GEM STONES

There are  five essential characteristics of gemstone quality: Color, Cut, Clarity and Enhancements.  At Marshall Granger Jewelers we want to help you learn what to look for, and we'll be there to help you make the right selection.

 The highest quality gemstones are rated by the purity of their hue, the depth of tone, and the color saturation. The best value is in colors that include "slight" traces of other colors, are not too light or dark, and have a lot of saturated color.

Clarity

Almost all gemstones contain imperfections called inclusions. Flawless gemstones are very rare and valuable, and even most high-end gemstones are at least slightly included. The best value is found in gems that are lightly- to moderately-included.

A high-quality gemstone cut is one that presents the most even color, exposes the
fewest inclusions, and displays the majority of the gemstone weight when set in jewelry.

Colored gemstones are generally cut to maximize the beauty of their color, diminish its inclusions and provide overall symmetry and proportion.

Gemstones straight from the mine, called unpolished stones, look very rough and have the appearance of pebbles or gravel.  Over the centuries countless methods have been developed to improve upon the natural properties of gemstones. Cutting techniques enhance the play of light across the stone's surface.  Heat treating is another common method to enhance the colors of a gemstone, and is a practice accepted by the jewelry industry and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA),  Learn more about gemstone on the AGTA website.

Gemstones are also associated with the
months of the year as birthstones

January	Garnet
February	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine
April	Diamond
May	Emerald
June	Pearl/Alexandrite
July	Ruby
August	Peridot
September	Sapphire
October	Opal/Tourmaline
November	Topaz or Citrine
December	Blue Topaz or Zircon