A GUIDE TO GEMSTONES
Sapphires Rubies Emeralds
Coloured gemstones can be an excellent alternative to diamonds, infusing your jewellery with vibrancy and character. These gemstones come in a myriad of hues, each possessing its unique charm and allure. However, it is important to understand the factors that determine the value of a gemstone before making a purchase.
Sapphires
Sapphires are renowned for their remarkable hardness, making them an ideal choice for everyday wear. In fact, they are the second most popular gemstone, after diamonds, for engagement rings. Symbolizing wisdom, sincerity, and trust, sapphires have long been cherished as a precious gift among royalty. Today, these captivating blue gemstones continue to be highly sought-after, displaying exquisite beauty and also making up a stable long-term investment.
Emeralds
Emeralds have long held a place of reverence, standing out for their intense green colour and captivating allure. As a symbol of peace, hope, and new beginnings, emeralds have been cherished for centuries and adorned by royalty and the elite.
Every emerald possesses its own personality, reflecting nature’s artistic brushstrokes within its intricate inclusions and distinctive colour variations. From the vibrant emerald shades to the deep green hues, reminiscent of lush forest canopy, each gemstone exudes a sense of timeless elegance and captivating charm.
Rubies
Considered the “gem of gems,” rubies hold a position of unparalleled value among gemstones. Their extreme rarity contributes to their exceptional worth. The price of a large ruby can rise exponentially compared to a smaller one, reflecting the scarcity and desirability of these precious stones.
Due to intense fiery red colour, rubies have been symbolising passion and love for centuries. Just like sapphires, rubies possess remarkable durability, allowing them to withstand daily wear.
What to Consider When Purchasing Gemstones?
High-quality gemstones are rare and can undergo significant value appreciation. The final price of a gemstone is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, origin, and carat weight.
Intensity of Colour
The intensity of colour should be your primary focus when selecting gemstones, as it significantly influences their long-term value. Vivid colour intensity is highly sought-after as it strikes the perfect balance of colour saturation. However, it is important to note that an extremely saturated colour can lead to the gemstone appearing dark, which can adversely impact on its value. Conversely, a faint colour intensity can result in a significant change in the gem’s appearance. For instance, a very light-coloured ruby may appear more pink than red.
Carat
The size of a gemstone is measured in carats, with one carat being equal to 0.2 grams. Large gemstones are rare and, therefore, more valuable. Gemstones exhibit exponential price appreciation relative to their size. For example, a 10.0 carat ruby can be approximately a hundred times more expensive than a 1.0 carat ruby.
Clarity
Gemstones often contain natural inclusions or imperfections, which are considered acceptable and can even indicate their origin. Clarity levels are categorized as follows:
- “Eye Clean” (EC1 – EC2): Inclusions are invisible to the unaided eye.
- “Visible inclusions” (VI1 – VI2): Inclusions are slightly visible to the unaided eye.
- “Included” (I1 – I2): Inclusions are obvious to the unaided eye.
Origin
The origin of gemstones plays a significant role in their value. Certain locations, such as Kashmir for sapphires or Burma for rubies, are highly regarded due to their heritage and rarity.
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