The streets of Skagway, Alaska

Never before has souvenir shopping been so unapologetically shoved down my throat as on my recent seven-day Princess cruise through Alaska’s Inland Passage. At each port of call, we were greeted not by bison and bald eagles, but by huge, red end-of-season-sale signs. Each evening, the “Princess Platter” passenger newsletter would serve up promotions, specials, and coupons. And each time I turned on the cabin television network, I saw our perfectly coiffed onboard shopping advisor waxing poetic about fur stoles, diamond earrings, and hand-carved miniature totem poles. By the end of the trip, I wanted to strangle her.

Jade and other Alaskan jewelry

But if I learned anything, it was that Alaska sells a whole lot of stuff, and one of its specialties is precious and semi-precious gemstones. If you’re planning a trip or cruise to Alaska in the near future, you’re sure to encounter the following:

Jade. Alaska’s state gemstone, Jade has long been used by cultures around the world in jewelry and ornaments. What we recognize as jade is actually two different green-toned metamorphic rocks: nephrite and jadeite.

Ammolite. Ammolite is arguably the rarest gem on earth and was granted official gemstone status in 1981, making it the youngest as well. When set in jewelry, Ammolite appears multi-colored and iridescent, giving it a psychedelic feel. Groovy.

(L) Ammolite ring, (R) Glacier Ice earrings

Glacier Ice. Glacier Ice, which has the highest refractive index of any colored stone, is the trademarked name for a specific variety of blue zircon. It is available exclusively at Goldsmith Gallery, in Sitka, Alaska, but if you can’t swing a trip, you can also purchase online through the store’s website.