Colored gemstones are a great way to express yourself through your jewelry, whether it’s your birthstone or simply a favorite gem. If you’re ready to take the colorful plunge, check out our tips on how to shop for gemstones and what questions to ask your jeweler before you swipe your credit card.
The options can be overwhelming so if you don’t yet have a favorite, consider choosing your birthstone or just browsing through photos until a certain color and gem catches your eye. It can be a precious stone – think ruby, emerald or sapphire – or semi-precious like zircon, opal or amethyst. Choose what speaks to you and what you want to show to the world.
All About Color
While gemstones do have the same 4 Cs as diamonds (carat, cut, clarity and color), they focus mostly on one important characteristic – color. This is how gems get their beauty, so when out shopping you will come across terms associated with their color, such as:
- Hue: This is the pure color that is on the spectrum, and it describes the dominant color in a gem.
- Tone: The lightness or darkness or a color.
- Saturation: The intensity or purity of the hue.
Questions to Ask
When you are at your local jeweler and feeling a bit overwhelmed, ask these questions about the stone you are considering so you can get the best gem for your budget:
- What is the clarity of the stone?
- Does it have any inclusions (imperfections)?
- How durable is it? (This is especially important when buying a ring or any piece that will have daily wear and tear.)
- What is the carat weight or millimeter size?
- Was it treated with heat or anything else? (Remember there is nothing wrong with treated gems but it can affect their value and durability and should be disclosed.)
- How should I care for it?
A Personal Preference
Choosing your ideal gemstone is subjective so just go with your instincts and your eyes. Once you think you’ve picked the next piece for your jewelry box, consider these important points:
- Do you absolutely love the color of this particular gem?
- Does it have brilliance and fire?
- Does it have a lot of light that moves through it?
- Does it fit in your budget?
If budget is an issue but you love the look of ideal gemstone, read about Lab-Created Gemstones, a more affordable option.
Once you’re ready to pull the trigger there is only one task left. Protect your newest valuable with personalized jewelry insurance from Lavalier. Contact us for a free quote right away!
References:
- Guide to Buying Gemstone Jewelry. www.jewelers.org. (Accessed Sept 20 2021).
- Questions to ask when buying a piece of gemstone jewelry. www.gem-a.com. (Accessed Sept 20 2021).