Nature offers a breath-taking panorama of gorgeous colored gemstones. Some grow in almost unlimited quantities, while others are comparatively rare. A few are truly rare, both difficult to find and not easily obtained in the marketplace.
For example, there are many amethysts available, even in the comparatively rare, deep rose purple color, but a client wishing to own a 3 carats bright and deep yellow-green demantoid garnet from Russia, or a fiery, bluish green tourmaline from Brazil may have to wait until the jeweler can find them.
Colored gemstones have a language all their own. Unlike diamonds, there is no universally agreed-upon gemological grading scale to use when discussing the quality of colored stones. But it is useful to know that three different experts in this field can reach similar conclusions about the quality and value of a particular colored stone, even though each may use different language to describe it.
Colored gemstones and jewelry are sold by jewelry stores, on the Internet and on home shopping networks. But there are only a handful of jewelers/gemologists who are experts in the field of colored stones. As always, know your jeweler and know his expertise. Find an expert, and you will buy something special that will be enjoyed by future generations in your family.
The Cost of Colored Gemstones:
Colored gemstones are more complex than diamonds. This is because nature produces so many varieties, and each variety grows in so many different shades and intensities of color. As an example, the purple amethyst quartz, the birthstone for February, grows in tones from very light violet to intense rose violet, and costs anywhere from $.25/carat to $300/carat. Here is a list of factors used by gemologists to judge the cost and value of a colored gemstone:
• Color
• Enhancements
• Clarity, Shape, Cut, and Durability
• Carat Weight, Demand, History, and Fashion
• Geographic Origin
• Comparative Rarity
Of these factors, color itself is the primary ingredient of cost.
