Semi-Precious Gemstones

The difference between precious and semi-precious stones is primarily due to the popularity and rarity of the stone, as well as cultural differences. Many of the stones we presently consider semi-precious were considered precious at one time.

Precious and semi-precious stones are cut and polished pieces of mineral, rocks, or organic material that are used in jewelry. The difference between the two has to do with popularity and rarity of the stone, as well as cultural differences. Precious stones today are comprised of: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. In the past, opals, pearls, and amethyst, as well as peridot, aquamarine, and cat's eye have all been considered precious gems at one time.

Many of the semi-precious stones were discovered and named by ancient Greeks and Romans. Coral, amber, jet, ivory, petrified wood, antler, and dinosaur bone can all be classified as organic gems, which means they are not "rocks," like the other precious and semi-precious gems. The pearl, also an organic gem, has been cultured in Japan and China for centuries, and is still regarded by some as a precious gem.

These stones are considered the "main" semi-precious stones: chrysoberyl, alexandrite, amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, peridot, opal, tourmaline, tanzanite, and zircon. While these are not considered quite as important, they are also used quite often in jewelry, as well as many other stones: chrysoprase, jade, garnet, agate, azurite, carnelian, bloodstone, malachite, and coral.

In medieval and Renaissance times, many gemstones were considered to have healing or protective properties, and those beliefs are reflected today in the New Age beliefs about the healing properties of crystals.

Many semi-precious stones are just as beautiful as those classified as "precious," and some are just as rare. But since they are not considered precious gems, the consumer benefits because prices are lower for jewelry made with semi-precious stones.

Since semi-precious stones can be so affordable, you should think about expanding your jewelry wardrobe to include them. Think about the colors in your clothing wardrobe. If you wear a lot of black and gray clothing, garnets and other hot, red gems can really spark it up. If you're more into earth tones, topaz, peridot, citrine, and garnet can liven things up. Pastel colors are perfect for pearls, aquamarine, and amethyst.

If you have red or gold highlights in your hair, you could wear earrings in garnet or citrine to draw more attention to them. What about your eye color? If you have blue eyes, wear some aquamarine or lapis lazuli. For green eyes, try peridot or jade. Brown-eyed gals can use citrine and topaz to bring out the fire in their eyes.