Unveiling the Beauty of Semi-Precious Gemstones: A Guide to Semi Gemstones

Introduction to Semi-Precious Gemstones: What Sets Them Apart

Semi-precious gemstones are stones that DO NOT fall in the same category as diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald (they are known as precious gemstones). But don’t be deceived by the negative connotation. They are called “semi” because they are more abundant and easy to access. Semi-precious gemstones are primarily valued based on their color, availability, and consistency.

Additionally, semi-precious gemstones are peculiar because they are available in a variety of shades, colors, and are believed to have healing and metaphysical properties. In fact, each type of these stones are said to have certain energies and vibrations.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of semi-precious gemstones, the various types, history, valuation, characteristics, maintenance tips, fashion and styling tips, and many more.

The Dazzling Variety of Semi Gemstones: A Rainbow of Colors

There are many beautiful semi gemstones with varying colors. Each one possesses its own unique properties that sets it apart from others. Below are some of the dazzling semi gemstones with captivating colors:

Green Onyx

Sometimes, the green onyx is mistaken for an emerald, which is a precious stone. But what makes these two different is their formation and structure. The green onyx dazzles with a deep green color, which is a beautiful addition to earrings and necklaces. It is commonly found in South America, the USA, and India.

Moonstones

This is an enchanting semi-precious gemstone that captures different lights, making the stone glow different colors. It can be added to various jewelries like rings to compliment their beauty. What captures the attention of most people towards the stone is the mystery and meaning behind it. Moonstone is believed by some people to bring tranquility to one’s life.

Rose Quartz

This semi gemstone is incredibly popular because of its beautiful powdered pink complexion. It is well-associated with love and motherly feeling, and can be added to other jewelries like bracelets to make a beautiful gift to a loved one.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine semi gemstones transfer the enchanting colors of the sea to your jewelry. Its displayed color is dependent on the light, which can be pale blue or green. If you are looking for a piece that’s very unique, this is the perfect stone. It can also be added to other jewelries like necklaces and cocktail rings.

Turquoise

Turquoise is only available in a few parts of the world. It seems similar to a precious stone. While it may not have the same sparkle as precious stones, the deep blue shade is remarkable. In fact, a turquoise pendant can be added to any layered necklace or earring, giving a stylish and modern feel.

Amazonite

The name of this semi gemstone was derived from the famous river “Amazon Stone.” It comes in two different colors – blue and green. Each one is unique. Some of the stones promote blue over green while others are vice versa. Amazonite is often used for stacking earrings.

Pink Opal

This semi-precious gemstone is favored by many for its almost-translucent pink shade. Commonly connected to the feeling of peace of tranquility, the stone serves as a gorgeous pendant for any jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets.

Kyanite

This is a deep blue semi gemstone. However, the deep blue color is not always consistent. Sometimes, there are shades of white or black streaks. This is what makes the stone commonly sought after, as it can blend with a wide variety of wearable pieces, such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

The Fascinating History and Cultural Significance of Semi-Precious Gemstones

The history and cultural significance of semi-precious gemstones can be divided into two sections – ancient and modern age. Since their first discovery in the ancient age, they’ve been highly sought after for their beauty, value, religious belief, and as materials for weapons. Up till the modern age, the same veneration is still shared.

Ancient Age

The history of semi-precious gemstones in the ancient days differ based on locations. Basically, the discovery was made early in 4 major countries, which are Egypt, China, Greece, and India.

• Ancient Egypt: Around 3150 BC, ancient Egyptians in Africa discovered and incorporated a variety of semi gemstones, like amethyst and carnelian into jewelry. They also made beaded necklaces with them. One of the most valuable semi gemstones in Egypt was lapis lazuli, which was known for its mystical, dark blue luster.

Lapis lazuli was also used for cosmetics and is believed to be Cleopatra’s favorite eyeshadow shade. This shows that it was one of the most notable gemstones used by elites and royalties. In fact, it was associated with life and the heavens.

• Ancient China: As far back as 6000 BC, Jade, which is a combination of jadeite and nephrite stones was discovered. Its beauty is striking, serving various practical and spiritual purposes.

Just like Egypt’s lapis lazuli, Jade was referred to as an imperial gem fit for only the royal families and elites. This is because it was believed to grant eternal life and protection from negativity and evil. In fact, when imperial rulers died, their burial attire was made with jade plaques. They were believed to prevent the bodies from decaying.

