Criteria of a gemstone
Gemstones have fascinated people for millennia with their unsurpassed beauty, diversity, and symbolic meaning. But what truly defines a gemstone, and what criteria determine its value? In this blog post, we explore the most important characteristics and show why Valoterna in Vienna is the ideal place to buy gemstones—values for eternity.
Gemstone criteria
It is important to familiarize yourself with the criteria of a gemstone before purchasing it.
A gemstone is a miracle of nature, and its uniqueness is defined by certain naturally occurring criteria:
- Color: The color of a gemstone, from deep blue for sapphires to bright red for rubies to radiant green for emeralds, plays a central role. It is often the first thing that catches the eye.
- Hardness: Gemstones such as diamonds (hardness 10 on the Mohs scale) are characterized by their outstanding resistance.
- Sparkle: The refraction of light, also called brilliance, gives gemstones their distinctive shine.
- Transparency: High-quality gemstones have a clear to translucent structure.
- Clarity: Inclusions can affect the value of a gemstone depending on how visible they are.
- Rarity: The harder a gemstone is to find, the more valuable it becomes.
2. Human perspectives on gemstones
In addition to objective properties, there are also subjective criteria that determine the value of a gemstone. These include:
- Desirability: Some gemstones, such as alexandrite, are particularly sought after due to their rarity and color-change properties.
- Commercial significance: Diamonds remain the most popular choice due to their strong demand in jewelry, especially engagement rings.
- Beauty: The visual appeal of a gemstone significantly influences its value.
3. Additional criteria: workmanship and history
Only after the natural and subjective evaluation do further human-influenced criteria come into play that determine the value of a gemstone:
- Treatment: Some gemstones are heated or irradiated to optically enhance their color or clarity.
- Cut: The cut really brings out the beauty of a gemstone.
- Weight: Carat is a key factor in determining the price of a gemstone.
- Provenance: Gemstones with a special origin or a prominent history are often more sought after.
4. Gemstone or not? – A closer look is worthwhile
Not everything that glitters is a gemstone. Some materials are called gemstones, but strictly speaking, they don't belong in this category:
- Amber: Of organic origin and too soft to be considered a gemstone.
- Opal: A matrix that does not have the necessary hardness.
- Pearls: Although beautiful, they are organic – they are often referred to as “organic gemstones.”
Buy gemstones in Vienna: Trust Valoterna
Valoterna in Vienna is your first choice for gemstones. With a comprehensive selection of high-quality gemstones in a wide variety of colors and shapes, we offer value for eternity. Our expertise and passion guarantee that every gemstone you find with us meets the highest standards.
Visit us in Vienna and discover the fascinating world of gemstones. Whether ruby, sapphire, emerald, or rarities like alexandrite, spinel, or Paraiba – Valoterna offers you unique natural treasures that will delight you for a lifetime.