A Guide To Colored Gemstones AGTA
A Guide To Colored Gemstones AGTA
A Guide To Colored Gemstones AGTA
COLORED
GEMSTONES
C o l o r , L i f e , G e m s a n d Yo u
C
olor is one of life’s defining elements. Whether it’s
elusive hues and hold them forever. Yet they change from
all, gems put color close to you – to experience and enjoy for
designers use
c o l o r e d g e m s to
c r e at e j e w e l ry
t h at ’ s f a s h i o n a b l e
yet individual,
G ems and jewelry are beautiful, but that’s really just part of their
appeal. There’s fashion, self-expression, the charm of the old,
the excitement of the new, and much, much more as well.
In recent seasons the fashion world has rediscovered color and
the confident, feel-good femininity that goes with it. This has
made colored gemstone jewelry an essential component for every
wardrobe.
Beyond complementing apparel, the colors of gems conjure
emotions and convey meanings. The serenity of blue. The passion
of red. The vitality of green. Each gem color has its own energy,
spirit, and resonance.
Gems, themselves, embody Nature’s creative power. Over vast spans
of time, the same forces that shaped our planet compounded basic
elements into rare and captivating gems.
Gems also evoke the romance of faraway places. From where they’re
found – amid lofty mountains, in lush forests, beneath desert sands,
or bathed in ocean tides – gems carry exotic images, lingering
echoes, and alluring scents.
CUT
V a l u e i s n ’ t a d e e p o r c o m p l e x m y s t e ry.
H o w e v e r , i t s i m p ly m a k e s s e n s e t o h a v e t h e
g u i da n c e o f a p ro f e s s i o n a l yo u t ru s t w h e n
yo u p u r c h a s e yo u r c o l o r e d g e m s to n e j e w e l ry.
C LARI T Y
C ARAT
WEI G H T
Making Informed Choices
Color – Every gem has a unique range. Generally speaking, the purest
and most vivid color a gem can have will also be the most expensive.
Cut – Next to color, this is the most important factor in beauty. Faceted
gemstones should have a pleasing shape with a lively display of color and light.
Clarity – If they don’t detract from appearance, clarity features are
accepted in most colored gems. In fact, they provide a benefit by proving
that the gem is natural.
Carat Weight – Most colored gems are available in a wide range of
sizes, but for some the selection is limited.
T WO : C U T
C hoices in cut are almost as varied as for color – and they’re every bit
as intriguing. Transparent colored gems are most often faceted like
diamonds, in dozens of geometric shapes and styles. The ancient domed
form known as the cabochon is traditional for gems like jade, opal, and
turquoise. It helps to bring out the special optical effects seen in star gems
and cat’s-eyes, too. Today many kinds of gems are fashioned into carvings.
These range from classic cameos and natural motifs to designs that push the
edge of abstract expression.
Whatever the technique may be, cut is chiefly responsible for revealing a
gem’s beauty. Its contribution to appeal and value arises from the cutter’s
artistic creativity, technical skill and patient labor.
To judge the quality of cut, examine the gem as you hold it at arm’s length
and rock it gently back and forth. The overall form ought to be pleasing
T HREE : C LARI T Y
FOUR : C a r a t W e i g h t
L ike diamonds, most colored gems are weighed and priced by the carat. (One
carat equals 1/5 gram.) As with color, however, different kinds of gems have
differing weight potentials. A few rarely exceed 5 carats in high quality. Many
are readily available up to 15 or 20 carats, and some can be even larger.
For gems with limited weight ranges, per-carat prices usually climb steeply as the
carat weight goes up. For those with wider ranges, any increases tend to be more
gradual. A 3-carat ruby might have a per-carat price that’s three times higher
than a 1-carat ruby of the same quality. As a result, the larger gem would cost
nine times more than the smaller one. In contrast, a 5-carat amethyst is likely to
have about the same per-carat price as a 1-carat amethyst, so it will cost only five
times as much.
Besides reflecting the natural rarity of larger gems, per-carat price can serve as
an indication of other value factors. If two gems of the same kind and weight
have significantly different per-carat prices, there will be differences in color, cut,
or clarity, which you need to consider in a purchase decision.
Yellow & Citrine, Golden Beryl, Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline, Fire Opal,
orange Diamond, Zircon and Garnet (Spessartite, Malaya, Hessonite).
white Pearl, Moonstone, Jade (Jadeite, Nephrite) and Chalcedony.
All jewelr y images from AGTA Spectrum Awards Collection and AGTA Stock Photography Program.
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