How to Choose a Precious Gemstone:
A Guide to the Value and Beauty of Your Dream Gemstones at Nashgems
Natural Gemstones are nearly as old as the Earth and are growing in rarity and value as they take billions of years to form. These are scarce minerals which are limited in supply. Out of all the gemstones mined, only a handful of them are of exceptional high quality which allows these gemstones to retain its value and appreciated over the years.
Over the past 40 years, Nashgems has been recognised as a dedicated gemstone provider within the gem trade. In recent times, they have been reaching out to the international audience leaving a digital foot print. But, what makes them stand out amongst the rest? Well, they are committed to provide the buyers with a unique experience. At Nashgems, they understand that, while selecting the ideal gemstone can be exciting, it also necessitates careful thought and analysis. This guide will assist you in navigating the process whether you are purchasing a gemstone for an engagement ring, to add to your jewellery collection, gemstone collection, or as a gift. Additionally, the sentimental value of different types of gemstones will be discussed. Also, this guide will address the main elements that affect a gemstone's value and beauty as well as the most important things to keep in mind when selecting a gemstone or sapphire. With the help of these resources, you can easily choose a gemstone that will fit both your needs in terms of design and price.
What to look for when choosing a Gemstone?
The 4Cs are the most important elements in establishing a gemstone's value:
- Cut - The cut of a gemstone refers to its size, alignment, and polish. For instance, a well-cut sapphire will have great light reflection and uniform colour distribution.
- Clarity - The clarity of a gemstone is the transparency or purity of the stone. Gemstones with inclusions (internal imperfections) have a lower value compared to clean gemstones which are rare in nature.
- Colour - Colour is a significant element in order to determine the value of a Gemstone. Hue, tone, and saturation of a stone plays a major role in the value of the stone. Hue is the colour or shade of the gemstone. Tone is the lightness or darkness of the stone. Saturation refers to the intensity of the colour.
- Carat Weight – The size of a gemstone is determined by its carat weight. Usually, larger gemstones are considered to be rare, thereby making it more valuable. However, quality should be prioritised over size.
Types of Gemstones
Roughly, there are around 200 types of gemstones but a handful of them are popular and much sought after in the market such as:
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How to Choose the Best Gemstone to Suit Your Style?
SAPPHIRE
Sapphire is the birthstone of September. The meaning of Sapphire is joy and wisdom. It is believed that Sapphire is a gemstone associated with royalty. A sapphire is believed to be good for attracting wealth and blessings. It has been used to protect against negative energies, calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and invite spiritual clarity. Sapphire comes in a variety of colours such as blue sapphire, pink sapphire, teal sapphire, green sapphire, peach sapphire, padparadscha and many more shades.
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It is the most popular and sought-after colour. The colour ranges from Royal blue colour, Vivid blue, Cornflower blue to lighter blue tones. |
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It is a well sought-after gemstone which are popular with the younger generation. It is believed that pink sapphire helps strengthen and balance the heart. The vibrant colour has become popular for engagement rings as many modern weddings trend towards blush and baby pink colour schemes. Pink sapphire comes in a variety of shades from light pink to darker tones with purple shades and reddish shades.
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This unique diamond-alternative became trendy a few years ago and it still is a favourite among many because it looks lovely paired with many pastel colours. Peach sapphires are also known to symbolize emotions of love, creativity, and acceptance. They originate in Madagascar, Tanzania or Sri Lanka, making them a rare and unique stone.
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These unique sapphires became trendy in the west a few years ago after these sapphires were found in Montana USA and in Australia. This sapphire colour is found in few places and two-tone sapphires has become a trend setter. Due to this, these types of sapphires have become rare hence, appreciating in value.
Teal sapphires have dominant blue and green hues, sometimes with yellow undertones. These have seen recent spikes in popularity. Green sapphire ranges from pastels to deep forest greens, while, some sapphires show two distinct colours at once due to colour-zoning. The majority are green and yellow. These are called bi-colour sapphire or parti-coloured sapphire.
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These are among the rarest and most valuable sapphires. They are usually from Sri Lanka, named from the Sanskrit term “lotus blossom”. It is a combination of pink and orange, sometimes described as “sunset,” “apricot,” or “peach.” It is a stone that represents joy, energy and foresight.
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GARNET
Garnets, in particular, red garnets have a long history, but modern gem buyers can pick from a rich palette of garnet colours including: greens (tsavorite), oranges, pinkish-oranges, and deeply saturated purplish-reds. Garnet is worn by people who are born in January. Garnets have long been considered symbols of love. Garnet symbolism also extends to friendship.
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One of the most popular and often used stones is red garnet. For thousands of years, this gemstone has been utilised in jewellery. It may be worn as jewellery in the form of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. The stone helps in reducing issues with physical and mental health.
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These have a rich vivid green tone which is similar to emeralds. In recent times, these stones are mostly acquired as an alternative to emerald. Tsavorites cannot be found anywhere else on earth except for east Africa; Kenya's Taita and the Arusha region in Tanzania being the primary sources. This fact makes tsavorite much rarer than emeralds. |
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AQUAMARINE GEMSTONE
Aquamarine Gemstone is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral Beryl. It is the birthstone of March. It is believed that aquamarine helps us to gain insight, truth, and wisdom.
RUBY
Rubies that have evenly distributed colour, high clarity, and rich saturation are highly sought after, making them incredibly expensive. Many cultures have long considered ruby - a king's gem. Ruby is the birthstone of July and it is considered that it blesses the wearer of this gemstone with good health, greater courage, self-confidence, success, name, and fame. Apart from its red colour, this is why the ruby makes a perfect gift for a loved one or on occasions such as Valentine's Day or an anniversary.
DIAMONDS
Diamond is the hardest known natural material and it is also the most popular gemstone. Diamond is the Birthstone of April and it is believed that wearing a diamond imparts courage, invincibility, and strength. It clears emotional and mental pain, reducing fear. It also stimulates creativity.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Gemstone Setting
When selecting gemstones for jewellery, there are a variety of settings to consider, including solitaires, multi-stone rings, cluster rings, statement rings, pendants, and bracelets.
The solitaire is the most common setting choice since, it keeps the design simple and beautiful while showcasing the gemstone's magnificence. On the other hand, gemstone accents in multi-stone settings may give the gemstone more depth and shine.
Depending on the buyers’ requirements (for instance: buyers’ preferred styles, design and budget), buyers will pick different settings. Moreover, Nashgems offers the buyers an opportunity to acquire bespoke and custom jewellery that are hand-made to suit the buyers’ preference. Furthermore, hand-made rings bring a personal touch and uniqueness to the ring.
Metal Options: White Gold, Yellow Gold, and Platinum
When choosing a metal for a sapphire setting, the most common options available amongst others would be - white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum. White gold pairs well with a blue sapphire, as it enhances the cool tones of the gemstone. On the other hand, warmer-toned sapphires such as yellow or pink sapphires pairs well with yellow gold. Moreover, platinum provides a neutral background for a sapphire, which makes the gemstone the focal point. Nonetheless, the most suitable or best choice will be dependent on factors such as personal preference and budget.
In conclusion, when considering buying a gemstone, it is important to take into account the 4Cs for value and beauty, the gemstone’s rarity and origin, the most suitable colour for that special someone's style, and the setting type and metal. By following these tips and steps set out in this guide, it will be convenient and helpful in making an informed purchase that will provide a lifetime of beauty and delight. However, it is important to keep in mind that gemstone jewellery is an investment therefore, it is crucial to take sufficient time to choose the best one.
Have a Unique Experience at Nashgems!
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