For over a period of 100,000 years, people belonging to all cultures have been using and wearing jewelry in different forms according to their respective cultures. It is not a very easy thing to select the perfect jewelry for any occasion.
Different materials, designs, styles and gems provide a wide range for selection of the right jewelry according to the choice of the buyer. Many people find gemstone jewelry fascinating but very few people have knowledge about the real gemstones. This guide provides you with the basic information regarding gemstones which will help you in recognizing and buying the real gemstones.
What Are The Natural Gemstones?
The natural gemstones are mined in different parts of the world. These gemstones come from land and can also be treated with heat or enhanced for bringing out their beauty and improve their original color.
What Are The Laboratory-Made Gemstones?
These gemstones are also commonly called as manufacturer-created, laboratory-created or synthetic gemstones. These gemstones basically have the same physical, optical and chemical properties as the natural gemstones. However, these laboratory made gemstones do not possess the same value and rarity as of the natural colored gemstones. Though the laboratory made gemstones appear exactly the same to most of the people but with proper testing, professional gemologists can easily tell the difference between natural and the laboratory made gemstones.
What Are The Imitation Gemstones?
The only thing common between natural gemstones and imitation gemstones is that they both look similar in appearance. The imitation gemstones include cubic zirconia, tinted glass and other material that looks like natural gemstones when treated. It is easy for any person to distinguish between the imitation and laboratory-made gemstone by their appearance.
What You Should Look For In Gemstones?
A gemstone is basically measured by size, weight, or both, basically the gemstones are measured in carat (carat= 1/5 gram). Carat is divided into a total of 100 units which are called points.
What Is A Treated Or Enhanced Gemstone?
Gemstone enhancement or treatment refers to the procedure by which the durability or appearance, or even color of the gemstones can be improved. Many natural stones are treated in a certain manner to improve their look or appearance. The way of treatment depends on the kind of gemstone and special care is taken for enhancement of certain gemstones in order to preserve their quality. Some enhancements may affect the total value of gemstones, when measured against comparable untreated gemstones.
How Can You Evaluate A Gemstone?
You can evaluate a gemstone by asking a local jeweler or following this guide.
- Cut- Cut includes the shape and surface area of the stone. A precision-cut stone produces a well finished gem with great light reflection along with superior color and brilliancy.
- Color- Color is judged by intensity, saturation and vivacity. A bright color without cloudiness is a sign of best quality gemstones.
- Treatment- A natural gemstone is more valuable as compared to the gemstone that is treated for color enhancement. The method of treatment also affects the value of gemstones.
- Transparency- Transparency is measured by the diffusion of light throughout the gemstone. Higher transparency adds value to the gemstones.