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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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