Most of the time, clients come into the store with an idea of what kind of gemstone they want. Perhaps they're looking for the ideal diamond engagement ring or a gorgeous sapphire necklace.
We sometimes overlook how distinctive the spectrum of precious gemstones may be, as well as the enormous variety they come in. When you consider the magnificent rainbow of vivid colours available, there are limitless options to pick an authentic, one-of-a-kind stone to mix with your handmade jewellery.
Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are four of the world's most valuable and desired gemstones. Here are some interesting facts and qualities of these four glittering beauties for anyone wishing to purchase an excellent engagement ring with an impressive gemstone.
A lovely jewel represents your love. Knowing the meanings and applications of each gemstone might help you decide what you want your bespoke piece of jewellery to convey.
What Are “Precious Stones”?
Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are the four most common forms of jewels to be referred to collectively as "precious stones." To be considered precious, a stone must be see-through and faceted, just like the stones in the accompanying photograph.
There are only four stones considered to be truly precious: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Pearls, opals, and jade are sometimes classified as valuable stones but are more commonly classified as semi-precious stones. These four gems have always been the most sought-after and pricey.
Opals, jade, and pearls have all been categorised as "valuable stones" by some, although their use has not been common or consistent.
Many people mistakenly believe that the distinction between "precious stones" and "semi-precious stones" indicates that the former is more significant and valuable than the latter.
The fact that precious stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds typically cost more per carat than semi-precious stones lends credence to this theory. Over 98% of the monetary value of gemstone imports for consumer use is made up of precious stones.
Diamond – The Eternal Gem
Diamond's extraordinary physical qualities are largely attributable to the intense bond formation between its atoms. For a bulk material, it has the highest hardness and heat conductivity. Natural diamonds typically have ages between one to three and a half billion years. At depths of 150–250 km, where the Earth's mantle is located, they flourished the most. While most travelled little more than a few hundred kilometres, a select handful travelled as far as 800. The marketing industry has had a profound effect on the diamond's reputation as a precious metal.
Yet the common belief holds that diamonds are indestructible. That's not how it works, by the way. There are 'hard' and'soft' directions in a diamond's crystal structure. Diamonds can be cracked, chipped, split, or even shattered with enough force and directionality. Tourists and rock connoisseurs can visit the world largest first public diamond mine at Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park, where dogs are welcome free of charge. Approximately 74,000 visitors a year come to enjoy the park. Diamonds are found by one out of every one hundred guests.
Diamonds represent eternal love, which is why they are usually offered as engagement and wedding rings. Fancy yellow diamonds are those that exceed the 'z-light yellow' grading on the diamond colour scale. Fancy yellow diamonds are highly rare and tend to be more expensive than colourless diamonds. They've become a sign of originality due to their scarcity.
The toughest naturally occurring material on the planet, only another diamond can cut or scratch it. Its name is derived from the Greek word adámas, which means "unbreakable." Diamond is the most enticing and intriguing gemstone on earth.
Diamonds have the brightest shine of any transparent gemstone, and their ability to reflect light is unparalleled. Its rarity, beauty, and strength make it an appropriate emblem of marriage's tenacity and longevity.
The "4 Cs" of a diamond is its clarity, cut, colour, and carat weight. Each feature influences the cost and price of a diamond.
April's birthstone is a diamond, as is the 60th wedding anniversary.
Emerald – The Original Royal
Emerald, a rare stone known for its unique, vivid green colour and clarity of colour found in just a select few other jewels, is the universally recognised emblem of rebirth and optimism.
Emeralds are one of the most beautiful and intriguing gemstones. Green chromium and, less frequently, vanadium give emerald, a precious gem and a form of beryl, its characteristic green colour. On the Mohs scale, beryl registers between a 7.8 and an 8. The average dimensions of the crystals are 1 to 1.5 centimetres in width and 2 to 5 centimetres in length. Most larger crystals are either completely opaque or almost so.
A bluish-green colour in a moderate tone with strong to vivid saturation is the finest option. This gem variation has the widest tolerance for inclusions of any gem type. For the same carat weight, colour, and clarity grade, treated stones can sell for up to twice as much as their certified natural, high-quality counterparts.
The emerald gemstone has calming effects. When one partner wears an emerald ring, it's a symbol of the other's growing sense of modesty and self-restraint. This engagement ring is a statement of your commitment to one another and a symbol of the extraordinary love you share. It was formerly thought that emeralds might assist infertile couples in conceiving. This beautiful gem represents rebirth and fresh beginnings.
