Gemstone Knowledge
You can judge a gemstone just like a diamond with the 4 C’s. In addition to the C’s, you have value in the perception of a gem. At Diamonds on the Net you will find the highest quality gemstone settings.
Color | Color is the most significant factor in a gemstone. People assume that the darker the stone the better the quality. Unfortunately it is not true, a truly dark stone is dull and lifeless. The best stones are rich and vivid with a medium tone. Find the best gems by looking at the stones in various sources of light. Light can affect the way the stones appear. |
Clarity & Cut | Cutting a stone can really affect its clarity. A good cut will allow light to spread evenly across the surface creating a magical clarity. A bad cut can make a stone lifeless and dark. It is also important to start with stones that have good clarity. |
Carat | Carat weight in a gemstone can be a deceiver. Some gems are denser than others, so stones of the same size may have different values. Since gemstones are sold by weight, some more dense stones may have a higher price than larger stones in a less dense variety. |
Perception | The perception of a gem can affect how much it cost. Some gems that are readily available, not very popular, made of softer materials or relatively unknown can cost less than gems of lesser quality. Some gems that have unusual name or names that are similar to inexpensive varieties cost less than well known gemstones. |
Categorically Arranged ; Gems can be classified into 5 categories | |
Classics | The big three of the gem world, the traditional gemstones are ruby, emerald, and blue sapphire. These gems usually command a higher value than other stones due to their appeal. |
New Favorites | New favorites are the up and coming stars of the gem world. Gems like aquamarine, tourmaline, and imperial topaz are gaining in popularity while often remaining in a reasonable price range. |
Rare Gems | Rare gems are the highly prized and often unusually members of the gem world. Stones like chrysoberyl cat’s eye, pink topaz, or other rare gems are highly prized with prices that reflect their rarity. |
Museum Quality | Museum quality gems are some of the rarest. Spinels, moonstones, and zircons fall into this category and can cost thousands of dollars per carat. |
Readily Available | Readily available gems are the most affordable stones. Amethyst, peridot, blue topaz and white opal are just a few of the gems in this category. Most readily available gems cost less than $100 per carat. |
Gems of Color
Finding the perfect color of gemstone for you isn’t as hard as it seems. Just take a look in your closet. If you have muted colors in your wardrobe, choose vibrant colors like reds and pinks. Dramatic colors more your style, then choose opposing colors. Pinks can be offset with blues, yellows with violets. If your closet is full of pastels, choose soft colors. Warm and earthy your style, choose warm tones like yellows and oranges. No matter what color of gem you choose, make sure that it is a quality stone.
The Colors of Gems | |
Red-Pink Colors | Ruby Spinel Rubellite tourmaline Garnet Sapphires in pink shades Beryls Kunzite Morganite |
Orange-Yellow Colors | Topaz Citrine Fire opal Sapphires in yellow shades |
Green | Emerald Tourmaline Peridot Garnet Tsavorite Sapphires in green shades |
Blues-Violets | Sapphire in blue shades Spinel Aquamarine Topaz Tanzanite Iolite Amethyst |