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Color
Color defines a gemstone, and unlike diamonds, color is considered the most
important of all its defining characteristics. The five factors affecting color
are hue, tone, saturation, color distribution, and environment.
Hue
Hue is the precise spectral color of a gem. Specific gemstones are usually
found in a range of hues. The primary hue is the main color accompanied by
secondary hues. For example, rubies range in hue from slightly purplish-red to
slightly orangish-red. At Earth Treasures, we try to stock only those gemstones
with desirable hues.
Tone
Tone refers to the depth of color from light to dark. Dark tones in rubies and
sapphires are not desirable because the gems lose their transparency and appear
inky. Light tones in any gem will give them a washed-out appearance. We strive
for medium to medium-dark tones for optimal beauty.
Saturation
This refers to the purity of color which is affected by overtones of brown and
gray. Overtones will make a gemstone look less vivid or intense, therefore,
strong color saturation is most desirable.
Color Distribution
Evenness of color can drastically affect the beauty of gems. In some stones,
color isn't evenly distributed but may exist in zones. This is frequently
observed in sapphire, ruby, amethyst, and citrine. When a gemstone is tilted or
rotated, streaks of colorless or lighter tones may be observed. Obvious
color-zoning is not desirable and should be avoided.
Environment
Colored gemstones are drastically affected by surrounding colors in a room or
lighting conditions. Be aware that gems will often appear different under
different conditions. Rubies look best in natural daylight or incandescent
light bulbs and worst under cool white fluorescent lights. This is due to the
lack or increase of some spectrum colors in various light products. For this
reason, rubies appear richer in yellow gold and sapphires look better in white
gold.
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