GEMSTONE CUT

Colored gemstones are generally cut to maximize the beauty of their color. To recognize quality in the cut of a gemstone, there are several points to consider.

What To Look For

A good cut showcases the gemstone's color, diminishes its inclusions, and exhibits good overall symmetry and proportion. Because gemstone color can vary, there are no hard geometrical standards when it comes to maximizing brilliance or color. Gemstones, especially rarer ones, are sometimes cut for size without regard for their color. For example, when corundum varieties such as sapphire and ruby are cut for maximum weight rather than beauty, they may display banded colors or streaks. Armak sells only the finest quality, hand-selected colored gemstones.

Buyer’s Tip

In a gemstone with more saturated color, the best cut may be more shallow than average, permitting more light to penetrate the gemstone, while in a less saturated gem, the color may benefit from a deeper cut.

Gemstone Cut

Look at the gemstone in the setting and ensure that all the facets are symmetrical. An asymmetrically-cut crown indicates a gemstone of low-quality. In all cases, a well-cut gemstone is symmetrical and reflects light evenly across the surface, and the polish is smooth, without any nicks or scratches. These are the characteristics that Armak jewelers look for when selecting our gemstone jewelry.

Buyer’s Tip

Like diamonds, fine quality color gems usually have a table, crown, girdle, pavilion, and culet. Iridescent opals are one exception, and most often have a rounded cabochon cut.

GEMSTONE COLOR

The beautiful color of a gemstone is its most defining characteristic, and many jewelers consider it to be the most important evaluation criterion. When deciding upon gemstone color, examine hue, tone, and saturation.

Gemstones

Ruby
Emerald
Sapphire
Pink Sapphire
Garnet
Citrine
Peridot
Opal
Aquamarine
Blue Topaz
Amethyst
Pink Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Hue

The most valuable gemstones are those that exhibit a pure color and only  hues of other colors in addition to their primary color, as all Armak gemstones do. For example, Armak sapphires range in hue from slightly purplish-blue to slightly greenish-blue, pink sapphires always range from  pink  to "slightly purplish-pink,and rubies range from  slightly orangish- red to  slightly purplish-red  With the exception of opals, variation in a gemstone  hue will be called out in the gemstone details on the product detail page.

Tone

Tone represents the depth of color, ranging from colorless to black. Gemstone tone is described as light,medium-light,medium,medium-dark,and dark.Armak offers gemstones with the most sought-after tones that fall within the medium-light to medium-dark range. For all of our gemstone jewelry, you  find any tone variations are called out in the gemstone details.

Saturation

Saturation, or color purity, refers to the degree to which the gem is free from brown or gray hues. The most desirable gemstones, which show little gray or brown, are often described as having vivid or strong color saturation. Generally, the levels of color saturation will not be called out in the product details because the gemstones in our jewelry are hand-selected for their vivid colors.

GEMSTONE CLARITY

Identifying Marks

Because gemstones form under unique circumstances, each individual gemstone is comprised of a combination of trace minerals, which create a unique set of identifying marks or inclusions. Inclusions will not necessarily detract from the beauty or desirability of a colored gemstone.

What To Look For

When considering a colored gemstone clarity, you should measure your expectations against the standard for that variety of gemstone. Some varieties of colored gemstones, such as aquamarine, blue topaz, and citrine, have naturally fewer inclusions while other gemstones, such as emerald and ruby, tend to have a higher rate of acceptable inclusions. Clarity is an important factor in comparing quality colored gemstones. Even opaque opals can have milky inclusions that will affect their iridescence and color play. In general, the best values are available in gemstones that are moderately included. Exceptional gemstones with few or no inclusions are available, but they can command extravagant prices.

GEMSTONE SIZE

Different Densities

The carat weight of a gemstone does not necessarily allow you to accurately envision the size of the gemstone. Different gemstones have different densities (mass per unit volume), so two gems that appear to be the same size may actually have very different weights. For example, a ruby is more dense than a diamond, so a 1-carat ruby will look smaller than a 1-carat diamond.

