Why wait for a gift? As a woman of the world, we know what we want, and also we have what it takes to go after it. Whether it’s a great job, a fantastic vacation or an amazing apartment, we don’t wait for things to come to us.

The same should go for jewelry.  Buying jewelry is a personal experience. What is beautiful to the individual eye is precious to that person. So add to that when you are armed with knowledge of what to look for, the buyer can then make an educated decision on finding the best quality and value. Here the good folks at Nepal Jewels & Art Pvt. Ltd, Tridevimarg, Thamel shared their expertise and collection with The Week.

These necklaces are a common sight in the Thamel and Durbar Marg area. At first sight, it may be easy to mistake them as our Nepali pote but these pieces are made with both precious and semi precious stones. Prices are set according to its weight (carat) thus often starts from Rs 25,000 and may go all the way up to Rs 60,000. This particular design is made of the precious stones, ruby, emerald, blue and yellow sapphire.

These Victorian style designs are quite unique and not easily found around town. These designed pieces tend to be handmade and are largely influenced by the jewelry making process that was followed during the British regime. A simple earring is believed to take about two days to make. This set contains uncut Polki diamonds and several precious stones like ruby, emerald and sapphire.

Know your stones

Precious stones have been sought after throughout history because they were exotic and hard to find. Historically, only four gemstones in the world are classified as precious gemstones – emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds. It’s important to remember that the term “precious gemstone” is subjective today and is used merely out of traditions. Comparatively, they are less expensive and more plentiful these days.

But regardless, semi-precious gemstone jewelry has always been popular among the masses mainly because of their greater availability. The term ‘semi-precious gemstone’ encompasses gems of many characteristics and all the colors of the rainbow hue. The price and value of an individual stone or class of stones are set by the market and can fluctuate a great deal; what is valuable and precious today can drop in value as new deposits are discovered or increase as the source dries up. 

However, it would be a mistake to assume that a plentiful supply of raw materials means that semi-precious gems are substandard or diminished in beauty. A well-cut, flawless topaz or aquamarine in an extraordinary setting is every bit as beautiful as any precious gem. Some semi-precious gems, such as tanzanite and alexandrite, are very valuable; jewelry containing paraiba tourmaline is pricier than some diamond jewelry.

Discover your style

What is the best type of necklace for me?

Chunky Necklaces

Chunky necklaces are forms of bold jewelry that frames the face and draws attention upward. Women with larger bust must skip chunky necklaces that fall on their bust line as it may only look exaggerated on your body type. Instead, go for chunky necklaces that fall on your collarbones or just above the bust line. 

Long chains

If you have a short neck or a round face, you can bring the attention to the center of the face with long chains. Long chains emphasize the length of your body, especially if you have a wider neck as it will give some proportions to your frame. If you’re intending to wear a long chain, choose a single chain that reaches down your torso or even your belly button. 

Chokers

If you have a long neck and don’t wish to emphasize it, go for a choker style of chain necklaces. 

Tourmaline sit between both the precious and semi precious gem category and comes in seven different colors. This particular stone though came from Nepal’s Ganesh Himal. Set in a silver base, the jewelry piece has been further decorated with Polki diamonds. It sells for around Rs 28,000.

These Lapis stones are bought from the mountains of Afghanistan. Though these semi precious stones are available in Africa and India as well, those from Afghanistan are considered the best. These stones are naturally found in this enviously blue color, and some polishing later on makes it darker. They sell for around Rs 35,000.

This comes from Nepal Jewels & Art Pvt. Ltd designer jewelry category. Made from sterling silver and gold plated half way through, this stylish piece is light on the ear as well as the purse. Its retail price is set at around Rs 7,000.

How gemstones are evaluated

The factors that determine the value of an individual stone are the cut, color, clarity, flawlessness, and size. Due to the variances in the characteristics of gemstones, such as opacity, they can be analyzed in the same manner as precious gems or graded like stones. Opaque stones such as opals and jade are graded on a scale of A to AAA, as well as on flawlessness and finish. 

Where a semi-precious gemstone is concerned, these are a couple main things to look for. 

Cut
The cut of a stone determines its value. Cut is not only the shape of the finished stone, but also the surface area. A precision-cut stone with well-proportioned facets produces a finished gem of superior brilliancy, color, and light reflection.

Clarity
Clarity refers to the flawlessness of a gemstone, or the absence of marks, inclusions, and blemishes.

Color
Color is rated by vivacity, intensity, and saturation. A color that is bright, in the medium range, with no cloudiness is considered the best quality.

Carat
A carat is a unit of weight in gemology. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. However, size is not always the determining factor in valuing a gem; a badly cut or colored large stone with numerous flaws is lower in value than a smaller but more perfect specimen.

Treatment
A natural stone is more valuable than a stone that is treated to enhance color. Treatment methods affect the value of a gem as well. For example, stones that are dyed or filled to hide flaws are of low quality. 

Transparency
This is not the same as opacity. Transparency in a gemstone is measured by how much light is diffused throughout the stone. The more transparent a gem, the higher the value.

TEXT: PRIYANKA GURUNG

PHOTOS: PRATIK RAYAMAJHI

MODEL: SNEHA TULADHAR

LOCATION: Nepal Jewels & Art Pvt. Ltd

Tridevimarg, Thamel

 
• bejeweled treasure