Nevada Discount Mart

Gemstones or gems are also known as precious or semi-precious stones, and are usually cut and polished stones, minerals or organic material.  The most valuable gemstones are the rarest and those with a particularly appealing shape or color.  Personal taste is a considerable factor when considering a stone’s value since personal taste plays a large part in aesthetic value.  This is more important than the labels “precious” or “semi-precious” when choosing a gift, as I will describe below. 

Gemstone Bracelets Throughout the Ages

Gemstones were used in Roman times as accents to the intricate designs on their jewelry, such as the eyes of interwoven snakes.  The popularity of gemstones and their use as beautiful accents continue today.  The use of these increasingly popular stones spread to include individual charms as well as detail work on bracelets made of gold and silver. 

In the Victorian era gemstones became popular evening accessories.  The variety of colors available in the assortment of gemstones allowed complimentary bracelets for any attire.  The desire for multiple bracelets during this time created a boon in bracelet design.  The resulting array of styles available, such as the charm and chain bracelets, often included precious and semi-precious stones.

The Myth of “Semi-Precious”

Precious or semi-precious labels have been applied to gemstones in the past, but these considerations change over time and vary with culture and a stone’s availability within a region.  Because of the variability of these labels, stones are not claimed to be precious or semi-precious within the trade any longer. The label is a hangover from pre-industrial mining days!

Consumers continue to use these labels particularly with diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, and opal stones.  Prices usually reflect this cultural consideration of “precious” material.  Until large quantities of amethyst were discovered in the 19th century, it too was considered a precious stone and was revered in jewelry design as far back as Greek civilization.

More commonly available stones can be purchased at a generally affordable price allowing a similar assortment of fashionable alternatives such as were popular in Victorian times.  Turquoise, hematite, rose quartz, malachite, and amethyst are examples of popular gemstones available at less cost than those considered by consumers to be more precious.

Modern Gemstone Bracelets

Read the rest of this entry »