The majority of gemstones are priced by weight, given in carat. There are exceptions to this include certain gemstone sculpture and gemstone cabochons and gemstone beads sold by the piece and not by the carat, since the processing needed is more expensive than the material cost. For most gemstones, the price is determined by carat and not by scale, this includes faced gemstones and most gemstones. In addition, the price of gemstones includes gemstones. The carat is 200 mg of one gemstone. Carat, the weight measurement is not to be mistaken for karat, referring to the pure gold. Blue Sapphire is a valuable and colored blue gemstone in the corundum family and is recognized by the Vedic astrology as one of the most powerful gemstones found mostly in Sri Lanka. “In June 2019 Chamal Gems sold a Sri Lankan blue sapphire for 5 Million USD to Tiffany & Co.”
There is a significant variation in the quality per carat of the many different types of gemstone, ranging from less than one US dollar to ten thousands a carat and more. The price of gems per carat is affected by many factors. Here is a quick overview of ten factors which can help you find out the price of gemstones:
Variety of gemstones
Many types of gems such as Sri Lankan blue sapphire, ruby, emeralds, tsavorite, tanzanite’s, spinal and alexandrite, due to their superior characteristics and rareness, have exceptionally high prices. Other varieties are available, such as many forms of quartz and prices are much lower in many places worldwide. Although the gem variation sets a general price range for a stone, the particular gem’s characteristics also affect the price per carat.
Colors of Gemstone
The color is the most significant determinant of meaning in colored gemstones. Of course, ideal colors vary with gems but in general the most valued colors are strong, vivid and pure. Gems that are too light or too dark are usually unwanted as medium-toned gems. Therefore, a dark Sri Lankan blue sapphires cornflower blue is more precious than an inky black or light blue.
Clarity of the gemstone
Crystal clarity, though not as critical as color, is another factor. Perfectly clean gemstones without visible inclusions are normally more expensive, although most gemstones are clear stones of type II which frequently show defects. Form I light gemstones, even when viewed under a jeweler’s loupe, are almost always clean. The precious golden beryl, the imperial topaz and the examples of the type I gems.
Polish and Gemstone Cut
The standard of gemstone cutting is a crucial factor and needs a lot of expertise. To maximize the light that is returned to the eye, gemstones should be cut in adequate proportions. However, gem cutters or lapidaries must always compromise when cutting a particular material item. The cutting of a deeper stone gives a richer hue when a gem color is relatively white. Conversely, a shallower cut can lighten the dark tone. The facets should reach cleanly in every case and surface with no scratches should be well polished.
Sizes of gemstone
The price per carat is relatively stable as stein’s weight increases for other gemstone types, such as the quartz. However, with many rarer stones, the price does not increase linearly with increasing weight. The price per carat will increase exponentially for some gems, such as diamonds, as the gem size increases. A 1 carat stone could therefore cost $1,000, while a 2 carat stone could cost $4,000. This leads to a much higher cost per carat of good quality Sri Lankan blue sapphires and rubies in larger sizes.
The cost of larger stones is not only higher, but also the price of gems cut in stock sizes (known in the trade in calibrated sizes). This is because the optimized dimension requires removal of more material. What is the size of this gem? See our guidance on our weight to the size of gemstone.
Microscopic shapes
Some gemstone forms tend to be more expensive than others; partly because of demand and partly because of material problems relating to cutting of specific forms. Round gems usually have a high price, especially round, diamond cut gemstones. Rounds are often less than ovals, as ovals usually are cut in order to retain the most raw materials. For round gems to be cut, it is usually important to increase the loss of rough material and of highly costly materials such as Sri Lankan blue sapphires, ruby, alexandrite and so on.
Luxury and fantasy cut gemstones, like a concave gemstone, will also require high premiums, especially for custom cutting. Often these facial gemstones are specifically ordered for designs of custom jewelry.
Treatments of gemstone
Gem treatments including heating, fracture filling, irradiation and diffusion significantly enhance the quality of many gemstones and even commercial stones now considered normal. A stone treated is often less essential than a similar untreated stone. Some stones commonly processed, such as ruby and Sri Lankan blue sapphires, are now very scarce in untreated form, and most customers are unable to afford the untreated stones. There are several options if untreated stones are preferred. A range of common gems are almost never handled, including tourmaline, spinel, amethyst and grenades.
Root of Gemstone
A great natural gem is a perfect gem, regardless of its nature. However, other gem varieties in fact are probable and would be able to conveniently order prizes from other locations, such as the ruby Burma, sapphire Ceylon, Colombian emerald and topaz Brazilian. It is difficult, particularly with so many beautiful gems from Africa, to tell if that is justified.
Trend of Gemstone
Some gems are still trendy, like blue sapphire. For short periods certain gems are made trendy for use in fashion jewelry and clothing, leading to price rises. We saw andesine labradorite recently, and in the spotlight we had the change of color. The interest in quartz has also been increased. Some fine gems, such as spinel, have actually lower prices than expected, as limited supply means that gems are not heavily promoted.
Certain fashion rings also contain birthstone rings or gemstone pendants, as well as holidays and themes.
The supply chain for gemstone
The jewelry industry is one and all people in the supply chain from the mine to the consumer to the jewelry retailer, try to make a profit. Gemstones will transfer several manuals from the mine to the customer. That means the same gemstone may have a price of up to 200 percent, depending on the point of purchase, which is why it is always advisable to cut out intermediaries and buy gemstones from source.
