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Guide to semi-precious stones

Guide des pierres semi-précieuses
semi-precious stone guide

Do you have a piece of semi-precious stone jewelry that you cherish and want to learn more about these fascinating stones with their many virtues? Discover our guide to semi-precious stones: how to distinguish them, which are the most well-known, and what are their virtues!

What is a semi-precious stone?

A semi-precious stone, also called a fine stone , is by definition anything that does not fall into the exclusive club of precious stones . Indeed, the terminology “precious stone” is a historical, internationally recognized term that only applies to four gemstones in the world: diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

The rest of the gemstones are classified as semi-precious stones. This exhaustive list is officially compiled by the CIJBO (International Confederation of Jewellery, Jewellers, Goldsmiths of Diamonds, Pearls and Stones) , and includes gemstones such as garnet, amethyst, turquoise, opal and jasper.

Finally, a third category includes all organic stones, made from non-mineral materials such as pearls, mother-of-pearl or even amber.

Focus on the most well-known semi-precious stones

Gemstones are prized not only because they come in all colors and shapes, but also because they are associated with numerous beneficial properties for the body and mind. Are you looking to purchase a beautiful piece of semi-precious stone jewelry to treat yourself and enjoy the benefits of these gems? Let's discover the most popular gemstones and their properties.

Rose quartz

Rose quartz is a variety of quartz naturally tinted pink. In lithotherapy, a non-traditional healing method involving the use of stones, rose quartz is considered the stone of love. According to beliefs, it brings peace and unconditional love to those who wear it, as it balances the heart chakra.

For its new Made in Barcelona collection , Madame Melon offers you beautiful rose quartz jewelry in the Gracia collection. Discover our Gracia rose quartz and gold ring , or our rose quartz necklace with fine gold chain, to wear around your neck to find serenity and shine!

Amethyst

Amethyst is one of the most well-known gemstones. Recognizable by its distinctive purple color, due to the presence of iron in its chemical composition, amethyst has been used as protection since ancient Rome and Greece. A stone of wisdom, amethyst is known to bring serenity, grounding, and relief to those who wear it as jewelry.

If you also want to benefit from its properties, we recommend you adopt the Gracia amethyst necklace , gilded with fine gold and ethically and handcrafted in Barcelona.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a fine stone from the silicate family. It can be found naturally in the seven shades of the rainbow: bright pink to brown, neon blue or turquoise, deep blue, black, lilac, yellow, light green, etc.

In its new collection, Madame Melon offers you a black tourmaline necklace with a fine gold-plated chain, to be worn as a protective stone to chase away negative energies.

Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a gemstone recognizable by its characteristic bright blue or azure color. Its use by civilizations dates back a very long time, as it can be found in ornamental objects and jewelry created over 7,000 years ago!

In gemmotherapy, lapis lazuli is considered a protective and healing gemstone for many ailments. We therefore recommend that you take a look at this magnificent lapis lazuli necklace if you wish to benefit from its healing and liberating properties (helps with self-confidence).

Want to discover more fine stones set in beautiful jewelry? We invite you to take a look at our new ethical collection , inspired and made in Barcelona!