Whether you’re buying gemstone jewelry for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you should keep in mind while shopping. The “Four C’s” of diamond buying (carat, color, clarity, and cut) can be used for many gemstones as well. You will also want to keep in mind the differences between natural, lab-created, and imitation gemstones. Similarly, some gemstones are enhanced or treated. Wondering where to buy gemstones and related jewelry? Consider Johantgen Jewelers in the greater Minneapolis area. This local full service jewelery store located in Crystal has been family owned for over a 100 years.
A Gemstone’s Cut
How a gemstone has been cut will affect its value. Precise cuts can bring out more sparkle in a diamond. Yet you wouldn’t want to cut a pearl. In this case, comparing shapes (such as round, drop, and baroque) will inform you of a pearl’s quality.
The Gemstone’s Color
Color seems like an easy characteristic to understand. However, the color of a specific gemstone can offer specific details (like whether it has been heat-treated) and affect the price. For example, a colorless diamond is rare and therefore can be more expensive than a diamond that exhibits some color, which can range from light yellow to light brown.
A Gemstone’s Clarity
Clarity relates to internal inclusions and external blemishes. It’s very rare to find diamonds without either. Yet most inclusions and blemishes can only be seen under magnification. The greater the clarity, the more stunning the piece—and the higher the price. Instead of clarity, pearls are judged by blemishes on the surface and nacre quality (the substance that makes up the luminous layers of pearls).
A Gemstone’s Carat Rating
Carat is the measurement of physical weight in metric carats. You would assume that the value of a gemstone increases as the size increases. Yet the value is not proportionate to the size increase. For example, assuming cut, color, and clarity are all the same, a one-carat diamond will cost more than twice the price of a half-carat diamond. And two diamonds that are equal in weight may cost different amounts because the other factors are different.
Where To Buy Gemstones
If you’re looking to get a fair deal for gems or jewelry of any type, feel free to reach out to the experienced team at Johantgen Jewelers today. We’re a family owned and operated business that has been around since 1896. This commitment not only to the jewelry industry, but also to the local community has allowed us to continue to thrive for well over 100 years. Few local jewelers can attest to this level of longevity in the area.