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Rarity vs Clarity – The Science Behind Gemstone Value

June 28, 2023
4 Min Read

Multiple things affect the value of gemstones, but rarity and clarity are two of the most prominent factors. In the following article, we will explore just how much the rareness and clarity of stones, as well as other factors, impact the end cost.

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How Rarity Affects the Value of Gemstones

The rarity of gemstones plays a significant role in determining their value. Essentially, the rarer a gemstone is, the higher demand it has in the market. Consequently, gem enthusiasts and collectors are often willing to pay premium prices for those rare gems.

Take diamonds as an example. Although they are highly sought after and valuable, they are far from being the rarest gemstones out there. Other stones like alexandrite, red beryl, or tanzanite have a higher rarity and thus greater value per carat. Consequently, their price tags can be quite steep.

It’s important to note that several factors contribute to the rarity of a gemstone. One such factor is its natural occurrence in specific geographical locations. For instance, certain gems like paraiba tourmaline and Russian demantoid garnets can only be found in a limited number of mines around the world.

In addition to geography-based scarcity, some gems owe their rarity to unique geological conditions during their formation process. If we consider black opals from Australia’s Lightning Ridge area as an example, these spectacular iridescent stones were formed under specific volcanic conditions millions of years ago.

Furthermore, sometimes it may occur that while a rough stone might be relatively common initially, its rarity increases once it’s cut and polished.

That is because many stones may lose a significant part of their mass during the process. As such, a large, well-cut gem can be much more valuable than a smaller one with the same rough stone origins.

Another factor that impacts the value of rare gems is their appeal in terms of colour, clarity, and overall appearance.

High-quality stones garner higher prices since they are more visually appealing to collectors and jewellery buyers alike. For instance, emeralds with an intense green hue and minimal inclusions are considered much more valuable compared to less vibrant ones.

The history behind particular gemstones can also influence their desirability and value in the market. Some gems have rich cultural backgrounds or intriguing stories tied to them, which further propels their prices upward.

How Clarity Affects the Value of Gemstones

The clarity of gemstones is another crucial aspect that significantly impacts their value.

In essence, clarity refers to the degree of absence or presence of imperfections, also known as inclusions or blemishes, within the stone. Generally speaking, gemstones with a higher level of clarity command a greater value due to their aesthetic quality.

These imperfections might be tiny fractures, foreign materials trapped during formation, or even other minerals within the stone itself. A flawless and transparent gem is considered extremely rare and desirable, leading to a higher worth in the market.

It’s important to note that different types of gems have distinct clarity standards. For instance, diamonds are primarily graded based on the absence of inclusions visible under magnification.

Meanwhile, stones like emeralds are expected to have some eye-visible inclusions due to their natural internal structure.

Consider rings made of sapphire as an example. They often display what’s known as ‘silk’ – microscopic needle-like inclusions which may enhance their overall appeal and value if uniformly spread throughout the stone.

Other Factors That Affect the Value of Gemstones

Several other factors contribute to the value of gemstones, including size, weight, cut quality, and treatment history. Larger stones with higher carat weights tend to be more valuable.

Additionally, an expertly cut gem that maximises its brilliance and colour is often worth more than poorly cut counterparts. Furthermore, whether a gemstone is treated or enhanced plays a role in its value – for example, untreated stones might fetch higher prices due to their natural authenticity.

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