• Ancient Greece: The discovery and use of semi gemstones in Greece dates back to about 1600 BC. During this time, the Greeks used many gemstones that were believed to serve as power of the gods for protection.

The common name, “amethyst” also comes from a Greek word that means “not intoxicated.” It was referenced as the royal stone of kings, and believed to prevent the wearer from being overly intoxicated.

• Ancient India: The role of semi gemstones in India’s culture and religion spans through thousands of years. It started with the Indus River Civilization.

Believed to have magical powers, the stones were usually crushed into powder form and used in Ayurvedic medicines. They were also used (even till date) to heal the seven chakra points of the body that runs along the spine.

Modern Age

Beginning in the 19th century, researchers and scientists started to study the compositions of gemstones and developed the division system that is still used today – precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones.

Their popularity grew immensely among celebrities and the rich. In the 1960s, semi gemstones started to become synonymous with the holistic medicine and therapy movements. These movements were focused on using different kinds of medicine to heal the mind, body, and soul. Most of the concepts surrounding gemstones and wellness became very common.

In the western world, these gemstones grew in popularity mostly for jewelry aesthetic use in fashion. They also represented wealth and power for the elites and royal families of Europe, as well as served religious and spiritual purposes. But not to the same extent as ancient.

Identifying and Evaluating Quality in Semi Gemstones

Considering the increase in scam and low-quality of products, it’s important to know the authenticity of products before purchase. Quality semi gemstones can be identified and evaluated through the 4Cs – Carat weight, Color, Clarity, and Cut.

Carat Weight

This simply means the standardized unit of measurement used to know the size and weight of semi gemstones. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. Mind you, a gemstone might be larger in size than others, but that doesn’t mean it has more weight.

Carat weight is essential in determining the value and price of gemstones. The increase in the rarity and desirability of gemstones is equivalent to their carat weight. This influences their market value.

Color

The quality of semi gemstones is also identified and evaluated using their colors, as it greatly affects their beauty and aesthetics. Meanwhile, gemstone colors are determined by the presence of certain chemical elements and impurities, which combine with light in creating the visual sensations of the stones.

The evaluation of gemstone colors is based on three characteristics, which are hue, tone, and sensation. Hue is the major color noticed in the gemstone, such as the green or blue color in aquamarines. Tone is the lightness or darkness of the color, and saturation is the purity or intensity of the color.

Clarity

This refers to the presence or absence of internal characteristics in the gemstones. The appearance of blemishes in a gemstone can affect its transparency, brilliance, and overall visual appeal, which impacts the evaluation.

Sometimes, gemstones have various clarity characteristics, like internal fractures, mineral crystals, and growth patterns. The nature, size, and location of these flaws affect the gemstone’s value, as greater clarity means increased quality. Gemologists use magnification tools like microscopes and loupes to accurately identify and evaluate gemstones’ clarity.

Cut

The role of cut in the identifying and evaluation process refers to unlocking the gemstones inner brilliance. This emphasizes the precision of the faceting and shaping of gemstones. It determines how effectively light interacts with the gemstone to influence its beauty and scintillation (sparkle and play of light).

Semi-precious gemstones can be cut into different shapes and sizes, each having an impact on the gemstone’s evaluation and appeal. Round cuts improve a gemstone’s brilliance, while fancy cuts enhance the gemstone’s unique characteristics.

The cut of a gemstone is evaluated by various factors like the alignment and symmetry of the cut, the proportion of the gemstone, and the overall finish. Gemologists use special devices like computer-aided modeling and proportion scoped to assess the efficiency of the cut.

Other factors that influence the identification and evaluation of gemstones are:

• Transparency and Luster: This refers to the gemstone’s beauty
• Origin and Source: This refers to the discovery and story of the gemstone
• Treatments and Enhancements: This refers to the process of unmasking the gemstone to get it’s true nature
• Rarity and Demand: This refers to the scarceness and desirability of the gemstone

Popular Semi-Precious Gemstones and Their Characteristics

There are numerous semi-precious gemstones, with each of them having unique characteristics. Discussed below are the most popular ones.

Citrine

This popular semi gemstone derived its name from the French word, “Citron,” meaning lemon. Citrine is believed to possess the power of the sun. It is heartening, warm, life giving, and invigorating. It’s a premier stone of personal will, resourcefulness, and manifestation.

Peridot

Its name was derived from the Arabic word, “faridat,” meaning gem. Unlike some other semi gemstones, Peridot is only available in one color, which is a vibrant green color. This gemstone is believed to help in efforts to learn new skills or to concentrate on activities. It’s also known as a healing stone and “Study Stone.”

