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Wholesale Jewelry Connection
GEMSTONE
GUIDE - THE 4 C's
While there are no ‘official’ 4Cs for grading
colored gems as there are with diamond grading, many of the same principals apply.
Here are the 4Cs as they apply to colored
gemstones:
Clarity
You should look for stones that have good clarity --no blemishes,
cracks or severe inclusions.
Of course, in lighter colored stones, it may be less important
than in darker stones that have deeper colors that can mask blemishes. However, flawlessness in colored gems is even more
rare than in diamonds.
Color
Since diamonds gain their highest value from their absence
of color,
it follows that the most important “C” when it comes to
colored gemstones, naturally, is Color.
Their color should be vivid, even and saturated throughout
the entire stone.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t yet exist a standardized system for evaluating the color of gemstones,
like the GIA scale used in evaluating diamonds.
Cut
A gemstone’s cut does not affect its value to the same
extent that it does with a diamond.
However, its cut does affect the depth of the color seen, the size of the gem and the
liveliness of the stone.
A stone with good color will only be enhanced by a good cut,
while a poorly cut colored gemstone can turn out looking dead and lifeless.
In gemstones, the deeper the cut, the deeper
the color.
Carat
As with diamonds, weight in colored gems is measured in Carats.
One
carat is 200 milligrams. Bear in mind that size and weight are not the same thing, since some gemstone materials are denser
and therefore heavier than
other stones of the same size. Since stones of different species occur in different sizes, their
rarity at certain sizes can affect their value.
Gemstone Grading Certificates
Unlike the diamond industry, the use of certificates or grading
reports
for colored gems is relatively new and lacks a worldwide standard.
Consequently, very few stones are actually
accompanied by such reports.
They are very useful, however, in determining if a particular stone is natural or created
and if they have been treated or enhanced in any way.
Ultimately, the best way to determine a stone’s quality
is to have a trained jeweler look at them.
RING SIZING
Always make sure your finger size before you place ring order.
If you are not
sure about your finger size, you can use our
"Finger Sizer" chart for a guide.
If buying for a friend, just ask
him or her to do the Step 1 and 2.
Use a ruler to get the size over the phone.
You
can than use our "Ring Size Table" to find the relative size
# match the length. If you do not find the size # match
exactly the same
as the length, always order one size up, so it will not get too small to wear.
Step 1:
Cut a straight strip of paper about the size of
3 inches (long)* 1/2 inch (wide).
Step2: Wrap around
your finger the paper strip.
Place a mark where the end meets the Strip
Step3: Place the mark on the "X"
of this finger size chart
and just print out. Extend the paper strip,
the # indicates at the end of the paper strip
is the correct finger size.
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