Fine Gemstone Jewelry: The Buying Tips

By Olive Pate


The jewelry market can be challenging particularly for those who are buying them for the first time. To begin with, diamond rings, necklaces and bangles rank as the most valuable fine gemstone jewelry. For those who don't have a taste for diamond and those cannot simply afford one, there are many other gemstones such as Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Zircon, Garnet, Corundum, Ruby, Sapphire, Quartz, Spinel, Tourmaline, and Emeralds among several others.

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.

The second aspect in your selection should be the clarity. It describes the flaws present or absent either on the surface or inside the stone. It plays a crucial role in the gem value and quality. Generally, it is very rare to find a gem that is completely flawless and are thus very expensive. The value of diamond get most affected by flaws, however, the value of most other stones are not affected much by the flaws not unless these flaws affect its durability.

As such, the tip when choosing a colored gem is giving more attention to the different color characteristics. Generally, it should not be too light or too dark. The best ones are those that are brighter, rich, intense, and pure with more vivid colors. This can be easily seen by looking at them against a white surface under different light conditions.

The other important aspect is carat weight. Since the gems are sold depending on their weight and not their size, the heavier ones are likely to cost more than the lighter ones. Generally, it is your budget that determines the carat you choose. However, you are better off buying an average sized gem that has quality cut, clarity and color than choosing a larger one that sacrifices color, clarity and cult.

The stone enhancement and treatment must also be considered. A few stones are sold in their natural status. The different methods like waxing, oiling, heating, dying, bleaching, and irradiating are used to improve the appearance and durability. Should you buy a treated one, be sure to know what method of treatment was used, how it affects durability and if there is any special care that is necessary.

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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