How to choose a coloured gemstone engagement ring
We all know the 4Cs- colour, cut, clarity and carat when selecting a diamond engagement ring, but what should I consider when you decide to break from the norm and pick some other coloured gemstones such as a ruby ring for your sweetheart?
Essentially there are 4Cs that determine value in coloured gems and they are: colour, colour, colour and colour! There are many variables that can affect the colour we see in gemstones and many elements to take into consideration when evaluating colour. These include:
- Hue - the precise spectral colour, to what extent is there any undertone of another colour
- Intensity - the brightness or vividness of the colour
- Tone - how light or dark the stone is
- Distribution- the even distribution of the colour
Both intensity and tone of colour can be significantly affected by the proportioning of the cut. In other words, a good lapidary (gemstone cutter) working with a fine stone will try his best to bring out the inherent beauty of the stone, making it very desirable.
In general, stones that are very pale or very dark sell for less per carat. There seems to be a common belief that the darker the stone, the better. This is only true to a certain extent. Something that is rich and deep is desirable, but not a depth of colour approaching black. It is only through much shopping around then can you train your eyes to differentiate a stone with a nice depth of colour and one that is too dark.
As a general rule, the closer a stone's colour is to the pure spectral hue- that is, having no "undertone" of any colour diluting its purity- the better the colour is considered to be; the closer it comes to a pure hue, the rarer and more valuable. For example, if we are considering a red stone like ruby, fine Burmese rubies are perhaps the most coveted rubies in the world, primarily because it come closest to being a pure red coupled with its scarcity. Thai rubies on the other hand can vary tremendously in hue and tone, varying from light to dark red with certain degree of blue undertone, giving them a purplish cast that sometimes makes them resemble a cheaper stone like garnet.
Having said all these, of course the other 3Cs- carat, cut and clarity do have a role to play in determining value in coloured gems, but they are certainly no where close to colour in influencing the worth of a coloured gem and how big a hole is created in the groom-to-be's pockets.
So start gathering experience as you accustomed your eyes to the plethora of colours out there in the world of coloured gems. A helpful tip to always remember when looking at a coloured stone would be to view it under different lightings! If possible, examine it under sunlight; look under a normal houselamp; view under long fluorescent light commonly used in offices. You will be surprise how the same stone can appear so different in a different environment, so make sure you examine coloured gems in at least the type of light you will most often be wearing them!