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We have all heard of precious stones and semiprecious stones, but what exactly is the difference? What constitutes a semiprecious stone as opposed to a precious stone? 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.

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

This isn’t to say that semiprecious stones are always more affordable. Many semiprecious stones are quite expensive and quite valuable. For instance, there is a rare gemstone called brazilianite, a gemstone which is very highly valued yet not considered a precious stone. Though brazilianite is quite rare and very highly valued, it just doesn’t make its way into the precious category with the world’s fab four.

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

Amethyst is a beautiful stone, available in a variety of purple shades. The stone is and has been popular for decades. It is a symbol of wisdom, strength and confidence—coveted and only worn in past times by royalty and the very wealthy.

This gorgeous ring is crafted of 14K white gold and holds 18.18 carats worth of gorgeous amethyst gems and sparkling diamonds. The central stone is a 14.52 carat checkerboard cut purple amethyst. This stone is surrounded by 14 pear shaped amethyst stones and 170 round cut white diamonds.

The ring is a size US-5.75/EU-11.24. It is an original design and a beautiful accessory.

Amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, is actually the most treasured and wanted member of the quartz family. Though amethyst only comes in purple tones, there is indeed a lovely variety of purples to choose from. The stone is available in shades from very deep purples to light lilac varieties.

It is believed that amethyst was used in past decades to guard the wearer against drunkenness and to help the wearer overcome addictions. It has also been used throughout history in many cultures to treat headaches and other aches and pains, as well as to treat hearing disorders and insomnia. Today it is mostly adored for it’s beauty and used often in fine jewelry.

Like sapphires, most commercially available amethyst stones are heat treated to display a deeper coloring. Heat treated coloring is a permanent change to the stone so the coloring will not fade over time.

These gorgeous earrings boast beautiful purple amethyst stones; 3.00 carats worth!

The earrings are made of 10K yellow gold and a fish hook earring lock. The gems are cut fancy and are absolutely beautiful. They are simple, yet elegant. These earrings can be worn any day to dress up and accessorize your favorite outfit, whether that be jeans and a t-shirt or an elegant evening gown.

The auction reads, “Our Main Street Collection is made up of expertly crafted jewelry with new and Original designs. These jewelry items have significant resale potential for those looking to turn a profit and make perfect gifts.”

This great little trinket box is a wonderful addition to any bedside table! It’s a sweet gift for any girly girl, too.

The box, valued at $125.00 retail is studded with gems: amethyst and citrine. It has a total carat weight of 1.41 carats and a colorful enamel base.

The auction reads, “This jewelry trinket box exclusively made in fashionable tradition; hand-crafted with incredible detail using genuine gemstones is a sympathy warming and unforgettable gift for any occasion or good for your home collection. Our Jewelry Box collection is saturated with shiny natural precious and semi-precious gemstones, accenting its brilliant gold and enamel plated base metal construction, perfect for stowing away your treasures. Excellent collectible will get attention of every one on any cabinet, table, shelf or dresser. It comes in wonderfully made gift box.”

Amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, is actually the most treasured and wanted member of the quartz family. Though amethyst only comes in purple tones, there is indeed a lovely variety of purples to choose from. The stone is available in shades from very deep purples to light lilac varieties.

Like sapphires, most commercially available amethyst stones are heat treated to display a deeper coloring. Heat treated coloring is a permanent change to the stone so the coloring will not fade over time.

Apparently amethyst was used in past decades to guard the wearer against drunkenness and to help the wearer overcome addictions. It has also been used throughout history to treat headaches and other aches and pains, as well as to treat hearing disorders and insomnia (maybe the bright coloring just wakes people up!).

Sometimes a mixture of contrasting shapes and colors can make for a very unique and beautiful piece of jewelry. Think of it as abstract art. In abstract art, artists use lines and curves, contrasting pieces, to create a piece that somehow flows in an entirely original design that gets people thinking and improvising.

This ring, created by the jewelers at Lorenzo, is crafted of 14K yellow gold. The piece features a contrasting pattern of circles and rectangles. The ring is comprised of seven purple radiant cut amethyst stones and six round cut orange (Madeira) colored citrines.

Bid on this lovely ring, size US-7/EU-14.51, valued at $699.00 retail. This ring is part of our Main Street Collection, so it can make for a beautiful gift or a great piece to resale (if that’s your angle). Good luck to all bidders!

This scarf-like necklace may not actually keep you very warm this winter, but it will certainly look hot! This necklace is one long belt of beauty.

Made of 14K yellow gold, this necklace is beaded with precious gems. The chain is made of beaded chains of purple amethyst. Each chain is ended with a row of oval, white freshwater pearls, each separated by 14K yellow gold spacers.

This necklace can be worn a number of ways and is a total of 48 inches in length. Bid on this gorgeous necklace today and keep searching for other necklaces and accent pieces in our jewelry auction every day!

Happy bidding!

Of course, carat weight isn’t everything—but it certainly makes a statement. Take for example this fabulous 14K white gold necklace which features an immense 73.39 carat weight teardrop shaped purple amethyst. The coloring and cut are beautiful together, but the sizing of the piece is what makes this unique and desirable.

This amethyst pendant hangs on a circle of black agate (3.19 carats) and on a 17.75 inch white gold chain. The necklace also features 96 round cut white diamonds the pendant and two additional round cut purple amethyst stones.

The total carat weight of this gorgeous necklace is 77.45 carats. Bid today to take this piece home at a fraction of the retail cost. Good luck and happy bidding!

There are plenty of ways to mix things up when it comes to jewelry. Sometimes mixing multiple gem shapes is a bad move, but sometimes—as in this piece—it’s a beautiful move.

This gorgeous (and certainly substantial) ring features both round cut and octagon cut lavender colored amethyst gems. The center gem has a carat weight of 0.90 carats while the surrounding amethysts make up a carat weight of 1.00 carats (totaling to 1.90 carats).

The ring itself is crafted of 925 quality sterling silver. It is a size US-9/EU-19.66. Bid on this gorgeous piece today. Buy it for yourself, for a friend or buy it to resale it for a profit! Valued at $249.00 retail, you’re sure to turn a decent profit should you choose to sell it—but personally I’d choose to wear it!