How to Buy Coloured Gemstones

The process of buying the right emerald or ruby is almost as complex as the gemstones themselves. Every gemstone is utterly unique, a tiny miracle produced by a fluke of nature, and so it is not surprising that the buying process is far from straightforward, with a myriad of factors to consider.

The most important point to emphasise is the importance of trusting gut instinct and buying the gemstone that you fall in love with – the one that speaks to you personally, rather than the one you might feel you ‘should’ buy. Often this will be a gemstone that is far from perfect, full of tiny features, which we call inclusions. These are what keep a gemstone real – assuring you that you have your own totally unique gem – and add inimitable charm and character.

The 6 Cs are comprised of the classic 4Cs with which diamonds are measured – cut, colour, clarity and carat – with the addition of two extras: character and certification. These provide a useful guide to what you should be looking for when shopping for your gem. We advise always viewing a gemstone in natural daylight, to best judge these qualities, as artificial light might affect its appearance. Evenness and saturation of colour is key.

We advise buying from a trusted seller for peace of mind and requesting a report of origin from an independent gemmological laboratory. It’s important to fully understand – and be able to trace – your gemstone’s unique and fascinating journey. With responsible sourcing of the utmost importance to buyers today, there is no shortage of people, from industry bodies to in-house experts, to tap for information.