GEMSTONES
Beyond Diamonds:
The Allure of Colored Gemstones
Colored gemstones have their own unique charm and intricacies, setting them apart from diamonds. When exploring the world of colored gemstones, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the various classifications and species. Let's take a moment to dive into some key concepts in order to better understand why color grading and pricing work differently for these captivating gems.
Celebrating the Vivid Hues of Colored Gemstones
The first concept we'll explore is hue and this refers to the basic color impression of an object. Think of the immediate thought that comes to mind when you see strawberries (red), pumpkins (orange), or lemons (yellow). Sometimes, gemstones exhibit a combination of colors, much like blueberries, which aren't purely blue but rather lean toward purplish-blue or violet blue. Similarly, gemstones come in a wide range of colors, and when we request specific gemstones, we can narrow down the color we're seeking.
The Tonal Spectrum of Colored Gemstones
Next, let's talk about tone, which signifies the degree of darkness or lightness in a color. The GIA employs a system ranging from colorless or white (0) to darker tones like grey or black (designated as 10 or 11). In practice, we often seek gemstones within the medium to medium-dark range, as they are generally more sought after. However, we keep it simple and prioritize the most desirable range, unless a client is seeking something more unique.
How Saturation Elevates Gemstone Brilliance
Saturation is defined as a color's strength or intensity. Consider an artist using red paint on a canvas: a vibrant red color would have high intensity (known as vivid saturation in the jewelry industry). Adding a small amount of a different color, like white, would soften the red (strong red). Further additions would dilute the color, eventually leading to a non-dominant color like pink.
Achieving the perfect balance of saturation is essential in highlighting a colored gemstone’s true beauty and ensuring its character shines through. Understanding the saturation of a colored gemstone will allow you to discover your ideal piece of wearable art.
Gemstone Artistry Awaits:
Explore Colored Gemstones from Hourglass Diamonds
Here's the key takeaway: the most sought-after color of a gemstone is the one that appeals most to you or your loved one. Color preference is highly subjective, and unlike diamonds, there isn't a standardized pricing "list." The most desirable and rare colors are generally the most expensive, and pricing varies based on factors like carat weight, color, saturation, and more.
In the enchanting world of colored gemstones, individual taste reigns supreme, and beauty lies in discovering the gemstone that captures your heart. So, whether you're drawn to fiery reds or soothing blues, the journey of finding your perfect-colored gem is an exploration of personal preference and timeless appeal.
Ready to begin the journey of finding a colored gemstone?
We invite you to reach out to Hourglass Diamonds and schedule a one-on-one consultation today.