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Gemstone Evaluation

Gemstone Evaluation


Much like diamonds, a colored stone’s value is determined by its size, cut, clarity and color, but as stone types differ in their availability, durability, visual characteristics and popularity, we apply different standards in evaluating them. We do not compare emeralds to garnets just as we would not compare apples to oranges.
Tradition makes a distinction between precious and semi-precious gemstones. Precious stones include rubies, sapphires and emeralds. All other colored stones are considered semi-precious even though some can be quite expensive. As a wider variety of colored stones gain popularity, we tend to refer to them as colored gemstones rather than to a degree of preciousness.

Color:
  Color is typically the most important value–setting factor. Each gem type has a preferred color or relatively small range of preferred color. The more a stone varies, whether lighter or darker, varied or uneven- the less valuable the stone. Gemologist will judge whether a stone is the right tone, neither faded nor too saturated as to interfere with transparency, and if the hue is appropriate and uniform.
Cut:
  Colored gemstones are cut in a wider variety of designs than diamonds. Gemologists will assess the symmetry, proportion and finish of each gemstone. A well cut stone will show a stone’s visual assets to its best advantage.
Clarity:
  Some gemstones are virtually inclusion free while others almost always contain clarity characteristics. We do not apply the same measure to them all and instead divide them into three categories. Type one should be clean to the unaided eye. (Familiar stones in this category include Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Green Tourmaline and Tanzanite.) Type two may have some inclusions visible to the unaided eye. This group includes Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire-(all colors), Garnet, Pink Tourmaline and Alexandrite. Type three stones are typically noticeably included. (Familiar stones are Emerald and Rose Quartz).
Synthetic, Simulated and Enhanced Gemstones:
Synthetic stones are man made laboratory created materials that have the same chemical composition and structure as their natural counterparts.
Simulated stones are look-alikes that do not share the same physical properties.
Enhanced gemstones are natural stones that have been treated to stabilize or change their appearance.
buyDazzle carries all natural stones unless otherwise specified. Jewelry with synthetic stones will be clearly described as created or lab-created. We assign a general grade of Extra Fine (the best of its type), Fine (very good quality) or Regular (standard quality). We use only attractive well-cut stones.