What Makes a Blue Topaz Gemstone Valuable?

A Blue Topaz Gemstone is just a raw organic stone that has been cut and polished, usually for use in jewelry. The beauty of the gemstone is in the eye of the beholder, but there are certain elements that more objectively evaluate the worth of a gem.

There are three qualities that the buyer should look for in purchasing a new gemstone. They are beauty, rarity, and durability.

(the exquisite London blue topaz and diamond ring above, appraised at over $3300, is available from VIANVI JEWELRY at less than 1/3 of appraised price)

The beauty of a gem really is based on what the eye can see. Look for color, fire, and luster. The luster of the stone has to do with its appearance in reflected light. Gemstone luster may be referred to as greasy, resinous, pearly, silky, vitreous, or adamantine. Color changes in stones may be produced by subjecting the stones to. The fire of the stone is an evaluation of its reflective nature.

The durability of the gemstone depends on its hardness. The higher the number of hardness on the gemstone scale, the greater its resistance to fracture and cleavage.

Gemstones are cut to in order to remove flaws. The manner in which they are cut is generally chosen to bring out their natural color and brilliancy. For example, the cabochon cut smooths and rounds th top of the stone and creates flat facets on all of the other cuts. This accentuates brilliancy in the stone for setting it in a ring. The table cut does much the same, but does not flatten the bottom of the stone.

Synthetic stones are made in the laboratory using the same chemical elements of natural stones. You may be able to spot a synthetic stone because of its air bubbles which will be a different color and look a bit cloudy. Synthetic stones can be quite beautiful, but do not have the staying power of genuine gemstones. Artificially created gemstones often contain lead and are therefore very soft. They do not retain their brilliance and color.

Ultimately the value of the gemstone lies in its value to you, the consumer. Objective evaluation is just one way to determine the value of a piece of jewelry. Certainly you want to own gemstones of high quality that will last a lifetime. Choose a great gemstone, imbue it with strong emotion, offer it as a gift, and you will have created a connection with the person who receives your gift that goes far beyond the intrinsic value of the stone.

A Blue Topaz Gemstone is valuable because of its luster, fire, color, cut, hardness and durability -- and you.