Understanding the Difference Between "Precious" and "Semiprecious" Gems: A Guide for Adult Women

Jewelry Terms You Should Know＊

When researching engagement rings or wedding bands, you often come across the terms "precious stones" and "semiprecious stones."

Do you know the meaning and differences between these two jewelry terms?

@nagisa_marry

It's somewhat clear that "precious stones" refers to the gemstones set in rings, but

if you were asked about the specific types or how they differ from semiprecious stones, you might not be so sure...!

I've looked into it, so let me introduce the information.

General Definitions＊

First and foremost, both precious and semiprecious stones refer to real and natural gemstones.

(Just because it has "semi" in it doesn't mean semiprecious stones are fake gemstones.)

Within this framework, precious stones typically refer to what is often called the "four major gemstones of the world."

The four major gemstones are:

✅ Diamond

✅ Ruby

✅ Sapphire

✅ Emerald

These four gemstones, known for their high rarity value, are classified as precious stones.

And all other gemstones, such as amethyst and aquamarine, fall under the category of semiprecious stones.

However! Different views exist by country, region, and gemstone dealers.

The distinction between precious and semiprecious stones that I just explained is a global, general definition, but

it's also true that different countries, regions, gemstone dealers, and experts have varying perspectives on this.

Therefore, there isn't a strictly defined distinction in the current reality.

So, what other perspectives are there?

A well-known classification of precious and semiprecious stones beyond the four major gemstones is this two-fold system＊

<①> Classification Based on Hardness

First is the perspective that classifies gemstones with a Mohs hardness of 7.0 or above as precious stones, and those below that as semiprecious stones.

The harder a gemstone is, the more durable it is considered to be, making it less prone to chipping.

(By the way, diamond is the hardest, with a maximum Mohs hardness of 10. Sapphire and ruby are also quite hard at a rating of 9.)

According to this standard, gemstones classified as precious stones include:

✅ Diamond

✅ Ruby

✅ Sapphire

✅ Emerald

Plus:

✅ Alexandrite

✅ Topaz

✅ Zircon

✅ Aquamarine

✅ Cat's Eye

✅ Tourmaline

✅ Garnet

✅ Peridot

It seems like the list just increased significantly!＊

<②> Classification Based on Beauty

Next, there's a perspective that classifies stones based on their visual beauty.

While we might think that all gemstones are beautiful, from a professional perspective, the perception of beauty can vary significantly.

Certain gemstones are considered precious because they are exceptionally beautiful in terms of color and brilliance:

✅ Diamond

✅ Ruby

✅ Sapphire

✅ Emerald

Plus:

✅ Jade

✅ Opal

✅ Alexandrite

This is particularly a common perspective in Eastern cultures.＊

I Feel Like I Kind of Understand Now＊

I introduced the differences between precious and semiprecious stones, but it turns out that these two categories are not strictly defined, and there exist broadly three definitions.

(There are so many different viewpoints....!)

Additionally, while precious stones are considered to have higher value within the jewelry industry compared to semiprecious stones,

it doesn't mean that semiprecious stones are inferior; rather, it serves as one guideline for classifying gemstones.

Each person may choose their own perspective,

but personally, as I'm not an expert, I think it would be nice to select gemstones I find beautiful and appealing, regardless of whether they are classified as precious or semiprecious!♩