What Makes a Gemstone Truly Precious?

Sparkling, vibrant, and steeped in mystery, gemstones have fascinated humanity for centuries. But what transforms a piece of mineral into a coveted treasure?

As beautifully described by the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA):

“A gemstone is a mineral or other natural material that is beautiful enough, durable enough, and rare enough, to be used for personal adornment or for the embellishment of personal possessions.”

While most people know diamonds are graded, fewer realise that coloured gemstones undergo a similar process – one that considers not just size, but also quality, rarity, and craftsmanship. Understanding how gemstones are evaluated can help you make informed, confident choices when adding to your collection.

Like diamonds, coloured gemstones have many specifications to take into consideration. Most people are not aware that a gemstone’s quality and pricing are also determined by a grading system. A gemstone is graded by the rarity of its features: colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Naturally, the size or carat weight plays an important role when pricing a coloured gemstone; however, the quality – especially colour – is a major contributing factor. The hue, tone, and saturation of a gemstone’s colour will help determine how it is graded. Typically, the stronger and more vivid the colour, the more valuable the stone.

The cut is graded by the precision of the facets’ angles, which affects how light reflects within the stone and creates brilliance. A poorly cut gemstone may have a “window” – a dull, see-through centre – while a well-cut stone will sparkle brightly and enhance its natural beauty.

Clarity refers to the tiny, naturally occurring inclusions within a gemstone, which can interfere with the passage of light. Clarity grading varies depending on the gemstone. For instance, Emeralds often contain visible inclusions, while Aquamarines are usually expected to be “eye-clean” - meaning inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

The Beauty of Understanding

Gemstones are more than just vibrant accessories; they are natural works of art shaped by the earth over millions of years. Knowing what makes each stone special, from its radiant colour to its internal clarity, helps deepen your appreciation and enhances your ability to choose something truly exceptional.

Whether you're investing in a one-of-a-kind piece or simply admiring the brilliance of a gem, understanding its qualities gives it even more meaning. Because when you know what you’re looking at, you’re not just seeing beauty – you’re seeing value, history, and craftsmanship in every sparkle.