When many people hear the name “semi-precious stone”, they think of it as an artificial gemstone or poor quality gemstone. What does semi-precious stone mean?
What are “semi precious stone jewellery”?
Semi-precious stones were originally invented in the Western gemstone industry.
Edwin W. Streeter, an English jeweler, published his book “Gemstones and Gemstones, Their History, Origin and Characteristics” in 1898.
It is one of the first sources to mention the distinction between “precious” and “semi-precious” stones.
At the beginning of the 19th century, as more and more varieties of gemstones were discovered, they became available to a wider class of people.
In the gemstone market, merchants promoted and sold gemstones as “precious” and “semi-precious” to reflect the difference in value.
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, as we know them, have a long history and are very rare. They are prized for their beauty and religious significance, and their value is very high.
This is why they are called “precious stones”. Gems other than these four were called “semi-precious stones” at the time. Since this was a common name in the industry, there was no uniform standard.
The preciousness of gemstones varies from time to time and from region to region. Some merchants also classify wild pearls, chrysoberyls and other gems as “precious”.
Are “semi-precious” stones always genuine?
Not necessarily. Because of the name “semi-precious stone”, there is no uniform standard.
Many merchants are abandoning the use of the terms “precious stone” and “semi-precious stone” to refer to natural gemstones to avoid causing misunderstandings among consumers. However, merchants still use this term.
Some unscrupulous merchants, after seeing this phenomenon, take advantage of jewelry fans’ information gap and sell treated or synthetic gemstones as “semi-precious stones”.
In the criteria for gemstone identification, the variety of gemstones is clearly indicated, and the term “semi-precious” does not appear.
If you see the word “semi-precious” when buying a gemstone, don’t be in a hurry to buy it, but check which kind of natural gemstone it is. Be sure to check the quality of the gemstone and whether it is of the quality you want before paying for it.
“Semi-precious stones price are cheaper than precious stones?
Not necessarily.
As more gemstones are discovered, gemstone market demand is changing.
Many stones that were previously known as “semi-precious” are now very expensive.
For example, “semi-precious” gemstones such as Paraiba tourmaline and Jedi spinel, which were traditionally categorized as “semi-precious” stones, are now much more expensive than ordinary quality ” rare ” stones due to their rarity and desireability.
Although many of these stones are called “semi-precious stones”, giving the wrong impression that they have little status in the world of gemstones, they are in fact very important stones!
The “semi-precious” stones are not ordinary
Garnet:
When you think of garnet, you think of it as an inexpensive gemstone that doesn’t have a strong presence. But in fact, it is the oldest gemstone in the world.
Thousands of years ago, red garnet was considered one of the four gems God gave to King Solomon.
Egyptian pharaohs wore red garnet necklaces around their necks for decoration and as prized possessions in the afterlife. It was buried with their mummified remains.
By the Middle Ages (c. 475-1450), garnets were favored by the clergy and the nobility. It wasn’t until around 1500, when deposits rich in red garnet were discovered in Central Europe. This was when it could be worn by a wide range of people.
When it comes to garnets, in addition to the most common red garnets, today there are also star garnets such as fenestra, which is as warm as a small sun, emerald garnet. Which has a sparkling and brilliant fire color, and Tavorite, which is very popular.
Crystals:
Today, crystals are very inexpensive, but they were once inaccessible.
When the ancient Greeks found this clear crystal in the Olympic Mountains, they thought it was ice transformed by God.Therefore, they called it KRYSTALLOS, meaning “white ice”.
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle also mentioned crystals.
He believed that crystal is evolved over a long period of time, making it fossilized ice.
Natural amethyst was considered a precious stone in the early days, and was once considered as valuable as rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
It was also one of the symbols of Jesus’ twelve apostles and was used to adorn bishops’ jewelry and English crowns.
It wasn’t until the discovery of large amethyst deposits in Brazil in the 18th century that amethyst became more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people.
Agate:
Stone tools made from agate were found 500,000 years ago at the site of the Zhoukoudian Peking Man culture.
It was also very popular in the ancient West as a symbol of power and status.
Mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, agate was believed to be one of the gems on the breastplate of the high priest. This gem represented the power of spiritual life.
In ancient times agate was often used to carve Roman seals and stamp rings.
At that time such rings usually represented power. Later, Roman soldiers wore onyx rings carved with the god of war, hoping to be blessed at war.
Tourmaline:
Tourmaline, The mineral’s name is Tourmaline.
