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Gemstone 4Cs | |
|
Gemstone 4Cs | |
| While there are no ‘official’ 4Cs for grading colored gems as there are with diamond
grading, many of the same principals apply. Here are the 4Cs as they apply to
colored gemstones: |
| Clarity You should look for stones that have good clarity-no blemishes, cracks, severe inclusions, etc. Of course, in lighter colored stones, it may be more important than in darker stones that have deeper colors that can mask imperfections. However, flawlessness in colored gems is even more rare than in diamonds. As with diamonds, it’s the type and location of a flaw that is more important than the fact that there is a flaw, since this can affect the stone’s durability. Also, some stones are typically 'eye-clean', such as topaz, while others are expected to have inclusions, such as emerald. |
| Clarity You should look for stones that have good clarity-no blemishes, cracks, severe inclusions, etc. Of course, in lighter colored stones, it may be more important than in darker stones that have deeper colors that can mask imperfections. However, flawlessness in colored gems is even more rare than in diamonds. As with diamonds, it’s the type and location of a flaw that is more important than the fact that there is a flaw, since this can affect the stone’s durability. Also, some stones are typically 'eye-clean', such as topaz, while others are expected to have inclusions, such as emerald. |
| Color Since diamonds gain their highest value from their absence of color, it follows that the most important “C” when it comes to colored gemstones, naturally, is Color. Their color should be vivid, even and saturated throughout the entire stone. Unfortunately, there doesn’t yet exist a standardized system for evaluating the color of gemstones, like the GIA scale used in evaluating diamonds. |
| Cut A gemstone’s cut does not affect its value to the same extent that it does with a diamond. However, its cut does affect the depth of the color seen, the size of the gem and the liveliness of the stone. A stone with good color will only be enhanced by a good cut, while a poorly cut colored gemstone can turn out looking dead and lifeless. In gemstones, the deeper the cut, the deeper the color. |
| Carat As with diamonds, weight in colored gems is measured in Carats. One carat is 200 milligrams. Bear in mind that size and weight are not the same thing, since some gemstone materials are denser and therefore heavier than other stones of the same size. Since stones of different species occur in different sizes, their rarity at certain sizes can affect their value. |
| Gemstone Grading Certificates Unlike the diamond industry, the use of certificates or grading reports for colored gems is relatively new and lacks a worldwide standard. Consequently, very few stones are actually accompanied by such reports. They are very useful, however, in determining if a particular stone is natural or created and if they have been treated or enhanced in any way. Ultimately, the best way to determine a stones quality is to have a trained jeweler look at it. |
Faye's Diamond Mine
Northside Shopping Center
Highway 65 North
Clinton, Arkansas 72031
501-745-8434
faye@fayesdiamondmine.com
