- Sterling Silver Amethyst Pendant
A gemstone is a piece of attractive mineral which, when cut and polished, can be used to make jewellery and other items. Some items, such as lapiz-lazuli or amber and jet, are not minerals but rocks or organic material and still considered to be gemstones due to their use in jewellery. Most gemstones are hard but sometimes soft gems are used in jewellery because of their shine.
The classification of gems dates back to the ancient Greeks with a distinction between precious and semi precious stones. In the modern world the precious gemstones are considered to be diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire (due to their rarity) with the others considered semi precious. There can be exceptions; Tsavorite a rare green garnet is far more valuable than the average emerald. The classification of precious and semi precious stones have changed over the years due to their popularity and characteristics. As an example, amethyst was always considered a precious gem up until the 19th century when huge deposits of the stone were found in Brazil. In the last century peridot, cats eye and aquamarine have all been considered precious gemstones.
Nowdays all types of gems, both precious and semi precious are used in jewellery and at The Silver Jewellery Workshop we have a large selection of silver bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings and necklaces incorporating gems. Why not have a look in our store.