Gemstones are formed from minerals, stones and organic matter, which are subsequently processed by being cut, polished and turned into jewelry stones used in jewelry making. Here, the gemstones are used in rings, earrings, necklaces and many other types of jewelry. The division of gemstones and semi-precious stones dates back to ancient times, when the stones' value was the primary categorization factor for which stones were gemstones and which were semi-precious stones. Because diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires occurred more rarely, this also meant that demand was greater and therefore the price was also higher.
Today, however, the story is different. Now gemstones and semi-precious stones are judged by the same parameters, and therefore you will also find that what used to be called a semi-precious stone can today well be a more valuable and rare stone than, for example, diamonds.
That's why you will also hear more people say that whether a stone is a gemstone or a semi-precious stone isn't so important in terms of value and rarity.
This also means that when you're buying gemstone beads for jewelry, you shouldn't focus too much on whether it's one or the other.
All gemstone beads are valuable, and not only when viewed through the economic bead lens. Gemstones and semi-precious stones have different meanings and values, depending on who you are and how they're used in jewelry.
We have a little rule of thumb, which is that colors are subjective in nature and a piece of jewelry is often connected with emotions.