Gemstone Appraisal
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Gemstone Value
Gemstone appraisal is an evolving science, and gemologists are in the midst of determining which standards would be best for gemstone evaluations. The many different types of gemstones and their colors, shapes, and sizes add to the complexities of this process. Currently there are no industry standards when it comes to valuing a gemstone (other than a diamond), but gemologists can still determine a good ballpark estimate for a gemstone based on the stone's 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. Although when it comes to determining a gem's value, the importance of each "C" can change dramatically depending on the type of gemstone being evaluated. Below you will find helpful info about gemstone grades, certifications, appraisals and tips which you can use while shopping for gemstones and gemstone rings.
The Importance of Cut in Colored Gemstones:Cut is perhaps the most consistently important C when it comes to determining the value of a gemstone. A poor cut, or a mediocre commercial cut, will fail to bring out the brilliance, fire, and color of a gemstone. A superior custom cut can be the difference between a pretty gemstone and a breathtaking gemstone. For shoppers it can be difficult to immediately distinguish between a commercial cut and a superior custom cut, but taking the time to view different cuts of the same gemstone will give shoppers a clear idea of the differences between quality and mediocre cuts. The other 3 C's of Gemstone Value: Depending on the type of gemstone, color can make a huge difference in the gemstone's value. Take for instance the sapphire; a light yellow sapphire is priced on average around $500.00 per carat, but the rare and high in demand padparadscha sapphire with sunset and salmon colors is priced on average between $5,000 - $15,000 per carat. The saturation of the gemstone's color will have an effect on gemstone appraisal too; saturation is the intensity and depth of the gemstone's color, and gemstones with washed out or faded colors are much less desirable than those with a high degree of color saturation. Clarity will also affect the value of a gemstone. Some gemstones, like emeralds, are formed naturally with inclusions, and as long as these inclusions are not visible to the eye they do not affect the stone's overall value. Yet with other types of gemstones, such as aquamarine, clarity is an important factor to determining the stone's value. The effect that carat size has on a gemstone's value really depends on the type of gemstone being evaluated. The above mentioned aquamarine is an excellent example; this type of gemstone is often found in extremely large carat sizes, and so the carat size of an aquamarine has little to do with its value (a 40 carat aquamarine can cost no more than a 5 carat aquamarine). Other types of gemstones, like Benitoite, which are rare and even rarely found in larger carat sizes are valued largely by their carat size. How to Protect Yourself: So with all these variables how can you be sure that your gemstone has been appraised correctly? The safest bet is to have your gemstone evaluated by an independent third party gemologist who is not involved with the seller. Many gemstone retailers offer their own appraisals, but these appraisals are questionable at best. Instead, it is best to have your gemstone evaluated by a certified gemologist who has received gemstone appraisal accreditation through companies with stellar reputations such as the American Gem Society (AGS), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). You can find an accredited gemologist in your area by visiting the above mentioned websites, through your local yellow pages or Internet searches. Consumers can also protect themselves by researching the gemstone they are interested in, finding out if any synthetics are on the market, which C's are most important in determining the value of the gemstone, and by never ever purchasing a gemstone or gemstone ring without a return policy. Always choose a refund policy that gives you enough time to have your gemstone evaluated by an independent gemologist, or even better - purchase a gemstone that has already been certified by an independent reputable lab. Do not purchase gems or rings with gemstones that have certifications and appraisals offered by an unknown company or through a company that has a relationship with the seller. Gemstone appraisal and Gemstone Certification: It is important to note that gemstone certification and gemstone appraisal are two different things. A gemstone certification will grade the gem's clarity in addition to mapping the gem, and listing the gem's exact measurements, type of cut, and carat size. A gemstone appraisal is offered after a certification has been issued for the gem. Many independent gemstone laboratories only offer certifications, but accredited independent gemologists will provide a certificate and an appraisal of the gem.
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