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Use of natural gemstones in fine jewelry began in prehistoric times and continues to symbolize timeless beauty and personal significance today. There are hundreds of gemstones used in fine jewelry that are broadly categorized into two types: precious and semi-precious. Precious gemstones include Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires, whereas semi-precious gemstones include Black Onyx, Lapis, Rose Quartz, White Quartz, Amethyst, Blue Chalcedony, Malachite, and Amazonite, among hundreds of others. Each stone brings unique character and allure to a piece of jewelry, turning it into an exquisite, wearable work of art.
At Andria Arie, we celebrate the originality and beauty of natural gemstones, and our customizable jewelry collection offers a curated selection of natural gemstone jewelry pieces that can be adapted to suit any occasion.
In this article we discuss some of the most interesting and unique gemstones in jewelry that have captivated human imagination for centuries
The Significance of Natural Gemstones in Fine Jewelry
Natural gemstones have been highly coveted and revered throughout history. In early civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia and later on the Greeks and the Romans, gemstones represented symbols of wealth, power, status, and spirituality. In some of these ancient cultures, gemstones were considered gifts from the divine providing protection and spiritual significance.
The early Egyptians, for instance, believed gemstones could connect them to the gods. The royals of Europe often displayed them to signify authority and power. For centuries and across diverse cultures, gemstones have long been imbued with meaning.
Today, the allure of both precious and semi-precious natural gemstones in fine jewelry remains strong. While their use in ceremony and royal courts is non-existent, their power to captivate and evoke emotion remains significant.
Types of Natural Stones for Jewelry
Fine jewelry is often viewed as an expression of personal identity, and both precious and semiprecious gemstone jewelry are the perfect medium for this self-expression
Natural gemstones are more than just about aesthetics; they evoke a certain type of meaning and significance.
As mentioned earlier, there are countless semiprecious gemstones used in fine jewelry. These stones come from all around the world in many beautiful color variations, making them perfect for jewelry creation. At Andria Arie, we have selected some of the most beautiful semiprecious natural gemstones for jewelry that showcase the stones’ beauty, versatility, and elegance.
Lapis Lazuli
One of the most celebrated natural gemstones in history, Lapis Lazuli has a rich connection to ancient civilizations, most notably the Egyptians. Revered for its vivid blue color, Lapis was often used in the jewelry and adornments of royalty.
Ancient Egyptians believed Lapis was essential for enlightenment, with its deep blue hue symbolizing the heavens. Lapis jewelry remains a favorite for those looking to make a bold yet refined statement in their jewelry collection.
Black Onyx
Black Onyx, with its deep, rich black color, has been used for centuries in the creation of seals, carvings, and ornamental jewelry. Its dark hue makes it a perfect statement stone for those who appreciate a more subtle yet striking look.
The early Romans often used Onyx in their jewelry, associating its bold, lustrous color with bravery and resilience. In modern fine jewelry, Black Onyx is often favored for its simplicity and ability to create contrast, particularly when paired with other gemstones. Black-colored Onyx is extremely rare, in fact, Black Onyx today is mostly grey and color-enhanced to make it appear black. Its smooth, glossy finish reflects light in a way that adds an element of depth to any piece. Black Onyx jewelry is a favored choice for those seeking a refined yet understated statement piece.
Amethyst
February’s birthstone, Amethyst, is known for its stunning purple tones, ranging from deep violet to pale lavender. This natural gemstone has roots tracing back to the original Greeks and Romans. In fact, Amethyst was considered a precious gem, worn by royalty and nobility for its association with wealth, protection, and spiritual healing.
Amethyst jewelry is often linked to tranquility and peace. Its rich, calming color makes it a popular choice for fine jewelry.
Red Jasper
Red Jasper is one of the most vibrant and energizing stones in fine jewelry. Characterized by a deep red hue, this natural gemstone has been associated with strength, vitality, and endurance.
The ancient Egyptians and Greeks valued this stone for its protective qualities, using it as a talisman to ward off negative influences and bring balance to their lives. The name jasper is derived from the French word “jaspre” and the Latin word “iaspidem,” which translates to spotted or speckled stone.
An opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz known as chalcedony, Red Jasper is no longer the rare natural gemstone it once was. Still, that doesn’t make it any less stunning. Additionally, because the stone has a 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, it is quite durable and resilient. Wear a piece of Red Jasper fine jewelry and you’ll have a statement piece in both appearance and physicality.
Malachite
As one of the most captivating types of green stones for jewelry, Malachite is a striking gemstone, recognized for its rich, swirling patterns of light and dark green. The mineral Malachite is the result of the combination of water, carbon dioxide, and copper ore. Typically found in the upper oxidized portion of copper deposits and alongside other copper minerals such as azurite and chrysocolla, Malachite gets its distinctive green hue from the 50-60% copper content.
Malachite jewelry’s vibrant green tones make it an eye-catching addition to any fine jewelry collection. Its intensity yet versatility makes it ideal for gemstone jewelry including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is perhaps one of the most recognized natural semi-precious gemstones. Associated with love and emotional healing, this delicate pink stone is often called the “Stone of Love” because it is believed to open the heart and encourage self-love, compassion, and healing. It is widely used in fine jewelry to embody a romantic feel.
A quieter stone, Rose Quartz jewelry presents a softer contrast to some of the more vivid and pronounced semi-precious gemstone options. It offers subtle sophistication in an understated manner that is adorned by many.
Blue Chalcedony
As one of the rarest varieties of Chalcedony, Blue Chalcedony is a natural semi-precious gemstone of which the variety of hues range from pale sky blue to cornflower blue to lavender-blue and even grayish-blue. The gemstone is occasionally referred to as “blue chrysophrase” if enough copper is present to portray a rich enough shade of blue
Chalcedony is a microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline variety of quartz and composed of super fine, closely packed quartz crystals. On the Mohs scale of hardness, Blue Chalcedony ranges from 6.5 to 7, making it durable enough for everyday wear when incorporated into fine jewelry. It is still important to take extra care when wearing Blue Chalcedony jewelry, as harder surfaces can scratch the gemstone.
Amazonite
Amazonite is a unique natural gemstone, featuring a blend of blue-green hues with light-colored streaks that give it a distinctive, ethereal appearance. Known as the “Stone of Luck,” by many, Amazonite holds valuable significance across several cultures. This ornamental gemstone is treasured for its vibrancy and versatility.
With a 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Amazonite can be easily cut into cabochons for necklaces, pendants, earrings, and rings. It resists easy scratches but must still be protected from impact and abrasion. Amazonite’s lustrous finish exudes a radiant glassy, somewhat pearly gleam that makes it highly sought after in fine jewelry.
White Quartz
White Quartz is one of the few natural gemstones revered for its simplicity and purity. It is known for its milky white appearance, although White Quartz may also present a translucent appearance depending on its variety. Its subtle color makes it versatile, allowing it to blend seamlessly with both gold and silver jewelry settings. This natural gemstone is the perfect choice for those seeking a minimalist yet refined piece that embodies tranquility and purity.
Embrace the Beauty of Our Fine Jewelry Stones
The types of jewelry stones used in fine jewelry offer an endless array of choices, each with its own unique properties and significance.
At Andria Arie, we believe that the right gemstone can elevate any piece of jewelry, transforming it from a simple accessory into a statement of personal meaning and elegance. Each of our natural gemstones is selected for its beauty, significance, and timeless appeal. With exquisite stones that span the spectrum of color, we provide you with the opportunity to tell your own narrative through your jewelry.
Our collection of fine interchangeable gemstone jewelry reflects the diversity and beauty of the stones we use, offering you the freedom to personalize your pieces. Our innovative, customizable jewelry celebrates the freedom of variety. Wearers can change their look as they change their minds. Our patented interchangeable system lets you change out the large center gemstone to coordinate with your look on any given day. Each removable gemstone is cut and calibrated to fit our pieces.
This innovative system keeps the gemstones secure in place and also makes it easy to alternate between stones without compromising the integrity of the piece. The convenience and flexibility of this design give you the luxury of multiple looks from a single, elegant piece of jewelry. Explore our selection today or contact us so we can help you find the perfect piece to complement your jewelry collection.
