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Precious Stones VS. Semi-Precious Stones
By Sam and Tami Serio
Morning Light
Jewelry
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.
The Authors
of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved
with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially
invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of
information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together
they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their
profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.
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