Do You Buy Gemstones?
Unfortunately, we DO NOT buy loose gemstones. Our network of buyers are currently in the market for AAA rated gemstones set within precious metal.
When we look at gemstones there are a couple of variables we take into account. The value of the gemstone depends on its size, quality and whether or not it is natural or heat treated. These aren't variables that an untrained eye will be able to notice, but don't worry, we have you covered.
Interested in learning more, here are some basics on the tools we use to assess your gemstone.
Gemstones Grading - As with diamonds, colored gemstones are valued and rated according to the 4 C's, color, cut, clarity and carat. In addition, they are also graded on their rarity, which can raise the price of even your most common gemstone. Even with the same criteria for grade as a diamond, the grading scale is much different. Gems are rated on a scale of AAA - D, with AAA being near perfect and D being a poor quality gemstone.
The Gemstones 4C's
Color: When looking at the color of a gemstone, some important factors are considered, the hue, saturation, and tone. The rare and better quality gemstones will be a pure hue with a strong rich saturation in color.
Cut: Cut is one of the most important factors of a gemstone. It is best to investigate gems under magnification. A gem that has been crafted correctly will be symmetrical; it will also not have pits or scratches. It will have a smooth surface with facets that are crisp and complete.
Clarity: Clarity speaks to the inclusions in the stone. Most inclusions are so small that you can't see them with a naked eye, but the bigger and more visible the inclusion the more it will bring down the worth of the gemstone. Emeralds are one of the few stones where if you don't want any inclusions you will need to get a small stone. Emeralds are graded more on their color and saturation.
Carat: With gemstones and diamonds, the larger the stone the more rare and the more it costs. Thankfully, gemstones are usually clustered to make them appear larger and more noticeable in jewelry.
What do the ratings mean?
A Rating: This is a good quality gemstone. An A rated gemstone will have good transparency, be well cut with few inclusions. Precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires can go up to an AAA rating for their quality. Amethysts and garnet, which are considered semi-precious stones, can be graded up to AA.
B Rating: B rated gemstones are used more often in smaller gemstone jewelry pieces. These stones will have minor to light inclusions. It will be transparent, but still have good color quality.
C Rating: C rated gemstones will have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. They have difficulty letting light through which takes away from its sparkle and will appear flatter in color to the eye. C rated gemstones will be used more in smaller accent stone and in micro pave sizes.
D Rating: D rated gemstones are heavily included, and the lowest value of the stone you can buy. Minimal light if any gets through the stone and would be considered more of a rock piece then used in jewelry.
Common types of gemstones:
| Common Gemstones | The Facts |
|---|---|
| Emerald | Blueish Green color, May's birthstone, the most valued variety of beryl, a mineral species that include aquamarine. |
| Garnet | Available in every hue, most common gemstone. A green garnet is the rarest form of the stone. The stone is made of a group of minerals species, which is why it can come in so many hues. |
| Amethyst | Purple in color, in demand for jewelry of all price points. The stone is made of the mineral quartz, which will often produce velvety colored gems. |
| Ruby | One of the most valuable gemstones, red and rich in color, and made up of the corundum mineral species. The traces of chromium give it its red in color./td> |
| Sapphire | Does not just come in blue. Another corundum variety can come in a wide array of colors such as blue, yellow, green, orange, pink or even purple. |
| Tanzanite | Bluish to violet purple, one of the most popular colored gemstones. Only found in one place on earth, near Kilimanjaro, the hills of Merelani in northern Tanzania. |
| Opal | Known for it is kaleidoscopic of colors, and opals color range and pattern will help determine its value. |
| Morganite | Pink to orange in color, the stone is made up of a mineral that includes emerald and aquamarine. |
Heat Treatments - This is a treatment typically used to enhance color, but only in stones that can withstand the heat. Stones that have not been heat-treated, but show rich in color are usually more rare and expensive.
There are a couple different ways that you can heat treat gemstones. The two most common are over kilns or within an oven that can get up to 2000 degrees Celsius. It is a slow process of heating so that you do not shock the gemstone. Stones that are typically heating in oven like conditions are tourmaline, blue zircon, tanzanite, aquamarine, and citrine. Sapphire and ruby can be heated in a kiln, and can be very scientific i.e. allowing oxygen within the kiln can result in the lightening of the stone. Not allowing oxygen can result in the darkening of the stone.
Is a diamond a gemstone? Yes, diamonds are actually gemstones. Diamonds do come in some colors called "fancies" such as blue, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, gray and black, but these are considered rare. Most people strive for a colorless diamond, which is what you typically see in engagement rings. Diamonds are very hard stones, which are perfect for the everyday -they are immune to scratches and chips.
Not sure what kind of gemstone you have? Do not worry. Send us your jewelry today. We will cover all the costs and provide you with a free appraisal. It may be worth more than you think.