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The 5C’s of gemstones are the five major criteria that are used to determine the quality and price of a gemstone.
Coloured gemstones are available in many varieties, a number of colors, sizes, cuts, etc. When it comes to their market value, each of these aspects influences the price.
These are the major quality factors you should know about while buying a coloured gemstone.
So, what are the 5C’s?
The 5Cs stand for - Cut, Clarity, Carat Weight, Color and Certification.
In this blog we will discuss in brief - What are the 5 C's of gemstones? & will learn about the judging quality of the gems.
These 5C’s of diamonds or coloured gemstones are the first and foremost thing about the gems that you should know about since each gem is made of various qualities and these 5C qualities are the major ones which decide the cost of a coloured gemstone or diamond.
Understanding these 5Cs of coloured gemstones can help you choose your perfect gemstone as well. This will help you make an informed decision too.
Gemstones are cut into different shapes and are given facets or edges so that they look more brilliant and can be mounted into pieces of jewellery.
A well-cut gemstone have quality proportions and is symmetrically cut based on the inclusions it naturally have. Each facet and polish which is specifically made by experts maximizes the color and clarity of the gemstone.
A cut is basically the shape of the stone like oval, round, pear, cushion etc. A cushion-cut ruby stone looks much more beautiful than a raw ruby and can be worn as a ring or pendant.
Each cut and faceting style is unique and needs a lot of precision. Some styles need more expertise than others.
Like a Brilliant cut will enhance the inner shine of the gem while a step cut will make the gem look elongated.
Know more about these cuts here - Different Types of Gemstone Cuts.
The type of cut and the accuracy of it can lower or decrease the price of a coloured gemstone because it will highly affect how the gem will look.
The clarity of the gemstone is the most important aspect that can increase or decrease its price. The price of a clear blue sapphire, which have no visible inclusions will be much more than the one which have even one or two visible inclusions.
The inclusions are natural in gemstones and these flaws are mostly tried to be removed while cutting, but some gems like emerald stone too many inclusions. It is impossible to remove all their inclusions without treatments. Hence an emerald will high clarity is rare and most expensive, it can be sold in millions.
Some inclusions are even beautiful and enhance the beauty of the gemstone. Different types of gems have different types of abrasives and inclusions; for example, in emeralds you will specifically find Tremolite Crystals, black carbon impurities and two-phase & three-phase inclusions.
Know More about them here - Cracks Vs Inclusions: Gemstone
Another factor that makes the price difference in coloured gemstones or diamonds is the carat weight.
Another C is carat weight which means the size of the gemstone. Each gemstone is found in different sizes. Some gems like ruby stone, sapphires and emeralds, all the precious ones are found in smaller sizes in abundance and very rarely found in larger sizes.
So, the ones that are found in large sizes, are rare and have fewer inclusions are sold at auctions for very large sums.
Read More - How to calculate gemstone carat weight correctly?
Diamonds are mostly loved colourless so color does not affect their price much. But coloured gemstones specially precious ones are sold based on their color.
We will take blue sapphire for example. Blue sapphires are found in many hues of blue. The most desirable colours of blue sapphire or Neelam stone is royal blue sapphire or cornflower blue sapphire.
The royal blue sapphire have a deep dark blue hue with shine, transparency and uniform colour distribution.
The Neelam stones can be found in purplish blue, light blue, pale blue and blackish blues as well.
Sapphire blue gems of perfect blue color, tone and saturation will be more costly as compared to pale, dull or ones with under or overtones.
Further Reading - Exploring The Different Shades and Colors of Blue Sapphires
Certification is the most crucial thing that you should consider while buying a gemstone or a diamond. The gemological certificate of a gemstone is the proof of the authenticity of a gemstone.
Just as an identification card tells who you are, the laboratory certificate defines the gemstone. The report should be from a renowned lab too, please ensure that.
The lab report or certificate will have all the important details about the gemstone-like colour, origin, treatments done on it, size, etc. It will also tell you the quality of the gem, its grade or any other important characteristics.
You can also cross-check your gemstone certificate to check if it's real or not.
Know the complete process here - How to verify your gemological report?
Coloured gemstones are beautiful and best investments these days, their reselling value increases over time as per the stats. But these days it is difficult to find a natural and genuine gemstone, one that is worth the price. So you should know about the 5Cs that determine the price of a gemstone since it will help you get the correct gemstone at its correct value.
Looking for a trusted source where you can buy your perfect gemstone, visit Navratan, the online gem bazaar now. With Navratan, you will get good quality, lab-certified gemstones at the best prices.
