How do you assess gems?

The “Four Cs” of gem grading stand for color, clarity, cut, and carat (weight). Gemologists grade gemstones based on these properties. I'll explain how we gemologists evaluate each of these properties and how consumers can use this information.

How is gemstone quality measured?

Saturation describes how pure or intense a color appears, and it is a key component in determining a gemstone's value. A gemstone's color may be diluted with what is called a “saturation modifier.” With cool-colored gems, such as blue, green, and violet stones, gray is the usual saturation modifier.

What does AAA grade mean for gemstones?

Gemstone Grading System

Gemstone grading is assigned by letter. AAA is the highest grade while D is the lowest. AA – AAA grade gemstones beads are usually more expensive, higher quality, and near-perfect. These gemstone beads are not usually color-enhanced and most of them are faceted cut.

What is the best quality for gemstones?

How do I get my gems appraised?

Many jewelers do appraisals, so your local jeweler may be a good place to get your gemstone appraised near you. This service is not free: it requires time and expertise.

Gemstone Value Explained Part 1-Physical characteristics: What makes gems valuable (how to tell)2019

How much does it cost to have a gem appraised?

A jewelry appraisal can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the appraiser. In general, the average price of a jewelry appraisal is $75-$100. Some jewelry appraisers charge a flat rate per piece, while others will discount if you have numerous items of jewelry all needing to be appraised at once.

Is there an app to identify gemstones?

The Gemstone Discovery app by JTV allows you to build and organize your unique gemstone collection anywhere and anytime. Explore your passion for gemstone collecting by creating a record for each gemstone with important facts, appraisal documents, photos and other details all in one place.

What is the best app for identifying crystals?

Is there a free crystal identifier app?

Our free App 'A Guide to Crystals - The CC' is now available for download on iOS and Android! Click the button below to take you straight to your platform of choice.

How do I know what type of crystal I have?

Examining the shape of a crystal is an easy way to narrow down type of crystal you have. If your crystal has a hexagonal shape, it could be an emerald or aquamarine. If your crystal isn't green or blue, compare it to other hexagonal crystals. Look at the crystal from different angles to help identify what shape it is.

Do gemstones have resale value?

But, strictly speaking, gemstones shouldn't be considered for investment simply because they don't have any resale value.”

How do you know if a gemstone is real?

A genuine diamond should be able to cut through glass easily, while fakes cannot. Sapphires come in right behind diamonds in terms of gemstone hardness. Since it is just a strong and durable stone, there should be no scratches. If there are nicks on the stone, then it is most likely a fake gemstone.

How long does it take to appraise a gemstone?

A simple piece may take as little as one hour to appraise. But a large and complex piece of jewelry with several gemstones could take several hours. Appraisals have a base cost of between $50 and $100. Appraisers typically charge a flat fee or an hourly fee for an appraisal.

How long does a jewelry appraisal take?

How long does a jewelry appraisal take? There are many factors that determine how long it will take to get your jewelry appraised. In general, it takes about 7-10 days to get a proper appraisal. The jeweler or appraiser needs to do quite a few things before creating the appraisal document.

How do I sell a stone?

Whether your gemstones are loose or are a component of jewelry, you can typically sell your gemstone to the same buyers that might be interested in purchasing diamonds or precious metals. Jewelers, gemstone dealers, diamond buyers, diamond exchanges, antique dealers, and local pawn shops all typically accept gemstones.

How do you send stones to GIA?

What exactly does a gemologist do?

Gemologists analyze, describe, and certify the quality and characteristics of gemstones. After using microscopes, computerized tools, and other grading instruments to examine gemstones or finished pieces of jewelry, they write reports certifying that the items are of a particular quality.

Are gemstones hard to sell?

Alas. Rough gemstones will never have the same resale value as a beautifully cut and set piece of jewelry, and they can be difficult to sell unless you are able to reach someone with the tools and knowledge to make it into something marketable.

Which gem is worth the most?

Do gems go up in value?

As a rule, gems increase in value at the rate of inflation. This means you should assume that a bad deal today will be a bad deal in 3 weeks or 3 years when you eventually sell.

How can you tell if a stone is raw or crystal?

Examine the surface for imperfections or markings.

Surface imperfections or markings such as ridges, grooves, plateaus, pits, etching, or other defects are features that can help you identify a rough gemstone. Study the surface of the stone carefully and note any imperfections on the surface.

How can you tell a crystal from a stone?

Crystal Identification is the process of identifying crystals by their physical or chemical properties. It can be classified based on color, streak, luster, hardness, crystal shape, specific gravity, tenancy, and more. And each of these crystals has different forms that impact their appearance and energy capabilities.