GEM STONE BUYING GUIDE

Explore our Learn section for a quick guide on choosing the perfect gem, understanding the 4 Cs, and familiarizing yourself with essential gem terms. Dive into our blog for tips, trends, and care advice, or check out our FAQs for answers to common questions.

THE 4 Cs YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

Carat

Carat is the unit of measurement used to express the weight of a gemstone. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. Larger gems are rarer, making them more valuable, but the carat weight is just one factor in determining a gem's value.

How to Measure?

To measure the carat weight of a gemstone using a ruler, start by placing the gemstone flat on a surface and aligning it with the ruler. Measure the widest part of the gemstone, which will give you the diameter in centimeters. For instance, a gemstone that measures 0.65 cm across is approximately 1 carat, while one that measures 1.3 cm is around 2 carats. By comparing your gemstone’s size with these measurements, you can estimate its carat weight easily, even if you’re new to gemstones.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the absence of internal flaws or inclusions within a gemstone. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity, and the more valuable the gem.

Types of Clarity:

  • Flawless : No flaws, very rare.
  • Very Slightly Included : Tiny flaws, hard to see.
  • Slightly Included : Small flaws, slightly visible.
  • Included : Visible flaws, affect appearance.

Color

Color is a key characteristic in gemstones, affecting their beauty and value. The most desirable gems have rich, vivid, and evenly distributed color.

Types of Gemstone Color:

  • AAA: Best color, intense and vivid.
  • AA: Excellent color, strong and even.
  • A: Good color, moderate intensity.
  • B: Fair color, less vibrant.

Cut

The cut of a gemstone impacts its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut gem reflects light beautifully, enhancing its appearance.

Types of Gemstone Cuts:

Round Cut, Princess Cut, Emerald Cut, Oval Cut, Pear Cut, Cushion Cut, etc...

Natural vs Heated

Heated Sapphire: Enhanced through heat treatment to improve color and clarity. More affordable and common, with vibrant colors and fewer inclusions.

Natural Sapphire: Untreated and natural, offering original colors and natural inclusions. Rarer and often more valuable due to its authenticity.

Our Certification

At Montage Ceylon, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each gemstone in our collection is thoroughly examined and certified by GIA-certified gemologists, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Our certifications guarantee that every gem you purchase is genuine, ethically sourced, and of exceptional quality, giving you confidence and peace of mind with every purchase.

FAQ'S

Carat refers to the weight of the gemstone. One carat equals 200 milligrams.

The cut determines how well a gem reflects light. A good cut enhances sparkle and brilliance.

Clarity types include Flawless, Very Slightly Included, Slightly Included, and Included, based on visible imperfections.

Color grading includes hue (basic color), tone (lightness or darkness), and saturation (intensity of color).

Heated sapphires are treated to enhance color and clarity, while non-heated sapphires are natural and untreated.

All our gemstones come with a certification certified gemologists, ensuring their authenticity.

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