Jade

The term Jade is used to mean many things and it symbolizes various things in the gemstone world. But nephrite and jadeite are the only pure forms of Jade. This semi-precious gemstone is believed to convey affluence, money, affection, and it helps with self-healing. It also protects from adversity and calamity.

Garnet

There are six popular types of garnets – spessartite, grossularite, almandine, pyrope, andradite, and uvarovite. They are sometimes called Mali Garnets, as they were discovered from the West African country. This semi gemstone is known to be useful in attracting thoughtfulness and commitment. Also, it’s a giver of happiness and an enhancer of energy.

Tourmaline

The name is derived from the term, “turamali” in Singhalese, which refers to “stone of mixed colors.” In the world of gemstones, it stands out because it has a very exclusive spectrum of colors. Tourmaline is very adaptable and can be any color from black to being completely colorless. It’s used in exertions to secure a sound monetary future. This semi gemstone is also believed to help in developing physical strength.

Turquoise

This is an opaque, bluish-green stone that got its name “Turkish,” from the country that brought it from Iran to Europe. It’s believed to be a symbol of friendship, and to protect the wearer from harm and negative energy. In ancient cultures, it was used as an amulet for safety and symbol of wealth.

Amethyst

This is one of the world’s most popular and valuable quartz semi-precious gemstones. It is a vibrant violet purple color, and it got its purple color from aluminum and iron impurities. Amethyst is believed to possess many powers, but its ability to soothe and stimulate emotions and the mind stands out. It supports the logic of sobriety and restraint but carries the energy of passion and spirituality.

Moonstone

Moonstone is opaque and transparent in color. It derived its name from its captivating white and bluish shimmer that looks like a magical moonshine. This gemstone is referred to as the “traveler’s stone.” It is believed to protect people who travel when the moon is out at night. Also, Moonstone propels the recognition of love and belonging.

Malachite

It has a distinguishing green veining and copper carbonate. Malachite is an authoritative gemstone that protects from physical damage, and it’s used as a medium to join Mother Earth through meditation. Also, it’s recognized for acts of assistance and service to other people.

Tanzanite

Since its discovery in Tanzania in 1967, Tanzanite has continued to be in demand. It can be found in 3 different colors, ranging from green, to purple, and to blue. This semi gemstone is a significant communication stone, which gives a person the ability to say the truth. Also, it increases awareness in meditation and enlightens people so they will understand their own heart.

Opal

Opal is arguably the most elusive semi-precious gemstone universally worn. However, it requires distinct care to keep it wearable. It’s a gemstone of legend and wisdom. Also, it’s referred to as a healing stone that is associated with the eyes.

Pearl

Pearls are spectacularly difficult-to-crush and compact gemstones, representing virtuousness and pureness. They are products of bivalve mollusks, and their colors vary based on the water and type of mollusk. Pearls are often sewn into wedding gowns and worn as jewelry by brides.

Topaz

Topaz can be found in several colors, including clear, orange, yellow, red, brown, pink, and blue. It’s believed to surge a person’s mindfulness of actions and judgements, as well as cleansing feelings. Additionally, it’s known to start cosmic consciousness and reduce motionless energy.

Birthstones: Discover Your Birthstone and Its Meaning

Just as we all have a specific zodiac sign connected to us on our birth month, we also have gemstones connected to us, but they are called “birthstones.” In the modern age, birthstones are worn in the form of jewelry or as a necklace pendant.

Below are the birthstones of every month. Some months even have more than one birthstone.

January – Garnet

The first month of the year is the month of new resolutions and new beginnings. Garnet symbolizes three great qualities for the year, which are trust, strength, and courage. Other qualities it’s known for are happiness, commitment, loyalty, energy, and passion. Garnet gives the wearer deep and true feelings. Also, it brings peace to one’s home, as well as peace and prosperity to the community.

February – Amethyst

This birthstone stands for royalty, passion, and hope. It’s full of positive properties like peace, confidence, and can improve memory. Amethyst is believed to guard a person’s mind, as well as help you overcome difficult situations. This semi-precious gemstone is known to keep one’s thoughts in sync with his/her desired life goals. It is perfect for stress relief and immunity boost.

March – Aquamarine

The colors of this birthstone looks like the beauty of the oceans, which brings calmness and serenity. Aquamarine is known to give emotional clarity, and a better feeling of tranquility and calmness. The March gemstone is believed to inspire courage, wisdom, and generate calm energy for the wearer. It can also improve feelings of hope and creativity.

