A Buyer’s Guide to Colored Gemstones: What to Look For

Colored gemstones are a beautiful and unique way to add personality and style to your jewelry collection. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so there is a perfect colored gemstone for everyone.

When buying colored gemstones, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Color: The color of a gemstone is one of the most important factors to consider when making your purchase. Be sure to choose a gemstone with a color that you love and that complements your skin tone and personal style.

Clarity: The clarity of a gemstone refers to the presence of inclusions, which are small imperfections within the stone. Gemstones with inclusions are less valuable than gemstones without inclusions.

Cut: The cut of a gemstone affects its brilliance and fire. A well-cut gemstone will sparkle and shine brightly, while a poorly cut gemstone will be dull.

Carat: The carat weight of a gemstone is its weight in carats. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. Larger gemstones are more valuable than smaller gemstones.

Treatment: Many gemstones are treated to improve their color, clarity, or durability. Some treatments are more permanent than others. Be sure to ask the seller about any treatments that have been done to the gemstone before you make your purchase. Here are some additional tips for buying colored gemstones:

Shop around: Compare prices and quality from different sellers before you make your purchase.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions about the gemstone, such as its origin, treatment history, and durability.

Get it certified: If you are buying a high-value gemstone, consider getting it certified by a reputable gemological laboratory. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the gemstone is authentic and of the quality you are expecting. Here are some of the most popular colored gemstones:

Ruby: Ruby is a red gemstone that is a variety of the mineral corundum. Rubies are known for their intense red color and their durability, making them a popular choice for ruby and diamond proposal pieces that combine timeless beauty with lasting value.

Sapphire: Sapphire is a blue gemstone that is also a variety of the mineral corundum. Sapphires come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and green. Emerald: Emerald is a green gemstone that is a variety of the mineral beryl. Emeralds are known for their rich green color and their inclusions.

Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a blue-green gemstone that is a variety of the mineral beryl.

Aquamarines are known for their clear color and their durability.

Amethyst: Amethyst is a purple gemstone that is a variety of the mineral quartz.

Amethysts are known for their range of purple hues and their affordability.

Other popular colored gemstones include:

Tanzanite

Topaz

Citrine

Garnet

Peridot

Moonstone

Opal

Tourmaline

Moissanite diamonds are a popular alternative to natural diamonds. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that is very similar to diamonds in appearance. However, moissanite diamond are much more affordable than diamonds. Moissanite is also more sustainable and ethical than diamonds.

When buying moissanite diamonds, be sure to choose a reputable seller. There are many fake moissanites on the market. Be sure to ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity.

Here are some tips for caring for your colored gemstones:

Store your gemstones carefully: When you are not wearing your colored gemstones, store them in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. This will help to protect them from scratches and damage.

Clean your gemstones regularly: You can clean your colored gemstones with mild soap and water. Be sure to dry them thoroughly after cleaning.

Avoid exposing your gemstones to chemicals: Chemicals can damage your colored gemstones. Avoid exposing your gemstones to household cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Take your gemstones to a jeweler for professional cleaning and inspection: It is a good idea to take your colored gemstones to a jeweler for professional cleaning and inspection every year or two. This will help to keep your gemstones looking their best and prevent any damage.

Colored gemstones are a beautiful and versatile way to add personality and style to your jewelry collection. By following the tips above, you can choose and care for your colored gemstones so that they last for many years to come.