What does the price of gem-stones depend on?

Gemstones are one of the categories of goods in which the price of individual items may vary dozens or even hundreds of times. At the same time, the price of every gem depends on a lot of criteria, which is very useful for a buyer to know so that he or she can distinguish good deals from marketing tricks.

In this article, we will look at how the price of jewelry is made up, what determines the price for a certain kind of mineral, and what the range of prices within this kind of mineral is.

On what factors does the value of a particular mineral depend?

- Cost of production and supply.

Gemstone production consists of 3 main stages: mining, processing, jewelry making and retailing.

Extraction of raw materials is the stage where a large part of the value of gemstones is formed. Because of the introduction of new revolutionary technologies, the price of the final product increases.

- Durability

Durability refers to two terms: hardness and cleavage.

The hardness of a gemstone is a measure of how hard (or easy) it is to scratch its surface. Hardness is measured on the Mohs hardness scale of 1 to 10.

Cleavage is the tendency for a mineral to split when struck along crystallographic directions. Cleavage has nothing to do with hardness; stones such as diamond, topaz, tourmaline have high cleavage, which means they can split when used.

- Esthetic appeal

One of the defining criteria for gemstones. It depends on the color saturation, the play of light inside the crystal, clarity and transparency. We will discuss each of these parameters below.

- Rarity

Gemstones are a non-renewable natural resource, the content of which in the earth's crust is very limited. Therefore, the price of each type of mineral depends on the number of specimens on the market, which in turn is determined by the number of deposits, the difficulty of their development, and the projected date of their production.

Everyone knows that rare means more expensive. For example, a sapphire is 1,000 times rarer than a diamond.

Many deposits are being depleted, which leads to a sharp rise in the price of gemstones. For instance, experts predict that the reserves of tanzanite, which was discovered only in the 1960s, may be fully depleted by 2042 if no new deposits are discovered.

- Color

The color of a gemstone is characterized by its hue, saturation and uniformity of distribution within the crystal.

For each type of gemstone, there are the most precious hues. For example, for sapphires, they are the Royal Blue or Cornflower Blue, as well as the orange-pink Padparadscha. The most expensive color for rubies is "Pigeon blood", while for the tourmalines of Paraiba, "Neon Blue" is considered the most expensive.

Among the colorless diamonds, the most valuable are those without any yellowish, brownish, or other hue.

- Clarity

The fewer undesirable inclusions a gemstone has, the more expensive it is. However, every kind of mineral has its own frequency of inclusions. While topaz, tanzanites, and spinels have lots of perfectly pure specimens, the emeralds are considered the norm: it is extremely difficult to find a stone without inclusions, which makes it dozens of times more expensive.A one-carat brilliant with HVS2 characteristics (not more than three dark or six light inclusions that can be seen under a tenfold loupe) costs $8,400. The price for a similar stone with HIF characteristics (a perfectly pure diamond) is $10,600.

- Refining

This is a procedure for treating a gemstone in order to improve its qualities for use. Each type of stone has its own specific refinement procedure, which is considered the norm.

Different refining methods have different effects on the final value of a gem. For example, in order to make low-grade rubies look more aesthetic, lead glass is used to fill in cracks. This type of refinement does not allow for the refraction of light rays at the borders between the mineral and the glass, which has a positive impact on its optical characteristics; however, the proportion of glass may be so high that gemologists even discuss the use of a new term, "ruby-glass composite," to protect the rights of consumers because such pieces are of no value.

Unpeeled gemstones will always be much more expensive than those that have undergone some kind of additional processing.

For example, the most expensive emerald today is the Rockefeller Emerald weighing 18.04 carats. At Christie's 2017 auction, this stone, without any signs of refinement, was sold for $5.5 million ($305,000 per carat), four times its estimate.

Emerald weighing 18.04 carats

- Gemstone weight

The increase in the price of a gem depending on its carat size is not linear, since large specimens very rarely find their way on the market. If a one-carat HIF diamond costs $10,600 now, the price for a similar five-carat stone is $50,500 per carat. The largest colorless diamond weighing 163 carats was sold at Christie's in Geneva for $ 34 million ($208,500 per carat).

- Gemstone cut

The shape of the cut also affects the price of a diamond. The quality of cut is one of the most important criteria, as it determines the natural beauty of a stone. The aesthetic qualities of a cut crystal are to a large extent determined by the play of light on its facets. The round brilliant cut remains the most popular, but also the most expensive. This classic cut is the best way to show the stone's potential for brilliance and light.

- Seller's markup

The price of the same stone on an exchange, at a dealer, or in a retail store may vary several times.

The price of a concrete piece is a combination of its individual parameters and the situation on the market. It is hard to calculate this price on your own, but understanding the factors that influence the price makes you feel more confident when communicating with dealers and sellers.

