Why the Term “Semi-Precious Stone” No Longer Exists
You hear it everywhere: “semi-precious stones”. Yet this term has been officially banned from French trade since 2002. Here is why — and what it changes for you.
A term prohibited by decree
In France, decree no. 2002-65 of 14 January 2002, which governs the trade in gemstones and pearls, abolished the designation “semi-precious” (as well as “semi-fine”). The reason is simple: the term was misleading and depreciative. It suggested an official hierarchy of quality, whereas a Paraíba tourmaline or an exceptional spinel can be worth far more than an average sapphire.
So what do we say instead?
The correct vocabulary today distinguishes:
- Precious stones: a designation reserved for four gems — diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald;
- Fine stones: all other natural gems — spinel, tourmaline, tanzanite, aquamarine, garnet, topaz, amethyst…;
- Ornamental stones: generally opaque, used decoratively or cut as cabochons (lapis lazuli, malachite, turquoise…).
“Fine” does not mean “lesser”
This is the key point: the precious/fine boundary is historical and regulatory, not qualitative. Some fine stones are rarer than precious stones: alexandrite, Paraíba tourmaline, Burmese red spinel, tsavorite… reach per-carat prices above many sapphires. The great houses of Place Vendôme are not mistaken, and now place them at the heart of their collections.
What it changes for your purchase
A seller who still uses “semi-precious” is not necessarily dishonest — the term dies hard. But it is a clue: a gem professional knows and uses the legal vocabulary. And above all, do not overlook fine stones: that is often where the best value lies in beauty, rarity and originality.
Explore our exceptional fine stones: pink spinels, tanzanites, tsavorites and tourmalines — or book an appointment in Paris.
