The Quality Characteristics of Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby: What to Look For
While colorless is often the goal for diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies are all about the intensity and depth of color. But how is the quality of these "Big Three" measured? At Sirius Diamant, we follow strict criteria to ensure that each stone remains a valuable unique piece.
1. Color: The Heart of the Matter
For colored gemstones, color is the most important quality characteristic. We evaluate it based on three criteria:
- Hue: The actual color (e.g., a "pure" red in a ruby).
- Saturation: How intense is the color? The more vibrant, the more valuable.
- Tone: The lightness or darkness of the stone.
2. Clarity: The Stone's Character
Unlike diamonds, inclusions in colored gemstones are often proof of their natural origin. Especially with emeralds, one speaks of "jardin" (garden) – fine inclusions that make the stone unique. A completely pure emerald without any traces is almost impossible to find in nature.
3. Cut: Unleashing the Sparkle
An excellent cut maximizes the color effect and minimizes visible inclusions. At Sirius Diamant, we ensure that the cut uses the stone's proportions in such a way that light is optimally reflected and the color remains evenly distributed.
4. Origin and Treatment
The origin (e.g., Burmese rubies or Colombian emeralds) can significantly influence the value. In addition, it is common in the industry to gently heat stones to intensify their color. At Sirius Diamant, we value full transparency and openly declare any form of treatment to our customers.
Trust in our 30 years of expertise and find a stone that is not only valuable but also tells a story.
