Are you fascinated by natural stones? Grouped under the term gemstones, whether precious, semi-precious, or ornamental, natural stones intrigue as much as they dazzle. Wearing a fashion jewelry piece with natural stone invariably adds a touch of elegance and character to your look. There are jewelry pieces, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings with natural stones in all styles.
What is a gemstone? Are precious stones different from gemstones? What are the properties of each natural stone? How to care for your gemstone jewelry? Let’s clarify.
What is a gemstone?
A gemstone is a stone that has formed in a natural setting. Gemology is the study of gemstones. While the vast majority of gemstones are of mineral origin, some, like coral or amber, are organic.
A gemstone can be transparent, translucent, or, less commonly, opaque. It must be capable of being cut. Today, fine stones, precious stones, and ornamental stones are all grouped under the term "gemstone." These various types of stones are used in jewelry.
A gemstone meets criteria of cut, rarity, luster, transparency, color, and weight.
Gemstones and precious stones: what are the differences?
Since the early 2000s, all types of precious stones actually fall into the category of gemstones. The family of gemstones is indeed a general category that includes several types of natural stones.
However, it is common to see gemstones associated only with semi-precious (or fine) and organic stones.
The properties of gemstones or natural stones
Each gemstone or semi-precious stone has a number of characteristics, such as level of transparency, color, or hardness.
The characteristics of gemstones
| Stone | Family | Transparency | Color | Hardness |
| Turquoise | Turquoise | Opaque | Blue, azure blue | Between 5 and 6 |
| Rose quartz | Quartz | Transparent to opaque | Pink, pale pink, colorless, pale beige, brown, black, chestnut | 7 |
| Garnet | Garnet | Transparent, translucent, opaque | Red, sometimes purplish, brown | Between 6.5 and 7 |
| Moonstone | Feldspars | Transparent, translucent, opaque | White, with white, yellow, or bluish reflections | Between 6 and 6.5 |
| Carnelian | Chalcedony | Translucent or opaque | Light pink, vermilion red, brown red, orange | Between 6.5 and 7 |
| Amazonite | Feldspars | Opaque to translucent | Light turquoise blue, pale greenish blue | Between 6 and 6.5 |
| Hematite | Turquoise | Opaque | Blue, azure blue | Between 5 and 6 |
| Agate | Chalcedony | Translucent or opaque | Almost all colors | Between 6.5 and 7 |
| Amethyst | Quartz | Transparent, translucent, opaque | Purple, ranging from deep purple to pale purple | 7 |
| Apatite | Apatite | Transparent, translucent, opaque | Blue, purple, green, yellow, colorless, pink, gray | 5 |
| Peridot | Olivine | Transparent | From brownish-green to yellow-green | Between 6.5 and 7 |
Focus on turquoise, rose quartz, and garnet
Essentially known for the significance the Egyptians placed on it, turquoise has captivated many peoples, from the Persians to the Aztecs, including the Navajo Indians and Tibetan Buddhists. Supposed to help distinguish between good and evil, turquoise is believed to have the virtue of dispelling negative thoughts and energies.
The rose quartz is the quintessential gemstone of love and the heart. The greatest ancient civilizations used it. It is also believed to have calming and anti-stress properties.
The earliest traces of the garnet date back to the Sumerians or ancient Egypt. A symbol of power, this gemstone held an important place in the collective imagination. The garnet is said to bring perseverance and courage to the wearer.
Our tips for wearing and caring for your natural stone jewelry
Whether precious or semi-precious, the gemstone should be worn and cared for with attention.
How to wear your gemstone jewelry without risking damage?
Wearing a gemstone requires you to take certain precautions:
- avoid falls;
- avoid shocks;
- do not wear your gemstone earrings or necklace during your workouts;
- remove your gemstone when doing the dishes;
- remove your gemstone before showering or washing your hands;
- avoid using hand sanitizer directly on the stone, as it may alter it;
- remove your gemstone costume jewelry when swimming in the pool or the sea;
How to care for your natural stone jewelry?
When you wear your gemstone jewelry daily, it will eventually lose its luster. How to clean your gemstone bracelet or ring? Avoid using a solvent at all costs. It could seep into the stone through its cracks. Simply use a soft microfiber cloth.
If your jewelry shows no cracks, use a soft toothbrush with a little lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly with your cloth.
Have you chosen your natural stone jewelry designed by our creators? Since 1987, Maison Satellite Paris has offered quality creations using the finest materials: natural stones, gold or silver metals, wood, mother-of-pearl, sea bamboo, and many more. Discover all the treasures with bold blends in our costume jewelry catalog.
Find all our tips for choosing and caring for your jewelry, along with numerous style ideas on the Satellite jewelry advice page.
