How to Choose a Natural Gemstone
Color, clarity, cut, and origin—what to look at before you fall for a stone.
Choosing a gemstone starts with color. Look for a hue that is rich and even, without looking too dark or washed out. In most colored stones, color matters more than anything else for value.
Next, check clarity and cut. A well-cut stone returns light evenly across its face, while a poor cut leaves dull "windows" in the center.
- View the stone under daylight and warm indoor light
- Ask for a lab report on higher-value stones
- Choose a shape that suits how you will wear it
Finally, buy the stone you keep coming back to. Personal attraction is a perfectly good reason to choose a gem.