Semi Precious Gemstones

Precious vs. Semi Precious Gemstones

Traditionally, gems classified as precious were those that were both rare and revered. While market availability, or lack thereof, was one characteristic of a precious stone, the more important factor was how that stone was used. Gems that held ceremonial or ecclesiastical value for royal or religious figures were substantially more valuable. These “cardinal” gems included diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Originally, amethysts were also considered precious, but generous deposits of the purple gem found in Brazil made it available and affordable for the public, and it was no longer labeled a precious stone. Only these five types of gems were ever considered precious, and today, there are more than 130 types of stones that may be considered semi precious gemstones.

In reality, there are no true differences between precious and semi precious classifications. A low quality diamond, for example, may be far less valuable than a high quality aquamarine, and their respective prices will not match up to arbitrary classifications. Whether or not a stone is precious to a specific individual should depend more on preferences, budget, and personal symbolism than on outdated and irrelevant classifications.

In order to assuage consumer confusion, the Federal Trade Commission periodically considers banning the use of the terms precious and semi precious entirely. With many high quality synthetic and treated gems available in the marketplace, other classifications are relatively meaningless and a stone’s certificate should outline all the necessary information to determine how precious it truly is.

Types of Semi Precious Gemstones

While there are more than 130 types of gems and minerals that have at one time or another been classified as semi precious stones, only a few dozen are commonly used. Most birthstones have been termed semi precious, as well as other gems including:

Opal Engagement Ring.

• Hematite
• Jade
• Obsidian
• Pyrite
• Tanzanite
• Topaz
• Agate
• Opal
• Turquoise
• Peridot
• Coral

Every gem varies in beauty, durability, and versatility, with many of them can be used in a wide range of jewelry pieces. Before choosing a specific gem, it is best to investigate its characteristics to be sure it is the best choice for your specific engagement ring.

Benefits of Semi Precious Stones in Engagement Rings

Couples may consider using a variety of different jewels in engagement rings, depending on the ring’s design. When choosing a non-diamond engagement ring, however, it is important to reflect on why a different stone is more desirable in order to avoid regret about flaunting traditional diamond rings.

Individuality

Semi precious gemstones offer a greater sense of individuality and personal significance to an engagement ring than a traditional diamond. Some women prefer colored stones, and using different gems allows the couple to customize a ring with personal symbolism and sentimentality, such as using birthstones or other favorite gems. Colored gems can be used as stunning center stones or as accent stones to a diamond if desired.

Cost

One of the most prominent benefits of using semi precious gems in engagement rings is the lower cost. Despite the fact that diamonds are not nearly as rare as they once were, they are still consistently priced higher than most other gems of comparable quality. By choosing a semi precious stone, the couple may be able to purchase a more elaborate ring, a higher quality metal, or use multiple accent stones rather than allocating the majority of the budget to the central diamond. Couples should note, however, that there are other ways to find discounts and still use diamonds, and choosing an alternative stone is no guarantee of a lower price, depending on the stone’s quality and the overall ring design.

Loose semi precious gems.

Versatility

Because of their lower price and great availability, semi precious gemstones can be found in a wider array of styles and other jewelry pieces, allowing a couple to coordinate the engagement ring with different jewelry to create a matching set. This versatility may be vital to a woman who insists that her jewelry present a unified appearance. Semi precious stones can also be found in a wider range of shapes, including polished and other non-faceted styles for a truly unique ring.

Choosing the Stone for You

The key to choosing which stone best suits you is to find the gem that fits your personality and expectations. Many semi precious gems have traditional associations with good fortune, wealth, health, and other wishes, and that symbolism may be welcome and meaningful for your engagement ring. Rather than feel obligated to choose a diamond simply because it is traditional, consider the limitless selection of other jewels available to make stunning engagement rings.

Despite the prevalence of diamond jewelry, more and more couples are turning to semi precious gemstones for meaningful and beautiful engagement rings. With dozens of different stones available in all shapes, sizes, and colors, it is easy for a couple to choose the stone that best suits their personality and their relationship, whether it is a rich garnet, a glittering tourmaline, or an iridescent opal.