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 dia¬monds of only one carat or thereabouts.

Naturally, prices asked for such large gems are usually much more per carat than for much smaller gems. However, size is also esteemed for other reasons besides prestige. For example, in gemstones which occur in paler colors, such as aquamarine, very small gems, say about one or two carats, are so “washed out” in color that they simply are not as beautiful as those which are ten carats or more in weight.

For this reason, the preferred size range for aqua¬marines is between ten and fifteen carats, and perhaps somewhat more. Such gems are sufficiently intense in color to be beautiful, yet are not so large that they become awkward to wear in rings. Conversely, some natural gemstones are so intense in color that excessively large cut spedmens merely appear black, especially under evening light, and therefore the price demanded for oversized examples may actually be less per carat than for smaller sizes. A good example of a gem of this sort is dark green tourmaline.