Buying a natural precious stone isn't like buying any other piece of jewellery - the value lies almost entirely in the stone itself, and getting that right requires knowing what to look for, who to trust, and why certification matters. At Rasikh Gems & Jewellers, we've been sourcing and certifying natural precious stones since 1970, with GIA, GRS, and IGI certification on every piece sold from our Dubai and worldwide stores.
This guide walks through what makes a stone "precious," how to evaluate one before buying, and a closer look at each of the natural precious stones in our collection.
What Makes a Gemstone "Precious"?
Traditionally, only four gemstones are classified as precious: diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Everything else - however beautiful or rare - falls under "semi-precious." This classification dates back to 19th-century trade categorisation and has more to do with historical rarity and hardness than actual value; some semi-precious stones today (like fine alexandrite or certain corals) can be worth more per carat than lower-grade precious stones.
At Rasikh Gems, our precious stones collection includes the four classic categories - sapphire (in yellow, blue, and white varieties), ruby, and emerald - alongside stones like red coral, white coral, pitambari (bi-colour sapphire), and alexandrite, which carry significant traditional and astrological value even outside the strict four-stone classification.
How to Evaluate a Natural Precious Stone Before Buying
Before buying any precious stone, four factors determine its quality and price - often summarised as the 4 Cs, adapted here for coloured stones:
- Colour - the single biggest value driver for coloured gemstones. Saturation, hue, and tone matter more than for diamonds.
- Clarity - natural inclusions are normal and expected; what matters is whether they affect brilliance or structural integrity.
- Cut - a well-cut stone maximises colour and light return; a poor cut can make even a fine stone look dull.
- Carat weight - larger stones of the same quality are disproportionately more expensive, since larger rough crystals of gem quality are rarer.
The fifth, non-negotiable factor: certification. A stone without GIA, GRS, or IGI certification carries no verifiable proof of its origin, treatment history, or authenticity - which matters enormously in a market where synthetic and treated stones are common.
The Precious Stones Collection at Rasikh Gems
Ruby
Ruby is prized for its deep red colour, traditionally associated with vitality and confidence, and linked in Vedic tradition to the Sun. Origin significantly affects value - Burmese rubies with a "pigeon blood" red are the most sought-after globally. Explore our Ruby collection.
Blue Sapphire
Blue sapphire is one of the most requested astrological gemstones, associated with Saturn in Vedic tradition and worn for its traditional links to discipline and focus. Ceylon (Sri Lankan) and Kashmir sapphires are considered the finest origins. Explore our Blue Sapphire collection.
Yellow Sapphire
Yellow sapphire is traditionally associated with Jupiter (Brihaspati) and worn for its links to wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. It's one of the most commonly recommended zodiac gemstones in Vedic astrology consultations. Explore our Yellow Sapphire collection.
White Sapphire
A colourless variety of the same corundum family as blue and yellow sapphire, white sapphire is often chosen as a diamond alternative or for its traditional association with Venus. Explore our White Sapphire collection.
Emerald
Emerald's rich green colour has made it one of the most recognised precious stones throughout history, traditionally linked to Mercury and associated with clarity of communication and intellect. Colombian emeralds are generally considered the benchmark for quality. Explore our Emerald collection.
Other Significant Gemstones in Our Collection
These stones fall outside the classic four-stone "precious" classification, but hold equally strong traditional, astrological, and collector value - and in some cases, rarity that rivals precious stones themselves.
Red Coral
Though organic in origin rather than mineral, red coral holds strong traditional significance in Vedic astrology, traditionally linked to Mars and associated with courage and vitality. Explore our Red Coral collection.
White Coral
White coral is traditionally worn as an alternative to pearl, associated with the Moon and traditionally linked to calm and emotional balance. Explore our White Coral collection.
Pitambari (Bi-Colour Sapphire)
A distinctive bi-colour sapphire variety, pitambari combines two colour zones within a single stone - a naturally occurring phenomenon that makes each piece genuinely unique. It's a specialist choice for collectors who want something beyond the standard single-colour sapphire. Explore our Pitambari collection.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is famous for its colour-change effect - appearing green-blue in daylight and red-purple under incandescent light - making it one of the rarest and most collectible gemstones in the world, precious classification aside. Explore our Alexandrite collection.
Why Certification Matters
Every precious stone sold at Rasikh Gems is certified by GIA, GRS, or IGI - the three most internationally recognised gemological laboratories. Certification confirms:
- The stone is natural, not synthetic or lab-created
- Any treatments (heat, oiling, etc.) are disclosed
- Origin, where determinable
- Carat weight, dimensions, and quality grading
This is especially important for astrologically significant stones, where the traditional benefit is believed to depend on wearing a genuine, untreated stone - making certification not just a quality signal but part of the tradition itself.
Expert Gemstone Consultation by Dr. M.M. Raza
With more than 30 years of expertise in gemology and Vedic astrology, Dr. M.M. Raza offers personalised gemstone consultations tailored to your birth chart, life goals, and budget. Every recommendation is based on detailed astrological analysis and paired with 100% certified natural gemstones, ensuring authenticity, quality, and complete confidence in your choice. Whether you seek success in your career, better health, financial prosperity, or stronger relationships, Dr. Raza helps you choose the gemstone that best aligns with your unique needs.
