What is the difference between precious and semi-precious stones?

The four precious stones are diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald; everything else is semi-precious. The distinction is historical rather than scientific and does not reliably reflect rarity or value. A fine alexandrite or paraiba tourmaline can command far higher prices than a low-grade ruby or emerald.

Are semi-precious stones real gemstones?

Yes, semi-precious stones are genuine natural gemstones, just as precious stones are. The word semi-precious does not mean fake or inferior; it simply places them in a historical classification system. Amethyst, garnet, aquamarine and hundreds of others are all real gem materials with their own qualities and value.

Is the term semi-precious still used today?

It is still used in everyday conversation and retail, though many in the gem industry find it misleading and prefer to just call everything gemstones. It remains a useful shorthand for shoppers to understand they are not buying one of the four classic precious stones, but the implied hierarchy of value is often inaccurate.

What Are Semi-Precious Stones? Gemstone Types

#01
Diamond
A diamond is a gemstone made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure so tight and regular that it becomes the hardest naturally occurring material on earth, rating 10 on the Mohs scale.
#02
Ruby
Ruby is a variety of corundum, the mineral form of aluminium oxide, coloured red by traces of chromium in the crystal structure.
#03
Sapphire
Sapphire is a variety of corundum, the same mineral family as ruby, and it comes in almost every colour imaginable: the most famous is blue, but sapphires are also found in pink, yellow, orange, white, teal, violet and black.
#04
Emerald
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl coloured a rich, vivid green by traces of chromium and vanadium, and it is one of the four traditional precious gemstones alongside diamond, ruby and sapphire.
#05
Gemstone
A gemstone is a mineral crystal, rock or organic material that is valued for its beauty, rarity and durability and cut or polished for use in jewellery or decorative objects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between precious and semi-precious stones?: The four precious stones are diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald; everything else is semi-precious. The distinction is historical rather than scientific and does not reliably reflect rarity or value. A fine alexandrite or paraiba tourmaline can command far higher prices than a low-grade ruby or emerald.
Are semi-precious stones real gemstones?: Yes, semi-precious stones are genuine natural gemstones, just as precious stones are. The word semi-precious does not mean fake or inferior; it simply places them in a historical classification system. Amethyst, garnet, aquamarine and hundreds of others are all real gem materials with their own qualities and value.
Is the term semi-precious still used today?: It is still used in everyday conversation and retail, though many in the gem industry find it misleading and prefer to just call everything gemstones. It remains a useful shorthand for shoppers to understand they are not buying one of the four classic precious stones, but the implied hierarchy of value is often inaccurate.

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Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.

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Related terms

Diamond

Ruby

Sapphire

Emerald

Gemstone

Frequently asked questions

Talk through semi-precious stones with us