You've heard of the 4Cs used to judge diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. To judge colored gemstones, similar, but not identical, citeria come into play. The last Gem Wise article explored how color is the most important consideration and how the cut of the gemstone is used to provide the most beautiful color.
Clarity varies from colored gem to colored gem. Because of the ways gems form naturally, some gems simply are unavailable without inclusions. Emeralds, for example, typically have some inclusions that is so frequently the case that in judging emeralds "jardin" (garden) is one of the areas to evaluate. Other gems, such as another green gem, peridot, are likely to be quite free of inclusions. The importance of clarity, then, varies according to the kind of colored gemstone under consideration.
Carat weight is certainly a factor. Some gemstones are available in a wide range of sizes. That is the case, for example, with irradiated blue topaz. Other gemstones are rarely available in large sizes. When a larger rare stone is available, the cost of that gemstone increases dramatically.
For certain jewelry pieces such as necklaces or earrings, another consideration in evaluation is how well the gemstones are matched - are the gems of the same color shades and of similar quality.
When you shop for a colored gem, understanding the importance of each of these characteristics will help you understand the gem's value. Let us discuss your choice with you.
Clarity varies from colored gem to colored gem. Because of the ways gems form naturally, some gems simply are unavailable without inclusions. Emeralds, for example, typically have some inclusions that is so frequently the case that in judging emeralds "jardin" (garden) is one of the areas to evaluate. Other gems, such as another green gem, peridot, are likely to be quite free of inclusions. The importance of clarity, then, varies according to the kind of colored gemstone under consideration.
Carat weight is certainly a factor. Some gemstones are available in a wide range of sizes. That is the case, for example, with irradiated blue topaz. Other gemstones are rarely available in large sizes. When a larger rare stone is available, the cost of that gemstone increases dramatically.
For certain jewelry pieces such as necklaces or earrings, another consideration in evaluation is how well the gemstones are matched - are the gems of the same color shades and of similar quality.
When you shop for a colored gem, understanding the importance of each of these characteristics will help you understand the gem's value. Let us discuss your choice with you.