioritize:

• Verified suppliers offering certified natural stones
  

• Visuals or videos of each stone batch
  

• Clear return policies and material disclosure
  

Final Thoughts: Stock Smart, Sell Better

The beauty of semi-precious gems is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to craft stunning, in-demand pieces. With this guide to the most affordable gemstones for jewelry making, you can stock your design studio with versatile, captivating stones that customers will love, and keep coming back for.

From spiritual charm bracelets to elegant evening sets, these jewelry making stones are your secret weapons.