Precious, semi-precious, fine: these three words often appear in jewelry descriptions, but they don't mean what we think. Here is what truly distinguishes them—and why one of the three terms should no longer be used.
Precious stones: a very restricted category
The term "precious stone" officially refers to only four stones: diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. This classification dates back to the 19th century, at a time when there was a desire to distinguish these four gems, considered particularly rare and sought-after, from all others.
The term "semi-precious": a label now banned in France
This is the most important point to know: in France, the term "semi-precious stone" has no longer been authorized in commerce since Decree No. 2002-65 of January 14, 2002, which regulates the sale of gemstones and pearls. This text explicitly forbids the use of the words "semi-precious" and "semi-fine" to describe these materials.
The reason for this ban: the term is considered misleading. It implies a value hierarchy between precious stones and others, even though this is not always the case. A high-quality amethyst or tourmaline can easily be worth more than an average-quality precious stone. The value of a stone depends on its rarity, color, cut quality, and origin, not just its category.
The term "fine stone": the correct designation
Since this decree, all natural gems that are not part of the four precious stones are officially called "fine stones." This covers a very wide range of stones used in jewelry: amethyst, citrine, garnet, tourmaline, peridot, aquamarine, and many others.
This term has the advantage of being both more accurate and more rewarding: it highlights the specificity and beauty of each stone without implying that it is "lesser" than a precious stone.
Why the term "semi-precious" is still widely used regardless
While the word is prohibited in a strict commercial setting in France, it remains very present in everyday language and online searches; many people continue to search for "semi-precious stone jewelry" on search engines out of habit. This is why some shops continue to use it despite everything, to remain visible in search results, even if the correct technical term is "fine stone."
What actually determines a stone's value
Whether for a precious stone or a fine stone, several criteria are taken into account in its evaluation:
- Rarity: some fine stones are much rarer than precious stones of common quality.
- Color and clarity: the intensity, uniformity of the hue, and transparency of the stone.
- Cut quality: a well-cut stone captures more light.
- Origin: some deposits are renowned for the exceptional quality of their stones.
In summary
Only four stones are officially "precious": diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. All other natural gems are "fine stones," a term legally mandated in France since 2002 to replace the "semi-precious" label, which is deemed misleading. The value of a stone is therefore never just about its category, but about a set of concrete criteria: rarity, color, cut, and origin.
At Maison Orchid, we deliberately use the term "fine stone" to describe the materials in our creations, a vocabulary choice that reflects our commitment to transparency.