Just like the colorless cut diamonds, color cut gems are assessed considering the four factors: 4Cs:Clarity, Cut Proportions, Carat Weight, Color.

Clarity:

In any precious stone, clarity refers to the presence or absence of external blemish or inclusions housed within the cut gem, which are visible with a 10 x lenses, sometimes visible at simple view. With transparent color gems, three degrees and five subdivisions are taken into consideration:

• Optimum
• Good
• Average
• Low

The 5 subdivisions: inclusions free/ with light inclusions/ with average inclusions/ with dense inclusions/ with excessive inclusions.

Cut Proportions:

There are no parameters or guidelines as there are in round brilliant cut diamonds. Cut proportions are assessed according to those established by the industry nowadays where weight retentions are not justified at the expense of the beauty of the finished gem. It is a relevant factor in the price of a cut gem.

Carat Weight:

Weight is one of the most relevant factors in the price of a cut gem, large size and good quality gems are not abundant, therefore, their prices are very high, higher than those gems of similar qualities in smaller sizes. The difference is more evident as the size increases, especially in gems of optimum and good quality like: rubies, emeralds, alexandrite, in gems weighing more than 5 carats, They may add up to considerable prices.

Color:

Color is another highly relevant factor in the prices of color cut gems, the higher the intensity or color saturation, the higher the price shall be.

In optimum/good quality color gems a gemology certificate, which describes the following, is essential:

• Gem’s authenticity
• Quality: clarity grading, carat weight, cut proportions, color saturation
• Weight and dimensions

Treatments to improve: clarity- fracture fillings – are not accepted in the trade.

Color – Heat, is accepted in: rubies, sapphires, aquamarines; though they are irreversible and accepted in the industry, the value of treated gems is always lower than that of untreated gems.

There are no international price lists as with cut diamonds, prices obey the market, based on supply and demand.