Semiprecious beads
In real terminology, classifying semiprecious vs. precious stones is pretty tough. That isn’t important though. Craft stores make this easy because its true that semiprecious beads are available for purchase and at a reasonable price because they don’t sell precious stones. They take the guess work of semiprecious versus precious. To make these stones into semiprecious beads, after being cut and polished to the desired shape and size, a hole is cut through the stone to create a single, unique bead.
A precious strand of semiprecious beads!
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When searching in craft/bead stores for semiprecious beads to use in jewelry creations such as necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, or anklets…there are a select few stones that are considered semiprecious. The usuals are: tourmaline, amethyst, jade, garnet, and a couple others. The reason that these particular stones are available at a low price in craft stores is because they are not as rare as diamonds, rubies, or emeralds (which are considered precious and have a higher, less available price).
Recently, technology has made gorgeous stones synthetics such as diamonds (cubic zirconia). These imitations are created in labs that actually are available without the imperfections that a real mined diamond would possess. Emeralds, diamonds, and rubies have been replicated along with other precious gemstones, with more vivid colors due to these lacks of imperfections that come when a natural stone is formed in the earth.
This new process is so great for the current bead jewelry makers because it allows a better chance to get precious stones instead of just the available semiprecious beads. Beading options have seen a growth and all craft artists can make different types of jewelry now.