The highest quality and most desirable gemstones are usually the ones with the most intense colour saturation, a deep tone and purity of hue. Colour is generally the most important aspect of a gemstone as this determines how a genstone will look. Because of the importance placed in colour the vast majority of stones on the market today are treated in some form to enhance the original colour. Diamond Story sell both untreated and treated gemstones.

Like diamonds almost all gemstones contain inclusions and finidng a flawless gemstone is extremely rare. Do not be daunted with buying a gemstone with some inclusions as we will only source gemstones that are eye clean. 

Gemstones differ to diamonds in that they are generally cut to maximise the colour and not sparkle. There is no ideal cut range for a typical gemstone. Gemstones that have a higher saturated colour will usually be cut more shallow to allow more light through the gemstone, while a gemstone with a lighter saturation will usually be cut deeper to maximise the colour. 

Most gemstones on the market are classified by diameter or dimensions rather than carat weight. This is due to gemstones haveing different densities so even though five different gemstones might have the same carat weight and cut, the actual sizes can differ. While the top view dimensions are important to get a guage on how large the stone will look, the depth is also important as it is usually deeper than a typical diamond and you may need to make/buy a setting that can accomodate a deeper stone.

The vast majority of gemstones available today have been treated in some form. Natural untreated stones usually have exceptional colour and are very rare. Heat treatments to enhance colour is the most common while the other common treatment includes clarity enhancements.