Gemstone jewelry tips

In much the same way as diamond jewelry, the quality and value of gems used in gemstone jewelry can be evaluated according to the "Four Cs":

	Gemstone Color
	Gemstone Clarity
	Gemstone Cut
	Gemstone Carat Weight
According to some jewelers there's a fifth, non-official and far less less scientific factor:
	Gemstone Perception

Gemstone Color

The gems used in gemstone jewlery are colorful, so it's probably fairly obvious that color is the main factor used to evaluate colored gemstones.

If the gemstone color is too dark (for example, some sapphires look more black than blue), the gemstone tends to look lifeless and subdued, and won't result in an exceptional gemstone jewelry piece.

A brighter, richer and vividly colored gemstone is more valuable. Gemstone jewelers far prefer clear gemstones which have a medium-tone. An intensely saturated basic color is most preferred as it makes the gem more expensive.

Responsible gemstone jewelers assess the color of gemstones under different light sources, since different light wavelengths can change the way a gemstone reflects its true color.

The better gemstone jewelry retailers realize that judging gemstone color on a computer monitor is pretty much futile, so they offer generous return policies for unsatisfied customes. For example, Szul Jewelry Online are happy to refund, replace, or exchange any item within 30 days of its purchase, and LimogesJewelry.com in adition to their 100% lowest price guarantee, are happy to exchange any purchase or provide a refund (excluding shipping charges) within 90 days of receipt, no questions asked!

Gemstone Clarity

There are virtually no flawless naturally occuring gemstones. So there will almost always be inclusions in a gemstone. That is not as bad as it sounds because in certain gemstones these inclusions add to their appeal. For example, the tiny inclusions which reflect back light in cat's-eye chrysoberyl give the gemstone its value.

That said, in normal transparent gemstones, the fewer the inclusions the greater its value.

Gemstone Cut

The way a gemstone is cut will determine its beauty. A well-cut and properly faceted gemstone will reflect light evenly across its entire surface area when viewed face up.

Cut too deep and narrow, the gemstone will appear to have light and dark areas. Cut too shallow and wide, the gemstone will appear washed out and lifeless.

Gemstone Carat Weight

Most gemstones are sold by carat weight, not size.

This is because gemstones vary in density, which means different types of gemstones cut to the same size will have different weights.

The carat weight is not the only factor which affects the price. Large gemstones are quite rare, and this rarity results in an increased price per carat.

Gemstone Perception

Gemstone pricing is based on the 4 C's mentioned previously. It is the final visual effect these 4'Cs which affects the value of the gemstone and the final jewelry piece. However, there can be a huge price difference between different types of gemstones, and this is where the perception factor comes into play.

Some gemstones can fetch a low price because:
- they are too readily available, or
- the color isn't very popular (for example: brown and yellow), or
- the material is relatively soft, or
- nobody has heard of it.

In the past, the gemstone jewelry business was dominated by the big three: ruby, emerald and sapphire. These were often called precious stones, and over time other gemstones became known as "semi-precious.

The problem with "semi-precious," and the reason the gemstone jewelry industry essentially banned its use, is that it's a misnomer. Precious stones such as Rubies, emeralds, and sapphires often sell for less than $100 per carat, while a "semi-precious" fine Paraiba tourmaline can sell for $20,000 per carat.