Gemstone color is multifaceted, comprising hue, tone, and saturation. Hue defines the specific color, favoring purity. Tone indicates the depth of the color, ranging from light to deep shades. Saturation measures the intensity of the color against any underlying gray or brown hues. Each gemstone species has its own signature color, with variations influenced by factors like chemical composition, trace elements, and cutting. Fine colors, like pure blue in sapphires or vivid green in emeralds, are highly sought after.

Gemstone cut enhances a gem's natural beauty by influencing its sparkle. While there are no official grading standards, the goal is to achieve even light reflection without dark areas or "windows." Symmetry and smooth, mirror-like facets are crucial for a well-cut gem. Be on the lookout for any signs of "windowing," where light passes through the gem's center, as this affects its overall visual appeal. Assess the gem's shape, symmetry, and facet quality to ensure a brilliant and radiant gemstone.

Clarity in gemstones pertains to inclusions and their impact on the stone's value. While inclusions are more common in gemstones than diamonds, they often don't significantly diminish their worth. For colored gemstones like Ruby, flaws may not be readily noticeable and do not detract from their beauty. Clarity grading assesses both the visual and structural effects of inclusions. Achieving high clarity involves maximizing brilliance, minimizing flaws, maintaining ideal depth (60%-80%), and avoiding excessive darkness in cutting.

A gemstone carat represents its weight, impacting its cost – larger carats mean higher prices. However, carat weight doesn't equate to size. A stone's density affects how its weight appears. Larger stones are rarer and pricier, often making jewelers cluster smaller gems to create the illusion of a larger gem, known as "illusion settings." This strategy is cost-effective, particularly with small diamonds, offering more visible gems for less money, and applies to colored gems as well.

Natural gemstones, originating from below the earth's surface, are mined, cut, and polished for use in jewelry. Popular examples include diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and sapphires. In contrast, lab created gemstones, produced through a similar process in a controlled environment, are cost-effective and have a shorter formation time. Although visually indistinguishable from natural gems, lab created stones often exhibit fewer inclusions, making them more consistently clear and durable. Environmentally friendly and conflict-free, they boast a lower carbon footprint and quicker production.