Monthly Archives: April 2017

Precious or Semi-Precious?

|Categories: colored stones, Informational|Tags: , , |

Tourmaline, a classically “semi-precious” gemstone.

Everyone has heard the terms “Precious” and “Semi-Precious” to describe gemstones. These terms have been used since ancient times and are still commonly used today by experienced and educated jewelers. Today at Ocala’s best jewelry store we answer “what do these terms mean?”, “where did they come from?”, and “should they still be used today?”

History and Meaning of Precious and Semi-Precious

Gemstones have been valued by human civilization for thousands of years and so the study of gemstones by science, religion, and people of other scholarly pursuits have been commonplace since ancient times. Before humans had the tools to understand the chemical makeup and properties of each stone, they were organized into different categories by logical but archaic methods. As an example, for a long time all red gemstones were classified as “Rubies” including garnets and red spinel.

“Precious” and “Semi-Precious” were classifications that came from writings of these early scholars, separating the “best” stones from the “not as good” by a variety of factors- rarity, hardness, transparency, popularity, market value or other values could all be considered. In the 1909 book “A Book of Precious Stones” by Julius Wodiska, the author included which stones were classified as “precious” by some of the most well known gemologists of his time, as well as his own list. His list of gems deemed “precious” included only the universally accepted emerald, diamond, ruby, and sapphire with his own addition being pearl. He considered all others to be semi-precious. Other lists of “precious” gems included a few more stones, including topaz, garnet, zircon, and tourmaline. Wodiska himself admitted that gemologists of that day could not agree on any criteria for calling a gem “precious” or “semi-precious”.

 

Emerald and Ruby, two classically “precious” gemstones

Are “Precious” and “Semi-Precious” Still Valid Terms to Use for Gemstones? (No)

Today, due in a large part to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the terms “precious” and “semi-precious” are considered obsolete, archaic, and inaccurate. There are no gemstones that are “better” or “worse” then each other, and the term “precious” has never been given any significant meaning or criteria beyond that. Some jewelers still use “precious” and “semi-precious” as a way of stating whether the stones on average are valuable or not, however, this is incorrect as there are a myriad of factors that determines the price of each individual gemstone and many of the most expensive stones in the world are those that are classically considered “semi-precious.” The modern jewelry industry and science of gemology have agreed that the terms have no accurate meaning and are relics of the past.

Thanks for reading, hope we were informative and interesting. Until next time, keep checking back here with the best jewelry store in Ocala.

 

Sapphire, another of the classically “precious” gems

Silver City Celebrates 40 Years in Ocala!

|Categories: News, Silver CIty|Tags: , , |

Today we’re proud to announce our 40th year anniversary proudly serving as a coin and jewelry store in Ocala. To commemorate this achievement we have minted a special 40th anniversary silver bar, with our own handmade artwork celebrating our Florida heritage with a drawing of a Florida Cracker. But instead of discussing our inventory, today we wanted to talk about our staff and our connection to the community.

We are your neighbors, your classmates, teachers and friends!

At Silver City each of our employees grew up in Ocala, and we have graduates of Vanguard High School, North Marion High School, and Ocala High School. Since 2000 we also had employees who were Belleview High School, Lake Weir High School, and Forest High School graduates. In addition to that, we have multiple graduates of the University of Florida and the College of Central Florida.

The best jewelers in Ocala and the best coaches!

We also have many employees who are or have been volunteer coaches in youth sports across the city. We have coached MCYFL across multiple teams in Jr. and Sr. divisions, high school sports at Vanguard and Forest, and other middle school school sports at the YMCA and other youth leagues. Currently, our own James Stone is proud to say “Go Saints” as an assistant coach for track and basketball at St. John Lutheran School.

A part of the Ocala jewelry scene and Ocala music scene!

Our connection to the community isn’t just limited to business and sports, our own Larry and David Stone are both currently part of the Tilted Kilt house band, and have played in bands in Ocala and Central Florida for over 40 years. They currently perform several Thursdays each month at the Tilted Kilt next door to our location.

We have participated in many other parts of the community from clubs to politics!

In addition to donating to many Ocala events and foundations, as well as many high school organizations and clubs, we have also been parts of many Ocala social clubs and been active members in Ocala politics. We have regularly given volunteer guest lectures at Ocala schools including most recently at Trinity Catholic High School. We have even helped the Ocala Police Department as currency experts to determine whether money is counterfeit.

Serving Ocala for 40 years and we intend to serve it for at least 40 more.

Each of us were born and raised in Ocala and none of us have any intention to move away, we intend to continue working toward being more than just a successful business, but a cornerstone of the community. We know that without the love and support of Ocala we couldn’t have made it to where we are, and so we want to do more then just be Ocala’s best jewelry store, we want to give back and be people that you are pleased to see at the local grocery store, or happy to sit next to in the stands at the local ball game. Its thanks to you all that we have made it 40 years so far, and we hope that you will join us for 40 more.

Thanks for reading, keep checking back with us for more articles and information.

If you are interesting our new silver bar, please call our coin department at (352) 732-0185

April’s Featured Piece and Diamond Fact Page

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Happy April!

April’s birthstone is diamond and that makes us happy at Silver City because we are Ocala’s diamond experts. Diamond is a gemstone that needs no introduction and our website is full of articles about diamonds, including our newest birthstone fact page for Diamond which you can read here.

Or you can read these articles from past months:

Diamond shopping guide (Beyond the 4c’s)

Explaining the meaning of Carats

How to buy an engagement ring.

And in honor of April, we have chosen and unveiled our newest monthly featured piece. A heavy 18k  diamond fashion ring with a unique style, beautiful diamonds, and expert craftsmanship. Chosen out of our extensive diamond inventory as a great value for any diamond lover, it reminds us of stars in the nights sky.  The piece is featured in our April ad in Ocala Magazine and is 25% off until next month. If you like it, act fast- we only have one!  Last month’s featured piece sold immediately and we don’t know how long this month’s opportunity will last. You can find the product page here or come see it in person anytime at our Ocala location.

Have a great month! Don’t forget to check back with us, Ocala’s diamond experts, for more information, products, and deals!