Ancient Egyptian legend says tourmaline crossed the rainbow on its ascent from the earth’s center.
And absorbs all the rainbow colors, becoming rich and colorful. This is why tourmaline is still called the “rainbow gem” today.
In the 19th century, China became the largest tourmaline market, as the Empress Dowager Cixi liked pink tourmaline.
The Chinese name for this gemstone, tourmaline, was coined in Chinese, meaning “to ward off evil spirits” and “to be happy”.
Aquamarine:
Aquamarine and emerald belong to the beryl family, the same mother has a different life, thus classified as “semi-precious stones”.
It is the English name Aquamarine, in which “Aqua” means water, and “Marine” means the ocean.
Legend has it that it is produced at the bottom of the sea, is the essence of seawater, symbolizing composure and bravery, happiness and longevity.
Therefore, sailors would wear it when heading out to sea to pray for the blessing of the god of the sea and safe sailing.
Coral:
Coral jewelry dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
Westerners believed that red coral was made from Jesus’ holy blood, and used coral as an amulet against the devil’s evil eye.
Tanzanite:
This gemstone with its mesmerizing blue-purple color immediately caught Tiffany’s attention when it was discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. Anticipating Tanzanite’s potential as an international bestseller, Tiffany’s firebrand struck a deal with Tanzania to become its primary distributor.
In honor of the newly formed Republic of Tanzania, Tiffany named the stone Tanzanite. As a “semi-precious stone,” Tanzanite was discovered late, but it caught fire fast, catching up with the three major colorful “precious stones.”
Opal:
Opal has a kaleidoscopic appearance. There is a beautiful blend of ruby-like flames, amethyst-like spots, and an emerald-like green sea that combines all of these colors.
Some of them are like the bright flame of burning sulfur. Some of them are like a painter’s paintings covered in various oil colors, which are very dreamy and charming.
Opal is the English name for Opal, derived from the Latin Opalus, which means “a set of gemstone beauty in one”. Or from Sanskrit Upala, meaning “precious stone”.
Opal has been used as jewelry in the West for 2,000 years. According to the book “Opal” written by British gemmologist Richman,.Opal was used as a precious gemstone from 200 to 100 BC.
In the Roman Empire, Opal was loved by the senatorial aristocracy. According to the ancient Roman writer Pliny, there were:
the ancient Roman leader Antony, once wanted to spend a castle worth of gold coins, from the hands of the senator Nonni to buy a piece of particularly beautiful opal.To give Cleopatra. But it was rejected by the senator Nonni – the senator would rather be exiled than give up this piece of Opal.
Spinel:
In ancient times, spinel, with its ravishing beauty, was not only used by princes and nobles as a ruby in their crowns. It was even used as a war chip.
Although part of the reason is because identification technology is not developed, but also from the side, it shows how beautiful spinel. Let the wealthy aristocrats and tycoons be fascinated by the eyes.
Turquoise:
Turquoise, with its chic color, has been a favorite since ancient times. It has been worn and used for more than 5000 years, and is one of the oldest gemstones.
During the Spring and Autumn Periods, and during the Warring States Periods, turquoise was recorded in Shangshu-Yugong.
In ancient times, turquoise was a symbol of the supreme deity: “What is the stone? The pine is also transformed?”
Turquoise’s origin has been deified, and legend has it that turquoise was among the seven colored stones used by Nuwa to mend the sky.
Morganite:
The “half-sister” of the emerald, Morganite, is relatively young.
Tiffany’s gemologists discovered it in Madagascar in 1910. Named Morganite by Tiffany in honor of Mr. Morgan’s patronage and support. Tiffany introduced this rosy gemstone to the world.
Morganite, with its beauty, is one of the most popular stones in the world. Morganite, due to its beauty, is favored by many influential names and wealthy women.
Britain’s Princess Kate, who loves Morganite, has worn it on many significant occasions.
Pearls:
Listed as the “queen” of the “five kings and one queen” of the gem circle, pearls are also in the ranks of semi-precious stones, which should surprise many treasure fans.
Natural wild pearls have a long history, and for thousands of years, they have been a symbol of wealth and status.
European royalty and high class people cherished natural pearls as the supreme treasure and passed them down from generation to generation. Even the European royal family issued a decree for pearls, stipulating that only royal nobles could wear them, prohibiting commoners
In the mid to late 17th century, Linnaeus cultivated shanked pearls based on Chinese cultured shell pearls. This became the forerunner of pearl cultivation in the West.
