CEYLON GEM LABORATARY

Most gemstones are nothing but forms of minerals found deep within the earth's surface. The three characteristics that make them special are beauty, rarity and durability. In case of colored gemstones, the "colour" forms the most important factor in a stone's beauty. Most popular gems are, in fact, known mostly by their colour. The fiery red of the ruby, refreshing green of the emerald, cornflower blue of sapphire for example. There are many gems available in each hue of nature. The prices for each of the gem varieties are affected by rarity, durability and popularity. You can find a colored gemstone to fit any budget.

Red, Blue, Green and Yellow to Lilac, Magenta, Saffron and Teal; countless colors that mesmerise the human eye. They become even more irresistible when captured in timeless colored gemstones. For centuries, colored gemstones have been used to express love, passion and power. from royalties to celebrities to commoners, few are left untouched by the dramatic radiant appeal of colored gemstones.

The value of colored stones is determined by its COLOR While buying a colored gemstone, it is important to check its color under different light conditions. For example: Blue sapphires look best in an office fluorescent light, while rubies look better under ordinary household light. While shopping for gemstones, ensure you are also examine the CUT of the stone. The cut and shape of the gemstone strongly influences its value. Each gemstone has its peculiar shape. Colored stones are sold by weight, not by size. The measurement used is the CARAT which is one - fifth of a gram. Some gems rarely occur in large sizes. Among these are emerald, ruby, sapphire, tsavorite garnet, alexandrite and spinel. For these gems, you can expect to pay much more per carat for a large stone than you would for a small one. CLARITY is also a factor that influneces value. Colored stones with fewer inclusions (not visible to naked eye) are more valuable. However inclusions and blemishes help determine the authnticity of the gemstones.

To ensure that your precious purchases are hassle-free and you are getting a gemstone true its value, ask your jeweller to provide an independent grading report on the stones. Reports issued by CGL is considered the most respected and trusted with grading some of the world's most famous gemstones.

Treatments are a part of the gem and jewellery trade. However, you have the right to know if the stone has been treated and how the treatment has affected it. To ensure you are paying the correct value of the stone, ask your jeweller for an independant grading report by a trusted third party to assure that you are truly getting what you expect. CGL is one such organisation that grades gemstones.

Coloured stones are available in large variety and in many colors. Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire are the most important colored stones in the market.