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Exploring the Beauty of Semi Precious Stones

For several decades semi-precious stones have dominated the gemstone marketplace, offering consumers the chance to express themselves individually through their jewelry. The question asked by many, however, is whether a semi-precious stone can truly be considered a valuable piece of jewelry or little more than a poor imitation of its often more highly priced counterparts. Is semi-precious stone as valuable as precious stone? And does it even matter? 

Definition 

Those who view semi-precious stones as inferior and therefore less desirable than precious stones rarely have taken the time to discover what the difference between the two is. The bottom line for jewelers and consumers alike is that there is no difference between precious and semi-precious gems when it comes to the value of the stones themselves. In fact, theFederal Trade Commission has considered banning the classification of gems under the terms precious and semi-precious on several occasions because of their ability to be misinterpreted by those outside of the professional community. 

Historically, gems classified as precious were both rare and revered, much as we might view the latest technological gadget. There were two criteria used by gemologists to determine a stone’s classification: 

1) Market availability. As in all things, gems that were only available in select locations were considered far more valuable than their widely spread counterparts. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds have traditionally been considered the major players in precious gems. Amethysts were once classified among their number; however, the discovery of generous deposits of the stone in Brazil and neighboring Uruguay made the amethyst more widely available to the public and changed its classification. 

2) How they were used. This, more than their market availability, has been the major considering factor in determining whether a gem would be known as precious or semi-precious. It seems that all things eventually come back to politics and religion, and gems that held ceremonial or ecclesiastical value were considered to be more valuable than their commonplace counterparts. 

There are no true, scientific differences between precious and semi-precious stones. A low quality diamond is less valuable than high quality aquamarine, and an exquisitely designed lapis lazuli may sell for more than a rather uninspired ruby. Modern technology being as advanced as it is, many gems are high quality synthetic and/or treated rather than completely natural and render the classifications of precious and semi-precious fairly meaningless. 

What Stones are Semi-Precious 

Since the first piece of jewelry was designed hundreds of years ago there have been over one hundred and thirty types of gems and minerals classified as semi-precious at one point or another, although only a few dozen continue to be commonly used today. The list of semi-precious stones currently available on the market include: 

• Birthstones. Most stones recognized as birthstones (with the obvious exemption of the big 4: diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire) are considered to be semi-precious. 
• Hematite, jade, obsidian, pyrite, tanzanite, agate, opal, turquoise and peridot 
• Stones of organic origin, such as amber, pearls and corals 
• Certain rocks, such as lapis-lazuli (historically used as trading currency between Middle Eastern rulers), are considered to be semi-precious. 

The Advantages of Semi-Precious Stones 

Before rejecting a semi-precious stone based on the fact that it isn’t considered to be as valuable or as widely exotic as its more traditional counterparts, consumers should take some time to consider the advantages of semi-precious gems. First and foremost, stones that are considered to be semi-precious are sometimes (but not always) more affordable than the big four, and because the stone is less costly makers can have more freedom when designing the setting while still staying inside a limited budget. 

Secondly (and this is what has made semi-precious stones truly popular), because there is such a wide variety of semi-precious stones and gems available on the market consumers have the freedom and capability to express their true thoughts and personality through their accessories. Rather than being limited to the glacier-like appearance of a diamond they can choose the warm glow of an amber; rather than the opulence of a ruby wearers can adorn themselves in the beauty and simplicity of turquoise. With semi-precious gems wearers can allow what’s inside to come out while still enjoying the aesthetic pleasures of well crafted jewelry. 




Semiprecious &Gemstone Meanings

 Amazonite

A stone of healing which aligns the physical body & energy field, thus producing a balancing, preventive & rejuvenating energy. Eliminates aggravation by dispelling irritating & negative energy. Assists with relationships by enhancing communication concerning love. Can be found in the Turtle Light Catcher.

 Amethyst

A "stone of change, protection & enlightenment". Enhances spiritual awareness, meditation, visualization, serenity & composure. Attracts good luck & love, calms & transforms. Shifts energies to the higher frequencies of both the spiritual & ethereal levels. Can be found in the Bear, Dragonfly, Peace, Feng Shui Spirit, Amethyst Angel, Faery Queen, Faery Princess, Chakra and Kokopeli Light Catchers as well as the Peace & Calm Amplifier and Negativity Protector Car Charms.

 Aventurine

A powerful general healer, it brings balance to the intellect, emotions & physical being. Quells anxiety, helps in making the right decisions & shields energy drain from outside sources. Can be found in Hopi Healing Hand Light Catcher.

