Understanding Rare Gemstones Appraisal

Introduction

Gemstone appraisal is a developing field, and gemologists are still figuring out which standards are appropriate for evaluating gemstones. The numerous various types of gemstones and their colours, forms, and sizes contribute to the process's complexity. Whether you have gemstones that you inherited, received as a gift, or bought at an estate sale or auction, you might be wondering, "How much is my gemstone worth?" Unfortunately, the value of gemstone swings throughout time, i.e., the market value of a gemstone varies up and down. This means you will need to refresh your gemstone appraisal every few years to ensure it's insured at the exact replacement value. While there are various ways to have high-quality gemstones evaluated, the person who examines your gemstone must be properly qualified and unbiased.

What all should a gemstone appraisal consist of?

Much more than the worth of your gemstone should be included in an appraisal. A full gemological description of the gem and its setting must be included in a professional appraisal, which frequently necessitates removing the diamond from its mounting. It should have a detailed description of the gem's carat weight, size, colour, clarity, and cut, as well as whether the stone is natural or treated. Some assessments will also state where a gemstone was mined. However, this is always a matter of opinion and cannot always be determined with certainty.

Determining Gemstone appraisal 

1. Carat weight is the most basic and well-known characteristic of gemstone valuation: one carat equals 0.2 grammes. The fact that different gem kinds have various densities means that one-carat gems of different sorts are various sizes may surprise you. For example, a one-carat emerald is substantially larger than a sapphire of the same weight. When matching sizes, on the other hand, different carat weights are required. A 6mm round diamond is around 0.90 carats, a 6mm sapphire is about 1.05 carats, and a 6mm round emerald is approximately 0.80 carats. Because each stone handles light differently, varied cutting approaches might result in even more dramatic variances. The optimal proportions for each stone are different.
2. The colour scale for gems is not the same as that for diamonds. From very light to very dark, the colour scale is used. Colour saturation is the essential gem value element for most gem kinds. All other things being equal, the more brilliant the red of ruby, the blue of sapphire, or the green of emerald, the more valuable that stone will be. Gems are frequently treated to improve their colour. Heating, drilling, fracture filling, and diffusion are some of the treatments available.
3. Most gems, unlike diamonds, have imperfections. These are used to determine whether or not a gem is natural. In general, the paler the hue, the more value is influenced by inclusions, as they are more visible. Because some gems, such as emerald and pink tourmaline, are tough to come by without inclusions, gems with no apparent imperfections are highly uncommon and precious.
4. The impact of carat size on the value of a gemstone is highly dependent on the type of gemstone being assessed. The aquamarine is a good example; this gemstone is frequently found in exceptionally large carat sizes. Hence, the carat size of aquamarine has no bearing on its value. Other gemstones, like rubies, infrequently seen in bigger carat weights, are valued primarily based on their carat weight.

 By certified gemstone to ensure gemstone appraisal

So with all these considerations, how can you be confident that your gemstone has been assessed correctly? The safest bet is to have your gemstone assessed by an impartial third party gemologist who is not affiliated with the seller. Many gem traders in USA provide their appraisals, although these are at best suspect. It is preferable to have your gemstone appraised by a certified gemologist who has earned gemstone appraisal accreditation from reputable businesses such as:

• The American Gem Society (AGS)

• The American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

• The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Customers can also safeguard themselves by researching the gemstone they want, checking to see if any synthetics or simulants are available, choosing which C's are most significant in establishing the gemstone’s value, and never buying a gemstone without a return policy or buy certified gemstone always. Choose a return policy that allows you ample time to have your gemstone analysed by an independent gemologist, or better yet, buy a certified gemstone that has already been certified by a recognised independent lab. Do not buy gems with certifications and appraisals provided by an external company or a corporation having a business tie with the vendor.

High-quality gemstone treatment

Treatments to improve colour or clarity have been applied to the majority of gemstones on the market today. Heating sapphire and ruby to increase colour, oiling emeralds with resin to hide inclusions, and incinerating blue topaz to generate its hue are common enhancements. Fine rubies, sapphires, and emeralds that have not been improved will cost a premium and will be followed by a certificate of authenticity. Some treatments significantly impact value: lead glass filling and ruby and sapphire diffusion treatment produce substantial variations in appearance, and gems treated in these methods are substantially less expensive.

Country of origin

Some mines are well-known for producing exceptionally excellent gemstones. As a result, fine gemstone specimens from these locations are in high demand. Collectors choose Mogok rubies, Kashmir sapphires, Colombian emeralds, and Russian demantoid and alexandrite, which can sell for more than similar-looking gems from other countries if they have a lab report confirming their country of origin. However, the origin is never a guarantee of worth. Famous mines are also known for producing low-quality diamonds.

Distinguishing Natural Vs Real gemstones

Natural gemstones are those that are found in nature and have not been tampered with by humans. They've been cut or polished by the time they make it into our jewellery, but they haven't been altered or touched in any other way. An authentic gemstone is a real deal, but it has been enhanced in some way to make it look better. Enhancements enable jewellery producers to improve the appearance of gemstones that buyers would otherwise overlook. Altered gemstones aren't fakes, but they aren't considered natural either. Most of us would not afford natural "perfect" stones if they were the only jewels available.

IrisGems: one of the best gem traders in USA

Many jewellers perform appraisals, so your local jeweller can be a suitable place to get your gemstone evaluated. This is not a free service; it necessitates time and expertise. Look for credentials from the American Gem Society, the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, the Certified Insurance Appraiser, ISA, or the Certified Appraisal Professional, CAPP. Make certain you inform the appraiser of the appraisal's purpose. For example, an appraisal for retail replacement value differs significantly from selling a gemstone, which uses the wholesale liquidation value. When a jeweller gives you an appraisal that says a stone is worth more than you paid for it or says a stone you bought from a rival is worth less than you paid, be wary. You can trust IrisGems, one of the best gem traders in USA and be assured that you would get the best value for your gemstones. We will provide you with certified gemstone to get your gemstone appraisal done most effectively.

Conclusion

If you get jewellery as a gift, it may have sentimental value. You may be charged with preserving family heirlooms for future generations, or you may be expected to divide them for the estate of a deceased person. Whatever you want to do with the inherited jewellery, one of your first tasks should be to determine its value, in part to ensure it correctly if necessary. This necessitates obtaining a professional appraisal.