VALUE FACTORS FOR COLOUR GEMSTONE :

The value of a colour gemstone is determined by a combination of interrelated factors. The intrinsic qualities of colour, clarity, cut, and size, rarity and origin, treatments, durability, and current market demand. Optical phenomena and ethical provenance further influence desirability.  

“Imitation gems have the appearance of their natural counterparts, but their physical properties are different. They are made to deceive (Cally Hall 2012, p. 36). As a consumer, you will commonly encounter imitation gems and treated gems in the market, which are enhanced for the appearance and beauty of the gemstones. Well, certainly a question before you invest is always raised more than once, “Natural or Artificial stone?” Which one are you going to invest in? Unfortunately, the answer is not that simple, nor is it as straightforward as we hope.

--> RARITY & SUPPLY:

“Man-made materials, such as glass and synthetic gemstones, have been used to imitate many different gems, but natural stones can also be modified to resemble more valuable gems” – (Cally Hall 2012, p.36). In a sense, humans create lab gemstones, so-called Synthetic gemstones. Moreover, can also alter gem materials after they are mined, then it is enhanced through various treatment processes to improve colour and clarity to use and set them in jewellery, which is simultaneously of low value.

Most buyer do not hold any strong objection to the concept of enhanced gemstones and artificial stones if they are really aware of the treatment process and why should they? It is simply a matter of what’s most important to them to choose, as natural and untreated gemstones are rare, and rarity drives higher value. 

--> TREATMENTS & ENHANCEMENTS:

“Imitation, which is still practised today and could well continue, involves the production of very cheap materials that are to an extent similar to precious stones” – (Simon & Schuster’s 1984, p.314) If you do not carry strong opinion on investing treated and synthetic gems are likely to be a great option and you will be able to find numerous bargains that many investment seekers look beyond and most important you will have a much bigger selection to choose treated gems because many of the most popular gem types today simply cannot be found untreated. “It is possible to enhance authentic gemstones by hiding cracks and flaws, or by heat-treating or irradiating to improve their colour” – (Cally Hall 2012, p.36). However, natural gemstones can often be treated in many ways meant to alter their colour and clarity. In addition to enhancing their appearance, the process may also improve and in some cases, diminish the gem’s durability and value of the gemstone. These treatments are not apparent to the unpractised eye. However, it is necessary and legally required for anyone selling gems to disclose the treatment procedure they may have received.

--> ORIGIN & PROVENANCE:

The origin of the gemstone indicates the significance of the stone, which eventually leads to specific types of inclusions and their beautiful colours in a gemstone. However, inclusion plays an important role in the gem world, which is said as gemstone identity discloses the country of origin, providing valuable information. The uniqueness of the gemstone that lies in their inclusions which simultaneously come from origin of the country, like it is said, inclusions of blue sapphire “arrangement of the dotted to needle-shaped rutile substance reserved for Burma Sapphire” and many Burma Sapphire proclaim their origin with the appearance of “feathers” of fluid inclusion which distinguish themselves by their “folds”-p339 (Gublin, Koivala) 

“Zones and nebulous clouds” are found in Kashmir Sapphire, creating an extremely delicate web and well-known as Cornflower-Blue – p342 (Gublin, Koivala) and “Epitaxial rutile” in a Srilankan Sapphire – p350(Gublin, Koivala). Sometimes, based on inclusion, it is possible to find the origin and the type of gemstone. But the marketplace has been polluted with synthetic, simulant and coloured glasses to imitate the gemstones for ages and continues in the current gem market conditions because buyers are not aware of identifying if it is natural, synthetic or any other imitation gemstone.

--> PHENOMENA AND SPECIAL FEATURES:

Ultimately, two Cat's Eye of similar Carat Weight may differ widely in price based on these attributes and the subjective “eye appeal” each exhibit.  For instance, many a time, Chrysoberyl Cat's eye vs Quartz cat's eye contradict the gem market in terms of cost, quality, and supply. Most of the time, buyers confront issues when they want to purchase Chrysoberyl Cats Eye, but they end up getting Quartz Cats Eye, which is misrepresented as Chrysoberyl Cats Eye (Ketu, Indian name) in the local market. As this species Quartz Cats Eye resembles similar to Chrysoberyl cats’ eye doesn’t mean it has the same optical and chemical compositions; also, hardness makes a difference comparing both types of gemstones. However, a buyer who is looking for Ketu the Chrysoberyl Cats Eye is not exactly what they wanted for the means of astrological significance, but it can be a substitute for them. Likewise, there are many natural gemstones similar to others, but their optical and physical properties differ in quality and cost. 

--> CURRENT MARKET DEMAND:

Buyers in the gem market are not always sure if they are getting the right gemstone if they are looking for astrological purposes, and evaluating value is another common issue for gem purchases. The sellers, I have noticed in many different market places don’t have any valid price for the gemstones, because each gemstone is different with the clarity, colour, cut and carat, based on these 4c’s phenomena and other aspects of treatment process play crucial point in determining the price but, the con seller try to fix the price in terms of profit rather than accurately rating the quality with cost.

--> CERTIFICATION & DOCUMENTATION:

Only under proper test a Gemmologist or Gemstone Appraiser can make it possible to evaluate fair market value appraisal report for certain types of gemstones which can add value to your purchase. Here, considering the TONE, HUE, AND SATURATION based on Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut, VKCGEMS evaluate the stones & grading reports detailing 4C's, origin, and treatments instil confidence and often support pricing. Always seek certification and buy from trusted sources to ensure an accurate understanding of a gemstone’s quality and value. 

References:

1. Gemstones (DK Handbooks) Sep2012 by Cally Hall 2012, p. 36

2. Simon & Schuster’s 1984, GEMS AND PRECIOUS STONES p.314

3. Gubelin, E. J. and Koivala, J., 1986, Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones: ABC Edition, Zurich, Switzerland