The naked eye is not always able to assess a piece and the true value of the gemstone in it. But now you know what factors influence the value of a gemstone.

The value of the gemstones directly affects the value of the jewelry piece. Usually 80-90 percent of the final amount is the price of the stone. Therefore, the more expensive it is, the higher the value indicated on the price tag.

Considering all the factors we have listed above, you will be able to purchase a worthy stone that will be a long-term promising investment.

Our company Kantor Jewelry will be glad to help you. You choose a gemstone, tell us about your wishes, and we are happy to find the perfect one for you and answer all your questions. You can browse our selection of gemstones, if you can't find what suits you, then contact us, we will be happy to find your gemstone in the global gemstone market.

Unique jewelry as an investment

As a type of alternative investment, investing in art, including jewelry, has its own unique advantages and characteristics. The advantage of jewelry as an object of investment is their rarity and non-renewability, which guarantees their high value.

Is it safe to buy custom jewelry online?

What should I do to buy jewelry online safely? in this article we will talk about what you should pay attention to when buying precious jewelry in online stores

Which gemstones are subject to certification?

How can you be sure that the diamond in front of you is a natural diamond? There is a certificate to prove the origin and quality characteristics of diamonds and colored gemstones. This article tells you what certificates are provided for which stones and which laboratories you can trust.

What is tourmaline? It’s value and uniqueness

The following article will tell you about what tourmaline is, how tourmaline prices are determined, what colors and varieties it comes in, and will also help you to figure out which tourmaline is right for you.

What is a cut and how does it affect the value of a gemstone?

The following article will tell you about the types of the faceted cuts and how they affect the value of your gemstone, and will help you figure out which cut is right for you.

Birthstones

The following article will tell you about the birthstone of each month and will reveal their symbolic meaning.

Diamond Foundry plans to eliminate natural diamonds from the market: An expert opinion on whether it is possible or not

In this article, we will analyze how real such prospects are and what will actually happen to the diamond market.

August birthstone

In the following article we will look at the history of the peridot, its cultural and spiritual significance, and its use in jewelry. This article will be of interest to anyone born in August.

January birthstone

In the following article we will look at the history of the garnet, its cultural and spiritual significance, and its use in jewelry. This article will be of interest to anyone born in January.

September Birthstone

In the following article we will look at the history of the sapphire, its cultural and spiritual significance, and its use in jewelry. This article will be of interest to anyone born in September.

June Birthstone

In the following article we will tell you about the history, symbolism and meaning of pearls in the world of jewelry. You will learn what kinds of jewelry pearls look best in. This article will be of interest to those born in June.

Ring for engagement

In the following article, we will look at some aspects of an engagement ring and how to choose one.

Star sapphire

In the following article we will tell you about the history, symbolism and meaning of star sapphire in the world of jewelry.

Green diamond

In the following article you will learn how green diamonds are mined, what makes them rare, and how prices are formed.

How to tell if diamonds are real

The following article will tell you how to distinguish a real diamond from a fake, as well as what kind of stones can be used as substitutes for diamonds.

Ruby stone

In the following article you will learn about the history of the ruby, its characteristics, and its symbolic meaning. This article will help you choose the perfect ruby for you as well as tell you how to properly care for this gemstone.

White sapphire

In the following article we will look at white sapphire, its cultural and spiritual significance, and its use in jewelry.

Blue Sapphire ring

In thе following article, we will talk about the history of blue sapphire, its value and magical properties, as well as who will suit a ring with this stone.

Tanzanite

In the following article we will talk about tanzanites and compare this stone with a diamond.

Green gemstones

In the following article we will look at different kinds of green precious stones, their cultural and spiritual significance, and their use in jewelry.

Alexandrite stone

In the following article, we look at the history of alexandrite, its cultural and spiritual significance, and its use in jewelry.

Pink sapphire

In this article we will tell you about the properties of pink sapphires, where they are mined, what shades they come in, and which pink sapphires are considered more valuable.

May Birthstone

In this article, you will learn about the emerald, which is the birthstone of May. We will tell you about its history, its symbolic meaning, and the price of emeralds.

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

In the following article we will talk about how much to spend on an engagement ring and exactly how expensive it should be.

All about jewelry appraisal

In the following article, we will tell you everything you need to know about jewelry appraisal.

The largest diamond in the world

In the following article we will tell historical facts about some of the most popular diamonds in the world.

What is a garnet?

In the following article, we've compiled some frequently asked questions about pomegranates to help you understand them.

White sapphire - the value, rarity and value of this stone

Sapphires are mostly known as blue stones, but there are also white ones, they are unusual in nature, they are often confused with a diamond, but there are huge differences between them. However, white sapphires have incredible beauty and charm.

