Gemstone Lights is another name you'll encounter when researching permanent outdoor LED lighting in DFW. Like Trimlight, Gemstone offers a competing product at a lower price point — but the specs tell a very different story than the marketing. Here's how JellyFish and Gemstone actually compare.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
| Spec | JellyFish | Gemstone |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 48V | 12V |
| Wiring | 4-wire redundant | 3-wire |
| Waterproofing | IP67 | IP44 |
| Lens | Frosted architectural | Exposed dots |
| White LEDs | Dedicated (2700K-10000K) | RGB-mixed |
| Avg. Cost/ft | $28–35 | $20–28 |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Limited |
Voltage and Power
Like Trimlight, Gemstone operates on a 12V system. JellyFish's 48V architecture delivers consistent brightness across long roofline runs without the voltage drop issues common in 12V systems. This matters most on larger DFW homes where roofline footage exceeds 200 feet.
The practical impact: 12V systems can visibly dim toward the end of a long run, requiring additional power injection points. JellyFish's 48V system handles standard residential runs without any supplemental power feeds.
Waterproofing and Durability
Gemstone carries an IP44 rating — splash-proof but not submersion-rated. JellyFish's IP67 rating means it can handle temporary submersion. In North Texas, where spring storms can dump inches of rain per hour with driving horizontal wind, the difference between IP44 and IP67 is the difference between "probably fine" and "definitely fine."
Beyond rain, IP67 also means better protection against dust, pollen, and debris — all common concerns for DFW homeowners dealing with cedar season and construction dust.
Appearance and Lens Design
Gemstone uses exposed LED diodes — individual points of light that are clearly visible both on and off. JellyFish's frosted architectural lenses face downward, creating a smooth wash of light rather than a dot pattern.
The aesthetic difference is significant. JellyFish looks like architectural accent lighting. Gemstone looks more like permanent Christmas lights. If your goal is a premium look that enhances your home's appearance day and night, the frosted lens design is hard to beat.
Additionally, JellyFish uses dedicated white LEDs across a full color temperature range (2700K warm white to 10000K cool white). Gemstone relies on RGB mixing to approximate white — which produces a white with a noticeable blue or pink tint compared to a true dedicated white diode.
Warranty and Support
JellyFish offers a comprehensive lifetime warranty on their lighting system. Gemstone offers a limited warranty with restrictions that vary by component. When you're investing thousands of dollars in permanent exterior lighting, the warranty matters — not just for peace of mind, but as a signal of how confident the manufacturer is in their own product.
App and Smart Home
Both systems offer app-based control. JellyFish provides a cloud-based app with unlimited color presets, per-zone scheduling, and integration with Alexa, Google Home, and professional home automation platforms like Control4. Gemstone's app covers basic color and scheduling features but offers fewer integrations and a less refined user experience.
Pricing
Gemstone is typically the most affordable of the three major permanent lighting brands, coming in at $20–28 per linear foot installed. JellyFish runs $28–35 per foot. The $6–10 per foot difference adds up on a full installation, but it reflects the gap in engineering, weatherproofing, appearance, and warranty coverage.
For a full cost breakdown with financing options, see our pricing guide.
Which Should You Choose?
If budget is your only consideration, Gemstone delivers basic permanent lighting at a lower price. But if you want the best-engineered, best-looking, longest-lasting permanent lighting system available — with a warranty that backs it up — JellyFish is the clear winner.
We chose to be an authorized JellyFish dealer specifically because we won't install a system we wouldn't put on our own homes. For a complete comparison including Trimlight and DIY options, visit our full comparison page.
FAQ
Is JellyFish better than Gemstone Lights?
Yes. JellyFish uses 48V commercial-grade power, 4-wire redundancy, IP67 waterproofing, frosted architectural lenses, and a lifetime warranty. Gemstone uses 12V, 3-wire, IP44, exposed LEDs, and a limited warranty.
How much do Gemstone Lights cost compared to JellyFish?
Gemstone typically costs $20–28 per linear foot installed, while JellyFish costs $28–35 per foot. The price difference reflects JellyFish's superior waterproofing, voltage, redundancy, and warranty.
Do Gemstone Lights have a lifetime warranty?
No. Gemstone offers a limited warranty. JellyFish's comprehensive lifetime warranty signals greater confidence in their product's long-term durability.