April – Diamond

If you are born in April, you have one of the most popular birthstones. Diamonds are unique and difficult to find. They stand as symbols of everlasting love thanks to their beauty and strength. The Greeks even thought diamonds were tears of the gods, while the Romans thought diamonds were splinters of falling stars. This birthstone is generally associated with health, strength, and commitment.

May – Emerald

Emerald is often associated with Venus, the goddess of love. It is recognized as a symbol of abundance, joy, and rebirth. Also, it is believed to help sharpen the mind and bring good fortune to the wearer. This birthstone is known to improve overall wellness by preventing sickness and detoxifying the body. Additionally, emeralds promote wealth and faithfulness.

June – Alexandrite, Pearl, and Moonstone

June has three different birthstones, which are:

• Alexandrite

This is an extremely rare gem; it is typically only available in museums. The gemstone is believed to convey intellect, prosperity, and luck. It represents the balance between our physical and spiritual mind. Also, it improves romance and emotional well-being. Something so unique about the Alexandrite is that it can change colors, from a deep aqua green, to magenta, and to lavender.

• Pearl

Pearl symbolizes unity, imagination, and innocence. The month stone is believed to serve as protection against nervousness, anxious thoughts, and for control of anger. Some cultures even associate it with divinations, believing they are tears from heaven.

• Moonstone

This birthstone symbolizes hope, calmness, and abundance. It’s associated with all kinds of love, good luck, and believed to serve as protection from harm. Moonstone enhances inner growth and strength, as well as alleviates stress and instability.

July – Ruby

This is a precious stone that’s greatly desirable because of its color. It’s known to bring harmony and protection against misfortune. It has red colors, which represents strength and courage. Ruby promotes feelings of self-confidence, eliminates negative energy, and treats exhaustion. The rare gem is believed to also boost one’s imagination and arouse the senses.

August – Peridot

Peridot symbolizes peace, good fortune, love, and happiness. It’s associated with strength, balance, and bravery, as well as protection against nightmares. Popularly known as the stone of compassion, it helps relieve stress and calm an angry person. Peridot has a light green color that helps boost immunity and skin quality.

September – Sapphire

This birthstone represents royalty, wisdom, and favor. Aside from its popular blue color, it’s available in several colors, like orange, green, and purple. Sapphire symbolizes truth and protection. It eliminates nerves and offers clarity when taking crucial decisions.

October – Tourmaline and Opal

October has two different birthstones, which are:

• Tourmaline

Tourmaline means “stone with various colors.” This birthstone is directly related to a person’s emotion, representing basically love and healing. It symbolizes creativity, hope, and innocence. Also, it acts as a stress reliever and enhances mental alertness.

• Opal

This gemstone represents freedom, independence, and creativity. It can also serve as a good luck charm. Additionally, opal represents confidence, faithfulness, and can keep a person away from evil and protect the eyes.

November – Citrine

This birthstone is believed to have the capability to enhance prosperity and abundance. It is said to promote health and wellness within the mind and body, as well as wade off evil thoughts and negativity. Citrine helps minimize anger and create calmness in the mind via the power of the sun.

December – Blue Topaz

Full of alluring blue and purple hues, Blue Topaz is linked to positive and mystical capabilities. It promotes self-awareness, creativity, and expression of suppressed emotions and feelings. This birthstone symbolizes love and affection, as well as strength and intelligence. Additionally, it improves harmony and relaxation of the nerves.

The Art of Incorporating Semi-Gemstones in Jewelry Designs

Incorporating semi-gemstones in various jewelries is emerging as a popular design in ornaments. The gemstones come in a range of vibrant colors that make a statement and add life to jewelry designs. This seemingly unstoppable trend is happening because of:

• Semi Gemstones Versatility: Semi-precious gemstones can be used incorporated with various types of jewelry, including rings, pendants, bracelets, or earrings. You can easily get them at captivating prices and designs.

• Semi Gemstones Classic Nature: Jewelries with semi gemstones are classic. They pair easily with all kinds of clothing. Depending on the occasion, either party, wedding, or dinner, the gemstone makes the jewelry stand out.

• Semi Gemstones Beauty and Elegance: The beauty and elegance of gemstones is unrivaled. Wearing the color-coordinated semi gemstone jewelry whether ring, bracelet, necklace, or earring, you will get an effortless and attractive appearance.

