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What are “Semiprecious Stones?”

purple-amethyst-ring.jpgWe 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!

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Defining Semiprecious Stones

Although there are only four gems widely considered “precious stones” (those four being 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.

Though not considered the most precious of stones, many semiprecious stones are quite expensive and quite valuable. For instance, there is a stone called 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 its way into the precious category with the world’s fab four. Yet collectors will pay extreme amounts of money to own this rare stone.

Here on Bidz.com, we feature jewelry that includes 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!

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Birthstones

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)

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Egg with a Twist

egg-with-a-twist.jpgThis great Faberge style jewelry box is valued at $145.00 retail. It features a variety of beautiful gems, including 4 reddish/brown round cut garnet stones and five round cut multicolor sapphires. The box is also topped with a single white freshwater pearl, 6mm in diameter.

“This is exclusively made in contemporary tradition Faberge Style Musical Egg-Jewelry Box is good for those who enjoy the Romance by listening nice melody. It is made with each individually Handset genuine color gemstones and equipped with a small compartment for jewelry or any other small gift to put inside. This Musical Egg is a sympathy warming and unforgettable gift for any occasion or good for your home collection. Excellent collectible will get attention of every one on any cabinet, table, shelf or dresser. It comes in the attractive gift box with a small certificate from the factory.”

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Semiprecious Stones Defined

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!

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Posted in Gems | No Comments »

Gem Spotlight on Garnet

One of the most prominent gems this time of year is garnet. This pretty little stone makes quite the appearance this time of year as it is the official gemstone for the month of January. Being a January baby myself I always keep my eyes peeled for great garnet pieces to enhance my own personal jewelry collection.

Garnet has been used in jewelry and for other purposes for thousands of years. Most of us think of the traditional red garnet, but did you know this gem is available in almost any color? Lovely! Garnet is like topaz in this respect.

Keep your eyes on our auctions this month for great pieces featuring the month’s favorite gem: garnet! Good luck and happy bidding to all!

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Posted in Gems | No Comments »

Semiprecious Stones

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: , , ,
Posted in Gems | No Comments »

Gem Spotlight: Garnet

One of the most prominent gems this time of year is garnet. This pretty little stone makes quite the appearance this time of year as it is the official gemstone for the month of January. Being a January baby myself I always keep my eyes peeled for great garnet pieces to enhance my own personal jewelry collection.

Garnet has been used in jewelry and for other purposes for thousands of years. Most of us think of the traditional red garnet, but did you know this gem is available in almost any color? Lovely! Garnet is like topaz in this respect.

Keep your eyes on our auctions this month for great pieces featuring the month’s favorite gem: garnet! Good luck and happy bidding to all!

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Red Plum Garnet

garnet-earrings.jpg

The coloring on these garnet earrings is described as purple-red. It is the same coloring as you would find on a ripe, red plum—only these babies aren’t juicy!

These earrings were made by the master jewelers at Lorenzo and have been crafted of the highest quality materials. Set in 14K yellow gold are 12 round cut diamonds and 2 oval cut purple-red garnet stones.

These earrings feature a post lock and measure 7mm wide and 12.5mm long. The coloring is stunning and the total carat weight of the earrings is 4.42 carats.

As part of our Main Street Collection, these earrings have a significant resale potential for anyone looking to add to their own sales collection. If you’re searching for the perfect gift, however, look no further. You’ll be hard-pressed to find such fine jewelry at such affordable prices.

Happy bidding!

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Garnet Lore

garnet-protection-ring.jpgWe all recognize garnet as the birthstone for the month of January. Garnet is best known in its deep, rich red color—a gorgeous burst of color during winter months.

Did you know, however, that garnet comes in essentially every color but blue? Garnet goes by different names depending upon its coloring. For instance, dark green is called tsavorite and orange goes by the name hessonite. Who knew? Well, now you do!

Garnet lore claims the stone to have healing powers. It is also said to give the wearer strength and protection.

If anything, this ring will protect the wearer by its 2.66 carat total weight which can pack a good punch! This ring is crafted of white gold and holds not only 33 garnet stones (one of which is the 1.71 carat weight center stone) but also holds 14 round cut white diamonds. It’s a beautiful ring and will make a fabulous gift for any woman.

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