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What Are Precious & Semi-Precious Stones?

If you're a jeweller or interested in gemstones, you have probably heard the term precious and semi-precious stones. 

Diamond, ruby, sapphire and emeralds are all classed as precious stones and all other stones are considered semi-precious stones.

This difference was distinguished in ancient times when these stones were viewed as rare and valuable. This traditional view isn't necessarily true today, as many other semi-precious stones can be considered more valuable and rare than those which are precious.

Discover The Traditional Precious Stones...

Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are considered the the four most precious stones. Click one your favourite below to explore our range of gemstones...

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Diamond

Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones due to their lustre, durability and rarity. 

The name comes from the ancient Greek meaning 'unconquerable'. They're the hardest natural substance on earth, made up of nearly 100% carbon and the only thing that will scratch one is another diamond!

There are many different varieties of diamond and each type is of a different value due to their rarity. 

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Ruby

Ruby is a rare gemstone that is adored for its red colour, durability and incredible lustre. The deep red colour is caused by traces of chromium and in sunlight, rubies have an incredible red glow where its colour is intensified.

Rubies have a colour range that includes pinkinsh, purplish, orangey and brownish reds however, it is the pure bright red ruby that is recognised as July's birthstone.

Fine quality rubies are some of the most expensive gemstone.

They are also an exceptionally durable gemstone with a hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale.

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Sapphire

Sapphire is a precious gemstone, part of the mineral corundum, known for its incredible lustre and stunning blue colour. 

Sapphire comes from the Greek meaning 'blue stone' but it also available in other colours, known as 'fancy sapphires' which can be pink, green, yellow, orange and more.

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emerald

Emerald

Emerald is the green variety of beryl, with a gorgeous green colour which is great for creating beautiful jewellery designs with. 

The deeper the green, the more valuable the stone! Emeralds are also well known for having inclusions, but we think they add to the beauty of the stone.

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tutorials

Follow Jewellery Making Tutorials

Wondering how to transform these beautiful precious gems into your own jewellery designs? Discover our huge range of free jewellery making tutorials with step by step projects and guides.

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jewellery making kits

Shop Beginner Friendly Jewellery Making Kits

Our jewellery making kits are a great place to start! They have simple beginner ideas using our popular jewellery settings and easy jewellery making techniques. Each kit has online step by step instructions and a handy one-click shopping list.

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What Our Customers Say...

Maggi Henman
I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.
Eve
The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!
Jill Hammersely
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.
Janice Scragg
Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!
Rhiannon Piper
The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.
Sarah Tiley
Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.
Catriona
Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website. 
Jaquie
It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.
Christine Wood
Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.
Julia Schofield
I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.
Catherine Warwick
Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!
Mihaela Ciubotaru
I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.
April Luescher
Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?
Claire
I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.
Gloria Williams
I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!
Claire Hall
Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!
Denise Mountain Pike
I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.
Jenny Kirkwood
Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?
Lynn Carson
I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.
George Inglis
Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.
Helen Bowles
I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.
Kim Thomson
I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.
Hayley Meredith
I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft.  I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!
A
I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!
Lauren Jodie Piercy
Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.
Daniel Coe
The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.
Vivienne Sadler
Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!
Joel Martin
Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!
Lenna
Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.
Deborah Roberts-Barter
I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!
Lydia Farrow
Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.
Frank Wilson
I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.
Marshal
Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.
Helen
Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!
Dorota Todd
I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.
Frank Wilson
It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!