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A gemstone is a mineral or rock, which can be used in jewelry after cutting or faceting and polishing. Gemstones are diverse in their beauty and many gems are available in a stunning variety of colors. Gemstones are used in jewelry since ancient times. The diamond is one of the most preferred gemstones but there are some other gemstones also which look very good in jewelry as well as cost very less as compared to diamonds. Gemstones are available in many varieties and buying a gemstone or gemstone jewelry is not an easy task. It is advisable to you to get some knowledge, about gemstones and their characteristics, before buying. You can get detailed information on each and every aspects of gemstone in our gemstone guide. Gemstone Buying Tips These below mentioned gemstone buying tips will certainly help you in finding the most suitable color stone, you are looking for. Usually most people consider 4Cs - color, clarity, cut and carat, are applicable in case of diamonds but the same 4Cs also apply to colored gemstones, though the grading is not nearly as uniform. These 4Cs will help you to choose the best gemstones on the same criteria on which jewelers use to select them. Gemstone Color Color is the most important factor in determining the value of colored gemstones and most dealers assess the color component of a stone at between 50 – 70% of its value. Gemstones are found in all the colors, one can imagine and color of a gemstone depends on following three characteristics: hue, saturation, and tone. Hue - Hue is the basic color of the gemstone that can be described as a shade or tint of a color. While almost all gemstones have some shades of other colors, the most valuable gemstones are those that exhibit a pure color and only ‘slight’ hues of other colors in addition to their primary color. Saturation - Saturation is a measure of the intensity or purity of a gemstone's hue or color. A gemstone, which is free of gray or brown hues, is considered strongly saturated and is more valuable than a gemstone with lower saturation. Saturation often decides the cut of a gemstone. Tone - Tone represents the depth of a gemstone color that is relatively light or dark of a Hue. It is described as ‘light’, ‘medium-light’, ‘medium’, ‘medium-dark’, and ‘dark’ where medium-light to medium-dark tone is considered as most valuable range. All the above three characteristics are associated with each other and plays very crucial role in determining the gemstone’s color. The more intense the color, more value it has. This does not mean darker, but intense. Buying Tips for Gemstone Color When you buy a colored stone, you should give a close attention to the color of the gemstone. Gemstone should not be too dark or too light. Usually a gemstone with bright, rich, intense, pure, and vivid color is always best. The best way to see the true color of a gemstone is by looking at it against a white surface. When you buy gemstones, you should check them under different light conditions. If gemstones contain color change characteristics then these should display a strong change in color between alternative exposure to daylight and incandescent light sources. Gemstone Clarity Clarity is a term used to describe the absence or presence of flaws inside or on the surface of a gemstone. Clarity is also an important factor in determining quality and the value of a gemstone. A flawless gemstone is rare and usually expensively priced. Most gemstones contain inclusions, or tiny mineral flaws, that can be seen under magnification or by the careful eye. But if these imperfections do not affect the durability of colored gems then the value of the gems except diamond will not affect much. Colored stones have different habits of clarity, so that they are classified into three ‘Types’, which are defined as under: Type I - Type I colored stones include stones with very little or no inclusions. This category can include Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Zircon, Morganite, Tanzanite, etc. Type II - Type II colored stones include stones that often have a few inclusions. This category can include Corundum, Garnets, Iolite, Peridot, Quartz (Amethyst, Citrine, Ametrine), Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, etc. Type III - Type III colored stones include stones that usually always have inclusions. This category can include Emeralds, Tourmaline, etc. Buying Tips for Gemstone Clarity Usually colored gemstones are examined from the top or face up position. So when you buy a gemstone, you should examine it from the top and if an inclusion or flaw doesn't show in the face up position, then it won't affect the value and beauty much. In the same manner, if the gemstone setting hides an inclusion, then also it won't affect the value and beauty much. You can use jeweler’s 10X magnifying glass or a microscope to examine gemstone’s imperfections. When you buy a gemstone, you should give more importance to