Heading 7116 applies when the pearl or stone is the primary constituent material of the article — for example, a strand of pearls with a minor clasp, or a carved gemstone figurine. When a precious-metal setting is the dominant element and the stones are mounted within it, the article typically falls under 7113 as jewelry of precious metal. The principal material and the overall character of the finished piece are the deciding factors.

Yes — heading 7116 explicitly covers articles of natural, synthetic, and reconstructed precious or semiprecious stones. However, the distinction between natural and synthetic must be accurately declared on entry documentation, as it affects valuation and, in some cases, admissibility under gemological disclosure requirements. Importers should obtain supplier certificates of origin and gemological reports for high-value stone articles.