Evaluating Gemstone Value: Is It Worth Cutting?

Question
Hello there, I have a number of uncut stones of different varites (emerald, ruby, sapphire, topaz, etc.) that I have found. I was trying to see how can i find out if an individual stone is worth the investment in cutting beforehand? The reason for knowing so is that I could try to sell it for more than I put into the cutting or at least have good quality stones for personal jewlery. I am trying to see where I can look for places to get this advice in my area. Is there also anything an average person can look at in a particular uncut stone that might be an indicator that a particular stone is of good quality?

Answer
G'day Greg and many thanks for your query.

Uncut stones are an anomaly because no-one really knows what you are going to get until it is cut. There have been many cases in the past where a diamond for example, has 'cleaved' unexpectedly, reducing the size and value substantially.

I would have thought that your local FRIENDLY cutter would have been able to give you a 'Ball-park' figure though, because at least they can see it, feel it, measure and test it. With their experience they would know what they are likely to get after cutting.

You might like to try your local Lapidary club for hobby cutters in your area, as most professional gemstone cutters tend to be only for the trade.

You might also like to add this query to my blog at http://gemstone-appraisals.com/ as other may have had a similar problem. Can't hurt anyway and who knows what answers you may get.

Hope this helps...