its color instead of its clarity. Gemstone Cut A gemstone's cut refers to its proportions and symmetry. Quality of the cutting is very important factor influencing the overall beauty of the gemstone. A well-cut faceted gemstone reflects light back evenly across its surface area when held face up. If the stone is too deep and narrow, surface area will be dark and if it is too shallow and wide, parts of the stone will be washed out and lifeless. To cut a gemstone, its color is also taken into account for optical efficiency. If a stone's color is highly saturated, a shallow cut will allow it to pass more light, while a deeper cut may increase the vividness of a less saturated gem. You can find a gemstone in various cuts like Cabochon, Table, Rose, Brilliant, Square, Triangular, Step, Emerald etc. The process of cutting and polishing gems is called gem cutting or lapidary. Few gemstones such as pearls and coral (usually referred to organic minerals) are not cut at all and many times left in their natural state. However, it is customary to polish these gemstones. The gemstone cutter tries to maximize the yield and produce the largest stones from the available material. Since gemstones are sold by weight, larger stones are usually worth more than smaller stones. Buying Tips for Gemstone Cut When you buy a gemstone, you should always go for the ideal cut gemstone with the desired shape. A good cut is something that may not cost more but can add or subtract a lot of gemstone beauty. You should always ensure that gemstone is properly polished and with perfect symmetry. The stone should be symmetrical in all dimensions so that it will appear balanced. When you buy a gemstone, you should give preference to wearer’s personal choice regarding the gemstone cut and shape. Gemstone Carat Weight A gemstone's weight is measured in carats and 1 carat equals 0.2 grams or 1/142 of an ounce. A carat may also be displayed in points and 1 carat is divided into 100 points. Therefore, 1/4 carat gemstone is considered as 25 points and ½ carat gemstone is considered as 50 points and so on. Gemstones are usually sold by weight and not by size. Some gemstones are denser than others so the same carat weight stones may come in different sizes. The price of a gemstone rises exponentially with its size. So, a 2 carat ruby stone of a given color and quality is always worth much more than two 1 carat ruby stones of the equal color and quality. Buying Tips for Gemstone Carat Weight The carat weight of a gemstone will always depend on your budget. You must buy an average sized gemstone with good color, cut and clarity instead of buying a larger gemstone with not so good color, cut and clarity. This term ‘Carat’ is different from the term ‘Karat’ which is used to describe gold's fineness or purity. Gemstone Enhancement / Treatment Gemstone Enhancement is a treatment process other than cutting and polishing that improves the appearance (color / clarity), durability of a gemstone. There are many ways to enhance the appearance and durability of gemstones. For example, heating, oiling, irradiation, waxing, dying, bleaching etc. Some of these treatments or enhancements, are permanent where as others are temporary. Gemstone enhancement has become very common as well as accepted practice and vast majority of stones are treated in some way. Most gemstone enhancements greatly improve the appearance and hence the value of a stone. Buying Tips for Enhanced / Treated Gemstone When you buy a gemstone, you must ensure that whether gemstone is natural or treated and if it is treated or enhanced then what method of treatment was used. Treated or enhanced gemstones are generally available in less price as compared to natural or non-treated gemstones. When you buy a treated or enhanced gemstone then you must ask the jeweler that whether the treatment is permanent or temporary and whether the stone requires any special care. Gemstone Certificate A Gemstone Certificate or Gemstone Grading Report is a statement, issued by an independent Gemological Laboratory, that at the time of evaluation, the gemstone in question has been examined, measured, and scrutinized by experienced stone graders, using various gemological instruments, and determined to contain the characteristics as stated in the Certificate or Report. There are many reputed laboratories available for gemstone certification, which are known for their consistency and unbiased gemstone grading systems. For example, The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and The American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). Buying Tips for Gemstone Certificate When you buy a costly gemstone, you should always ask for a gemstone certificate. It may cost you little more money but it will provide you a much-needed peace of mind knowing that you are getting your money’s worth. A gemstone certificate gives you the exact details of the stone and on the basis of this information you will be able to do some comparison-shopping