SIZE
The use of the expression “bigger and better” summarizes this human factor. Increasing size in gems is symbolic of greater wealth and higher position, with some exceptions of course. Frankly, few persons can look upon a ten-carat diamond worn in an engagement ring without being impressed, especially if the engagement rings of their friends carry […]

FASHION
The factor of fashion is closely related to those of attractiveness and rarity. What was considered attractive yesterday may not be attractive today, and today’s standards may be displaced by others tomorrow.

RARITY
It is human nature to treasure the rare, sometimes for rarity’s sake alone. Among gems, for example, synthetic ruby has never been as highly esteemed as natural ruby because it is made in relatively enormous quan¬tities and is therefore much too common. On the other hand, synthetic star ruby, carefully controlled from manufacture to final […]

<p>DURABILITY
The ability of gems to resist normal wear while set in jewelry is a perfectly understandable requirement  and  needs no  supporting  arguments. Durability depends upon mineralogical hardness, or the ability to resist abrasion, and upon toughness, or resistance to fracture. Some cleavable minerals, such as topaz, while quite hard and easily capable of resisting normal […]

FACTORS INFLUENCING ESTEEM
The factors influencing the esteem in which gems are held are few in number but extremely important because they so directly affect value. These are attractiveness, durability, rarity, fashion, and size. They are not fixed in scope by any means and the predominance of one factor may compensate for shortcomings in another.
ATTRACTIVENESS
The fascination […]

Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary (Second Edition) defines a gem as “Any jewel, whether stone, pearl, or the like, having value and beauty that are intrinsic and not derived from its setting; a precious or, some-times, a semi-precious stone cut and polished for ornament.” Also, “A semi-precious stone of value because carved or engraved, as a cameo […]