How do I compare two gemstones?

When you have two gemstones, try to see them side-by-side in natural daylight, then again under standardised artificial light. Try to observe them at the same viewing time because your eyes adjust, and it can get misleading if you look too long one at a time. Pay attention to which stone shows superior colour saturation, better brilliance, and fewer visible inclusions.

• Evaluate Colour First: Look for vividness, even tone, and the absence of undesirable secondary hues (like brown in a ruby or grey in a sapphire).
• Assess the Cut: Notice which stone returns more light to the eye and avoids “windowing” (a dead, see-through area in the centre).
• Review Documentation: Always compare the laboratory reports side-by-side to ensure you are looking at stones with similar treatment statuses and verified origins.