Colored Gemstone Buying Guide

Since inception, diamonds and gemstone have been loved by royals across the globe.  Being so mystical and powerful, they were used as charms and ornaments by the regal families.  With the passage of time, the glamor and beauty of these gemstones brought a lot of love for them and they become the finest present to be given on occasions like birthdays, anniversaries etc.  Not just that these gemstones are a wise investments, they are also a luxurious way to play with colors.

A piece of fine colored jewelry could set the ambience on fire but buying such a beauty is a bit tedious and difficult.  Earlier there were only natural gems and then came the technology.  Now an array of options from natural, lab created to synthetic and imitation is available to make a desirable choice.  All these variations affect the value and price of a gemstone.  Natural gems are though always costlier than other forms, the quality, clarity and color could even diversify their cost.  One carat sapphire, for example, could range from $10 to $10000 depending on the quality.  Learning a few vital things about the quality and pricing standards of these rocks will certainly help you in taking a wise and valued decision.

Gemstones available in the market

The traditionally included category of most valuable gemstones is emerald, ruby, sapphire and pearl.  Because of their aesthetic appeal and glorious history, these gemstones are more valuable than other colored gemstones.  Finest quality emeralds and rubies can sometimes be more valuable than diamonds of comparable size.  For a one-carat stone of average to good quality in varieties of these gemstones, you can expect a price between $250-10,000 per carat depending on the quality of the gemstone.

The rising star gemstones are the ones that have gained popularity in the recent years.  These include gemstones like tanzanite, imperial topaz, aquamarine, tsavorite and tourmaline.  These gemstones are usually available in standardized sizes but one should look for fine larger single stone to be able to experience the lustrous color.  Gems in this category are priced between $50-1000 per carat for an average to good quality gemstone.

Connoisseur gems are niche gemstones that have specialized market because of their rarity.  Gemstones like black opal, jadeite, demantoid garnet, pariba tourmaline, alexandrite, pink topaz, chrysoberyl cat's-eye and fancy colored sapphires.  These are costlier than most gemstones and prices range from $250-5,000 per carat, although exceptional quality in these gems commands a even grater price.

Collector's gems are the connoisseur's gems and rare quality pieces in spinel, zircon, moonstone, morganite and other beryls, and many rare gemstones.  Most of these gems are more affordable as compared to other gemstones.  Spinels, especially in red and pink can command higher prices like few thousand per dollars carat but usually gems in this category do not go beyond hundreds.

Then there are the affordable gemstones, which combine great color with a reasonable price and abundant availability.  These gemstones include amethyst, white opal, color change garnet, ametrine, peridot, andalusite, rhodolite garnet, citrine, blue topaz, iolite, chrome diopside, kunzite, and many ornamental gemstones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, nephrite jade chrysoprase, and amber.  Prices for these gems range between $5-100 per carat.

The 5 Cs - Color, Cut, Clarity Carat and Confidence

Gemstone Color

Gemstones are available in a spectrum of colors and hues.  Color is the most important factor to be considered while buying gemstones.  Since gemstones are available in so many different colors and hues, it is difficult to slot each and every gem in good and not-so good colors.  As a general rule, the best color gemstone is the one that has a vivid color with a medium tone, more vivacious the color, more valuable the gem.  The extremely light and extremely dark shades usually lower the value of a gemstone.  Also, the pure color gems are more valuable than the ones with two or more hues.  For instance a vivid green emerald or a pure medium deep blue aquamarine will cost more than an emerald with a blue tint or a bluish green aquamarine respectively.

The intensity or the saturation of the color is also important.  A lesser saturated gemstone will appear as if the color has been washed out or mixed with grey or brown.  The fully saturated gems are more valuable than the ones with lesser color.

There are gemstones that are an exception to the color rule.  Gems like orange-pink Padparadscha sapphire or blue green Paraiba tourmaline or bi-color alexandrite are celebrated for their exquisite colors.  Aquamarines are more valuable in the pure medium deep blue hue, some people prefer gems that are bluish green in shade and have teal of the Pacific Ocean.  Therefore it is advised that you follow your instincts in aesthetic appeal more than the general trade rule.

Gemstone Cut

Cut is the human contribution to a gemstone's appeal.  A good cut is what tells apart a gem from rough crystal.  The gemstone should have a proportionate shape.  A gem with a pavilion too shallow or too deep looses its appeal.  The cut or the shape of the gemstone should be such that it pleasingly displays its hue across all facets and on the face of the gem making the gem come alive with color.

A well cut gem reflects the light back well making the gem more lustrous.  Round is the most popular shape.  All other shapes are generally classified as fancy shapes.  These include oval, emerald, pear, marquise, trillion, cushion, princess, heart and more.  The cabochon cut is a smoothly domed top with a flat bottom, used mostly on gemstones such as opal, cat's eye, star sapphire, star ruby etc.

Important factors that consist of a good cut

Reflection

Refraction

Effect of reflection and refraction of light on the gem

Dispersion

Dispersion is the phenomenon which is caused by the separation of a white light into spectral colors of different hues.  For instance, when white light enters a diamond it refracts, and disperses into different hues creating a scintillating effect called 'fire'.  In case of colored gemstones, only a few gems have a higher level of dispersion.

Faceting

The number of facets on a gemstone, the symmetry and uniformity, and their careful placement will tend to bring out the appeal of a gemstone.

Gemstone Shape

Shape is a matter of personal preference.  In general, a gemstone with more facets tends to show more brilliance and visa versa.  Therefore, if you are looking for a gem that has more brilliance you should choose a round shape but if you prefer a more lustrous gemstone you should choose something like an emerald cut.  As a general rule, gemstones with more inclusions are cut in shapes with lesser facets.

Gemstone Clarity

All natural gemstones tend to have characteristic inclusions that form along with the gem in the womb of the earth.  These inclusions define the personality of the gem.  The inclusions can be needles, crystals, fissures, voids, tiny pockets of liquid trapped inside, mineral impurities or others.  In the most valuable gemstones category (emerald, ruby, and sapphire), these inclusions more or less are accepted.  Although, gems without inclusions or with eye clean clarity are usually more valuable.  As a general rule for all gemstones, lesser the inclusions, higher the price.

Gemstone Carat Weight

In general, the larger gemstones are preferred for their obvious beauty and luster.  The larger sizes command higher prices but this also depends on individual gems.  For example ruby is very rare in large sizes; therefore a ruby of around 5 carats can cost more than a comparable diamond.  Aquamarines for that matter are not rare in large sizes thus an increase in carat weight does not increase the price exorbitantly.

Confidence

One of the most important things while buying gemstones is confidence.  You need to be sure of the quality and the price of the gemstone you want to buy.  Once your supplier fulfils your requirements of the right quality at the right price, you can confidently go ahead and buy the gemstone that you want and surely deserve.

Gemstone Treatments

Most of the gemstones are treated to enhance their appeal unless otherwise stated.  Treating gemstones is a common and accepted practice in the jewelry industry and the treatment does not affect the price.  While buying gemstones, choose to be informed of the treatment.

• Gemstone Treatement

Where to Shop

Internet has revolutionized the way we shop for everything providing an easy access to the best quality as well as a wide range of merchandize, and gemstones are no exception.  You can have access to a wide range with the comparison of quality and prices being very convenient.