To understand the meaning of semi-precious stones, one must refer to a traditional classification. Chronologically, precious stones were the first to be classified as such, restricted to diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Over time, as the classification expanded to include the numerous gems found in nature, the category of semi-precious stones was added. This category includes all other natural gemstones that can be used in jewellery through various cutting or polishing techniques.

Semi-precious stones showcase a remarkable range of characteristics that set them apart, such as transparency, hardness, colour, and structure. The various combinations of these properties help determine their value, which is often influenced by the stone's rarity.

Here is a more detailed list of semi-precious stones, highlighting some of the most cherished gems and their distinctive qualities.

Quartz

Quartz, one of the most common minerals, is composed of silicon and oxygen. 

It is known for its hardness and shine, and in its purest form, it is transparent and colourless. Quartz comes in various fascinating varieties, each with unique characteristics:

• Citrine quartz: yellow in colour, it is valued for its warm and bright tones.
• Carnelian: The most prized colour is a red-orange hue, which gives it a vibrant and intense appearance.
• Amethyst: Famous for its purple shades, this stone is synonymous with elegance and refinement.
• Rutilated quartz: A decidedly unique variety that ranges from milky white to transparent white, characterised by the presence of threads of gold or other colourations.
• Black Onyx: With a matte colouration and streaks of white, grey, or brown, black onyx symbolises sophisticated beauty.
• Agate: Often featuring parallel streaks, colour variations, and unique patterns. Agate can be translucent or opaque and is found in a wide range of colours, including white, black, pink, blue and yellow.

Zircon

Zircon is a mineral known for its extreme hardness and refractive ability, which lends it an intense brightness. It is ideal, for example, for creating necklaces with semi-precious stones.

In addition to the famous transparent version, which resembles diamond, it is available in other unique shades, such as golden or red tones.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a variety of semi-precious stone renowned for its characteristic clear blue colour.

The colour can vary in intensity, shifting from green to blue, making each gem unique and captivating.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a stone with a porous consistency that can be opaque or slightly translucent. It is famous for its typical intense blue colour, often enriched by black or brown streaks, which enhance its natural beauty.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl is an iridescent, precious and versatile semi-precious stone. The colour can vary in intensity, shifting from green to blue, making each gem unique and captivating. It is a stone widely used in jewellery due to its unique ability to reflect light, creating luminous effects that can range from pearly white to pink, blue to green, and even golden tones. In Giovanni Raspini's pieces of jewellery, it is often used as a mother of pearl and quartz doublet.

Lapis lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone known for its intense deep blue colour punctuated by golden veins. Its hue represents a symbol of royalty and wisdom, evoking a sense of calm and serenity. In jewellery, lapis lazuli pairs perfectly with silver, creating sophisticated combinations that enhance its natural beauty.

The allure of semi-precious stones dates back to ancient times and is closely tied to a deep symbolism, with each gem being assigned a specific meaning. Before gifting or treating oneself to a piece of jewellery with one of these stones, many find it interesting to explore the mystery surrounding them and choose based on the message they wish to convey and the personality of the person who will wear it. Let's take a look at some significant examples:

• Mother of Pearl: Iridescent, precious, and versatile, it is widely used in jewellery for its delicate radiance and beauty. It is considered a symbol of purity and femininity.
• Lapis lazuli: A stone with an intense blue colour, its name comes from the Latin “lapis”, which means stone, and from the Arabic “azul”, which means blue. It is often associated with wisdom and truth.
• Jasper: Combativity, tenacity and protection. An intensely coloured stone used in jewellery since the time of the Ancient Egyptians.
• Agate: This stone takes its name from the river from which it was originally extracted and is associated with calm, protection and peace.
• Black onyx: The subject of many legends due to its mysterious appearance, one even credits it with the origin of the universe. It is also known as “the stone of courage”.
• Aquamarine: The name means “water of the sea”, and the stone represents both the euphoria and the relaxing calm of the sea itself.
• Amethyst: Linked to the myth of Bacchus, the god of wine, it has its roots in antiquity. Amethyst has always symbolised balance and well-considered choices.

The vast variety of these gems, combined with their beauty and the aura of mystery surrounding them, makes them the centrepiece of countless creations. Silver jewellery with semi-precious stones allows for boundless creativity and caters perfectly to every taste.

For a necklace with semi-precious gemstones, a particularly elegant combination is silver paired with zircons. An expression of timeless style, this piece of jewellery is perfect for an elegant individual with a strong personality who loves to shine on any occasion. Ethnic inspirations and refined tastes are reflected in the choice of a gold-plated silver bracelet adorned with colourful gemstones, such as turquoise or blue agate.

A minimalist earring that denotes class and attention to detail can be created by combining silver with green agate. 

Silver rings with semi-precious stones offer endless possibilities: from red carnelian for an intense and refined effect to oval-cut amethyst, radiant and majestic.

Delving into the world of semi-precious stone jewellery opens up endless combinations rich in creativity and beauty. By experimenting with the colours, cuts, and sizes of gemstones, it is possible to create truly unique pieces, thanks to silver's remarkable versatility in shaping lines and forms.

Semi-precious stones provide the opportunity to add touches of light and elegance to everyday life, making every moment special.