List of semi-precious stones
All semi-precious stones
Bollwerk Jewelers has been offering bespoke jewelry services and high-quality gemstones for many years. Bollwerk has been recognized as a diamond specialist for many years! But Bollwerk has also diversified into other precious and semi-precious stones. With us, gems take center stage, allowing us to offer you unique jewelry. In this article, we present a list of semi-precious stones and explain everything you need to know about these treasures of nature.
What are precious stones?
It's important to know that only four types of stones are designated as "precious stones." These precious stones are:
- The Diamond (Discover our article on how to choose your diamond)
- The Emerald
- the Ruby
- The Sapphire
What are semi-precious stones?
Currently, the term "semi-precious stones" is no longer used; we now speak of "fine stones." The old term was abandoned because fine stones are no less beautiful than precious stones. The difference between the two types of stones lies in their rarity, and even then, it is not always the case. The fine stones used in jewelry are therefore:
- Agate
- Aquamarine
- Amazonite
- Amber
- Amethyst
- Aventurine
- Chalcedony
- Citrine
- Cornelain
- Garnet
- Iolite
- Jade
- Kyanite
- Labradorite
- Lapis lazuli
- Mother-of-pearl
- Tiger's Eye
- Onyx
- Opal
- Peridot
- Pearl
- Moonstone
- Pyrite
- Quartz
- Rhodonite
- Spinel
- Tanzanite
- Topaz
- Tourmaline
- Turquoise
Where can I find semi-precious stones?
You can find semi-precious stones, or rather high-quality gemstones, at a jeweler's. By visiting a reputable jeweler, such as Bollwerk Jewelers, you can find stones of the finest natural quality, allowing you to appreciate their beauty. It's also the only way to be certain of the gems' origin and quality.
Are semi-precious stones less precious than precious stones?
In general, precious stones are traditionally considered more valuable, but semi-precious stones often become more valuable and sought after than precious stones. For example, tanzanite is considered a gem or mineral just as valuable as diamond, all because of its purity, gemological characteristics, and rarity.
Are semi-precious stones less rare than precious stones?
Another belief is that precious stones are rarer than semi-precious stones, but this isn't true. In fact, minerals like Citrine Quartz or green varieties of Quartz are often much rarer than Emeralds because they are formed by radioactive activity in the Earth's crust.
What are the prices of semi-precious stones?
It is true that precious stones are generally more expensive than semi-precious stones, but there are several examples where semi-precious stones have been sold at exorbitant prices. The price will vary depending on each stone, its size, its weight, and all the aspects that make it unique.
What do semi-precious stones look like?
This characteristic of precious and semi-precious stones depends largely on personal taste. In fact, if we compare a diamond to the exotic shapes and colors of opals or quartz, semi-precious stones win the aesthetic battle because they possess a stunning beauty and uniqueness in any piece of jewelry.
How to polish a semi-precious stone?
Polishing jewelry restores the gem's shine and can also increase its retail value. You can find polishing agents that can restore the luster of a semi-precious stone at home. However, professional cleaning is highly recommended. You can entrust this task to our jewelers at the Mulhouse jewelry store.
Polishing a semi-precious stone at home
It's important to remember that this is a complex craft requiring years of practice, which is why we recommend visiting a shop rather than attempting it at home. However, we'll give you a couple of tips for the more adventurous
Purchase a non-toxic, gentle solution for cleaning semi-precious stones, in the form of cloths or foam. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the solution to the gemstones. Rub the gem with a soft cloth specifically designed for cleaning gemstones or jewelry.
Leave the gemstones to soak overnight in a mixture of warm water and a little liquid hand soap. The next morning, remove the gemstones and use a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or deposits left in them. This technique is the only one you can perform at home, without prior experience, and without risk of damaging your jewelry.
Purchase a block of wood coated with silica. You can dampen the surface with water and gently rub your semi-precious stone. The level of shine will depend on the technique used and your skill, which is why it's important to consult a jeweler for cleaning your semi-precious stones, precious stones, and all your jewelry.
You will need a Dremel tool to polish gemstones. Rub a small amount of jewelry polish onto the Dremel tool's polishing pad. Then, rub slowly to polish the gemstone and remove any surface scratches. Rinse the piece and dry it with a clean cloth. Do not use this method to polish soft stones such as turquoise or opals.
In any case, it's best to take your jewelry to your jeweler for professional polishing and cleaning once a year, or whenever needed. Polishing and steam cleaning help keep gemstones in good condition for even longer.
Achieve lasting radiance
To maintain a lasting shine, remove jewelry with set gemstones when using cleaners and bleaches in your home or when washing your hands. Read the ingredients of any gemstone cleaner before purchasing. Chemical cleaners will permanently discolor gemstones. Rub gemstone cleaning wipes on your jewelry after each use to maintain optimal brilliance.
Do not use a Dremel tool if you are not familiar with it, as you may damage your jewelry. Do not use hairspray or perfume near gemstones, as they will diminish their brilliance. Do not soak gemstones, such as amber, in cleaning solutions for extended periods, as they will lose their luster. Do not use polyester or other coarse fabrics to rub gemstones.
And if you're wondering how to cut a semi-precious stone, we recommend consulting an experienced and reputable jeweler. Bollwerk Jewelers is at your service for all your jewelry needs. Don't hesitate to contact us!
FAQ
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