   Blue Lace Agate

Awakens perceptiveness & awareness, clears the mind and enhances spiritual inspiration. Calms, soothes and uplifts thoughts. Eliminates negativity and anger. Can be found in the Eagle, Owl, Wolf, Peace, Faery Queen and Faery Princess Light Catchers.

  Blue Topaz

Assists one in attaining clarity to successfully communicate & manifest desires. Lifts burdens & helps one to see the great overall scheme of life, the "big picture". Attracts abundance & love; relieves tension. Can be found in the Eagle and Whale Light Catchers.  

Carnelian

Stimulates the energy of love & joy. Clears negative energy, allowing light to enter & transformation to occur. Has a stabilizing effect on energy in the home. Awakens inner talents & creativity. Can be found in the Deer, Hummingbird, Feng Shui Fame, Chakra & Kokopeli Light Catchers.

 Chrysocolla

Supports balance & harmony, relationships & self-improvement. Eases emotions bringing renewed strength & balance in love, communication & healing. Helps one to connect with Earth energies, promoting harmony, vitality & endurance during stressful situations. Supports mediation, visualization & reflective insights. Can be found in the Feng Shui Family and Celtic Earth Light Catchers.

 Citrine

Balances & energizes, dissipates negative energy. Enhances personal power, emotional awareness, creativity & optimism. Stimulates abundance by assisting one to acquire wealth & to maintain a state of wealth. Can be found in the Hummingbird, Lion, Feng Shui Creativity, Feng Shui Wealth and Chakra Light Catchers.

  Coral

Facilitates intuition, imagination, and visualization & strengthens understanding of mysticism. Alleviates depression, quiets the emotions ands brings peace. Strengthens the connection to the harmonious energies of the universe.

 Fluorite

Known as a "stone of discernment". Helps to find truth that has been concealed. Eases change and brings strength and protection during transition. Stabilizes energy and helps to bring order to chaos. Supports relationships - individuals & groups - to flourish towards the greatest good. Can be found in the Butterfly and Dragonfly Light Catchers.

 Fossil

Supports growth & the achievement of goals by releasing limiting beliefs & old programming, encouraging openness to novel & innovative opportunities, which are available. An excellent stone for use in business to increase business accomplishments and to imbue quality & distinction within one's environment.

 Garnet

Energizes, revitalizes and balances energy. Inspires love and devotion. Enhances sexuality and as a "stone of health" clears negative energy & enhances personal power for success. Can be found in the Love Lights Passion, Long Life, Feng Shui Fame and Chakra Light Catchers.  

(Gold or Blue) Goldstone

A manmade stone rich in copper. Activates root and sacral chakras enhancing the energies of intuition, sexuality, desire and vitality. Encourages faith that love is attainable once all limiting beliefs are released. Acts as a mood stabilizer on either spectrum-excitability or passivity.  

Hematite

A "stone of mental mastery". Enhances memory, concentration & focus. Deflects negativity. Stimulates the desire for peace and inner happiness, enhancing one's ability to attract love. Can be found in the Turtle, Long Life, Yin/Yang, Feng Shui Career and Circle of Life Light Catchers as well as the Negativity Protector Car Charm.

 Howlite

A "tranquility stone". Calms communication, enhances emotional expression & eliminates stress, rage and rudeness. Assists with the attainment of goals by encouraging ambition and eliminating hesitation. Can be found in the Yin/Yang Light Catcher as well as the Road Rage Protector Car Charm.

 (Nephrite) Jade

Connected with love & virtue, called the "fidelity stone" - balances energies between self/partner & opposing energies in both the internal & external domain of one's reality. Promotes peace & harmony, soothes energy. Assists in finding wisdom for problem solving. Can be found in the Frog and Feng Shui Wealth Light Catchers.

Jadeite (Lavender, White, Yellow)   

Stone of "Magic" brings protection from the spiritual realm. Encourages group cohesiveness, understanding & actualization of purpose. Assists in grounding & accessing limitless resources of the universe. Can be found in the Buffalo, Owl, Whale, Good Luck, Peace, Feng Shui Travel, Faery and Circle of Life Light Catchers.

Jasper

Known as the "Supreme Nurturer", Jasper reminds us why we are here - to assist others to free themselves from limiting bonds & bring joy & light into the world. Helps to balance & unite the energy of the physical with the spiritual toward the attainment of goals. Can be used when one's energy is "low" and to provide protection against negativity.

Fancy Jasper

Is a stone of gentleness and relaxation. Each piece brings about tranquility and enhances ones ability to relax. Fancy Jasper aids serenity and helps eliminate stress, worry and depression. With this inward relaxation, the wearer has the chance to free their mind and think clearly.

