Mael Gems - The art of magnifying stone.
Precious stones and fine stones: why this distinction?
You've probably heard of precious stones and semi-precious stones, but do you really know what distinguishes them? This classification, rooted in the world of jewelry, can be confusing.
At MaelGems, we believe understanding this distinction is essential for any lover of beautiful stones. Discover what differentiates these gems and how to choose the ones that will enhance your jewelry.
What are the 4 precious stones?
In the world of gemology, only four stones are officially classified as precious:
Diamond :
A symbol of eternity and the epitome of luxury, this marvel of pure carbon seduces with its unparalleled hardness and incomparable brilliance.*
Sapphire :
Known for its majestic beauty and array of colors, sapphire embodies wisdom and fidelity. Its exceptional durability makes it a prime choice for jewelry designed to last for generations.
Diamond :
A symbol of eternity and the epitome of luxury, this marvel of pure carbon seduces with its unparalleled hardness and incomparable brilliance.*
Sapphire :
Known for its majestic beauty and array of colors, sapphire embodies wisdom and fidelity. Its exceptional durability makes it a prime choice for jewelry designed to last for generations.
Ruby :
A stone of courage and passion, the ruby captivates with its flamboyant red color. Revered since ancient times, it symbolizes ardent love and vital energy.
Emerald :
An elegant and mysterious gemstone, the emerald captivates with its deep green color, reminiscent of lush nature. Its enigmatic beauty makes it a coveted gem among connoisseurs.
Ruby :
A stone of courage and passion, the ruby captivates with its flamboyant red color. Revered since ancient times, it symbolizes ardent love and vital energy.
Emerald :
An elegant and mysterious gemstone, the emerald captivates with its deep green color, reminiscent of lush nature. Its enigmatic beauty makes it a coveted gem among connoisseurs.
These four natural wonders have for centuries held a privileged place in high-end jewelry for their fascinating brilliance and strong symbolism.
Brilliant and varied gems
What is a fine stone?
Gemstones include all other natural gemstones used in jewelry. Far from being secondary, they offer an extraordinary palette of colors and properties.
Among these treasures of nature:
- Amethyst: Appreciated for its captivating purple hues, this variety of quartz combines delicacy and character.
- Topaz: A luminous stone with varied colors, topaz seduces with its crystalline clarity and its shades ranging from icy blue to warm champagne.
- Tourmaline: One of the few stones that exists in almost every color of the spectrum. Each specimen tells a unique story.
- Aquamarine: A soft and soothing gemstone, aquamarine captures the essence of the oceans in its sky blue reflections.
- Peridot: This vibrant stone with golden-green hues is one of the few gems that only occurs in one color.
These fine stones offer incredible diversity and are often more accessible than their precious cousins, while offering remarkable aesthetic qualities.
What are the real differences between a precious stone and a fine stone?
Beyond the traditional classification, several factors distinguish these two categories:
Hardness and strength: Measured on the Mohs scale, hardness influences jewelry use. Precious stones, such as diamond (10/10) and sapphire (9/10), offer exceptional strength. Some gemstones, such as topaz (8/10), also exhibit excellent durability.
Color and brilliance: While gemstones are renowned for their brilliance, some gemstones rival this admirably. A Paraiba tourmaline with electric turquoise hues can captivate as much as a classic gemstone.
Price and Demand: Precious stones generally command higher prices. However, some exceptionally rare gemstones can achieve comparable values.
Use in jewelry: Precious or fine, all these natural wonders can be worked by passionate lapidaries to create magnificent and unique jewelry.
A myth to deconstruct
Are fine stones less valuable than precious stones?
Contrary to popular belief, some fine stones are as rare and precious as stones classified as precious.
Contrary to popular belief, some gemstones are as rare and valuable as those classified as precious. Here are two telling and concrete examples:
Paraiba tourmaline , discovered only in the 1980s, displays a unique electric blue-green color and extreme rarity that make it one of the most sought-after gems in the world, often exceeding the price of some sapphires or emeralds.
Likewise, a spinel of exceptional quality can reach astronomical values.
Paraiba tourmaline , discovered only in the 1980s, displays a unique electric blue-green color and extreme rarity that make it one of the most sought-after gems in the world, often exceeding the price of some sapphires or emeralds.
Likewise, a spinel of exceptional quality can reach astronomical values.
The classification "precious" or "fine" does not always reflect the true value of a stone, but rather a historical tradition. At MaelGems, we value each gem for its intrinsic qualities, beyond traditional categories.
How to choose between a precious stone and a fine stone for your jewelry?
Choosing a stone is, above all, a matter of the heart. Here are some considerations to guide you:
According to your budget: Fine stones offer a wider price range, allowing you to find wonders suited to all budgets.
According to your taste: Don't limit yourself to classifications! A perfect aquamarine can be as spectacular as a sapphire, while offering a different personality.
Depending on the jewelry's use: For a ring worn daily, choose a durable stone. Diamonds, sapphires, topaz, and spinels are excellent choices.
According to symbolism: Each stone has a unique meaning. Whether you're looking for a stone that evokes love (ruby), protection (turquoise), or creativity (opal), there's a gem that will resonate with your intention.
At MaelGems, we invite you to explore our carefully curated collection. Our expertise and passion allow us to guide you in discovering the gem that will enhance your next piece of jewelry.
Because beyond classifications, it is the natural beauty, the emotion aroused and the unique history of each stone that gives it its true value.
How to choose between a precious stone and a fine stone for your jewelry?
Choosing a stone is, above all, a matter of the heart. Here are some considerations to guide you:
According to your budget: Fine stones offer a wider price range, allowing you to find wonders suited to all budgets.
According to your taste: Don't limit yourself to classifications! A perfect aquamarine can be as spectacular as a sapphire, while offering a different personality.
Depending on the jewelry's use: For a ring worn daily, choose a durable stone. Diamonds, sapphires, topaz, and spinels are excellent choices.
According to symbolism: Each stone has a unique meaning. Whether you're looking for a stone that evokes love (ruby), protection (turquoise), or creativity (opal), there's a gem that will resonate with your intention.
At MaelGems, we invite you to explore our carefully curated collection. Our expertise and passion allow us to guide you in discovering the gem that will enhance your next piece of jewelry.
Because beyond classifications, it is the natural beauty, the emotion aroused and the unique history of each stone that gives it its true value.
