While diamonds may get most of the attention, the world of colored gemstones is just as fascinating – and often just as valuable. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other precious stones are prized for their beauty, rarity, and unique characteristics. If you own gemstone jewelry or are considering selling or pawning a piece, understanding what you have is essential.
At Houston Jewelry & Loan, we work with all types of precious gemstones. We buy them, appraise them, and offer cash loans against them every day. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most sought-after gems and explain what factors affect their value.
Rubies: The King of Gems
Rubies are one of the most valuable and beloved colored gemstones. They are prized for their rich red color, which comes from the mineral corundum with traces of chromium.
The most desirable rubies display a deep, vibrant red known as “pigeon blood” – a color that commands premium prices. Inclusions (natural imperfections) are common in rubies, but the best stones have minimal visible inclusions and excellent transparency.
Origin also affects value. Burmese rubies from Myanmar are considered among the finest in the world and often command higher prices than rubies from other regions.
Sapphires: More Than Just Blue
Sapphires, also from the corundum family, are best known for their stunning blue hues – but they actually come in nearly every color except red (which would be classified as a ruby).
Classic blue sapphires are graded based on color saturation and clarity. The most desirable stones feature a deep, velvety royal blue without being too dark or too light.
Padparadscha sapphires – a rare pink-orange variety – are also highly prized. Fancy color sapphires in yellow, pink, green, and purple are increasingly popular among collectors.
Untreated sapphires (those without heat or chemical enhancements) are rarer and typically more valuable than treated stones.
Emeralds: Lush Green Beauty
Emeralds have captivated collectors for centuries with their rich green color. They belong to the beryl family and owe their vibrant hue to traces of chromium and vanadium.
Unlike diamonds, most emeralds naturally contain visible inclusions known as “jardin,” or garden. These are expected and accepted in the gemstone market — but clarity and transparency still impact value.
Colombian emeralds, particularly those from the Muzo mine, are considered among the world’s finest and often fetch top prices.
Because emeralds are somewhat fragile, the condition of the stone is important when determining its value. Chips or fractures can significantly reduce the price.
Other Notable Gems
In addition to the “Big Three,” there are many other beautiful and valuable gemstones:
- Opals: prized for their iridescent play-of-color
- Aquamarine: a pale blue member of the beryl family
- Spinel: often confused with ruby, available in vivid colors
- Tanzanite: a rare violet-blue gem found only in Tanzania
- Pearls: valued for their luster, surface quality, and size
What Affects Gemstone Value?
Several key factors determine a gemstone’s worth:
- Color: The most important factor. Rich, pure, vibrant colors command the highest prices.
- Clarity: Inclusions are common, but stones with fewer visible flaws are more valuable.
- Cut: A well-cut gem maximizes brilliance and enhances color.
- Carat weight: Larger stones are rarer and more valuable, but quality always matters more than size alone.
- Origin: For some gems, origin can significantly impact value (e.g. Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds).
Trust the Experts
If you own gemstone jewelry and are considering selling or taking a loan, an accurate appraisal is key. Many factors can affect gemstone value — and it takes an experienced eye to evaluate them properly.
At Houston Jewelry & Loan, we specialize in appraising and purchasing fine gemstone jewelry. We provide honest, expert evaluations and pay top dollar based on the current market.
Have questions about your gemstones? Wondering what your ruby, sapphire, emerald, or other gemstone jewelry is worth?
Contact Houston Jewelry & Loan today for a free appraisal and an immediate offer.