before doing the actual purchase. A gemstone certificate allows you to pay the money on basis of stone’s characteristics. Your jeweler won’t be able to charge you more and there are very good chances to get the best deals. On re-sale of gemstone along with its certificate, you will get better price for the stone. To get insurance for your gemstone, you also need to produce gemstone certificate. General Buying Tips You must set your budget for buying a gemstone and then explore all options. In this way, you'll find a wide range of gemstones with different carat weights and qualities in your price range. Always buy a gemstone which fulfills the basic criteria of 4Cs and suitable to your budget. You should give priority to gemstone color over cut, clarity and carat weight. When you are buying a gemstone for your loved ones, always keep their personality and preferences in mind. You should also ask your jeweler, if the gemstone you are considering buying is treated to enhance color or cover flaws. A treated gemstone should cost less than a natural gemstone. Always buy a gemstone from a reputed and a known jeweler. If you don’t know any good jeweler, you should ask your family members or friends for their recommendations. Beware of jewelry store lighting which usually consists of quartz or halogen bulbs. These can deceive as they blast high-intensity streams of light into goods to make them look like the crown jewels. While buying a gemstone, you should not be in hurry or in pressure. You should buy it at your convenience and at your own pace. Now after reading these above mentioned gemstone buying tips, you can go ahead to buy a gemstone with more confidence.

Acquisition of a diamond or diamond jewelry is an important expression of love or accomplishment but it can also represent a major investment of money. It is essential for you to know the credentials of the diamond and enable confidence in the integrity and quality of what you have acquired. A Diamond Certificate or Diamond Grading Report is a statement, issued by an independent Gemological Laboratory. At the time of evaluation, the diamond in question has been examined, measured, and scrutinized by experienced Diamond Graders, using various gemological instruments, and determined to contain the characteristics as stated in the Certificate or Report. In other words, a diamond certificate can be accurately described as the blueprint of a diamond. This Certificate or Report includes an analysis of the diamond's characteristics in an easy to understand format. Generally, a certificate or report covers the following characteristics of a diamond along with the laboratory and certificate details: Name of the Laboratory Certificate Number Shape and Cutting Style Measurements of the Diamond's diameter Carat Weight Color Grade Clarity Grade Cut Grade Finish, Polish & Symmetry Fluorescence Comments Plotted diagram of the diamond that shows the imperfections. Key to Symbols that help identify characteristics marked in the plot. Security Features for the certificate Graphical image of Diamond Structure Information about Diamond's Depth, Table, Girdles, Culet and Facets etc. This certificate doesn't state the monetary value of a diamond. There are many laboratories available throughout the world for diamond certification but the below mentioned laboratories are considered the most respected ones in the industry, for their consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems. Securing a certificate will provide you much-needed peace of mind knowing that you are getting your money's worth. Here are some reasons to buy a diamond along with its certificate: A diamond certificate gives you the exact details of the stone and on the basis of this information you will be able to do some comparison-shopping before doing the actual purchase. A diamond certificate allows you to purchase on the basis of a stone's characteristics. If you resell the diamond along with its certificate, you will get better price for the diamond. To get insurance for your diamond, you also need to produce a diamond certificate. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) The Gemological Institute of America was established in 1931 in Los Angeles. The GIA created and introduced the international grading system. Headquarters are still located in Los Angeles. The Diamond High Council (HRD) The Diamond High Council is the officially recognized representative of the Belgium diamond trade and industry. HRD headquarters are located in Antwerp, Belgium, in the World Diamond Center. The American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) The American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) was established in 1934 in Las Vegas, Nevada by Robert M. Shipley, who also established the GIA. It is standard practice in the diamond industry, to ask for a diamond's certificate or grading report from the jeweler before the purchase of it.

What are some interesting facts about Diamonds?

