Precious Vs Semi-Precious Gemstones

I love colored gems of all types, but blues and greens and the shades in between are definitely my favorite, well, except for reds (garnets), I really love them, too.  I especially love gemstone rings – it puts those stones in the perfect place for me to gaze upon them all day…  When looking at or reading about gemstones I often hear/see the terms precious and semi-precious tossed around. If you’ve looked at gemstone jewelry, you may have heard these terms, too.  You may be curious about, “Which stones are precious and which are not, and why?” Or, “Why is this semi-precious stone more expensive than that precious stone?”  Although I’m not a gemologist, I CAN give you some answers to these questions!

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The fact is, there is no real difference between precious and semi-precious gemstones!  The distinction between gemstones that are “precious” and those that are “semi-precious” is actually arbitrary and has no scientific backing. For example, emerald (which is among the precious gems) is a variety of beryl, just like aquamarine (a semi-precious stone).  In fact, red beryl (also categorized as semi-precious) is more rare and often more expensive than emerald!

Right now, four gemstones are popularly classified as “precious” - emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond. Sellers of precious stones began using the term to play up the stones’ value, beauty, and rarity.

Early on, amethyst was also included on the list of precious stones, however, when large deposits of the stone were found in South America, prices dropped and it was no longer considered “rare.” The term “semi-precious” began to be used to indicate its downgraded status.

Not too long after, huge South African diamond mines were discovered (1870) and diamonds went from just a few pounds being mined each year to being dug out of the ground literally by the ton!   So, why weren’t diamonds demoted to the rank of semi-precious? The answer to this question centers on the merger of the biggest diamond mines by the De Beers brothers, whose family still controls worldwide diamond production and supply to this day. Although quality diamonds are actually not scarce at all, De Beers controls how much supply comes on the market and that keeps prices high.

They also mounted a concerted advertising campaign that spanned decades to create an association of diamonds with love, courtship and marriage.  The diamond engagement ring, once unknown in most parts of the world (including Europe), is now considered an essential part of the ritual of marriage. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that diamond's special position as a precious stone is largely due to monopoly economics and social engineering.

Today, numerous stones that remain in the semi-precious category can be priced much higher than an average precious stone and many are more rare. The most desired natural pearls and spinels garner huge prices –  and alexandrites, tanzanites, and certain types of garnet are harder to find, harder to mine, and produced in much lower qualities than the precious gemstones.

It is fair to say that the distinction between precious and semi-precious gemstones has become meaningless. The US Federal Trade Commission periodically considers banning the use of the terms to reduce consumer confusion. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has included the directive in their Code of Ethics that members should avoid the use of the term semi-precious in describing gemstones.

There are currently about 200 unique gemstones in the world!  I advise you not to get caught up on whether a stone is labeled precious or semi-precious. If you find a stone eye-catching for its color(s), shape, distinctive inclusions, the beautiful jewelry in which it resides, and/or the experiences it makes you think of, then it IS special, valuable, and precious.

Ask any questions or let me know about your favorite gemstones in the comments!

Stay well!

Why Are Gold and Silver Prices Rising? What Jewelry Shoppers Should Know

If you’ve been shopping for jewelry lately, you may have noticed that silver and gold pieces are more pricey. The cost of precious-metals has climbed significantly, and many shoppers are wondering why. The good news? Understanding what’s happening can help you make confident, informed choices.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s driving the surge.

1. Precious Metals Are a Safe Haven in Uncertain Times

Whenever the world feels uncertain, economically or politically, investors tend to put their money into gold and silver. These metals have held value for thousands of years, so people see them as steady and reliable. Increased demand naturally pushes prices higher.

2. Interest Rates and Inflation Make Metals More Appealing

When interest rates are low or expected to drop, gold and silver become more attractive. Unlike savings accounts or bonds, precious metals don’t pay interest, so they shine brightest when interest rates are low.

Add in concerns about inflation, and more investors start turning to metals as a hedge. More demand = higher prices.

3. Silver’s Industrial Demand Is Booming

Silver has a unique “dual role”: it’s both a precious metal and a heavily used industrial material. Today, silver demand is climbing because it’s essential for:

• Solar panels

• Electric vehicles

• Electronics

• Clean-energy technology

This surge in industrial needs gives the price of silver strong upward pressure.

