How to Pick the Perfect Semi-Precious Gemstone for Your Next Jewelry Project

Posted by GemsBiz on November 29th, 2022

Semi-precious gemstones are the perfect alternative to synthetic gems like cubic zirconium and diamond simulants like moissanite, and we’re about to show you why! They’re just as sparkly, just as eye-catching, and just as durable – all without breaking the bank. In fact, some semi-precious gems even have more fire and luster than precious stones like diamonds! Here’s our complete guide on how to pick the perfect semi-precious gemstone for your next jewelry project!

Select a stone that complements your metal

No matter what metal you choose, there's a perfect semi-precious gemstone for every occasion. It is always best to look at different samples in person before making your decision.

In addition to these loose gemstones, Jasper is an extremely popular choice for jewelry pieces because of its unique color palette and softness of appearance. You can find Jasper in most colors including yellow, orange, greenish-gray, or pink with mottled patterns on the surface resembling tree bark.

Consider the hardness of the stone

When it comes to picking the perfect semi-precious gem for your next jewelry project, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. The most important is the hardness of the stone. You want your stone to be hard enough that it doesn't break or chip easily, but not so hard that it's impossible to work with. Other factors like color and shape will also play an important role in your decision as well. Consider what type of jewelry you're planning on creating. If you're going to be working with wire and wholesale gemstone beads, a smooth stone might make your life easier, whereas if you'll be using metal clamps or chains to connect pieces together, then stones with more nooks and crannies will serve you better.

Choose a gemstone with good color

Faceted gemstones come in a variety of colors and shades, so it is important to choose one with good color. The color of the gemstone will affect how well it shows up against other colors. Choose a darker stone if you want your piece to stand out. If you want the gemstone’s color to blend in or not be too visible, go for a lighter hue. Reds, oranges, yellows, and greens are all popular semi-precious stones that work great when pairing them with neutral tones. Be mindful that some gemstones like turquoise are prized more for their bright blue hues while others like opal are valued because they can take on any color that they're paired with.

Select a stone with few inclusions

For a jewelry maker, semi-precious wholesale gemstones are a great choice because they are hard and durable. To select the perfect stone for your next jewelry project, look for one with few inclusions. These inclusions may be natural, but it's best to avoid any that will interfere with cutting or setting. Also, keep an eye out for scratches and chips on the surface of the stone; these may have been caused by wear. Once you've found a nice specimen with few inclusions, make sure you give it a good inspection under magnification before committing to buy.

Consider the shape of the stone

When picking out the right stone for your jewelry project, consider the shape of the stone. Stones that are rounded or oval look great in pendants and earrings. Narrow stones work well in bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Square stones often make attractive centerpieces for rings and pendants. The shape of the stone will help you determine what kind of setting to use on your piece, as well as how much metal you'll need when creating it.

Decide on the size of the stone

When selecting the right stone for your jewelry project, you'll want to consider the size. Larger stones are great for making pendants and other pieces that require large pieces of stone. Smaller stones are perfect for earrings or necklaces where you need a smaller piece of stone. Once you decide on the size of the stone, you will want to find the type of stone that suits your style. There are many different types of semi-precious gemstones available in various sizes so this can be a difficult task at times.

Conclusion

Choosing a semi-precious gemstone is not an easy task. It takes patience and knowledge of what different stones mean. If you're planning on using a semi-precious gem in your next jewelry project, be sure to do some research beforehand. The best place to start is by looking up what various stones signify before settling on one.

Remember that even if you pick a stone based on its metaphysical properties, it might still end up being completely wrong for your project because there are other factors like color, hardness, and size that have to be considered as well.