Precious stones: exceptional minerals that inspire dreams
Since the dawn of time, precious stones have amazed and fascinated with their incomparable brilliance and splendid colors. Symbols of wealth and prestige , they have often been used as talismans and have adorned the finery of the greatest kings. Today, gems have lost none of their popularity and continue to inspire dreams with their mystical beauty. Jewelry and crystal healing devote their attention to these wonders of nature ! Are you also a jewel enthusiast? Discover which gemstones are precious ! Come and explore our French jewelry brand .
Precious stones: natural minerals steeped in history
Precious stones have been forming for millennia deep within the Earth's crust. Originating from volcanic , sedimentary or metamorphic rocks, they appear in their raw state as gems .
These are rare minerals with remarkable aesthetic properties. Several types of stones can be distinguished:
- Precious stones : there are four of them—diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Historically, they were considered the rarest and purest. This designation persists today, but it does not necessarily mean that these stones are of superior quality.
- Precious stones (or semi-precious stones): These include all other transparent and colored minerals used in jewelry: quartz, topaz, tourmaline, garnet, etc.
- Organic stones : these are gems made from organic matter and not mineral, such as amber or pearl.
Stones with exceptional characteristics
If precious stones are so highly valued, it's not by chance! They possess remarkable characteristics:
- Beauty : their visual appearance is sublime thanks to their natural radiance, colors and reflections.
- Rarity : Gems are limited natural resources, the extraction of which is more or less difficult, making them rare and coveted.
- Purity : the purity of a stone is defined by the presence of inclusions, small foreign bodies naturally lodged in the stone during its formation.
Gems can be evaluated based on two main criteria:
- Hardness : This refers to a stone's ability to scratch another. It is measured using the Mohs scale. The harder a stone is, the more resistant it is to impacts, ensuring a durable piece of jewelry. Diamond is the benchmark, with a hardness of 10/10.
- Quality : A grading system from A to AAA, established by gemologists, classifies colored gemstones according to their quality. Diamonds have their own grading system, called the 4Cs, which evaluates color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
Precious stone: the star of jewelry stores
Precious and semi-precious stones are essential elements of exceptional jewelry . They delicately enhance a pendant, bracelet, earrings, or ring, especially when combined with yellow or white gold. The brilliance and shimmering colors of the gems illuminate the jewelry and make each piece unique.
If you want to give a wonderful gift to a loved one or treat yourself, order a piece of handmade jewelry made in France from our online store perla-création, or visit our jewelry shop in Grenoble! We will show you our superb creations in semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, gold and silver.