4. Central Banks and Institutions Are Buying More Precious Metals

Around the world, major financial institutions and central banks are increasing their reserves. When the biggest buyers in the world load up, it drives prices higher and adds stability to the upward trend.

5. Momentum and Investor Excitement Play a Role

As gold and silver prices rise, more people want in. This creates a bit of a “snowball effect,” where rising prices attract more buyers, which pushes prices even higher.

What This Means for Jewelry Shoppers

• Jewelry is becoming an even stronger investment

When the metal itself is gaining value, your jewelry holds (or even grows) its worth over time.

• Silver remains a beautiful, affordable choice

Even with rising prices, silver offers a bright, elegant look at a more accessible cost than gold.

• Handmade pieces maintain long-term value

Jewelry crafted with recycled metals, artisan techniques, and unique gemstones carries value beyond the metal weight.

A Rising Market, But Timeless Beauty

While precious-metal prices move with global events, the beauty and meaning of jewelry don’t change. A thoughtfully chosen piece, whether silver, gold or gemstone, remains something to treasure.

The Gift of Jewelry - A Few Tips

Giving jewelry to people we care about is a sentimental and time-honored tradition - especially around the holidays.  If you do a bit of homework, you’ll be able to pick the perfect something for your friend or loved one that they’ll hold dear far into the future.

Quick Tips on Buying Jewelry as a Gift

• First, look at your recipient’s basic style.  Do they wear a lot of trendy jewelry or a few classic pieces?  Is their jewelry made with gold or silver (or copper) colored metals – or maybe a mix?  Do they wear long necklaces with pendants or short chains, or a layered combination?  By zeroing in on their style and preferences, you’ll have a good starting point for picking a piece they’ll adore.

• Do you know their ring size?  People are generally fond of rings, but not if they’re too tight or too loose!  If you don’t know the person’s size for sure, focus on another type of jewelry they like to wear.  Necklaces, earrings, and even bracelets are much more forgiving size-wise. If you’re set on giving them a ring, find some way to learn their ring size or make sure your gift is exchangeable or can be resized (this is NOT always possible, depending on the ring design).

• Where do you imagine them wearing your gift? Pieces that are worn to work, or out with friends, or to a black tie event won’t necessarily be the same. Observing when they wear which pieces will help you choose a gift they’ll love.

• Consider pieces that are symbolic or meaningful to the both of you. A common symbol in jewelry is a heart, which, as we all know, represents love for the recipient, but there are endless other symbols you can find in jewelry. For example, a pendant shaped like a compass could symbolize your hope for the person having clear direction and finding safe harbor wherever they might be. Maybe you’ll decide on a symbol that is more personal, like a necklace with blue stones as a reminder of the beach where you met; flower shaped earrings that evoke the feeling of a springtime vacation you enjoyed together; or a simple round bangle bracelet that represents a strong and steady friendship.

• Let your recipient know your gift was bought specifically with them in mind by choosing a piece that features their birthstone.  Below is a list of commonly recognized birthstones by month, but if you think your gift recipient might be interested in something a little different, check out the International Gem Society’s article on Alternative Birthstones by Dr. Gerald Wykoff GG CSM.

January - Garnet

February – Amethyst

March – Aquamarine, Bloodstone

April – Diamond

May – Emerald

June – Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

July – Ruby

August – Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

September - Sapphire

October – Opal, Tourmaline

November –Topaz, Citrine

December – Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon

• Lastly, you probably know the person pretty well if you’re giving them jewelry so go with your gut and choose a piece you really feel they’ll enjoy! And, always know the jewelry seller’s return/exchange policy before you buy, just in case it turns out your gut isn’t great at picking out jewelry. :)

• Oh, and, one more…
  Buying something for a loved one feels great, but buying something and giving back to those in need feels even better. Keep an eye out for jewelry makers and sellers who give part of their profits to community organizations that support a cause you and your loved one care about. It’s like giving two gifts in one! (BTW, K Norris Jewelry is committed to sharing a portion of each sale with local charities)