What Are Gemstones, and Why Are Some Labeled Precious Stones and Others Labeled Semi-precious Stones? We answer all that below!
Gemstones are natural resources, whether rock or stones, that have refined into a quality piece of jewelry. They could be precious or semi-precious stones that have been retrieved and processed into fashionable pieces of jewelry to be adorned by those who love them.
There has been a long age misconception about Gemstones, Precious stones, and Semi-Precious stones. If Precious Stones and Semi Stones are both considered gemstones, then why is one labeled as precious and the other a semi-precious.
Simply put, Sapphires, Topaz, Emeralds, amethyst, agate, garnet, and a host of others not listed are all gemstones. However, only four stones out of the enormous list of stones are conferred with the status Precious Stones, which are Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Aquamarine.
More often than not, when people hear the term Precious Stones and Semi-Precious Stones, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘quality.’ Meanwhile, the quality of the stone was not in mind when experts categorize them into Precious and Semi-Precious Stones.
History has it that the term Semi-Precious Stones was championed because of amethyst. In times past, Amethyst was greatly adored by the Royals, which made it pertinent for it to be classified as a precious stone. One thing is peculiar to the royals, whatever piece of jewelry they use must be previously scarce.
However, things began to change when an excess of it was discovered in South America. This made the quantity of amethyst in the market gain an upward review. Because of how common it has become, the term Semi Precious was introduced to its name. This explains that the difference between Precious Stones and Semi-Precious is not based on quality but quantity.
There are a wide range of Semi-Precious Stones available to consumers, that are of high-quality. Some even mistake these semi-precious stones for being precious stones. The key difference being how common the former. For instance, Tsavorite green garnet is more valuable than a mid-quality sapphire. But because Tsavorite is more common than Sapphire, the latter is considered a precious stone while the former is regarded as a semi-precious stone.
Precious Stone or Semi-Precious Stone, which One Makes the Best Gemstones?
Both the precious and semi-precious stones make good and quality gemstones when refined. The term semi-precious stone is not the absence of quality or value. They are as valuable and quality as precious stones. The only difference is that the quantity of semi-precious stones in the market is larger than the precious stones.
However, when both are refined, they make a premium quality gemstone. Whether it is Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, or Tsavorite green garnet, they all have their distinct color and beauty, making them all unique.
Take Away
Knowing the difference between precious and semi-precious stones, you should not spend much time analyzing the type of stone when you want to purchase gemstones. Both have premium quality and value, and you should buy base on preference.
If they appeal to your fashion style, you should buy not minding if it is made from precious or semi-precious stones. Every gemstone is precious regardless.
