Colored Gemstones

Pattivs offers a large selection of fine colored gemstones. Of the most popular are sapphire, ruby, emerald, tanzanite, garnet and amethyst. Some of the gemstones can be many colors. For example, sapphire normally thought to be blue, can be all the colors of the rainbow.

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What to Look For In a Fine Colored Gemstone?

Fine examples of a gem will exhibit a rich, pure color and brilliance. A poor example will be off color or very light color and have little or no brilliance. The difference in wholesale value (and in appearance) will be huge. The very finest sapphires, rubies and emeralds can run many thousands of dollars per carat while poor quality wholesale for only a few dollars per carat. Most commercial jewelry is set with poor quality. Clarity, while also important, is less a factor than with diamonds. Carat weight is a considerable factor with some colored gemstones and not with others.

Unlike diamonds, there is no standardized grading system for colored gemstones. The desirability and value is greatly affected by the following characteristics:

Desirability and richness of color
Brilliance
Carat size
And for the very best qualities, the lack of treatment

Durability

Some gemstones are very tough and durable. Others, such as tanzanite, are relatively soft and are easily scratched. Such gems, if used in rings, should be worn with care. Examples are tanzanite & emerald.

Treatment

Most colored gemstones have received some sort of treatment to enhance their color and or clarity. One should assume a colored gem is treated unless it is certified with statement of non-treatment.

Ruby & Sapphire

Both are ideal choices for every-day-wear in rings as they are very tough & scratch resistant.

Emerald & Tanzanite

Both are softer and more easily scratched with tanzanite being the more sensitive.
Amethyst, Citrine, Blue Topaz & Garnet.