Crazy about color? We get it. We can spend an entire day distracted by the captivating hues of different gemstones. From radiant rubies to stunning sapphires, each gemstone’s unique color can make or break the stone's quality and value. So how does the hue of a gemstone affect its symbolism? What about the meaning of the stone? And how is a gemstone hue any different from its tone or saturation? Let's discuss.

THE COLOR CHARACTERISTIC

In gemology, color is king. It's one of the famed 4Cs, right up there with clarity, cut, and carat weight. But when we chat about color in gems, we're not just talking about hue. Oh no, it's a bit more layered than that.

Hue is the basic color we’re all vibing with - the reds, blues, greens, and all the shades in between. But, and here's where it gets interesting, when gem experts talk about a stone's color grade, they lean into three amigos: hue, tone, and saturation.

Tone is all about the lightness or darkness of that hue. Picture a sapphire - it can be as light as the sky or as dark as the deep sea. Saturation is the intensity of the hue, from washed-out to super vibrant. The mix of these three - hue, tone, and saturation - shapes the overall color of the gemstone and can drive interest and value like nobody’s business.

HOW COLORED GEMSTONES ARE GRADED

Picture a  diamond. Is it icy white? Now think of an emerald. Deep green, right? People have different expectations of the colors of different gemstones. When it comes to grading them, it's definitely not one-size-fits-all. Each gemstone's appeal often hinges on its color characteristics, which play heavily into its grading. Emeralds? You're looking for green. Sapphires? Bring on the blue.

But here's where it gets tricky: each type of gemstone has its own ideal. Take diamonds, for instance. The most sought-after ones are colorless, which lets them sparkle like crazy. A totally different story from emeralds, where you want that rich, vivid green. Even if that green has some serious saturation and a darker tone, if it's an emerald, it’s likely more coveted.

So, when gem experts get down to grading these beauties, they aren't just looking at color by itself. They see how hue, tone, and saturation play together, and how these fit with what's considered primo for that particular gem. A pale, washed-out emerald might not make the cut, but a super light diamond? Chef's kiss! Each gemstone dances to the beat of its own drum, and that’s what makes them all so uniquely alluring. Let’s get into the specifics of some of our most sought after gems:

SAPPHIRES

Sapphires receive high color grades for lush and vibrant blue color. But some types are quickly flipping the script. Montana sapphires throw a curveball with their unique, earthy colors - a spectrum ranging from dreamy blues to teal. They're a hit for those craving something uniquely American. Meanwhile, parti-colored sapphires bring the party, flaunting multiple colors in one stone. Imagine blues and greens dancing together. And are prized for their unique blend of duality. Sapphires can also come in many different shades as well and will alway be more highly graded the deeper the color.

EMERALDS

When it comes to nailing a high grade for an emerald's color, it's all about that lush, vibrant green. Picture the richest, most luxuriant green you can – that's your color gold standard for emeralds. A highly graded  emerald flaunts a deep, vivid green that's as consistent as it is captivating. And while you want that green to be as intense as possible (we’re talking high saturation), it should also not tip too dark, maintaining enough brightness to make it pop. It’s this balance of depth and brilliance that really makes a top-notch emerald stand out.

RUBIES

For  rubies, the color game is all about that fiery, passionate red. The crème de la crème of ruby colors flaunts a deep, blood-red hue, which gem enthusiasts often call "pigeon's blood" – a dramatic name, but it perfectly captures the intensity we're after. High-grade rubies glow with this vibrant red, which should be neither too dark nor too light. Saturation is key here; you want that red to be so rich and so vivid, it almost pulsates. This vivacious, pure red, with just a hint of blue undertones, sets the stage for a top-tier ruby that's as captivating as it is valuable.

DIAMONDS

The pursuit of perfection is all about achieving that flawless, crystal-clear appearance. The epitome of high-grade  diamonds is the absence of color, a pure, icy white that allows light to dance through it, creating a breathtaking sparkle. This colorlessness is graded from D (absolutely no hue) down the alphabet, with each letter marking a slight increase in color presence. The most coveted diamonds fall within the D to F range, boasting this prized lack of color, which enhances their brilliance and fire. It's this pristine, unadulterated clarity and the way they capture light, that positions diamonds at the pinnacle of desirability.

HOW DOES HUE AFFECT GEMSTONE VALUE?

We know that vivid colors are where high value thrives.But here's the twist: too dark or too light, and the value takes a hit. If a gem's color is so dark it swallows details or so light it looks washed out, it won't dazzle the market. It's all about finding that perfect hue intensity that allows a gemstone to showcase its best features, ensuring it commands attention—and price.

Rarity also plays a critical role in determining worth. A gemstone sporting an unconventional hue, like the hazy peach-pink of a fine  Padparadscha sapphire, stands out from the crowd. Its scarcity and unique color can command eye-watering prices, drawing collectors and connoisseurs who prize rarity and distinctiveness.

In the end, the value of gemstones is profoundly influenced by their color. Whether it's the pitch-perfect rich hues, the balance of brightness and saturation, or the allure of rare colors, each aspect plays a pivotal role in crafting a gemstone's valuation narrative.

IS THERE A SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE TO MY GEMSTONE HUE?

Oh, for sure! Gemstone colors are like a secret language for the soul. Think about it – a ruby rocks that passion-red vibe, making us think of all things love and zest for life. Then, you have the sapphire, which is like the cool, wise best friend with its deep blue chill. Let's not forget how emeralds roll with their fresh green, making you feel like you're getting a new start just by looking at them.

Ever dabbled into crystal healing or tried tuning up your chakras? Those gemstone colors are practically VIPs there. Take an amethyst; with its purple majesty, it’s all about hitting the spiritual high notes. People use these shiny buddies to tap into the energies they want more of - like a little color-coded cheat sheet to feeling good. So yeah, your gem's hue has got some serious spiritual mojo behind it!

GET YOUR HUE ON WITH OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

Diving deep into the world of gemstone hues not only uncovers a spectrum of beauty but unearths a connection to the spiritual and rare that makes each piece unique. At Olivia Ewing Jewelry, we celebrate this enchanting diversity, crafting pieces that capture these colors' essence and the stories they tell. Find every color in the rainbow at Olivia Ewing Jewelry today!

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing