The determining factors of the quality and value of gemstones are clarity, cut, carat weight and color. All four of these factors are determined differently and display themselves in a variety of ways based on lighting. Lighting plays an extremely valuable role when defining the color of any stone. When deciding the final color of a gemstone, mid-morning light is often the most used. It is the whitest form of lighting and has a neutral effect on the color and hue of each individual stone. Most reputable jewelers will provide photos and evidence of the color of each stone through the use of this form of lighting. There are number of ways that light can affect a stone and these should all be considered when investing in a gemstone.
Luminescence is a very influential lighting factor that determines a stone’s color and its quality. Valuable stones have an undeniable ability to somehow display light even in complete darkness. This fluorescence is a very big factor in the price and quality of each individual stone. This should not be confused with phosphorescence which is the ability for the stone to contain light for a few moments after light has been removed from the room. Fluorescence is the capability of the stone to give off light without being given any light to reflect from whatsoever.
Luster within a stone is the term used for a stone’s ability to reflect light both internally and externally. The smoother the surface of a stone is, the more luster it will have and more light reflection it will be able to display.
The ability of a gem to redirect light is classified as refraction. Many gemstone enthusiasts swear by stones that have the ability to change the direction of light and display it in a number of ways. If a gem is dirty or not cut appropriately it will lose most of its refraction ability and damage the value of a stone significantly.
Another important factor in a gemstones ability to be affected by lighting is dispersion. This is classified when a gem can separate light into a number of different colors. When a gemstone can turn neutral light into a rainbow color, it has an excellent dispersion rating and its value will be directly inflated. Usually, games that have a good ability to redirect can also have a high dispersion rating.
Lighting is a very important variable that should be examined and taken into consideration when shopping for or comparing gemstones. A stone can look completely different in a number of lights and you should compare each stone in varying lights in order to determine its true color and value in the most appropriate way. While many stores will only display the stone in the best lighting, you should move it around and change the lighting that the gemstone is under to ensure that you are aware of all the hues and lighting effects that are evident within the stone you are considering investing in.
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