Buyer’s Tip

Always request the dimensions of a gemstone to ensure that the majority of the gemstone weight will be visible when set in the setting. To help you envision the gemstones actual appearance, we at Armak provide the diameter
dimensions (for round) or length and width (for other shapes) of a given gemstone. You can even click the zoom button to see a closer look at any piece of gemstone jewelry.

GEMSTONE ENHANCEMENTS

Armak’s Colored Gemstone Enhancement Policy

Armak offers consumers only the highest quality, authentic gemstones. Our colored gemstones undergo rigorous internal inspections by our trained gemologists to ensure they meet our stringent quality standards. Due to their rarity and unique visual properties, nearly all colored gemstones sold at fine jewelers, including Armak , are enhanced using various techniques. Many of these techniques have been used for centuries. Colored gemstones that have not been enhanced are very rare and command extravagant prices. Our white and fancy-color diamonds are not enhanced in any way, other than normal cutting and polishing. Black diamond fashion jewelry contains natural diamonds that have been treated to create the unique black color.

Colored Gemstone Enhancement Processes

There are many methods of enhancing colored gemstones. We describe the most common enhancements below. For more information on colored gemstone enhancements, see the American Gem Trade Associations  Gemstone Information Manual .

Heat Treatment

The application of heat to enhance the color and/or clarity of gemstones has been a common practice around the globe for centuries. It is part of the standard polishing and finishing process for many colored gemstones. As such, it is accepted by the jewelry industry and the American Gem Trade Association. The enhanced color and/or clarity of heat-treated gemstones is permanent.

Infusion

The filling of a gem material with an oil, wax, glass, resin or other material, colored or colorless, to improve appearance. This process began centuries ago by gemstone merchants who found that immersing emeralds in oil or waxes made them look clearer to the unaided eye. This practice continues today with many colored gemstones.

Coating

The use of wax, resin or oil applied to the exterior of a porous colored gemstone to protect the natural substance, and to improve sturdiness and appearance.

Bleaching

The application of chemicals or other elements to lighten or enhance color consistency.

Dyeing

The act of adding coloring agents so that they permeate a colored gemstone to enhance or alter color.

Irradiation

The alteration of a gemstone's color through the use of radiation. This is often followed by a heating process. The enhanced color of irradiated gemstones is permanent.

New And Future Technologies

Techniques for enhancing colored gemstones, either detectable or otherwise, are continually being developed. These may be difficult, or in rare cases, impossible to detect, even for the most sophisticated laboratory. Armak will continue to work with industry groups and gemological experts who are committed to the identification and disclosure of new and future techniques in order to maintain our stringent quality standards.

Basic Gemstone Care

While gemstones are durable, they require varying levels of care. For example, some gemstones are especially vulnerable to household chemicals and temperature changes. Cleaning gemstones presents special challenges. While many gemstones should be cared for by following our basic care guidelines below, please refer to our Gemstone and Pearl Care and Enhancement Overview to understand the care requirements for your specific stone. If you still have questions, please contact Armak customer service.

Cleaning

After removing your gemstone jewelry, clean it by following the directions on a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner. Make sure that the jewelry cleaner specifies that it is safe to use with your gemstone. Use a soft cloth to remove any remaining dirt or other residue.

Storing

Store your gemstone jewelry in a lined case or a soft cloth, so the gems do not touch each other or parts of other jewelry. Gemstones are harder than gold, silver, or platinum and can scratch the surfaces of your other fine jewelry if they are not kept separate.

Wear

While its true that gemstones such as ruby and sapphire are second only to diamond on the hardness scale, it is not a measurement of their indestructibility. It means that these gemstones are able to resist scratching almost as well as a diamond. Abrasive surfaces, harsh chemicals, and sharp blows can damage even the hardest gem. Your gemstone jewelry should be the last thing you put on when getting dressed and the first thing you take off at the end of the night. Store your gemstones carefully and they will be enjoyed for generations.

