Buying a colored gemstone is exciting — but it also takes a careful eye to get real value. Whether you are choosing a stone for beauty or for astrology, a few expert tips can help you judge quality and avoid overpaying. Here is what to check before you buy.
View the Stone From Every Angle
Always inspect an unmounted gemstone from multiple directions — through the side, from the top, and turned upside down on a flat, white surface. This gives you a complete picture of the stone’s colour, clarity and any hidden flaws that a single view might miss.
Colour Is the Most Important Factor
For colored gemstones, colour matters more than anything else. Unlike diamonds, minor flaws or inclusions do not reduce a colored stone’s value nearly as much, as long as the colour is rich and pleasing. Truly flawless stones are rare, which is why they command disproportionately high prices.
Test the Colour in Different Lighting
A gemstone can look very different under different lights. Before deciding, view the stone in natural sunlight, under an artificial spotlight, and under ordinary lamplight, so you know you are happy with the colour in every setting you will actually wear it.
Check Wearability and Setting
Think about how and where you will wear the piece. Consider whether the stone is fragile and suited to daily use, and check that it is mounted properly and securely in its setting for lasting durability. A poorly set stone can chip or fall out over time.
Insist on Certification
Finally, always buy certified stones from a trusted seller, especially for valuable or astrological gemstones — the same care you would take when learning how to spot fake diamonds. For an astrological purchase, get a Vedic gemstone recommendation first, and choose from certified gemstones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor when buying a colored gemstone?
Colour is the most important factor; a rich, attractive colour matters more than perfect clarity for most colored stones.
Why should I view a gemstone in different lighting?
Because colour changes under sunlight, spotlight and lamplight — checking all three ensures you like the stone in every real-world setting.
Do inclusions reduce the value of colored gemstones?
Far less than in diamonds. As long as the colour is fine, small inclusions have only a modest effect on a colored gemstone’s value.
Is certification necessary when buying gemstones?
Yes. A certificate from a recognised laboratory confirms the stone is natural and protects you from imitations, which is essential for valuable or astrological stones.
