In the world of gemstones, the most desirable are categorized as semiprecious or precious gemstones. But did you know that there are only four types of stones characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious! Amazing, isn’t it?

So which gems made the cut? Those four stones considered to be “precious” are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Of course, diamond is the hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the gorgeous clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

There are also a few stones out there considered by some to be precious, along with the fab four mentioned above. Some enthusiasts consider both varieties of corundum and precious opal to be precious gems. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

Pieces including these gems are available in our auctions each day, so take some time to click around.

There are two categories of gemstones: precious and semiprecious. But did you know that there are only four types of stones widely accepted and characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious!

So which lucky four made the cut? Those four stones considered precious are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Diamond wins for hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

Though not accepted across the table as precious stones, there are a few more stones out there considered by some to be precious. These include both varieties of corundum and precious opal. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

This is an amazing ring valued at $8,689.00 retail. The ring was crafted by master jewelers of 14K white gold. Featured in the center of the piece is a single 8.25 carat weight pear shaped aqua/green emerald.

Most of us think of emeralds as deep green in color and, frankly, we most commonly see them rectangular or cushion cut. This piece puts a twist on the emerald by showcasing a lighter stone in a daintier cut.

Surrounding the emerald center are 12 round cut white diamonds, giving this ring a total carat weight of 8.60 carats. It can be sized from a women’s US-6 to a US-8. The ring is an original design and absolutely stunning. Check it out and bid while you can!

Did you know that there are only four types of stones characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious!

So which gems take the cake? Those four stones considered precious are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Diamond wins for hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the gorgeous clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

There are a few stones out there considered by some to be precious, along with the fab four. These include both varieties of corundum and precious opal. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

Waxing and oiling treatments may be treatments you have not heard of. These treatments are used to disguise natural fractures and fissures.

These treatments are sometimes used to fill in and disguise fissures in emeralds. These fractures are either filled with wax or simply oiled to disguise the cracks and whatnot by adding moisture. Additionally, the wax or oil is colored to make the emerald take on a better color as well as improved clarity. Another commonly wax or oil treated stone is turquoise.

This treatment is harmless and only improves the stone. The effects do not hurt the stone. You can think of it the way you think of oiling wooden furniture. You oil the furniture to add moisture and even disguise scratches and cracks, as well as to prevent further damage to the piece. Though gemstones are generally more stable and hardy than wood, these treatments simply help to improve the stone.

Did you know that there are only four types of stones characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious!

So which gems take the cake? Those four stones considered precious are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Diamond wins for hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the gorgeous clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

There are a few stones out there considered by some to be precious, along with the fab four. These include both varieties of corundum and precious opal. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

Vintage jewelry is always very elegant and delicate, while at the same time sturdy and stunning. When I say vintage, I’m talking Victorian times—not ‘70s vintage (which is essentially plastic flowers).

Today’s jewelers are channeling some kind of vintage revival in their newest pieces. I was married just over two years ago and have seen a huge shift in the design of engagement rings of then and now, and that shift has carried over into more than just engagement rings.

Take this stunning bracelet, for example. This screams vintage. Made of 14K white gold, this piece is packed with a total carat weight of 12.90 carats worth of precious gems. The brilliant green/blue coloring of the piece is due to its 22 oval cut emerald gems. These emeralds are accented by 154 round cut diamonds, adding sparkle and elegance. The delicate, yet somewhat chunky design of the piece is somehow vintagesque.

Click around and take a look.

I’m sorry, did I say “antique bling?” I meant “antique ring” but either way it’s certainly true.

The gorgeous ring you see here clearly screams antique beauty. Believe it or not, this ring is handmade to perfection. Made of 18K yellow gold, this piece features two gorgeous types of precious gems.

Included in this piece are 112 round cut white diamonds of VS2-SI1 clarity. These sparkling diamonds frame a huge, gorgeous 14.95 carat rich green emerald. The total carat weight of the piece is a striking 16.85 carats worth of gorgeous, shimmering precious gems.

Rings like this are appreciated by all who take the time to admire their beauty. Not only does this ring already look like an heirloom, it will surely be passed down with admiration from generation to generation. Bid today to make this piece part of your collection!

The emerald is a beautiful gem. Emeralds are the traditional birthstone of the month of May. They are also the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Taurus and Cancer.

This 18K white gold ring features 5 genuine multi-shaped green emeralds. The emeralds are accented by 14 white round diamonds. The total carat weight of the ring is 0.77 carats.

This ring is part of our Main Street Collection. It is and expertly crafted original design. This ring will make a great gift for any woman. It also has a high resale potential, valued at $2,559.00 retail. It would make a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.

Bid today to add this piece to your collection and put a little emerald beauty in your life.

Emeralds are a natural fall and winter favorite as they encapsulate that rich green color that starts to disappear this time of year.

When it comes to value, the most important aspect to emeralds is their color. The darker the color the more valuable the emerald. However, clarity also plays an important role. If the emerald is translucent it is truly a valuable, beautiful gem. If it is opaque or cloudy, however, the value decreases. Emeralds are valuated very similarly to diamonds—the only difference here is that you want more color, not less!

The necklace here is valued at $26,479.00 retail. This necklace holds 41 brilliant green oval cut emeralds totaling 15.10 carats. Dotting the necklace are 328 round cut diamonds of SI2-I2 clarity. Needless to say, this piece has plenty of sparkle! Set in 14K white gold, the total carat weight of the necklace is 17.10 carats. It also features a box clasp for a firm, safe hold. Bid today!