The Buying Tips: The Fine Gemstone Jewelry Buying Guide

By Olive Pate


There are several minerals and rocks that are polished and used for jewelry. The diamond and gold for instance, are among the most expensive jewelry items while copper and silver are also common jewelry minerals. Gems are rare stones and come in stunning beauty, wide variety and colors. Many people are not aware that a diamond jewelries are also part of fine gemstone jewelry. There are several other gemstones that also look good in jewelry and cost far less as compared to diamond.

With several types of gemstones in the market, a buyer needs some tips to help them get the right jewelry at the right price. The different types of stones also mean different colors, and color is perhaps the most important aspect in making your choice. Generally, the color of a given gemstone will determine 50%-70% of its market value. The color aspect is determined by its hue, tone and the saturation.

The saturation on the other hands is its purity or color intensity and the tone represents the color depth and can vary from light to dark. The value increases with color intensity. Other than the color, the second consideration is gem clarity.

It is a term that describes the presence or absence of flaws on the gem surface or inside. It is not easy to find a flawless stone and is therefore very expensive. Other than diamond, the value of other gemstones is not much affected by these flaws except when the inclusions and minerals can affect its durability. The flaws can be seen from through a magnifying glass or microscope.

The gems also come in different cuts and according to experts, polishing or cutting is determined by the color. For optical efficiency, shallow cuts are used for highly saturated colors while deep cuts help increase the vividness of the less saturated ones. The common cuts include Table, Square, Brilliant, Rose, Cabochon, Step, Emerald, and Triangular.

Although it also pays to look at the clarity, color should always be given more importance than the clarity. In order to examine the clarity, the procedure is to examine it from the face up position. Look for an inclusion or flaw from the top position, if none appears, then it is better that way. The imperfections can be seen well through the magnifying glass or a microscope.

The other important tip is the treatment or enhancement used. The enhancement is done improve the appearance in terms of its color and clarity and may also enhance durability. It may be done by oiling, dying, heating, waxing, bleaching or irradiating among other methods. As such, determine if it is natural or treated and if treated then determine the method used. Determine if special care is required and if the treatment affects its durability.

The last consideration to have in mind is the enhancement or treatment. The natural gems are more attractive and tend to cost more. However, if the gemstone is treated or enhance, then try to find out the method of treatment used, and if the treatment is temporary or permanent and if there is any special care required.




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