Its vibrant green hue is unlike that of any other gemstone. The green emerald is one of the "big four" most valuable gemstones, along with the white diamond, the blue sapphire, and the red ruby. Emeralds with a bluish-green to pure green hue, high saturation, and medium-dark tone are highly sought. The finest emeralds have excellent transparency and command the highest prices.
The emerald is the 20th-anniversary gemstone and the May birthstone.
Sapphire – The Gem of Prosperity
After diamonds, sapphires are the hardest natural material known to man. True sapphires are colourless, but they acquire their velvety blue hue when impurities like titanium and iron are introduced. "Fancies" are any sapphire colour besides blue.
Sapphires, a mineral variety of corundum, come in every colour except red, which is represented by rubies. It shares nearly all of ruby's physical and molecular properties. It is true that blue sapphires are the most common, but other colours, such as green, orange, pink, grey, colourless, black, brown, and purple, are not uncommon. Except when a colour prefix is added, the word "Sapphire" always refers to a blue sapphire. Sapphires of any colour other than blue are commonly known to as "Fancies" in the gem trade. As a symbol of harmony, loyalty, and friendship, sapphire is a treasured ring jewel.
The most expensive blue gemstone is sapphire. Due to its colour, hardness, longevity, and lustre, it is the most sought-after gem. The price of this gemstone is influenced by its dimensions, colour, and transparency. In all of the world's gemstone mines, top-quality sapphires are incredibly uncommon. It takes tremendous expertise and talent to cut this gemstone, and it is the cutter's responsibility to position the raw crystals so that the colour is enhanced to its full potential.
Sapphires are available in a wide range of hues and shapes. This gem's reputation as the "stone of prosperity" comes as no surprise. The 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire from the royal family's engagement ring is the most well-known sapphire. Lady Diana Spencer originally wore it, and Kate Middleton is the current owner. Its restoring qualities are thought to aid in reducing mental stress and fostering inner tranquillity.
The 12-Carat Blue Sapphire engagement ring, which is currently worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was once owned by the late Princess of Wales Diana. It is the most well-known sapphire in the world.
The birthstone for September for the 55th wedding anniversary is sapphire. Looking for hotel wedding packages for your special day? Brighton Savoy Hotel Accommodation got you!
Ruby – The Romantic Gem
The ruby is the second most sought-after gemstone, after the diamond, due to its rarity, uniqueness, and value.
Ruby is a kind of mineral corundum, and it is well-known for its brilliant red colour and fiery appearance. A ruby, with its hue associated with passion and lust, makes a perfect token of love for a woman who has found true love.
The sapphire and the ruby are both types of the mineral corundum, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth but comes in different colours. The mineral corundum crystallises in the hexagonal system; ruby's red colour comes from a trace amount of chromic oxide added to the crystal structure. In contrast to sapphires, which can be any colour, rubies are only found in the red variety of the mineral corundum. The most desirable shade is a deep crimson red called pigeon's blood red in the business world.
Colour, cut, and clarity, in addition to a carat weight, are what give rubies their value. Blood-red, sometimes known as pigeon blood, is the most vivid and precious hue of red, and it fetches a high premium over rubies of similar grade.
Ruby jewellery is commonly worn as a symbol of the wearer's birthstone. Also, it is said to provide its owner with security and good fortune. Pure red rubies with a slight blue hue are the most sought after. The ruby is a popular emblem of undying love and loyalty because of the strong emotions it is said to evoke.
Our unpaid gemstone specialists are here to help you find the ideal loose sapphire or another gemstone. To begin, arrange a trip to the Padis Jewellery storefront.
Ruby is second only to diamond in hardness and brilliance, just like sapphire. Large, transparent rubies are even more unusual than larger, transparent diamonds or sapphires.
Ruby is the 40th-anniversary gemstone and the July birthstone.
What Are “Semi Precious Stones”?
All gemstones save the Big Four are classified as semi-precious. There is a limitless variety of gemstones, but some of the more well-known ones are alexandrite, agate, amethyst, tourmaline, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, moonstone, opal, pearl, rose quartz, spinel,garnet,peridot, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon.
This categorisation of materials into precious and semiprecious categories is based on no real-world evidence. Beryl comes in many forms; for example, emeralds and aquamarines are both types of beryl. It's true that emerald is a precious stone, however aquamarine is more like a semi-precious stone. As a result of their unique characteristics, the four valuable gemstones were separated into their own groups. Certain semiprecious stones now command prices that rival or exceed those of their precious counterparts.
