‘Gemstone!’ It’s the thing that sparkles up our hearts with joy and astonishment, especially for women. And getting a gemstone for yourselves might perhaps be one of the most delightful experiences. However, buying gemstones isn’t a cakewalk. It is also a tricky affair just like buying precious stones like gold and diamond, especially if you buy gemstones online. The quality of gemstones is something that decides whether your purchase is a good one or not.
Determining the quality of a gemstone is one of the prime concerns for both jewelers and customers as well.
Unlike diamonds, there is no international standard for grading the clarity of colored stones such as gemstones. A gemstone supplier in India often uses terms like VVS and VS for grading the quality of gemstones. However, such terms are usually associated with the grading of diamonds and are not actually the right way to grade colored gemstones. Moreover, customers often tend to get confused with the use of such terms.
Thus, the reliable and best possible way to check the quality of gemstones is by considering four “C’s” that refer to color, carat, cut, and clarity.
- COLOR – The first and foremost thing that needs to be considered while buying a gemstone is its color intensity. The more valuable ones would normally feature a rich, intense & concentrated color tone. However, a gemstone’s color can be intensified through its cut and various other treatments like dye, oil or resin infusion, heat laser and surface treatments, coatings, and more.
- CARAT – A carat is usually used to specify a gemstone’s weight. Typically, a carat is equal to 1/5th of a gram or 200 milligrams. A carat is further divided into units, also known as points. According to this division, one carat equals 100 points. The weight of colored gemstones is usually expressed in decimal fractions, although some gems may have diverse densities affecting the size per carat.
- CUT – The angle at which a gemstone is cut, determines the quality, structure, look and shine of the stone. Cutting the stone into facets gives the gemstone its depth of color and a natural luster upon reflection of light at the cut edges of it. Some of the popular fancy gem cuts include brilliant, cushion, radiant, princess, etc., that are responsible for a gemstone’s brilliance.
- CLARITY – And finally, the last essential factor determining a gemstone’s quality is its clarity. Undoubtedly, the more transparent a stone is, the more valuable is the stone. However, clarity refers to much more than mere transparency. It signifies the purity of a gemstone and is dependent on various internal and external characteristics. The lesser the inclusions or blemishes, the more valuable the gemstone is.
Other Essential Factors
SIZE – Size is also an important factor that adds value to a gemstone. With an increase in the size of gemstone, its carat value also increases.
CERTIFICATION – Another essential thing is the certification. You should always look for a certificate of authenticity issued to a gemstone.
GRADING – There’s a grading system known as the ‘A grading system’ that you can find while buying a gemstone online in India. The grades are AAAA, AAA, AA, and A, where.
AAAA – signifies vivid color
AAA – signifies intense color with slight inclusion
AA – signifies deep color with moderate to slight inclusion.
A – signifies dark color with a high degree of opaqueness and heavy inclusion at times.
Although there’s no universal grading system or measure that can determine the quality of gemstones, yet these simple tips can become your determining factor and make your purchase a successful one. After all, such captivating gemstones are not meant for regret.