

The scale that determines hardness is the Moh’s hardness scale it lists ten minerals and lists them on a scale from 1 to 10. The main quality of gems is that they must be resistant to abrasions. However, something that seems to be very fragile can also be very strong.Ī common misconception is that durability and hardness are the same things, but they are not. Gemstones vary in terms of their durability, some are indestructible and some are much more delicate and need to be taken care of. If you are looking for a suitable gemstone, durability is a must. However, you should still be aware of the differences in order to suit your taste and budget. When shopping for a gemstone, the qualities are similar to a diamond. When there is an area that permits total internal reflection, it displays the most highly saturated colors which are called “brilliance”. In addition, when the gem is cut too deep, it allows light to exit the sides, which creates dark areas called extinction.
PRECIOUS GEMS IN ORDER OF VALUE WINDOWS
When that occurs, the areas are called windows or zoning. When a gem is cut too shallow, all short light paths are apparent, which reduces saturation in many areas. Suitable cutting is also crucial in maximizing color coverage. They include proportions, fluorescence, and inclusions. There are a few factors that tend to influence color coverage. When there are differences in proportions, inclusions, transparency, and fluorescence, it can produce a vast difference in the color coverage. In addition, we must also discuss the color coverage, scintillation, and dispersion.

When dealing with gemstones, it is not enough to only discuss the color, hue, position, saturation, and darkness. AA – Semi clean, well cut and polished gemstones are graded as AA. AAA” grade is assigned to a gemstone that is considered to “being near perfect.” Though these stones do show some variation in color, they are clean, well-cut, and polished. You still use a similar grading system as diamonds however the fifth C is color coverage.
PRECIOUS GEMS IN ORDER OF VALUE SERIES
When looking at a colored stone, you must look at it as a whole and not just a series of parts as one does when grading a diamond. Therefore, grading systems do not work for each other. For example, in ruby or sapphire, fractures and inclusions sometimes enhance the quality and value of the stone. When grading a diamond, the stone’s brilliance and fire come into account, while when grading a colored stone these factors are of no importance. However, diamonds and colored gemstones do not share all the same qualities and that creates problems when attempting to grade a colored stone.

The grading system that is used for colored stones today is modeled after the grading system for diamonds.
