A surprising fact that many overlook is that their jewelry might be adorned with precious stones, which can fetch a good price at a pawn shop. The value of your jewelry hinges on the type of gemstone it features. Here’s a guide on how to discern the four types of precious stones nestled in your jewelry.

Diamonds: The Epitome of Brilliance

Diamonds are breathtaking gemstones that bewitch onlookers with their luster and charm. They’re created deep within the Earth’s mantle where extreme temperature and pressure cause carbon atoms to bond in a distinctive crystal lattice formation. This exceptional molecular structure gifts diamonds their unmatched hardness and remarkable optical traits.

Start by scrutinizing the stone’s sparkle. Diamonds are renowned for their unparalleled capacity to reflect and refract light, resulting in a radiant display of white light, referred to as “fire.” Hold the jewelry against a light source and watch how the diamond glitters and disperses light.

Furthermore, examine the diamond’s color. The most pristine and valuable diamonds are entirely colorless, enabling them to transmit light with perfect clarity. Gauge the stone’s shade by comparing it to a diamond color grading chart, which spans from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Be alert for any discernible hues or discoloration that could impact the diamond’s overall look.

Sapphire: The Versatile Gemstone

Sapphire is celebrated for its blue hue, but it’s also available in pink, yellow, green, and even colorless versions. Being a much-coveted gemstone, sapphires are commonly used in various types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings.

To spot sapphires in jewelry, look for certain telltale signs. Begin by inspecting the stone’s color. Genuine sapphires typically possess a vibrant and rich color evenly distributed throughout the gem.

Consider the gem’s transparency as well. Sapphires usually range from transparent to translucent, permitting light to pass through and create a dazzling sparkle. However, remember that some sapphires, particularly those with natural imperfections or inclusions, might exhibit varying transparency levels.

Emerald: The Enchanting Green Stone

Emeralds are renowned for their mesmerizing green color and rich heritage. To identify emeralds in jewelry, focus on the stone’s vibrant hue. Authentic emeralds display a distinctive deep green tone, often likened to a verdant meadow or a forest canopy. Watch out for emeralds that appear too light or yellowish, as they might be of lower quality or possibly even counterfeits.

Also, pay attention to the emerald’s clarity. Natural emeralds often bear internal inclusions or minute flaws. These imperfections, also known as jardin, resemble a garden and are part of the emerald’s inherent appeal. They shouldn’t hinder the gem’s transparency or radiance but instead, add to its unique allure.

Examine the cut of the emerald as well. Emeralds are usually fashioned in a step-cut pattern, referred to as the “emerald cut,” which features elongated, rectangular facets.

Ruby: The Fiery Red Gem

Ruby, a member of the corundum family, is esteemed for its striking red color. When identifying rubies in jewelry, the primary focus should be on color.

Rubies are cherished for their intense red hue, which varies from brilliant crimson to deep burgundy. A genuine ruby exhibits a distinct red coloration that isn’t overly pink or purple. Seek a robust, fiery shade that draws the eye and radiates passion.

Additionally, consider the stone’s clarity. Rubies often have natural inclusions formed during their genesis. These inclusions aren’t necessarily defects but can be regarded as distinctive birthmarks, contributing to each ruby’s singularity.

Do you own any jewelry studded with precious stones that you wish to sell? USA Pawn can purchase your items at unbeatable prices. Reach us at 601-501-7296 or visit our pawn shop locations for more details.