History of diamonds. How the first diamond was discovered

This article will tell us when diamonds were first used to create jewelry. By tracing the history of diamonds, we can get a better understanding of buying diamond jewelry.

Diamond colors

In this article we will tell you about the diamond color scale. Colored and white diamonds are graded using different scales.

Color change of sapphire compared to alexandrite

In this article we will look at the difference between such stones as sapphire and alexandrite, what is the color difference between these two stones, and which is more unique and rare

December stones – TURQUOISE, BLUE TOPAZ AND TANZANITE

This article will be interesting for those born in December. We will tell everything about turquoise, blue topaz and tanzanite, and take a closer look at their role in modern jewelry.

Garnet

To help you understand what a garnet gemstone is, we've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about garnets and spelled out the answers in this article

Carat in jewelry

In this article we will tell you what carats are and what they are for and how to determine the weight of precious stones.

The Seven Keystones of the World's Largest Diamond

In this article, we will tell you about a unique untreated colorless diamond weighing 3,016 carats and 10.1 centimeters high. Seven magnificent base stones were created from this powerful stone.

The Rare Star Ruby – value, meaning, rarity

In this article, we will consider the features of the star ruby, its rarity.

Jewelry as a gift

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 reasons why jewelry makes an excellent gift choice.

What are TW, CTW (Carat Total Weight) of a Diamond?

In this article, we'll look at what the total weight of a CTW diamond means and why it's important when choosing jewelry.

Ruby stone – meaning, benefits and facts

In this article, we will look at the meaning of ruby, its benefits, and present some interesting facts about this stone that attracts the attention of many jewelry lovers.

What are the rarest diamonds?

In this article we will look at the different types of colored diamonds, their hues, and find out how prices are formed.

Different types of rubies

In our article, we will look at the various sources of rubies, their possible forms and specific attributes. We will also discuss the differences between rubies and pink sapphires and look at their similarities and differences. So hold your hand and dive into the world of magnificent rubies.

February Birthstone

In this article, we will talk about the birthstone of February - amethyst. Its symbolism, characteristics and use in jewelry

The Enchanting Allure of Pink Diamonds: A Precious Rarity

In this article, we will look at the history of pink diamonds, their rarity and their use in jewelry.

Aquamarine Jewelry: Captivating Beauty from the Depths of the Sea

In this article, we will explore the allure of aquamarine jewelry, its history, characteristics, and why it continues to be a popular choice for those seeking elegance and sophistication.

The Timeless Appeal of Engagement Rings for Men

In this article, we explore the rising trend of engagement rings for men and shed light on the significance and style of these timeless tokens of love.

The Enchanting Elegance of Blue Diamond Rings

In this article, we explore the mesmerizing charm of blue diamond rings, their origin, characteristics, and why they have become such a sought-after choice for those seeking unique and exquisite jewelry pieces.

A March Birthstone of Tranquility and Elegance

This article delves into the fascinating history, symbolism, and properties of the March birthstone, celebrating its timeless allure and significance

Exploring the Allure of I-Colored Diamonds

This article delves into the unique characteristics and appeal of I-coloured diamonds.

Emeralds and Other Green Stones

In the following article, we will explore the fascinating world of emeralds and other green gemstones and examine their significance.

G-Color Diamonds

In this article, we will explore the world of G-color diamonds and find out what qualities make them popular among those who seek not only beauty but also budget savings.

World of Yellow Gemstones

In this article, we will explore some of the most exquisite and revered yellow gemstones, their characteristics, meanings, and uses.

April Birthstone

In this article, we delve into the captivating world of the April birthstone, exploring its history, meaning, and significance.

November Birthstone

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of November's birthstones, topaz and citrine.

Diamond Band Rings

In this article, we'll explore the allure and significance of diamond band rings, from their history to their enduring popularity.

Pigeon Blood Rubies

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of pigeon blood rubies, delving into their history, characteristics, significance, and more.

World of Blue Gemstones

In this article, we will embark on a journey through the mesmerizing world of blue gemstones, exploring their characteristics, origins, symbolism, and popular uses.

The Timeless Elegance of Emerald Earrings: A Gemstone Treasure

In this article, we'll look at the world of emerald earrings and discover the mystique and elegance they bring to any ensemble.

Cornflower Blue Sapphires

In this article, we will look at the captivating world of cornflower blue sapphires, exploring their origin, significance and appeal to collectors and admirers.

Sphene - The Radiant Gemstone Unveiling Nature's Kaleidoscope

In this article, we will take a journey into the mesmerizing realm of sphene, exploring its origin, unique properties and what makes it so appealing to gemstone lovers and collectors.

The Art of Bespoke Jewelry Design

In this article, we delve into the captivating world of bespoke jewelry design, exploring the intricacies that make each piece a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Didn't find the one you were looking for?

Send us a request for a personalized selection of the gemstone and we'll contact you soon for more details