| Gemstones such as diamonds and rubies are | | | | a crystalline rock which is composed of silicon |
| regularly used in jewellery becausethey are both | | | | dioxide and isitself very common but it occurs in |
| rare and unique. For the same reasons these | | | | many varieties and some are verybeautiful. Citrine |
| beautiful stonescome with enormous price tags | | | | is a yellow form of quartz and this can occur in |
| which means that there use is reserved | | | | the samestone as amethyst- the most beautiful |
| forjewellery that marks special occasions, e.g. | | | | of quartzes. Amethyst is a translucentpurple, |
| engagement rings and for luxuryproducts. I am | | | | mauve or violet stone and the very deep and rich |
| sure that you will have noticed that many items | | | | varieties areincredibly striking and seductive. This |
| of costume andfashion jewellery are often | | | | stone is believed to have protectiveproperties, |
| described as containing semi-precious gems | | | | especially against drunkenness an d for protecting |
| andthat there prices are remarkably less. So what | | | | crops anddriving out evil spirits. It is also thought |
| exactly are these semi-precious gems? Well like all | | | | to inspire intellect and as astone of friendship. Jade |
| gemstones they are naturally occurring and | | | | is another beautifully rich stone and this one is |
| minedfrom in the ground which means that they | | | | 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. Carnelian is a red or |
| this makes them perfect for use in handmade | | | | reddish brown variety of chalcedony which is |
| costume jewellery where theycan enhance unique | | | | semi-transparent and has a waxy lustre. It was |
| and personal items. Turquoise- an opaque | | | | used widely by the Romans forsignet and seal |
| blue-green stone is often classed as semi-precious. | | | | rings because of its unusual property that hot |
| Ithas a stunning and beautiful colour which has | | | | wax doesn'tstick to it. Carnelian is believed to |
| meant that it has been givenornamental use for | | | | encourage friendship and cheerfulnessand is also |
| thousands of years and was greatly used by | | | | recommended to timid people because it is said to |
| ancientcultures for adornment - especially those | | | | give themcourage. All semi-precious gems have a |
| of ancient Egypt and China. The | | | | unique beauty of their own and I believe thatthey |
| Aztecs also made great use of turquoise as part | | | | will always be popular for this reason. I think that |
| of mosaic inlays for masks,shields, weapons and | | | | their affordabilitytogether with their individuality |
| sculptures and also of course for jewellery. | | | | makes them ideal to use in handmade |
| Thisancient gem has always remained fashionable | | | | costumejewellery where it is important for pieces |
| thanks to its fresh andattractive colour. Quartz is | | | | to be both personal and unique. |