For instance, many natural pearls sell for exorbitant amounts and are often more valuable than low-quality precious stones like diamond, ruby, emerald, or sapphire. Spinel is yet another example. Not only that, but many semi-precious stones are really more scarce than some costly ones. Many semi-precious gemstones, like demantoid garnets, tsavorite garnets, and others, are far rarer and harder to mine than their more valued counterparts, and are therefore produced in much lower grade.
We wouldn't advise getting overly preoccupied with whether a gemstone is precious or semi-precious when making a purchase. All gemstones are valuable in the sense that they are unique if they add significance and worth to a piece of jewellery for you. Keep in mind that jewellery is emotive and that colours are subjective.
All types of gemstones that are not categorised as "precious" are referred to as "semi-precious stones" or simply "semi-precious stones." Any gemstone that is appropriate for usage as jewellery would be included.
Some people think the term "semi-precious" should no longer be used because it is disparaging, irreverent, deceptive, or unclear. They believe that "valuable stones" and "other stones" should both exist. Maybe they aim to paint all stones, save for a "precious few," in a negative light.
Unfortunately, it would be quite challenging to stop using the term "semi-precious." Numerous well-known books have used the phrase "semi-precious" in their names throughout the past 150 years.
These days, the phrases are frequently used in tens of thousands of books, periodicals, websites, and other publications created by businesses in the gem and jewellery sector, governmental organisations, and the most prestigious universities in gemology. It would be challenging to banish these terms from professional usage, but doing so would be practically impossible given that certain people actually prefer these names.
FAQs About Precious Stones
Typical Myths About Precious Gems
The classification of gemstones as "precious" or "semi-precious" may lead some people to believe that "precious stones" are more valuable, rarer, more attractive, or more desirable than "semi-precious stones." Here are three issues with labelling some stones "precious" because of their worth, rarity, beauty, or appeal.
There are several popular misconceptions concerning precious stones or diamonds, particularly the Big Four.
Value
The "Big Four" is a set of four jewels widely considered to be among the rarest and most expensive in the world. All of the "Big Four" gemstones are not the most expensive gemstones in the world. Check out our best hotel wedding accommodation for your special day.
Jadeite of exceptional quality can fetch upwards of $3,000,000.00 per carat, making it more expensive than even the rarest of diamonds.
Superior cut, colour, and clarity set precious stones apart from other gemstones. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are the only truly valuable gemstones. Therefore, we refer to all other stones as semi-precious.
They are also distinguished by their hardness, which translates to a high degree of scratch resistance. A stone with the ability to scrape another stone must be harder than the other stone. Only another diamond can scratch a diamond. However, it can still be broken by an adequately powerful shock.
However, just because they are called "semi-precious stones" doesn't make them any less stunning than "precious stones." Amethyst, topaz, citrine, peridot, aquamarine, and green tourmaline are some of the most well-known examples. When compared to precious stones, the spectrum of colours available in semi-precious stones is practically limitless. Instead of a low-quality sapphire, a lovely aquamarine should be used.
Rarity
It's a common misconception that diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are the rarest jewels in the world. To some degree, all gemstones, from African Tanzanite to Sri Lankan Rubies, are out of the ordinary.
In order to create a gem or gemstone, a number of extraordinary factors must come together, including high pressures, high temperatures, and odd mineral combinations.
The "Big Four" gemstones—rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires—are certainly rare, but there are many others that are even rarer.
Red beryl, for instance, is more uncommon than any of the so-called precious gemstones and sells for almost $10,000 per carat because of its scarcity.
Conclusion
Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are four of the world's most valuable and desired gemstones. To be considered precious, a stone must be see-through and faceted, just like the stones in the accompanying photograph. Pearls, opals, and jade are sometimes classified as valuable stones but are more commonly classified as semi-precious stones. Diamonds represent eternal love, which is why they are usually offered as engagement and wedding rings. Fancy yellow diamonds are those that exceed the 'z-light yellow' grading on the diamond colour scale.
Tourists and rock connoisseurs can visit the world largest first public diamond mine at Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park. The green emerald is one of the "big four" most valuable gemstones, along with the white diamond, the blue sapphire, and the red ruby. Emeralds with a bluish-green to pure green hue, high saturation, and medium-dark tone are highly sought. The finest emeralds have excellent transparency and command the highest prices. The sapphire and the ruby are both types of the mineral corundum, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth but comes in different colours.
The 12-Carat Blue Sapphire engagement ring, currently worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was once owned by the late Princess of Wales Diana. All gemstones save the Big Four are classified as semi-precious. Some semiprecious stones now command prices rival or exceed those of their precious counterparts. For instance, many natural pearls sell for exorbitant amounts and are often more valuable than low-quality precious stones like diamond, ruby, emerald, or sapphire. There are several popular misconceptions concerning precious stones or diamonds, particularly the Big Four.
Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are the only truly valuable gemstones. All of the "Big Four" gemstones are not the most expensive gemstones in the world. The spectrum of colours available in semi-precious stones is practically limitless.
Content Summary:
- Most of the time, clients come into the store with an idea of what kind of gemstone they want.
- Perhaps they're looking for the ideal diamond engagement ring or a gorgeous sapphire necklace.
- Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are four of the world's most valuable and desired gemstones.
- A lovely jewel represents your love.
- Knowing the meanings and applications of each gemstone might help you decide what you want your bespoke piece of jewellery to convey.
- What Are "Precious Stones"?Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are the four most common forms of jewels to be referred to collectively as "precious stones."
- There are only four stones considered to be truly precious: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.
- Pearls, opals, and jade are sometimes classified as valuable stones but are more commonly classified as semi-precious stones.
- Many people mistakenly believe that the distinction between "precious stones" and "semi-precious stones" indicates that the former is more significant and valuable than the latter.
- Over 98% of the monetary value of gemstone imports for consumer use is made up of precious stones.
- Yet the common belief holds that diamonds are indestructible.
- There are 'hard' and'soft' directions in a diamond's crystal structure.
- Tourists and rock connoisseurs can visit the world largest first public diamond mine at Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park, where dogs are welcome free of charge.
- Diamonds represent eternal love, which is why they are usually offered as engagement and wedding rings.
- Fancy yellow diamonds are highly rare and tend to be more expensive than colourless diamonds.
- Each feature influences the cost and price of a diamond.
- For the same carat weight, colour, and clarity grade, treated stones can sell for up to twice as much as their certified natural, high-quality counterparts.
- The emerald gemstone has calming effects.
- When one partner wears an emerald ring, it's a symbol of the other's growing sense of modesty and self-restraint.
- This engagement ring is a statement of your commitment to one another and a symbol of the extraordinary love you share.
- The green emerald is one of the "big four" most valuable gemstones, along with the white diamond, the blue sapphire, and the red ruby.
- The emerald is the 20th-anniversary gemstone and the May birthstone.
- Fancies" are any sapphire colour besides blue.
- As a symbol of harmony, loyalty, and friendship, sapphire is a treasured ring jewel.
- The 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire from the royal family's engagement ring is the most well-known sapphire.
- Lady Diana Spencer originally wore it, and Kate Middleton is the current owner.
- The 12-Carat Blue Sapphire engagement ring, which is currently worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was once owned by the late Princess of Wales Diana.
- It is the most well-known sapphire in the world.
- The birthstone for September for the 55th wedding anniversary is sapphire.
- Ruby – The Romantic Gem The ruby is the second most sought-after gemstone, after the diamond, due to its rarity, uniqueness, and value.
- Ruby jewellery is commonly worn as a symbol of the wearer's birthstone.
- The ruby is a popular emblem of undying love and loyalty because of the strong emotions it is said to evoke.
- All gemstones save the Big Four are classified as semi-precious.
- This categorisation of materials into precious and semiprecious categories is based on no real-world evidence.
- It's true that emerald is a precious stone, however aquamarine is more like a semi-precious stone.
- As a result of their unique characteristics, the four valuable gemstones were separated into their own groups.
- We wouldn't advise getting overly preoccupied with whether a gemstone is precious or semi-precious when making a purchase.
- All gemstones are valuable in the sense that they are unique if they add significance and worth to a piece of jewellery for you.
- All types of gemstones that are not categorised as "precious" are referred to as "semi-precious stones" or simply "semi-precious stones."
- Any gemstone that is appropriate for usage as jewellery would be included.
- Typical Myths About Precious Gems The classification of gemstones as "precious" or "semi-precious" may lead some people to believe that "precious stones" are more valuable, rarer, more attractive, or more desirable than "semi-precious stones."
- Here are three issues with labelling some stones "precious" because of their worth, rarity, beauty, or appeal.
- There are several popular misconceptions concerning precious stones or diamonds, particularly the Big Four.
- Value The "Big Four" is a set of four jewels widely considered to be among the rarest and most expensive in the world.
- All of the "Big Four" gemstones are not the most expensive gemstones in the world.
- Superior cut, colour, and clarity set precious stones apart from other gemstones.
- Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are the only truly valuable gemstones.
- Therefore, we refer to all other stones as semi-precious.
- When compared to precious stones, the spectrum of colours available in semi-precious stones is practically limitless.
- Rarity It's a common misconception that diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are the rarest jewels in the world.