This guide defines the five essential characteristics of gemstone quality. By understanding these characteristics, you'll be able to shop with confidence.
The jewelry industry recognizes the highest quality gemstones by their blue, pink, green, or red hue, a medium to medium-dark tone, and saturated color. The best value is in colors that include "slight" traces of other colors, are not too light or dark, and have a lot of saturated color. Scandia offers some of the highest-quality colored gemstones available. More »
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Almost all gemstones contain tiny fractures called inclusions. Flawless gemstones are very rare and valuable, and even most high-end gemstones are at least slightly included. The best value is found in gems that are lightly to moderately included.
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Unlike diamonds, with gemstones you won't find an "ideal" cut geometrically configured for maximum brilliance. But a high-quality gemstone cut is one that presents the most even color, exposes the fewest inclusions, and displays the majority of the gemstone weight when set in jewelry.
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The carat weight of a gemstone is not necessarily an accurate gauge for gemstone size. To help you judge the size of a gemstone, Scandia lists the diameter of the gemstone when viewed from above - since if the gemstone is set in jewelry; this is the only part of the gemstone that is visible.
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Nearly all gemstones available have been enhanced. Those gemstones that have not been enhanced are very recognizable by the extravagant price they command. Some enhancements, such as heating, are an expected part of the polishing and finishing process and are accepted by the jewelry industry, and by Scandia.
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