7104 - Synthetic or reconstructed precious or semiprecious stones, whether or not worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; ungraded synthetic or reconstructed precious or semiprecious stones, temporarily strung for convenience of transport:

HTS 7104 encompasses synthetic or reconstructed precious and semiprecious stones. This category includes materials that, while not naturally occurring, possess similar optical, physical, and chemical properties to their natural counterparts. The goods covered can be in various states of processing, from rough, ungraded stones to those that have been worked, cut, or graded. Importantly, for classification under this heading, these stones must not be strung, mounted, or set, nor are they typically considered jewelry in this form. However, temporary stringing for ease of transport is permissible.

This classification should be distinguished from naturally occurring precious and semiprecious stones found in heading 7103, which are derived from mineral sources. Furthermore, materials classified under 7104 are distinct from imitation jewelry (Chapter 71, Note 1(a)) which typically comprises articles made from base metals or plastics adorned with imitations of precious stones, rather than the stones themselves. Unlike finished gemstones ready for setting, the focus here remains on the unmounted or unset stone material.

Within HTS 7104, further subdivisions allow for more precise classification. For example, 7104.10.00.00 specifically addresses piezo-electric quartz, a synthetic quartz crystal exhibiting piezoelectric properties. Other subcategories differentiate between stones that are unworked or simply sawn/roughly shaped, versus those that are further processed. This granular approach aids in accurately identifying the specific type and preparation of synthetic or reconstructed stones for import and export purposes.