Finding a Real Gem
So seriously, how do you know what’s a top rock and what’s rock bottom? The smart money’s on your Flora personal jewelers. If you’d rather brush up before shelling out, here’s what to know.
Like diamonds, gemstones are judged by certain standard features:
Color
Gems come in practically every color, but did you know gem varieties can also come in different hues? There are yellow sapphires, green garnets, blue tourmalines. Tone and saturation also affect value.
Light
Some colored gemstones change colors in different light sources, so be sure you view your gem in different settings, like fluorescent and natural, before buying. Other gems even have optical effects like stars or cat’s eyes when light shines on them.
Clarity
This very important factor—inclusions, or imperfections, in a stone—is also the most variable. For gems like ruby and emerald, fewer inclusions mean higher value. But others, like star sapphires or cat’s eye chrysoberyls, increase in value with inclusions.
Carat
Just because a gem is big doesn’t mean it’s worth more. Carat weight varies by gem. Some, like emeralds and rubies, rarely occur in large sizes. For others, like amethyst and amber, larger sizes are more common. Rarity helps determine value.
Cut
Beyond just the shape, a well-cut stone is symmetrical and returns light to the eye well. Choices include round, oval, emerald, cushion, square, princess, cabochon, pear, marquise, trilliant, heart, buff top, opposed bar, radiant, and more.
