Semi-Precious Stones – Overview of Most Used Stones for Jewellery
Semi-precious stones encompass all genuine gemstones that are not diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. They are just as natural – the difference lies in rarity and price. This overview compiles our best-selling stones, detailing their appearance, Mohs hardness, and typical uses, helping you choose a stone that suits both your design and how the jewellery will be worn.
How to read this overview
We Import Directly: We source stones directly from our suppliers, allowing us to maintain a wide selection and competitive prices.
See the Stones in Store: Nybrovej 83, 2820 Gentofte. Stones often need to be seen in person – drop by and choose for yourself.
1-2 Day Delivery: In-stock items are typically dispatched the same day. Shipping 39 kr. within Denmark – free for orders over 399 kr.
Hardness determines where the jewellery can be worn
The Mohs scale indicates what a stone can be scratched by – not how difficult it is to crush. The quartz family (amethyst, rose quartz, rock crystal, tiger's eye, agate, onyx) rates 7 and is therefore a safe choice for rings and bracelets, which often encounter table edges and keyboards.
Turquoise, lapis lazuli, moonstone, and labradorite rate lower and are also more sensitive to sweat, perfume, and cleaning agents. They are better suited for necklaces and earrings than for everyday bracelets.
Colour varies from batch to batch
Natural stones are not uniform. Two strands of amethyst from two different deliveries may have different saturation, and labradorite exhibits colour play only visible from certain angles. If you are creating a series in the same shade, purchase the entire quantity at once – we can rarely guarantee identical colour in a new batch.
Treated stones are still genuine stones
It is industry standard for some stone types to be dyed, heat-treated, or stabilised – agate is often dyed, and turquoise is typically stabilised to hold the matrix together. This does not make them imitations, but it should be disclosed. If you are unsure about a specific item, please contact us, and we will clarify what applies to that particular batch.
Choose the shape according to your working pace
- Strands: fastest – beads are drilled, sorted, and ready for wire or elastic.
- Loose beads: for focal beads, spacer beads, and repairs, where you only need a few pieces.
- Raw chunks and points: for wire wrapping, setting, and decoration – no holes.
- Cabochons & Slices: For glue-in settings and flat-back pendants.
FAQ
Are semi-precious stones less real than precious stones?
No. Semi-precious stones are genuine natural materials in exactly the same way as precious stones. The distinction is about rarity and price: diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald are called precious stones; the rest are semi-precious.
Which stones are most durable for daily wear?
Stones in the quartz family with Mohs 7 – amethyst, rock crystal, rose quartz, onyx, tiger's eye, and agate. They are not scratched by common household dust and are suitable for everyday bracelets.
Can I mix stones and metal in the same piece of jewellery?
Yes. Stones work with sterling silver, stainless steel, and brass. Choose the metal according to how the jewellery will be used – steel for water and everyday wear, silver if you want to polish and solder.
How many stones do you have in stock?
We have thousands of stones in our Gentofte store and stock strands, loose beads, rough chunks, cabochons, and fossils. Our assortment changes continuously as we purchase in batches.