A gemstone is a mineral or mineral variety, valuable for its exceptional aesthetic qualities.
To be a gemstone, a gemstone must meet the following criteria:
- high brilliance
- beautiful colour
- refraction of light
- clarity
- permanence
- mechanical resistance
- rarity in nature
The main types of gemstones:
- diamond - the only gemstone with its own unified grading system
- emerald
- sapphire
- ruby
(a list of the most commonly known gemstones and their most typical colours)
The price of a gemstone is mainly influenced by its quality, size (given in metric carats) and rarity. Another factor influencing the price is the existence of artificial competing products (sapphire, ruby) and the current fashion trend. Price increases with size.
