| Gemstones such as diamonds and rubies are | | | | silicon dioxide and isitself very common but it |
| regularly used in jewellery becausethey are both | | | | occurs in many varieties and some are |
| rare and unique. For the same reasons these | | | | verybeautiful. Citrine is a yellow form of quartz |
| beautiful stonescome with enormous price tags | | | | and this can occur in the samestone as amethyst- |
| which means that there use is reserved | | | | the most beautiful of quartzes. Amethyst is a |
| forjewellery that marks special occasions, e.g. | | | | translucentpurple, mauve or violet stone and the |
| engagement rings and for luxuryproducts. I am | | | | very deep and rich varieties areincredibly striking |
| sure that you will have noticed that many items | | | | and seductive. This stone is believed to have |
| of costume andfashion jewellery are often | | | | protectiveproperties, especially against |
| described as containing semi-precious gems | | | | drunkenness an d for protecting crops anddriving |
| andthat there prices are remarkably less. So what | | | | out evil spirits. It is also thought to inspire intellect |
| exactly are these semi-precious gems? Well like all | | | | and as astone of friendship. |
| gemstones they are naturally occurring and | | | | Jade is another beautifully rich stone and this one |
| minedfrom in the ground which means that they | | | | is green with a subtlelustre. It has been known to |
| have all the uniqueness of diamondsas no two | | | | man since prehistoric times when it was valuedfor |
| pieces are the same. What defines semi-precious | | | | its toughness which made it a perfect material for |
| is more to do withthe quality and availability of the | | | | weapons and tools. In |
| stones than their actual chemical make up. | | | | China jade has always been appreciated |
| In fact even some rubies and diamonds can be | | | | aesthetically and has had specialsignificance as 'the |
| sold as cheaper semi-preciousgrade. So | | | | royal gem' and used for making fine and |
| semi-precious stones have all the natural beauty | | | | luxuriousobjects. Perhaps due to its calming green |
| of gemstones butbecause they are not as rare | | | | hue, jade has been known as thestone of inner |
| they are able to be sold at much lower pricesand | | | | peace, harmony and balance. |
| this makes them perfect for use in handmade | | | | Carnelian is a red or reddish brown variety of |
| costume jewellery where theycan enhance unique | | | | chalcedony which is semi-transparent and has a |
| and personal items. | | | | waxy lustre. It was used widely by the Romans |
| Turquoise- an opaque blue-green stone is often | | | | forsignet and seal rings because of its unusual |
| classed as semi-precious. Ithas a stunning and | | | | property that hot wax doesn'tstick to it. Carnelian |
| beautiful colour which has meant that it has been | | | | is believed to encourage friendship and |
| givenornamental use for thousands of years and | | | | cheerfulnessand is also recommended to timid |
| was greatly used by ancientcultures for | | | | people because it is said to give themcourage. |
| adornment - especially those of ancient Egypt and | | | | All semi-precious gems have a unique beauty of |
| China. The | | | | their own and I believe thatthey will always be |
| Aztecs also made great use of turquoise as part | | | | popular for this reason. I think that their |
| of mosaic inlays for masks,shields, weapons and | | | | affordabilitytogether with their individuality makes |
| sculptures and also of course for jewellery. | | | | them ideal to use in handmade costumejewellery |
| Thisancient gem has always remained fashionable | | | | where it is important for pieces to be both |
| thanks to its fresh andattractive colour. | | | | personal and unique. |
| Quartz is a crystalline rock which is composed of | | | | |