What do trade terms in the jewelry industry often describe?

Trade terms in the jewelry industry often describe gemstone colors or link gems with geographic locations. This aspect is crucial as many gemstones are associated with specific colors or characteristics that are well-recognized in the market. For instance, certain terms like "Sapphire" commonly denote not only the blue color but also evoke the rich heritage and mining locations in countries like Sri Lanka or Kashmir.

These terms help convey a wealth of information about the stone, including its expected quality and desirability based on traditional associations. This context is particularly valuable in marketing and selling gemstones, allowing consumers and jewelers alike to communicate effectively about the product.

The other choices refer to different aspects of the industry, such as appraisal techniques, pricing models, and environmental concerns, which are important but do not as directly pertain to the descriptive nature of trade terminology as it relates to colors and geographic associations.