Emerald

Do not wear your emerald ring while you are doing chores at home like washing dishes, emerald will attract grease and soap. After a while, these substances will accumulate on the bottom of the gemstone, causing it to lose its lively brilliance. Also do not wear your emerald when you might be engaging in physical activity like gardening that might scratch or crack it. Normally you clean my emerald jewelry in light ultrasonic cleaner and steam very carefully, never with acetone or similar, but If you bought an emerald in any other jewelry store be careful, because the oil treatment or enhancements used by other merchants can  come out and show up the internal damages of the emerald. An emerald should never be exposed to high heat, if the cleaning solution you use is too hot for you to put your hand in,
you should not place your emerald in it.Your emerald jewelry can be left in water and any grease remover soap over night at room temperature; the next day rinse it with warm water and a soft toothbrush; brush it repeatedly on the underside of the emerald to remove accumulations of dirt and grease. If the final result of this procedure is not satisfactory, then bring your emerald piece to your local jeweler and ask him to put it in ultrasonic cleaner by not more than 5 minutes and then steam it especially in the underside of the emerald very fast. You will see the emerald
get the original brilliance. You can do this every three month at not risk only A deep-green and dull emerald is actually a very  cheap stone and if the stone has carbon spots,   it is the cheapest of emeralds. The Colombian miners call  these kinds of stones MURRALLA which means the waste of the emerald. The real value of all gemstones is the
brightness and brilliance of green fire inside the stone.  Clarity and cut is also very important in considering a quality emerald.

Our years of experience have shown there is not "flawless or perfect" emerald. Anyone  offering a flawless, perfect emerald is either not knowledgeable in emeralds or worst is being deceptive.

We guarantee the natural color and brightness of each hand picked stone in our collection. These precious gemstones will never change and their remarkable beauty will be appreciated from many generations to come

Gemstone And Pearl Care And Enhancement Overview

Gemstone
Accepted Enhancements
Gemstone Care
Agate
Heated or dyed to improve color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Amber
Heated to improve color and clarity.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume,
cosmetics, and hairspray.
Amethyst
Heated to improve color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Apatite
Heat
Basic Gemstone Care.
Aquamarine
Heated to improve color and clarity.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Black Diamond
Heated or irradiated to alter color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Black Onyx
Dyed.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Black Spinel
None.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Blue Topaz

Heated and/or irradiated to alter color. Thermal coated to alter color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Carnelian
Heated to improve color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Chalcedony
Dyed.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Chrome Diopside
None
Basic Gemstone Care.
Citrine
Heated to improve color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Coral
Coated or impregnated with color less substances to improve surface uniformity or durability.
Bleached or dyed to enhance color.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Diamond
None.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Emerald
Infused to improve clarity and/or color.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume,
cosmetics, and hairspray.
Fire Opal
None.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume,
cosmetics, and hairspray.
Garnet
None.

Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Iolite
None.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning.
Kunzite
Heated or irradiated to improve color
Do not use ultrasonice cleaning. Avoid direct sunlight.
Labradorite
None.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Lapis
Dyed.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume,
cosmetics, and hairspray.
Moonstone
None.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Morganite
Heated to improve color and clarity.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Opal
Coated to alter surface consistency and durability.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume,
cosmetics, and hairspray.
Pearl (natural and cultured)
Bleached, dyed, polished and coated.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume,
cosmetics, and hairspray. For more information, visit  Pearl Education .
Peridot
None.
Basic Gemstone Care.

Prehnite
None
Basic Gemstone Care.
Quartz
Green/Lemon: Irradiated to improve color. Smokey: Heated to improve color. Blue: Dyed.
Rutilated/Rose/white: None.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Ruby
Heated and/or infused to improve color and clarity.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Sapphire
Heated and/or infused to improve color and clarity.
Basic Gemstone Care.
Spinel
None
Basic Gemstone Care.
Tanzanite
Heated to alter color and clarity. Infused to alter color and clarity.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning and sudden temperature changes.
Tourmaline
Irradiated to improve color.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning and sudden temperature changes.
Turquoise
Coated or impregnated with color less substances to improve surface uniformity or durability.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid chemicals, perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray.
White Agate
None.
Basic Gemstone Care.
White Topaz
None.