• Semi Gemstones Sustainability: They are incorporated with jewelries because they are highly sustainable. Several semi gemstones like topaz, aquamarine, amethyst, garnet, etc. have high hardness scale, great resistance to scratches, and are extremely durable with proper care.

Healing and Metaphysical Properties of Semi Gemstone Jewelry

Each semi gemstone jewelry is ascribed with various healing and metaphysical properties. Let’s explore them one after the other.

Amazonite

• Maximum health
• Balances masculine and feminine energies
• Wades off negativity
• Assists with natural dilation of birth canal for easier childbirth delivery
• Beneficial in osteoporosis, calcium deposits & deficiency, and tooth decay

Amethyst

• Boosts concentration
• Enhances calmness, patience, creativity, and concentration
• Helps with concentration and balance
• Beneficial for purification

Aquamarine

• Reduces stress level
• Helps with self-expression and intuition
• Protection during pregnancy and preventing miscarriage
• Perfect for sensitive personalities; overcomes judgmental thoughts

Citrine

• Brings joy, happiness, prosperity, and light
• Promotes creativity and spiritual growth
• Helps with blood circulation and detoxification
• Helps with digestion and thyroid balancing

Garnet

• Increase sexual attraction, potency, and fertility
• Prevents miscarriages
• Helps with overcoming depression
• Promotes passion, love, hope, and courage

Jade

• Increases love, protection, and nurturing
• Brings insight dreams and stimulate ideas
• Promotes good luck and friendship
• Offers serenity and purity
• Balances body fluids

Moonstone

• Symbolizes abundance, new beginnings, love, good fortune, and happiness
• Reflective, calming, and emotion balance
• Boosts fertility and regulates cycles
• Offers spiritual insight

Pearls

• Promotes purity, honesty, innocence, and integrity
• Helps with concentration and focus
• Serves as a digestive aid
• Enhances fertility and childbirth ease

Turquoise

• Provides protection, courage, and removes negativity
• Promotes serenity, good luck, and wisdom
• Enhances the immune system
• Helps with gout, digestion, and cramps
• Aids in tissue regeneration

Caring for and Maintaining the Beauty of Semi Gemstone Jewelry

Each semi gemstone is unique, meaning the way you take care of one might be slightly different from others. But highlighted below are the general caring and maintenance tips for semi gemstone jewelries.

• Clean them using warm water, mild solution, and soft brush.
• Alternatively, you can rinse them in a bowl of warm water with a little dishwashing detergent, and dry on a clean towel.
• For chains, necklaces, and fittings, you can use a damp cloth to wipe off marks or dust.
• To maintain their natural beauty, put them in a soft pouch and store them in a cool, dry place that’s safe from direct sunlight and sharp edges that could cause scratches.

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid spraying them with perfume or makeup. Their build-up compounds can dull the gemstones.
• Avoid wearing earrings or chains while sleeping. The links can get broken from being twisted or tangled.

Embracing the Beauty of Semi Gemstones: Fashion and Styling Tips

Following the influence of semi gemstones in many jewelry designs, it is important to know the appropriate ways for styling. This will enhance the beauty and elegance of the gemstones.

Below are a few fashion and styling tips for gemstones:

Pair Them with the Right Metals

A common mistake people make is to use wrong metals with the gemstone. You should choose a simple piece of metal with your gemstone. Some basic principle are:

• Cool-tone semi gemstones like amethyst, aquamarine, and blue topaz should be paired with white metals like palladium and white gold.
• Citrine and other semi gemstones with warmer hues should be paired to yellow gold metals.

Choose Classic Pieces You Love

A true fashionista should own a semi gemstone that blends with every wear. You can have a few of them in your collection. Some of the best semi gemstones for daily use include citrine, amethyst, and quartz.

Citrine has an attractive golden yellow color, making it perfect for minimalist outfits. Amethyst is a violet semi gemstone that can be paired with anything, including necklace, ring, or earring. Quartz can be found in various types, so you can choose a color that’s best for you, like smoky quartz, ruby quartz, or rose quartz.

Layer Jewelry

Layering jewelry is a great means to add more touch to your outfit. However, you will have to be cautious, as a few or too many can be wrong. To be safe, layer small pieces. Also, thin bracelets or bangles are a great matchup, likewise necklaces of varying lengths.

Conclusion

Semi-precious gemstones are admirable and widely sought-after gemstones that are available in numerous types and colors. Their history dates back to many years ago, and till now, they are still highly valued. Having various properties, semi gemstones serve as birthstones to different months, emphasizing their distinct healing and metaphysical properties.