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In addition, it must be hard and durable. Its value increases if it is also rare.The beauty of a gem is measured in terms of its clarity, brilliance, and color. Comments
Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone. Apart from jewelry, from earliest antiquity engraved gems and hardstone carvings, such as cups, were major luxury art forms. A gem maker is called a lapidary or gemcutter; a diamond worker is a diamantaire. The carvings of Carl FabergÃ© are significant works in this tradition.