What is a fine gemstone ?

Fine gemstone : definition

In French legislation, fine gemstones (also improperly called semi-precious stones) include all gemstones used in jewelery or decoration which do not have the status of precious stone reserved for the "big four": diamond, emerald, sapphire and ruby.

Fine stones usually refer to tourmalines, garnets, topazes, aquamarines, turquoises as well as varieties of quartz (rock crystal, amethyst, etc...).