Buy Precious Stones: Loose Natural Precious Gems from GemSelect

Precious Stones

The concept that some gemstone types are considered 'precious', while others are only 'semi-precious' is actually a recent innovation that dates back to the 19th century. Most people incorrectly assume that this concept is one that dates back hundreds of years as a 'tradition'. The term 'semi-precious' was first used in 1858 in reference to gems 'of less commercial value than a precious stone'. Precious stones were known as the 'precious four' gems, which included fine sapphire, red ruby, green emerald and of course, diamond (all colors including white, yellow, red, blue, green, champagne, cognac, chocolate and etc). These four types of precious stones typically command high prices due to their extraordinary color, brilliance and/or extreme rarity.

However, as of more recent times, the distinction between precious and semi-precious gems is no longer recognized by most professionals in the gem and jewelry trade. In fact, the 'traditional' list of precious gems has been expanded from 4 gem types to numerous gem types. Many of the newer members of the precious gem group include precious topaz, precious pearl, precious opal, precious coral and more. Other varieties of colored stones are actually rarer and more precious than any of the original precious gem members, such as red beryl (bixbite), color-change alexandrite, red spinel, tanzanite, demantoid garnet and tsavorite garnet, for example.

It is fair to say that we have now reached the point where precious and semi-precious has become meaningless. In fact, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) periodically considers banning the use of these terms and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) already includes the following text in their Code of Ethics: "Members should avoid the use of the term 'semi-precious' in describing gemstones". Although these organizations in the USA have begun taking action on changing the use of the terms described, the rest of the international gem and jewelry trade are still continuing to use the terms, though more loosely. It is fair to say that the original precious four gems are still considered by most to be precious, while most other varieties of colored stones are typically still being referred to as 'semi-precious' gems.

Gemstone Information

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Overall Rating -> 9

An it was good.

Posted By Miguel in June, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

This business makes it easy to research and find all pertinent information about the individual gemstones and other information such as the recommend use (ring or pendent for example). Also it's important to know about things like hardness and durability of the gemstones. I also appreciate the history of purchases and transaction details. Just be sure to register on the website to get the best experience.

Posted By Greg in January, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 8

I ordered peridots online and they were very close to the shade in the photo. They had a good polish and pretty good lapidation for a commercial cut. They had the correct critical angles for the ri of the material so that the stones had life in them. The down side was the lack of tracking and the length of time that it had taken to get them.

Posted By Montecarloman83 in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

Easy to maneuver, could find what I was looking for. Prices very good. Enjoyed my shopping experience.

Posted By Sadie in April, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

The website is quick, easy, good layout, very clear and easy to use.

Posted By Mouse in February, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

So many stones, so little time and money. Easy to fill up the cart when the stones are beautifully pictured. I hope the real items are as beautiful.

Posted By Wen in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

Love your gems!

Posted By Chris in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 9

Would like returning customers to be able to sign in. Didn’t see this option on site. Love your products and UX is good.

Posted By Dgb in December, 2022

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Overall Rating -> 10

I have been shopping with Jim select for quite a few years. The descriptions of the gyms are accurate and the selection is very broad. Anyone looking for loose gyms, this is the place to go. Check out is easy.Pricing is very reasonable.

Posted By Ronald in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 9

The selection and filtering is a little overwhelming, but that's only because there is so much to choose from.

Posted By Kasper in June, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

No issues at all. It was great.

Posted By LJXK in May, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

Awesome

Posted By Mic in May, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 9

I got my order early and was happy with the stones, Just wish they were a little bigger, very nice quality

Posted By Wolf in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 10

I have been looking for a good place to buy gem stones for my girlfriends engagement ring and this site has stones I didn't even know existed. They have all the stones I need to bring her ring to life.

Posted By Sean T in February, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I enjoyed browsing though different varieties of rubies. I felt that the experience was simple and easy to navigate!

Posted By Daws in July, 2023

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Selected Gemstones

Gemstones A-Z

Buy Precious Stones Gems

34.69 ct Yellow Star Sapphire, 19.3 x 16.2 mm Oval Cut From Madagascar

0.78 ct Oval Cabochon Emerald, 5.6 x 3.8 mm From Colombia

1.21 ct Round Cut Ruby, 6.1 mm From Myanmar

0.51 ct Purple Sapphire, 7.3 x 3.9 mm Odd Shaped From Tanzania

2.82 ct Yellow Sapphire, 4.9 mm Round Cut From Tanzania

2.48 ct Orange Sapphire, 2.4 x 2.3 mm Princess Cut From Tanzania

0.41 ct Oval Cut Emerald, 6 x 4.2 mm From Colombia

0.54 ct Orange Sapphire, 6.1 x 4.1 mm Pear Cut From Madagascar

0.93 ct Oval Cut Sapphire, 4 x 3 mm From Tanzania

0.06 ct Blue Diamond, 2.5 mm Diamond Cut From India

0.74 ct Blue Sapphire, 5.9 x 4.9 mm Pear Cabochon From Madagascar

7.12 ct Cushion Cut Ruby, 10.2 x 9.9 mm From Madagascar

10.86 ct Oval Star Ruby, 13.6 x 11.3 mm From Madagascar

2.88 ct Orange Sapphire, 5 x 4 mm Octagon Cut From Tanzania

0.88 ct Round Cut Ruby, 5.3 mm From Myanmar

1.26 ct Green Sapphire, 7.2 x 5.2 mm Oval Cut From Madagascar

1.3 ct Orange Sapphire, 5 x 2.7 mm Marquise Cut From Tanzania

0.2 ct White Diamond, 2.8 mm Diamond Cut From Brazil

1.6 ct White Sapphire, 4.4 mm Diamond Cut From Madagascar

2.4 ct Purple Sapphire, 4.1 x 3.2 mm Oval Cut From Tanzania

2.6 ct Octagon Cut Sapphire, 5.2 x 3.2 mm From Tanzania

0.42 ct Oval Cut Emerald, 5 x 3.9 mm From Colombia

1.43 ct Pink Sapphire, 2.8 x 2.7 mm Octagon Cut From Tanzania

7.25 ct Blue Sapphire, 5.6 mm Briolette From Madagascar

0.46 ct Violet Sapphire, 6.1 x 4.1 mm Oval Cut From Tanzania

19.04 ct Oval Cabochon Ruby, 18.1 x 15.2 mm From Madagascar

3.18 ct Princess Cut Sapphire, 2.7 x 2.7 mm From Tanzania

0.96 ct Round Cut Ruby, 5.7 mm From Myanmar

2 ct Blue Sapphire, 2.3 x 2.3 mm Princess Cut From Madagascar

5.76 ct Black Star Sapphire, 10.4 x 9 mm Oval Cut From Thailand

2.21 ct Octagon Cut Sapphire, 4 x 2.8 mm From Tanzania

3.29 ct Blue Star Sapphire, 7.2 x 5.2 mm Oval Cut From Madagascar

Precious Stones

Gemstone Information