A Compact Guide To Gemstones

Gemstones are materials that when cut and polished are used to create the luxury jewellery, we adorn today. Gemstones are made from mineral crystals, certain rocks and organic substances.

View our gemstone library here.

The most renowned gemstone is the sapphire. However, gems are available in hundreds of other forms. Due to the high value and demand of diamonds, there are industry standards in its grading system. A diamond is evaluated through the 4 C’s: cut, carat weight, clarity and colour grade. While other gemstones don’t have the same industry level grading system, they can still be evaluated through the 4 C’s:

• Gemstone Colour: Gemstones are renowned for their bold colours. That’s why the colour is the most important factor in determining its value. A gemstone’s colour value is evaluated through the Hue, Tone and Saturation:

• Hue: The hue of a gemstone should stay pure the gem’s original colour. For example, sapphire is available in purple-blue to green-blue tones. The rarest of sapphires will remain true to its primary blue colour.

• Tone: A gem’s tone indicates the depth of its colour. The scale ranges from colourless to black. Colour tone scaled as Light, Medium-Light, Medium, Medium-Dark and Dark.

• Saturation: Due to the vast range of gemstones, purity is an important aspect of evaluating its colour. Saturation looks at the purity of a gem’s colour referring to the degree that it is free of dull brown or grey hues. Colour saturation is scaled from Vivid to Strong. 

• Gemstone Cut: Typically, a cut grading shows a diamond’s potential of fire and brilliance. But with other gemstones, colour is more important. A gem’s cut grading represents how well the stone is cut to maximise the something colour. The cut grading of a gemstone is a combination of showcasing its dynamic colour, the way any inclusions are diminished and overall symmetry and proportion.

• Gemstone Carat Weight vs Size:Carat weight represents the density of the gemstone. But because of the variety of gems available, carat weight alone cannot determine value. The rarity of a gemstone is also determined by its size. Together the weight and size of a gemstone can help evaluate its value.

• Gemstone Clarity: As a gemstone is naturally formed, inclusions and blemishes are unavoidable. Surface marks and deformities within a gemstone can lower its value. However, it is rare and expensive to find a completely flawless gemstone. Some gemstones are also treated with oil, wax or resin to minimise surface flaws.

Explore our bespoke selection of gemstone jewellery online or instore today.