a. (sĕm`ĭ*prĕsh"Ŭs)

Somewhat precious; as, semiprecious stones or metals. Used mostly of gemstones used in jewelry, such as amethyst, garnet, or iolite, which are sufficiently rare to have commercial value, but are not considered as precious, as are the diamond, emerald, and ruby.
[1913 Webster +PJC]

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IN BRIEF: Gemstones that are less valuable than the best stones.

Eva liked semiprecious stones better than diamonds.