Emeralds can evoke the sharp crispness of evergreens, the velvety softness of moss or the dark glassiness of forest pools. It’s no wonder that many geographical locations are called Emerald this or Emerald that. It’s also no coincidence that emerald is the designated birthstone for May, just when the Great Outdoors is really greening-up. Though many of us are making do with our neighborhood parks at the moment, we can still dream about the golf greens, backcountry trails, and favorite vacation destinations that we wish we could visit now. In the meantime, we’re pairing some of our newest emerald designs with a handful of famous places named for emeralds to fuel your wanderlust.         The Emerald Necklace – the chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways designed by Frederick Olmstead is the pride and joy of Boston, MA.         The Emerald City – surrounded by the lush green forests of Washington, Seattle acquired this nickname in the mid-1980s.         The Emerald Pools – with their waterfalls and hanging gardens, these linked pools in Zion National Park, UT is one of the park’s most popular trails.         Emerald Lake – a true jewel in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s only one of the places called emerald in the park – there’s also an Emerald Mountain that overlooks the city of Steamboat Springs.         The Emerald Isle – That would be Ireland of course, with its Forty Shades of Green.  The country was first referred to as the Emerald Isle in a 1795 poem penned by the Belfast-born William Brennan.       If you are not the outdoors type, there’s always the fictional Emerald City of Oz – either way, we hope you feel inspired by this emerald travel guide – and happy birthday to all the May Babies!

Expert Advice    At the risk of sounding opportunistic or exploitive of the current COVID-19 situation, we still believe that people do have plenty of perfectly legit questions about caring for their rings and bracelets while washing and sanitizing their hands with increasing frequency. A little advice can be genuinely useful.   Are sanitizing gels or foams bad for my rings? We’ve long advocated using hand sanitizer instead of hand lotion as a lubricant for removing stuck rings. Because they are mostly alcohol – sanitizers quickly evaporate, leaving little, if anything, to gunk up stones and undercarriages. That said, frequent and vigorous rubbing may shorten the ‘life expectancy’ of gold and rhodium plating (IP plating, FYI, is considerably more durable which is why we often recommend these handsome IP plated bands for guys who do a lot of manual work or exercise). Do be sure to remind folks that replating is always a safe and fairly inexpensive option, however, removing rings while washing hands may be a better idea, provided you stash them in a safe place and don’t accidentally walk away from the sink without them!   But what about the stones? Most transparent gemstones, including of course lab-grown ones, can tolerate both soap and water and the alcohol in sanitizers. Opaque and more porous materials such as lapis, opal, turquoise or any organic materials may be susceptible to chemicals. For general cleaning, we’d recommend a diluted, fragrance-free mild dish soap but under current circumstances – removing them while washing is definitely best practice. Here too, advise people to avoid excessive rubbing that may loosen prongs or abrade facets. Walking around with a stash of clean lint-free cloths is surely a bit of a stretch, but treating your rings as-if is wise, and better yet, just air dry when practical.   What’s the best way to clean silicon? Whether it’s work or lifestyle, many people wear a silicon stand-in and save their fine jewelry for off-duty wear. When silicon gets dirty, our usual advice is applying a non-soap cleanser (such as those used for sensitive skin or baby products), gently rubbing with a non-abrasive cloth and air drying. Under normal circumstances, we’d definitely say keep silicon away from alcohol sanitizers but, given the $6 to $7.5 MSRP and many fun colors of these bands, it’s easy to think of them as a small price to pay in exchange for your health. Think of them as disposables, though they will certainly last much more than mere single-use.   And since we’re on the topic, a word about leather; especially for the die-hards who are scrubbing up to their elbows. Leather bracelets can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth, but they are vulnerable to sweat and soaking. This is often regarded as normal weathering or even desirable as a well-earned character. Soap and sanitizers, however, are much more likely to cause actual discoloration, so if you are a wrists-n-all hand-washer, leave your leather cuffs at home. You can still maintain a rugged, boho or casual chic with plenty of other rubber, contemporary metal or natural stone bead bracelets. (Previously stated cleaning advice still applies!)