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 "Gem Stones" by G.F. Herbert Smith, also "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones," by George Frederick Kunz.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Authenticity of Eskimo Inuit Art & Native Indian Art

Both Inuit Eskimo art and Native American art have gained... Read More

Copper Keels and Red Ochre

Copper Keels:Nature provides varying resources in different parts of the... Read More

History and the Cathars (Courtly Love):

This is an entry from my three volume encyclopedia.CRUSADES, CATHARS... Read More

The Different Styles of Inuit Sculptures

At first, all Inuit soapstone sculptures from the Arctic may... Read More

Creating a Virtual Art Gallery

To the online artist, it might seem a paradox, at... Read More

Brazil--Comments by a Gilliam Fan a Little Too Late

Either I am one of the darkest people ever or... Read More

Leonardo Da Vinci

THE BICYCLE OF LEONARDO DA VINCI: - "? a man... Read More

The Five Feng Shui Elements and Their Characteristics

Feng shui handles five main elements in order to achieve... Read More

How to Make Your Civil War Uniform Shirt

Your own shirt designed and made by you for your... Read More

Ancient Philosophy On The Internet Can Change How We Think

Here I am again sitting at my computer, my job... Read More

Native American Life After Prophetstown

My name is Luksi Humma, I am Choctaw or, Chahta,... Read More

Precious Stones -The Big Five: Part 1, The Emerald

The emerald is probably the most rare of all precious... Read More

Miss-story

Many 'fabulous' personages and concepts are created by man. Some... Read More

King Tuts Tomb was No Better - Found in America

Between 603 and 702 AD. a truly marvelous temple was... Read More

Gold Jewelry -The Rest of The Story

Gold is one of the metals taken from the earth... Read More

Bad Mouthing Fellow Authors

The creative mind is a gift to humanity; but unfortunately... Read More

On Being Human

Are we human because of unique traits and attributes not... Read More

Your Souls Purpose Is Found In the Zodiac

Of course, science has explained this to us, and we... Read More

Is Timing the Secret of Success?

Success is often viewed as a magic potion. Market demand... Read More

Peruvian Artist Shares Why Preservation of Culture and Rituals Sacred To His Art

My artistic endeavor have led me towards a personal sense... Read More

Mexican Living: So You Want To Expatriate?

Expatriate wannebees often ask us how we managed our expatriation... Read More

Moissanite Earrings, The Modern Brazilian Beetle

The history of earrings is a varied history indeed. And... Read More

True Story; Why Can?t We all Just Get Along?

A little girl came up to her mom in the... Read More

To Quote or Not to Quote

"By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote."... Read More

An Interview on History and Educational Media

1. Can you briefly summarize why you think history is... Read More

Jewelry Making for Fun and Profit

There is an old adage that says work isn't really... Read More

Spainīs Flag - A Red And Yellow Beauty

Spainīs flag (the national one) is as colorful as the... Read More

Bureaucracy in Peru!

This article is from the pen of a New Zealander... Read More

Learn How to Solve Problems With a Feng Shui Mirror

A mirror, when becoming a feng shui mirror, can be... Read More

A Look At The Years of Celebrities Wearing Jewelry

As far back as one can remember famous celebrities have... Read More

Conspiracies: The Pyramid and the Sphinx

Egypt has long been the source of countless conspiracies, ranging... Read More

American Citizenship

Can We Pass The Test?American CitizenshipI'm the daughter of an... Read More

The Life of Nikola Tesla - Intro

It is not my purpose to claim to know all... Read More