Precious Stones V.S. Semi-Precious Stones
Stones have been worn by both women and men since prehistoric
times. Just as in the jewelry of modern times, beautiful stones,
rare and colorful, are most often the dominant feature of a
piece with a metallic setting for ornamentation.
The stones used in the crafting of fine jewelry are generally
divided into two classes- precious stones and semi-precious
stones.
These terms are used heavily in the commercial world of jewelry
when considering variety and value. While artistic merits are
only a matter of opinion, the value of a stone is what it will
bring in the marketplace. It should also be mentioned that many
people, collectors and general consumers alike, prefer the rare
to the beautiful.
These stones are simply rocks (minerals) taken from the earth,
and after they have been enhanced by the artisans cutting and
polishing, the finest and rarest of them are what we call gems.
Precious Stones
The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds, rubies and
sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones.
Although strictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an
esteemed place in jewelry.
Semi-Precious Stones
A large number of stones used in jewelry are known as
semi-precious; the most important ones are as follow: amethyst,
lapis-lazuli, turquoise, aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, peridot,
opal, tourmaline, zircon, chrysoberyl, alexandrite. Others of
less importance although much used are: chrysoprase, jade,
garnet, agate, azurite, malachite, bloodstone, coral, carnelian
and many others. These stones while comparatively common and
inexpensive are indispensable to the worker in jewelry. The
variety of colors to be had in these stones make it possible to
produce unusual designs of artistic merit and to adapt them to
the personality and costume of the wearer. For more detailed
information regarding gem stones the reader is referred to