Gemstones such as diamonds and rubies are regularly used in jewellery because

they are both rare and unique. For the same reasons these beautiful stones

come with enormous price tags which means that there use is reserved for

jewellery that marks special occasions, e.g. engagement rings and for luxury

products. I am sure that you will have noticed that many items of costume and

fashion jewellery are often described as containing semi-precious gems and

that there prices are remarkably less. So what exactly are these semi-

precious gems? Well like all gemstones they are naturally occurring and mined

from in the ground which means that they have all the uniqueness of diamonds

as no two pieces are the same. What defines semi-precious is more to do with

the quality and availability of the stones than their actual chemical make up.

In fact even some rubies and diamonds can be sold as cheaper semi-precious

grade. So semi-precious stones have all the natural beauty of gemstones but

because they are not as rare they are able to be sold at much lower prices

and this makes them perfect for use in handmade costume jewellery where they

can enhance unique and personal items. Turquoise- an opaque blue-green stone is often classed as semi-precious. It

has a stunning and beautiful colour which has meant that it has been given

ornamental use for thousands of years and was greatly used by ancient

cultures for adornment - especially those of ancient Egypt and China. The

Aztecs also made great use of turquoise as part of mosaic inlays for masks,

shields, weapons and sculptures and also of course for jewellery. This

ancient gem has always remained fashionable thanks to its fresh and

attractive colour. Quartz is a crystalline rock which is composed of silicon dioxide and is

itself very common but it occurs in many varieties and some are very

beautiful. Citrine is a yellow form of quartz and this can occur in the same

stone as amethyst- the most beautiful of quartzes. Amethyst is a translucent

purple, mauve or violet stone and the very deep and rich varieties are

incredibly striking and seductive. This stone is believed to have protective

properties, especially against drunkenness an d for protecting crops and

driving out evil spirits. It is also thought to inspire intellect and as a

stone of friendship. Jade is another beautifully rich stone and this one is green with a subtle

lustre. It has been known to man since prehistoric times when it was valued

for its toughness which made it a perfect material for weapons and tools. In

China jade has always been appreciated aesthetically and has had special

significance as 'the royal gem' and used for making fine and luxurious

objects. Perhaps due to its calming green hue, jade has been known as the

stone of inner peace, harmony and balance. Carnelian is a red or reddish brown variety of chalcedony which is semi-

transparent and has a waxy lustre. It was used widely by the Romans for

signet and seal rings because of its unusual property that hot wax doesn't

stick to it. Carnelian is believed to encourage friendship and cheerfulness

and is also recommended to timid people because it is said to give them

courage. All semi-precious gems have a unique beauty of their own and I believe that

they will always be popular for this reason. I think that their affordability

together with their individuality makes them ideal to use in handmade costume

jewellery where it is important for pieces to be both personal and unique.

For a striking range of handmade jewellery which makes use of semi-precious

gems, View Handmade

Jewellery

About the Author

Helen has always been interested in the skills involved in handmade products and especially in the use of new or unusual materials. She has recently set up a website which displays and sells quality unique Handmade Jewellery and Accessories. View Handmade

Jewellery