The Wonderful Spectrum of Diamond Gemology
For those of you who are not aware, gemology revolves around the science of evaluating, cutting, and grading precious stones or in summary the methodology of identifying and categorizing gemstones according to value, type of groups.
A gemologist could also be a jeweller or individuals who ‘knows’ gemstones to the extent that he or she will be able to tell the difference between good and poor-quality stones. Generally, apart from those who buy diamonds purely for the sake of aesthetics, there are also those who buy diamonds purely due to a gem’s value and these investors of gems often procure the assistance of gemologists.
At the core of it all, gemology is all about identifying and categorizing gems based on specific elements, properties, characteristics which include the 4Cs (cut, colour, quality, and clarity). Gemologists would also be able to tell apart lab grown diamonds and naturally mined diamonds based on nitrogen content (most naturally mined diamonds have trace amounts of nitrogen within their structure.
The fact remains that for most people most gemstones are impossible to value or tell apart simply based on appearance despite the fact that the physical properties of these stones in reality differ quite considerably. Hence, suppliers such as Wholesale Diamonds Direct go beyond the 4Cs as they would be able to advise on which diamond engagement ring is best value for money or which gemstone would have the qualities to retain value in the long run.
The Scope of Gemology Professionals
Within the sphere of gemology are numerous professionals who include geologists, appraisers, jewellers, metalworkers, goldsmiths and definitely scientists who encompass the field of crystals. An individual needs to understand the gemology syllabus in order to become a certified professional appraiser who could advise on jewellery value, sales, quality of diamonds and even investing into gemstones.
Jewellers also must comprehend gemology in order to serve their customers better as they would be able to manage questions posed to them by clients who are about to buy jewellery worth thousands. Even metalworkers and goldsmiths are required to have a level of understanding of gemology in order for them to create well-structured jewellery.
For instance, settings that are deemed as perfect for diamonds could potentially cause damage to opal or too much pressure from the prongs on a garnet could possibly crack tanzanite. Lapidaries are also part of the gemology sphere based on the fact that their main task is to ‘cut gems’ and this requires special knowledge and polishing techniques differ from gem to gem.
As far as lapidaries know, the fact is that techniques that are effective on certain types of gems are totally useless on other gems or could even cause damage to precious stones.
Investing into Diamonds according to Gemologists
Regardless of the fact whether diamonds are lab grown or naturally mined, gemologists have established the fact that the quality and beauty between the two are equal, however naturally mined diamonds have higher value not because they are better, but because they were produced by Mother Nature.
However, apart from the value of naturally mined being higher, these gemstones based on current market trends appreciate and depreciate in parallel pattern.