Gemstones
What makes a mineral a Precious Gem? Properties such as: Beauty Durability Rarity
Semiprecious Gems Possess fewer qualities Usually less rare (more common)
Birthstones by Month MONTH BIRTHSTONE January Garnet February Amethyst March Aquamarine April Diamond May Emerald June Pearl July Ruby August Peridot September Sapphire October Opal November Citrine December Topaz or Tamzanite
1. Diamond is Mined
2. Diamond sent to DeBeers
3. DeBeers sells to select diamond companies FOR
4. The diamond is cut (faceted)
5. Diamond broker sells stone to retailer
Becoming an informed buyer… The 4 C’s of Diamonds Color Clarity Cut Carat
Color Caused by elements found within the diamond (yellow = N) Highest color quality = clear Most people cannot distinguish D from J
The Hope Diamond 44.50 ct. blue diamond. At Smithsonian Museum (Washington D.C.)
Clarity Diamonds develop natural “inclusions” (flaws). Clarity Diamonds develop natural “inclusions” (flaws). Inclusions determines clarity. Most people cannot distinguish IF from SI
Cut Only C’s that we control. Best cuts = most reflection
Carat (ct.)Weight Mass of stone 1 ct = 0.2g (200mg) Diamonds are priced per carat Why is a 2-ct diamond more than 2x as expensive as a 1-ct. diamond?
Being a smart buyer
Sample Price Chart for Round Brilliant approx. 1ct Sample Price Chart for Round Brilliant approx. 1ct. (x $100) (ex: D, VS1 = $7,100) IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 SI3 I1 D 142 94 84 71 64 57 51 41 35 E 65 61 55 49 40 33 F 83 63 59 54 47 38 31 G 70 50 44 37 H 56 42 29 I 45 43 27 J 39 34 30 25 K 36 23 L 32 20 M 28 26 22 17 Source: www.diamondhelpers.com
GOLD Very expensive $$$ Very soft Must combine with other metals for jewelry K= karat; 24 K is pure gold
How pure is 14 K gold??? Pure = 24 K So, 14 K÷ 24 K= 58.3%
References www.gia.edu/howtobuydiamond/Tour_FrameSet.htm www.aheejewelers.com www.gia.edu www.adiamondisforever.com www.debeers.org www.pluczenik.com
THE END