Does colour matter more than size?

Yes, in gemstones, colour is usually considered the key factor for value, and in practice, it often surpasses size. A smaller gem that has exceptional colour strength and saturation will usually fetch a higher price than a larger stone that looks dull or washed out.

Gemologists check colour through hue, tone and saturation. A gem with a vivid, clean hue, without dark patches or pale areas, gets a lot more attention. Even if carat weight does raise a stone’s scarcity, weak colour can heavily reduce a large gemstone’s market appeal and its overall worth.