  Picture Jasper

A stone of proportion & harmony, wear any time protection from negativity is desired. A stone of “Global Awareness”, it stimulates creative visualization. It promotes spiritual affinity between humanity & nature. It can be used to further both the development and continuance of business pursuits.  

Red Jasper

Helps to rectify unfair situations, helps one to remember previous leanings & to take responsibility for ones life. A stone to help you connect with earth energies, it facilitates the remembering of dreams especially those aspects important to one’s life. Can be found in the Dragon Light Catcher.

 Labradorite

Protects the Aura and facilitates understanding of ones chosen destiny. Helps to keep the Aura clear, balanced, protected & free from energy leaks. Facilitates the understanding of ones chosen destiny & enhances the connection between physical, ethereal & planetary realms. Supports originality & uniqueness.  

Lapis Lazuli

A "stone of protection and enlightenment". Assists with spiritual growth, intuitive perception and objectivity. Mentally calming, supports clarity & helps one to organize day to day activities. Enhances serenity, acceptance and dreams. Can be found in the Bear, Serenity, Feng Shui Career and Chakra Light Catchers.

 Malachite

A "stone of transformation". Assists in coping with setbacks, challenges & changing situations. Aids in releasing negative emotional experiences. Helps to intuit answers, to create an unobstructed path & to identify the steps needed to attain desired result. Brings loyalty in love, friendships and partnerships. Can be found in the Butterfly, Feng Shui Family and Chakra Light Catchers.

 Moonstone

A “stone of changes & wishes”. Helps to clear obstacles on the path of destiny. Supports wellbeing & enhances awareness of body rhythms allowing for a better balance of the body's natural energy. Can be found in the Dolphin, Owl, Wolf, Feng Shui Travel, Goddess and Triskele Light Catchers as well as the Traveler’s Protector Car Charm.

 Peridot

A "stone of rebirth & renewal". Promotes peace & happiness; attracts success & good luck. Protects against negativity & nightmares. Healing to damaged relationships. Attracts comfort & builds vitality. Can be found in the Buffalo Light Catcher.

Quartz

empowers & protects by amplifying & focusing energy. Stores, releases and regulates energy; Facilitates growth and awareness, alleviates anger & opens the spirit for meditation and spiritual development. Can be found in the Peace & Calm Amplifier, Road Rage Protector and Traveler’s Protector Car Charms.

Rose Quartz

Known as the "Stone of Love". Rose Quartz soothes, comforts & reassures, bringing about deep inner healing. Gently removes negativity & attracts the energy of love bringing peacefulness & calm to relationships. Can be found in the Deer, Frog, Love Lights Romance, Feng Shui Relationship and Archangel Ariel - Rose Quartz Light Catchers.

 Rhodonite

Has been called "the stone of love". This love embodies care for humanity and spiritual wellbeing. Brings order to chaos. Supportive emotionally, balances and eases anxiety through clear vision. Can be found in the Celtic Heart and Feng Shui Relationship Light Catchers.

Sodalite

Unites logic and intuition, enhances mediation & inner wisdom. Excellent stone for group work - mentally calming, it eliminates confusion and supports increased efficiency & organization. Helps to define clarity of purpose & direction, & to resolve issues with logic. Can be found in the Lion and Wolf Light Catchers.

Tiger's Eye

Helps to gain insight, to concentrate, to perceive & think more clearly, and to organize scattered details. Calms turmoil, eliminates the "blues" & encourages optimism & enthusiasm for life. Stimulates wealth & enhances the ability to maintain wealth. Can be found in the Feng Shui Wisdom Light Catcher.

 Tree Agate

Has a cleansing, balancing & stabilizing effect to wellbeing. Enhances self-esteem, clarity, perceptiveness & awakens inner talents & abilities. Helps to see the world through a broader point of view. It fosters abundance, wealth, Love & connection with nature. Can be found in the Good Luck and Feng Shui Wealth Light Catchers.

Turquoise

An "anti-negativity stone" & general healer. Dispels negative energy & protects. Encourages self-realization and creative problem solving. Strengthens the body and energy field. Heals the spirit; soothes and brings peace of mind. Attracts love. Can be found in the Dolphin, Chakra and Circle of Life Light Catchers.

Unakite

Helps to bring attention into the 'present'. Provides gentle release of limiting blocks & conditions to personal growth. Balances emotions and strengthens spiritual connection.

 Zoisite

Supports individuality, creativity and uniqueness while maintaining connectedness with humanity. It is considered an excellent healer and energizer of the life force. Can be used to dispel laziness and idleness and is thought to improve health after long periods of illness or stress. Helps amplify the whole energy field of a person, to release inner talents of the mind.