| Gemstones such as diamonds and rubies are | | | | is composed of silicon dioxide and is itself very |
| regularly used in jewellery because they are both | | | | common but it occurs in many varieties and some |
| rare and unique. For the same reasons these | | | | are very beautiful. Citrine is a yellow form of |
| beautiful stones come with enormous price tags | | | | quartz and this can occur in the same stone as |
| which means that there use is reserved for | | | | amethyst- the most beautiful of quartzes. |
| jewellery that marks special occasions, e.g. | | | | Amethyst is a translucent purple, mauve or violet |
| engagement rings and for luxury products. I am | | | | stone and the very deep and rich varieties are |
| sure that you will have noticed that many items | | | | incredibly striking and seductive. This stone is |
| of costume and fashion jewellery are often | | | | believed to have protective properties, especially |
| described as containing semi-precious gems and | | | | against drunkenness an d for protecting crops and |
| that there prices are remarkably less. So what | | | | driving out evil spirits. It is also thought to inspire |
| exactly are these semi-precious gems? Well like all | | | | intellect and as a stone of friendship. Jade is |
| gemstones they are naturally occurring and mined | | | | another beautifully rich stone and this one is green |
| from in the ground which means that they have | | | | with a subtle lustre. It has been known to man |
| all the uniqueness of diamonds as no two pieces | | | | since prehistoric times when it was valued for its |
| are the same. What defines semi-precious is more | | | | toughness which made it a perfect material for |
| to do with the quality and availability of the stones | | | | weapons and tools. In China jade has always been |
| than their actual chemical make up. In fact even | | | | appreciated aesthetically and has had special |
| some rubies and diamonds can be sold as cheaper | | | | significance as the royal gem and used for making |
| semi-precious grade. So semi-precious stones | | | | fine and luxurious objects. Perhaps due to its |
| have all the natural beauty of gemstones but | | | | calming green hue, jade has been known as the |
| because they are not as rare they are able to be | | | | stone of inner peace, harmony and balance. |
| sold at much lower prices and this makes them | | | | Carnelian is a red or reddish brown variety of |
| perfect for use in handmade costume jewellery | | | | chalcedony which is semi-transparent and has a |
| where they can enhance unique and personal | | | | waxy lustre. It was used widely by the Romans |
| items. Turquoise- an opaque blue-green stone is | | | | for signet and seal rings because of its unusual |
| often classed as semi-precious. It has a stunning | | | | property that hot wax doesnt stick to it. Carnelian |
| and beautiful colour which has meant that it has | | | | is believed to encourage friendship and |
| been given ornamental use for thousands of | | | | cheerfulness and is also recommended to timid |
| years and was greatly used by ancient cultures | | | | people because it is said to give them courage. All |
| for adornment - especially those of ancient Egypt | | | | semi-precious gems have a unique beauty of their |
| and China. The Aztecs also made great use of | | | | own and I believe that they will always be popular |
| turquoise as part of mosaic inlays for masks, | | | | for this reason. I think that their affordability |
| shields, weapons and sculptures and also of | | | | together with their individuality makes them ideal |
| course for jewellery. This ancient gem has always | | | | to use in handmade costume jewellery where it is |
| remained fashionable thanks to its fresh and | | | | important for pieces to be both personal and |
| attractive colour. Quartz is a crystalline rock which | | | | unique. |