-
choosing & buying gemstones
 |
How Gemstones Are GradedGemstones have quality factors similar to diamonds, they are valued differently for gemstones. Color is the most important C for colored gemstones; cut is usually considered the most important for diamonds. |
Gemstone ColorMost colored gemstones derive their beauty from their color – purples, blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds. Three factors relate to a gemstone’s color: |
 |
| The pure color on the spectrum, describes the dominant color and any additional colors visible in a gem. |
 |
| The lightness or darkness of a color. In the GIA color-grading system, tones range from very light to very dark. |
 |
| The purity of the hue. |
| When buying colored gemstone jewelry, select what you consider beautiful. Because of the subtle differences in the tone and hue of the colored gemstone you are considering, look at several to find the one you prefer. Each gem variety has an optimal hue, tone and saturation, your jeweler can show you and explain the how gemstones each exhibit their optimal color. | |||||
Gemstone CutGem cutters work to achieve a pleasing and affordable mix of color, weight and a safe shape for mounting. During creation, a gemstone’s size is constrained by nature. Sparkle adds to the beauty of a well-cut colored gemstone. The cut of a colored gemstone describes its shape and how it is fashioned. |
|||||
Gemstone ClarityThe clarity of colored gemstones contributes to their beauty. Unless a gemstone is opaque and blocks all light, how light moves through the gemstone affects its beauty.Gemstone Size Gemstone weight is measured carats. The jewelry industry also measures colored gemstones by dimensions in millimeters in addition to carat weight. Gemstone Durability A gemstone’s ability to be fashioned, mounted and worn is a function of how durable it is – a matter of both hardness and toughness. Our certified gemologist can help you choose the right stone for any occasion. Gemstone Enhancements Color occurs naturally in certain gemstones . In other gemstones, the final color occurs with assistance. Many are treated or enhanced with heat or safe irradiation to achieve beautiful colors or clarity. Synthetic colored gemstones, created in a laboratory, have all the optical, physical and chemical properties of naturally occurring gemstones. |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
|
You have the right to know what you are buying, whether it is a
natural gemstone, an enhanced or treated gemstone or a synthetic
gemstone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established
guidelines for the jewelry industry stating that jewelers must
disclose any treatment that is not permanent, that creates special
care requirements, or that affects the gemstone’s value. If a
material is synthetic, it must be disclosed. Hayes Jewelers is a member of Jewelers of America and uphold a high code of professional practices and commit to disclosing all such information, because we believe that a well-informed jewelry purchaser is a satisfied purchaser. |
|||
Jewelry ReportsTo give you the information you need, we can give you written information about your purchase when you buy a gemstone. If you have questions, ask. Our associates can give you information on cleaning, storing and insuring your new jewelry. |
|||
BIRTHSTONE & ANNIVESARY GEMS GEM OF THE MONTH |
|||
Location
- 5456 Cottage Hill Road
- Mobile, AL 36609
- 251.661.9846
- info@hayes-jewelers-mobile.com
Hours
Monday - Friday . 10am to 6pm
Saturday . 10am to 4pm
Appraisals
