What’s the Difference Between Precious vs Semi-Precious Stones

When shopping for gemstone jewellery, you've likely come across the terms precious and semi-precious stones. While these classifications have been used for centuries, many jewellery lovers are surprised to learn that they don't always reflect a gemstone's beauty, rarity, or value.

Today, both precious and semi-precious gemstones are celebrated for their unique characteristics, colours, and symbolism. Whether you're searching for a vibrant sapphire, a captivating tanzanite, or a timeless pearl, understanding these classifications can help you choose a piece that feels meaningful to you.

The classification of gemstones as either precious or semi-precious dates back centuries. Historically, gemstones were grouped according to their rarity, durability, and popularity among royalty, collectors, and jewellers.

Traditionally, only four gemstones were considered precious:

• Diamond

• Sapphire

• Ruby

• Emerald

These stones were prized for their exceptional beauty, relative rarity, and ability to withstand everyday wear. As a result, they became some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

Every other gemstone was placed into the semi-precious category. This includes a diverse range of stones such as aquamarine, amethyst, tanzanite, opal, garnet, citrine, peridot, morganite, and many others.

It's important to remember that the term semi-precious does not mean a gemstone is only half as valuable or less beautiful than a precious stone. In fact, many semi-precious gemstones are exceptionally rare and highly prized for their distinctive colours, optical properties, and individuality.

Today, gemmologists and jewellery experts are more likely to assess a gemstone based on its quality, rarity, colour, cut, and overall desirability rather than relying solely on these traditional classifications.

The term semi-precious refers to every gemstone that does not fall into the traditional precious category. This includes an extraordinary range of stones, each with its own character, symbolism, and natural beauty.

Some of the most popular semi-precious gemstones include:

• Aquamarine

• Topaz

• Amethyst

• Garnet

• Tanzanite

• Opal

• Iolite

• Morganite

• Citrine

• Peridot

• Alexandrite

• Tsavorite

Many of these gemstones are loved not only for their beauty, but also for their rarity and unique characteristics. Some can be surprisingly difficult to find in exceptional quality, making them particularly sought after.

That's why the jewellery world has moved away from viewing precious and semi-precious stones as a simple ranking system. Instead, the focus is on what makes each gemstone special, whether that's its colour, rarity, durability, symbolism, or the story behind it.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that precious stones are automatically more valuable than semi-precious stones.

In reality, a gemstone's value, similarly to a diamond’s, depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Rarity

• Colour quality

• Clarity

• Cut

• Size

• Origin

• Overall desirability

For example, a fine-quality tanzanite, alexandrite, or tsavorite may be significantly rarer than many commercially available precious gemstones.

Similarly, exceptional opals can command impressive prices due to their unique play of colour, while high-quality aquamarines are treasured for their remarkable clarity and serene blue hue.

Rather than focusing solely on classification, it's often more helpful to consider what makes a particular gemstone special to you.

Durability is another factor worth considering, particularly if you're choosing jewellery intended for everyday wear.

It's worth noting that durability is about more than simply how hard a gemstone is. Gemmologists assess durability using several factors, including hardness (resistance to scratching), toughness (resistance to chipping or breaking), and stability (how well a stone withstands heat, light, and everyday wear).

Traditionally classified as precious stones, sapphires and rubies are among the most durable gemstones available. Both belong to the corundum family and rank 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, second only to diamonds. Their exceptional hardness and toughness make them popular choices for engagement rings and jewellery designed to be worn every day.

Many semi-precious gemstones also offer excellent durability. Aquamarine and topaz are well suited to regular wear thanks to their hardness and resistance to scratching, while garnet provides a beautiful balance of durability and vibrant colour. Alexandrite is another highly durable choice, prized not only for its strength but also for its remarkable ability to change colour under different lighting conditions.

Other gemstones require a little more consideration. Opals, for example, are admired for their mesmerising play of colour but are softer than many other gemstones, making them better suited to jewellery that won't be exposed to heavy daily wear. Similarly, pearls possess a timeless elegance but can be vulnerable to scratches, chemicals, and prolonged exposure to moisture.

The truth is that there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing a gemstone. While precious stones have long been admired for their heritage and enduring appeal, semi-precious gemstones offer their own distinctive beauty, rarity, and character.

When selecting gemstone jewellery, it's worth considering:

Your preferred colour palette: From the deep blue of sapphire to the fresh green of peridot or the warm glow of citrine, colour is often the first thing that captures our attention.

• The symbolism behind the stone: Many gemstones are associated with particular meanings, making them especially thoughtful gifts or meaningful keepsakes.

• How often you plan to wear it: Some gemstones are better suited to everyday wear, while others may be ideal for occasional use and special celebrations.

• Your personal style: Whether you favour classic elegance, contemporary designs, or something more distinctive, there's a gemstone to suit every aesthetic.

• The occasion you're celebrating: Engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, achievements, and personal milestones can all influence the gemstone that feels most appropriate.

Ultimately, the most meaningful gemstone is rarely determined by its classification. Instead, it's the stone that speaks to you, reflects your personality, or captures the significance of a special moment.

Whether you're searching for a timeless classic or something a little more distinctive, our gemstone jewellery collection showcases an array of exceptional stones, colours, and designs.

Browse the Diamonds & Co range to discover natural and selected lab-created gemstone jewellery crafted to be cherished for years to come, or see our gemstone buying guide for help and inspiration.