Though there are only four gems considered “precious stones” (emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire) there is another category reserved for the rest of our favorite gems.

The “semiprecious gemstone” category is used to describe any gemstones which are valued for their beauty but don’t fall into the “precious stone” category. Included in this category are amethyst, garnet, opal, Peridot, rose quartz and many more.

Many semiprecious stones are quite expensive and quite valuable. I blogged yesterday about brazilianite, a gemstone which is very highly valued yet not considered a precious stone. Though brazilianite is quite rare and highly valued, it just doesn’t make it’s way into the precious category with the world’s fab four.

On Bidz.com, we feature gorgeous pieces of jewelry that include both precious and semiprecious stones. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say, and certainly many people prefer a particular semiprecious stone over one of the four precious stones any day. Take your pick and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite stone!