How the beauty of precious gemstones as well as real gemstones is determined?
Beauty and genuineness go hand in hand. Thus, there are a few parameters through which the genuineness of a gemstone can be determined. While checking out for real gemstones, geologists determine the composition. For instance, many of the gemstones can be deemed as crystals and are classified as cubic, trigonal or monoclinic. Even then there are sub-groups, species and varieties. Take for instance, the ruby is a red variety of corundum whilst the blue color is considered to be sapphire. Natural gemstones are also compared according to their hardness and luster as well as their refractive index.
Till now, no particular set of rules has come out in terms of grading gemstones except for the 4Cs. The Gemological Institute of America has come out with a few guidelines for choosing as well as purchasing gemstones. This system helps people to understand what makes one particular precious gemstone more valuable than the other.
Guideline for identifying genuine precious gemstones
- Color – Natural gemstones can be virtually found in every color of the spectrum. What is more, they can even be found in a variety of hues. Tourmaline as well as hessonites can be found in almost every color. Pricing is determined by durability, rarity as well as popularity. Sometimes even lesser known gems come as a surprise package consisting of beauty as well as affordability.
- Light – An important factor while determining the value of a gemstone, light mostly affects the color of the gems. For instance, blue sapphire looks often at its best while being under a florescent light while at the same time rubies tend to look their best under incandescent lighting. So, while choosing a gemstone, always check it under a light under which you will possibly be wearing the most.
- Clarity – Natural, apart from loose gemstones are taken out from the bowels of earth. Thus, they might consist of inclusions i.e. some sort of mark. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer and more valuable the gemstone will turn out to be. But inclusions are not altogether bad. Some of them are responsible to give optical phenomena. For instance, the star ruby and the cat’s eye chrysoberyl does have inclusions in them but that does not mean that their value is diminished by their presence.
- Weight and cut – Precious gemstones are sold by weight, preferably by carat. Thus, be ready to pay more per carat in case of a large gemstone. A skilled gem cutter is able to give a gemstone its true beauty and luster. Their cuts help in to get an idea on how well the gem’s shape will deliver its luster and beauty.
