April 17th, 2008 by Kylie Comfoltey
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.
Related Tags: diamond, emerald, precious gems, precious gemstones, ruby, sapphire
March 27th, 2008 by Kylie Comfoltey
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.
Related Tags: diamond, emerald, precious stone, ruby, sapphire
March 21st, 2008 by Kylie Comfoltey
Birthstones are a long-loved tradition. Most people know their own birthstone. Many mothers learn the birthstones of their children. Thought I don’t think it’s against the average consensus to say that most men don’t know their own birthstone…
When it comes to gift-giving, birthstones are a great thing to know about. When you give someone a gift that involves their birthstone in one way or another they will appreciate the thought and effort put into the gift. Below are the birthstones by month:
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl/Moonstone
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal/Tourmaline
November: Yellow Citrine/Topaz
December: Turquoise/Topaz/Tanzanite (December is extra indecisive)
Related Tags: aquamarine, birthstones, diamond, emerald, garnet, ruby, sapphire, topaz, tourmaline
February 18th, 2008 by Kylie Comfoltey
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.
Related Tags: diamond, emerald, precious opal, precious stone
February 7th, 2008 by Kylie Comfoltey
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!
Related Tags: emerald, garnet, quartz, semiprecious gemstone
January 10th, 2008 by Kylie Comfoltey
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.
Related Tags: diamond, emerald, gemstones, precious opal, precious stone, ruby, sapphire
August 30th, 2007 by Kylie Comfoltey
Sometimes less is more; this is certainly the case with this piece. Hanging on a 17.5 inch 14K yellow gold chain is a single 8.94 carat oval cut emerald. Nothing more is needed with such an enormous, gorgeous emerald. There are, however, 59 round cut white diamonds dotting the gold chain for added dramatics.
The total carat weight of this piece is 11.53 carats of precious gems. This gorgeous lariat is valued at $26,130.00 retail. The piece features a box clasp for easy application and a firm, strong hold.
The description reads, “This beautiful jewelry was very well made by master craftsman jeweler using superior quality gems and diamonds. This type of jewelry commonly found in designers boutiques located in Fashion District of New York, Paris and Rome. All of designer brands are 100% original. These Elegant gems are destined to become family heirlooms to be handed down from generation to generation. All of the brand names are guaranteed to be authentic. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Enjoy happy bidding! Guaranteed to be Brand New.”
Related Tags: 14k yellow gold, carat weight, emerald, lariat, precious gems
June 28th, 2007 by Ann Walker

Click on that image to enlarge it and enjoy this luscious South Sea pearl brooch by Autore, a banquet of sumptuous jewels. Just as we have seen diamond studded spiders and emerald encrusted sea turtles and delicate silver and gold twisted into tree limb necklaces, the creatures of the sea are also well represented in the present nature oriented jewelry fashion trend. And this is probably as pretty as an octopus will ever look.
Browse through our daily updated jewelry auction and hunt down your favorite gemstone creatures.
Related Tags: brooch, diamond studded, emerald, jewelry trends, jewels, silver and gold, south sea pearl
May 3rd, 2007 by Ann Walker

It is said that the emerald was Cleopatra’s most favored jewel. Thought to be able to predict the future,enhance intelligence and improve memory, the emerald has long been the symbol of youth, it’s deep greens expressing the vitality of spring and rebirth.
Roman historian Pliny the Elder, when describing the hunger for the jewel in ancient Rome is quoted as saying, “Nothing greens greener.”
If you have a Cleopatra at home or if your special someone has a May birthday, Bidz.com has their emerald. Browse through our online auction collection of rings, necklaces and bracelets.
Related Tags: bidz, birth stones, cleopatra, emerald, jewelry trivia, may birthstone, online jewelry auction