It started last year with turquoise, but the passion for earthy colored stones has since blossomed to include gems of other hues and colors. These primarily opaque, rock-like gems have journeyed far from their days as low-end staples, and designers today fear no stigma in pairing the stones with precious metals and even diamonds.

What these gems represent are the elements of nature—earth, water, and fire. The allure of the stones is threefold: the rich hues, the “natural” feel, and the earthy colors. In an era when comfort and individuality reign supreme in the fashion world, it’s no surprise that these fascinating rocks have come into their own.