Precious opal stones or gemstones are also known as gems or semi-precious stones and are usually cut and polished stones, minerals or organic material. The most valuable gems are the rarest and those with a particularly attractive shape or color. Personal taste is a significant factor in considering the value of a stone, as personal taste plays a large role in aesthetic value. This is more important when choosing a gift than the "precious" or "semi-precious" label, as I will describe below.
Gemstone Opal Bracelets Through the Ages
Gemstones were used in Roman times as accents for intricate designs on their jewelry, such as the eyes of entwined snakes. The popularity of gemstones and their use as beautiful accents continues today. The use of these increasingly popular stones has expanded to include individual charms as well as detailed work on gold and silver bracelets.
In the Victorian era, precious stones became popular evening accessories. The variety of colors available in the range of gemstones made for complimentary bracelets for any outfit. The desire for more bracelets during this time created a boon in bracelet design. The resulting range of styles available, such as pendants and chain bracelets, often included precious and semi-precious stones.
The myth of "semi-expensive"
In the past, gemstones were referred to as precious or semi-precious, but these considerations change over time and vary according to culture and the availability of the stone within a region. Due to the variability of these labels, stones are no longer claimed to be precious or semi-precious within the trade. The label is a hangover from the pre-industrial days of mining!
Consumers continue to use these labels especially with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and opals. Prices usually reflect this cultural consideration of "rare" material. Until large quantities of amethyst were discovered in the 19th century, it was also considered a precious stone and was revered in fire opal design as far back as the Greek civilization.
More commonly available stones can be purchased at a generally affordable price allowing for a similar range of fashionable alternatives as were popular in the Victorian era. Turquoise, hematite, rose quartz, malachite, and amethyst are examples of popular gemstones available at a lower price than those considered more rare by consumers.
Modern gemstone bracelets
Gemstone bracelet designs today vary greatly from simple silver chains with a single stone attached as a charm to intertwined strands of stones of different hues. Some are simple in design, such as the popular tennis bracelets, which are commonly made from diamonds, but can also be made from other gemstones such as rubies or emeralds.
A popular style is a silver or gold bracelet with a gemstone clasp. This setting highlights the stone and its setting while offering a classic bracelet for the wearer. Many more modern designs have created intricate patterns in a larger cuff style bracelet with gems woven into the design.
