How to Select a Gemstone
Gems come in virtually every color and a single gem variety can have many hues. Pricing for gem varieties is affected by certain factors including rarity, durability, and popularity.

For every gem variety, color is the most important value factor. Hue, as well as, tone and saturation are important. Brighter more vivid colors with a medium tone are the most sought after. Gems that are very pale, very dark, or whose hues are tinged with brown or gray are less valuable.

Color preference is a very personal choice. Just because a color is not the most sought after, does not mean it is not just right and “priceless” to you. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder!

Clarity is also an important factor to consider when selecting a gemstone. Clarity has the greatest impact on value for light and pastel colored gems since inclusions are easier to see when the color is pale. Rare inclusions may actually increase the value of a gemstone as they can add beauty and make the gem of interest to collectors and gemologists.

Certain gems like emeralds, rubies and sapphires rarely occur in large sizes, thus increasing the per carat price for larger stones. Other gems like amethyst, citrine, and blue topaz are more available in larger sizes. These larger sized gems have a similar price per carat as the smaller stones.

The best cuts are symmetrical and return light across the entire surface of the gem, with no dark or washed out areas.