The document discusses the qualities that make gemstones desirable for use in jewelry. It outlines the three cardinal virtues of a gem as beauty, durability, and rarity. Beauty is defined by the five C's of color, cut, clarity, carat, and certification. Durability depends on a stone's hardness, brittleness, and resistance to heat, pressure, and chemicals. Rarity is influenced by factors like supply and demand as well as geological scarcity.