When summer hits, jewelry doesn’t just accessorize—it glows. The extra sunshine, the soft breeze, the endless excuse to go a little extra with your outfits... it’s all an invitation to shine a little brighter. And what better way to do that than with gemstones?
At Coral Ave Jewelry, we love working with materials that have personality—stones that shimmer, shift, or surprise you depending on how the light hits. Gemstones offer not just beauty, but vibe. Whether you’re drawn to their natural colors, historical significance, or metaphysical meaning, they have a way of speaking to people differently. And that’s what makes them so special.
Now, we’re not here to tell you that a stone can heal your heartbreak or ward off all bad vibes. But we also understand that for many, gemstones carry emotional resonance—and we honor that. Our take? If a piece of jewelry helps you feel grounded, joyful, expressive, or simply more you, that’s powerful in its own right.
So without further ado, here are six of our favorite gemstones for the season—each one with its own charm, character, and Coral Ave twist.
🌈 Alexandrite – The Color-Shifting Wonder
If gemstones had personalities, alexandrite would be the charming enigma—the type who never shows up in the same outfit twice. This rare beauty is known for its color-change ability, shifting from teal-green to violet or reddish hues depending on the light. Indoor? It leans one way. Outdoor? It becomes something else entirely. That dynamic nature makes it a favorite for people who love a little whimsy and wonder in their accessories.
We love alexandrite because it embraces complexity. It doesn’t fit into a neat little box—and honestly, neither do most of us. It reminds us that style isn’t static; it's expressive, ever-evolving, and open to surprise. There's a little metaphor in that: the idea that you’re allowed to change, and that every version of you is valid and beautiful.
Historically, alexandrite has been associated with balance, duality, and personal growth—especially fitting during summer, when many of us are reevaluating routines, seeking change, or simply stepping into something new. But even if the mystical side isn’t your thing, you can’t deny the thrill of wearing a gemstone that literally transforms in front of your eyes.
We especially love pairing alexandrite with silver—it lets the stone take center stage while adding a cool, understated contrast that works for everyday wear or special occasions.
Mohs hardness rating: 8.5
Birthstone: June
✨ Opal – Iridescent and Impossibly Pretty
Opal is the daydream of the gemstone world. At first glance, it’s soft and subtle—milky white or pastel. But look closer, and it comes alive with flashes of pink, green, blue, or gold that seem to swirl inside the stone. No two opals are alike, and that’s part of their charm. Wearing opal feels like carrying a secret lightshow just under the surface.
We’re endlessly drawn to opal for its softness and play-of-color, especially in pieces that move—a pendant that swings gently as you walk or earrings that catch the breeze. There’s a romantic, almost ethereal quality to it, like something out of a fairytale. And if you ask us, that’s the perfect energy to bring into summer.
Opals have a long and sometimes complicated history. In ancient Rome, they symbolized hope and purity. In the Middle Ages, people believed they carried the powers of all the gemstones they resembled. Today, many associate them with creativity, imagination, and emotional openness. Whether or not that speaks to you, there’s no denying that opal feels special.
We love designing with opals when we want a piece to whisper rather than shout. They’re perfect in delicate necklaces, minimalist studs, or layered looks that blend shimmer with softness. And yes, we’ve absolutely caught ourselves turning our wrists in the sun just to watch them glow.
Mohs hardness rating: 5-6.5
Birthstone: October
💗 Rose Quartz – Soft, Sweet, and Always in Style
If we had to pick a gemstone that felt like a hug, it would be rose quartz. With its delicate pink hue and gentle translucence, this stone radiates calm and comfort. It’s not loud or flashy—it doesn’t need to be. Its strength lies in its softness.
Rose quartz is often associated with love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, familial, and especially self-love. Some wear it as a reminder to treat themselves with kindness. Others just adore the aesthetic: a warm, universally flattering blush tone that looks amazing on all skin tones and plays beautifully with both silver and gold.
We think of rose quartz as a grounding element in a summer wardrobe. It brings a touch of serenity to bold prints and balances out bright colors with its calm, cooling effect. It’s the gemstone version of sipping iced tea on a sunlit porch: peaceful, steady, sweet.
