Gemstones or gems are also known as precious or semi-precious stones, and are usually cut and polished stones, minerals or organic material. The most valuable gemstones are the rarest and those with a particularly appealing shape or color. Personal taste is a considerable factor when considering a stone's value since personal taste plays a large part in aesthetic value. This is more important than the labels "precious" or "semi-precious" when choosing a gift, as I will describe below.
Gemstone Bracelets Throughout the Ages
Gemstones were used in Roman times as accents to the intricate designs on their jewelry, such as the eyes of interwoven snakes. The popularity of gemstones and their use as beautiful accents continue today. The use of these increasingly popular stones spread to include individual charms as well as detail work on bracelets made of gold and silver.
In the Victorian era gemstones became popular evening accessories. The variety of colors available in the assortment of gemstones allowed complimentary bracelets for any attire. The desire for multiple bracelets during this time created a boon in bracelet design. The resulting array of styles available, such as the charm and chain bracelets, often included precious and semi-precious stones.
The Myth of "Semi-Precious"
Precious or semi-precious labels have been applied to gemstones in the past, but these considerations change over time and vary with culture and a stone's availability within a region. Because of the variability of these labels, stones are not claimed to be precious or semi-precious within the trade any longer. The label is a hangover from pre-industrial mining days!
Consumers continue to use these labels particularly with diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, and opal stones. Prices usually reflect this cultural consideration of "precious" material. Until large quantities of amethyst were discovered in the 19th century, it too was considered a precious stone and was revered in jewelry design as far back as Greek civilization.
More commonly available stones can be purchased at a generally affordable price allowing a similar assortment of fashionable alternatives such as were popular in Victorian times. Turquoise, hematite, rose quartz, malachite, and amethyst are examples of popular gemstones available at less cost than those considered by consumers to be more precious.
Modern Gemstone Bracelets
Designs for gemstone bracelets today vary greatly from simple silver chains with a single stone attached as a charm to interwoven strands of stones of varying shades. Some are simple link designs such as the popular tennis bracelets which are commonly made of diamond, but may be made of other gems as well such as rubies or emeralds.
A popular style is a bangle bracelet of silver or gold with a gemstone at the clasp. This setting highlights the stone and it's setting while offering a classic bracelet for the wearer. Many more modern designs have created intricate patterns in a larger cuff-style bracelet with gemstones interwoven into the design.
Remember that gifts should be made with the recipient's taste in mind. If the recipient of a bracelet gift has a particular love of all things blue, the lapis lazuli might win over the turquoise, rose quartz, or even a more "precious" stone. The styles and stones available today are as varied as those who wear them. Sometimes larger, clunky stones are the perfect gift, while other occasions call for sleek sophistication. In my opinion, personal recommendations are a better way to find gemstone bracelets, rather than being sold on a higher-priced "precious" stone!
Copyright Geneva Venable (2009); this article may be republished, but only in its entirety.
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