Prices of stones tend to rise exponentially as their size increases. This is because of two factors. First, larger patches of gem-quality material that can be cut into a faceted stone are rarer than smaller ones, so for most stones there is a smaller supply of larger sizes. For example, a .5 carat stone might cost 25.00 a carat, while a 1 carat gem of the same material might cost 100.00 a carat.
Second, the larger stone weighs more…and remember how much the price per carat just jumped? These factors help explain why size can make a tremendous difference between an affordable stone and an out-of-reach one.
What’s a good compromise size on a budget? I’m partial to 4mm. Any smaller than that and it becomes difficult to truly make out the stone’s color and brilliance, but at 4mm they show up nicely. Weight varies from stone to stone, but the weight of a 4mm stone is usually somewhere around .5 carat. Many colored gemstones can be had in a 4mm size for anywhere between $10-40.00, and you can even get a decent ruby or sapphire for under or around $100.00.
In the 4mm range, your choice of gemstone often won’t make more than a $5-20.00 difference in the cost of your custom piece.
If you really want a precious stone on a tight budget, consider a 3mm ruby, emerald, or sapphire. This is pretty tiny and won’t make for a flashy display…but if you have personal or sentimental reasons for wanting the stone, one can be yours for $25-40.00.
If you want a large stone at an affordable cost, don’t despair. There are a number of very nice gems which are common enough and occur in large enough formations that your bling won’t cost you a month’s salary. Taking an 8mm stone as an example, I can easily get my hands on nice amethyst, citrine, blue, pink, or white topaz, sometimes garnet and labradorite.