Whether you believe in energy or are just here for the pink, rose quartz has a timeless appeal. We love it in bracelets meant to be stacked, long necklaces with a bit of vintage romance, or earrings that feel quietly elegant. It’s soft, sure—but never boring.
Mohs hardness rating: 7
Birthstone: Alternate to January
🌙 Moonstone – Dreamy and Mysterious
There’s something undeniably magical about moonstone. It doesn’t sparkle the way diamonds do; instead, it glows. The phenomenon is called adularescence, and it gives moonstone its signature sheen—like soft moonlight gliding across still water.
Moonstone has been revered across cultures for centuries. Ancient Romans believed it was made from actual moonbeams. In India, it’s a sacred stone for love and new beginnings. Modern interpretations often link it with intuition, emotional clarity, and femininity. But even if you’re not here for the folklore, moonstone is simply captivating to look at.
The palette varies from creamy whites to silvery grays, with flashes of blue, peach, or rainbow-like shimmer that only show up when the stone moves. That’s why we especially love moonstone in dangling earrings, charm necklaces, and rings that invite fidgeting—because yes, you will find yourself tilting your hand to catch the glow.
For summer, moonstone feels like a dreamscape: cool, mystical, and quietly powerful. It’s for those nights when you stay out past sunset and everything feels a little softer, a little slower, a little more magical.
Mohs hardness rating: 6-6.5
Birthstone: June
🌌 Labradorite – Subtle Flash, Big Energy
Labradorite is the gemstone of surprise. At first glance, it might seem moody or muted—gray, smoky, a little understated. But then the light hits it, and boom: electric flashes of blue, teal, green, or gold appear, sometimes even all at once. It’s like a storm cloud catching lightning. We can’t get enough of it.
This stone comes from the far north (it’s named after Labrador, Canada), and it carries a kind of elemental intensity. People often associate it with transformation, self-discovery, and spiritual protection. Even if you're not on a crystal journey, labradorite is perfect for those who want a gemstone that surprises and evolves with the day.
In summer, we love labradorite as a balance to softer palettes. It brings a bit of edge, a sense of grounding—but still with that flash of play. We use it when we want to add mystery to a design: a moody pendant, a flash-in-the-light earring, or a mixed-metal combo that feels a little unexpected.
It’s the kind of stone that’s just as comfortable at a sunny brunch as it is at a moonlit concert—and how many things can say that?
Mohs hardness rating: 6-6.5
Birthstone: None
⚫ Obsidian – Bold, Sleek, and Classic
Obsidian is for the unapologetically bold. A natural volcanic glass, it forms when molten lava cools rapidly, creating a smooth, glassy stone that’s deep black and endlessly powerful in its simplicity.
Unlike stones with shimmer or sparkle, obsidian’s magic lies in its depth. It doesn’t compete with other gems—it grounds them. And sometimes, that’s exactly what an outfit (or a mood) needs. In the jewelry world, obsidian is like the perfect black dress: timeless, flattering, and a little bit commanding.
Culturally, obsidian has been used for tools, mirrors, and spiritual rituals for thousands of years. Many believe it offers protection, encourages clarity, or helps "cut through" emotional fog. Whether you connect with that or simply love its sleek, sculptural quality, there’s no denying the presence obsidian brings to a design.
We love it in minimal pieces that make a statement without shouting—rings that anchor a stack, bold pendants, or paired with a white stone for a high-contrast look that’s both classic and cool. It’s quiet confidence, wrapped in stone.
Mohs hardness rating: 5-5.5
Birthstone: None
✨ No Rules, Just Resonance
We’re big believers in making jewelry personal. Maybe you choose a gemstone for its meaning. Maybe it reminds you of someone special. Maybe it just looks good with your favorite summer dress. All reasons are the right reasons.
At Coral Ave Jewelry, we design with heart, with care, and with you in mind. Our stones are chosen not just for their beauty, but for their ability to help you tell your story—whatever that may be. Whether you’re building a collection, gifting a piece to someone you love, or treating yourself to a little sparkle (because yes, you deserve it), we’re honored to be part of that journey.
Here's to glow, growth, and gemstones that make you feel like the best version of you.
With warmth, wonder, and sparkle,
The Coral Ave Jewelry Team 💖
