A gemstone is a mineral or fossilized organic material that can be cut and polished for jewelry. To qualify as a gemstone, it must have rarity, beauty, and durability. Color, cut, clarity and carat weight are important criteria for gemstones, precious and semiprecious. Well-known examples are diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Several organic materials like coral or pearls are also considered gemstones.
Gemstones, found in their rough state within the earth, are cut to enhance the naturally existing properties of the mineral or crystal. Many gemstones have natural inclusions or flaws. When examining gemstones, artisans determine the optimal cut to reflect the most light and enhance the tone and hue of the gemstone's color. Common shapes are round brilliant, marquise, oval, pear, heart, emerald and princess cuts. Cabochon (domed and without facets), and fancy cut (specially shaped) are unique options offered to consumers.
