Meaning & use
semi-precious stones
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Meaning
nounplural
Gemstones that are not classified as precious (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald), such as amethyst, jade, or turquoise.
Grammar: Always plural; use 'a semi-precious stone' for one.
Patterns
- a semi-precious stone
- made of semi-precious stones
- set with semi-precious stones
The necklace is decorated with semi-precious stones like amethyst and jade.
She collects semi-precious stones and keeps them in a small box.
Semi-precious stones are often used in cheaper jewelry.
Word forms
| singular | semi-precious stone |
|---|
Common combinations
- semi-precious gemstones
- The market sells semi-precious gemstones from Brazil.
- semi-precious beads
- She makes bracelets with semi-precious beads.
- semi-precious jewelry
- This shop specializes in semi-precious jewelry.
- a variety of semi-precious stones
- The museum displays a variety of semi-precious stones.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gemstones
- A general term that includes both precious and semi-precious stones; semi-precious is more specific.
- ornamental stones
- Used for stones valued for decoration rather than rarity; less common in everyday speech.
Opposites
Word family
- semi-precious adjective
- Describing a stone that is not among the traditional precious stones.
Commonly confused: semi-precious stones or precious stones?
semi-precious stones vs precious stones
Precious stones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald) are rarer and more valuable; semi-precious stones are all other gemstones.
Practice
Which of these is a semi-precious stone?
Choose one answer.
Amethyst is a semi-precious stone; diamond, ruby, and emerald are classified as precious stones.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “semi-precious stones”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.