What To Look For When Buying A Gemstone - Part II

Origins of gems. 

When it comes to purchasing the most precious of gems, there is a passionate level of meticulousness required for success. In our What To Look For When Buying A Gemstone - Part I, we dive into our process leading up to one of the most important and complex steps, to which we answer the question of- what is the origin of the gem? Where did it come from? 

The importance of this question weighs heavier than others in that certain origins have higher premiums based on a variety of factors. 

What is the current government situation in that region? Is it expensive to operate a mine there? Do they pay their workers well? All of these elements can have a significant effect on the price of gemstones. 

For example, Colombian emeralds are notorious for their dark, rich and unique deepness in colour, all synonymous with their quality. They are the most sought after emeralds in the world due to their legacy and provenance. For this reason, no emeralds in the world look like Colombian emeralds. They are truly incomparable. 

Similarly, the Pigeon Blood Burmese ruby is another extremely desired stone; the look of these gems are impossible to duplicate. The qualities within the ruby are specifically characteristic from the Mogok region, giving a distinctive tone of pinkish red, which traditionally has been the most valued colour of any ruby deposit globally. 

A less common example of origin playing a key role in the value of a gemstone would be the paraiba tourmaline. Named after the region in Brazil in which these gems originate, the material also bears the element of copper. The price for a true paraiba tourmaline (of Brazilian origin) will far exceed the price of any fine diamond or ruby. In comparison to a similar coloured tourmaline emanating from Mozambique, the Brazilian origin of this stone can exceed up to 5-10 times the price of its counterpart. 

This price differential can be attributed to the fact that Mozambique tourmalines can produce very large specimens, whereas Brazil cannot; this, in turn, elevates the price of larger Brazilian paraiba tourmaline since a large stone from that origin would be extremely rare.

The GIA (Gemological Institute Of America) can provide an origin detail on certain stones upon request. However, gem grading laboratories do not guarantee the origin, as they are only making educated assumptions based on past mineral collections by comparison. Often they will have a gemologist on-site at certain mines to keep familiar with the make-up and composition of the stones, however, they refrain from using certain language to limit liability. This is especially monumental when purchasing larger investment stones. 

These are just some of the contributing factors considered during the sorting, selecting and acquisition process of our gems. Cavaliers mission is to source the finest of gemstones across the world, while educating our clients in understanding the history, the process and its relevance to the quality and rarity of the stone itself. 

Want to know more about how you can purchase a gemstone ring? Book in an appointment with us!