What are some of the most precious gemstones?
Precious gemstones are distinguished from semi-precious gemstones based on their beauty, durability and rarity. A semiprecious gemstone may have one of these characteristics, or even two, but will not have all three. Precious gemstones are some of the most valuable and hard-to-find treasures in the world.
Most experts agree that diamonds, emeralds, and opals are in the precious gemstone class. Pearls are also included even though they are an organic gemstone. Emeralds and aquamarines are in the beryl family. The two members of the corundum family, rubies and sapphires, complete the list of precious gemstones.
There is one other group of rare gemstones - the organic gemstone group. Amber, coral, jet, and pearls are in this class.
Source: http://publs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/buyer.html
http://www.stellarjewelry.com/birthstones.php
http://www.bluenile.com
