In many cases, a person cannot tell the difference between a natural and lab-made stone. But it’s important to know some people want a nature-made stone, and a lab-made stone should be cheaper than the real thing. Both sites offer a large amount of objective, consumer-friendly information about the various gems and how to shop for them. Also, visit various jewelry stores and examine the gems with some of the knowledge you gain from this article. The better educated you are, and the more time you spend examining gems, the better the chances that you’ll be happy with your purchase when you do buy.
- The dealers then send some stones from their inventory to the jeweler, who selects one or none to purchase and sends the rest back.
- Buy gemstones from wholesale market first check ; both the quantitative and qualitative components of the commodity must be justified.
- However, the quality of the gemstone, including its color, clarity, and cut, also play a significant role in its overall value.
- How a gemstone has been cut will affect its value.
- Two great nonprofit trade group resources are gia.edu (Gemological Institute of America) and gemstone.org (the International Colored Gemstone Association).
Image colors may vary due to the difference in display qualities in electronic devices. An experienced lapidary can recut an existing gem and often improve its optical properties and, therefore, its desirability. With the right piece, you may find just the look and emotional appeal you wanted and at a price you can afford. Receive our latest publications about our products, industry and promotions. The International Gem Society (IGS) is the world’s top resource for gem professionals, enthusiasts, and industry content. So, after investing two hours to recut just the pavilion (bottom), here it is.
Do some price shopping before making your final selections. You’ve done your research, visually inspected the gem and you’re ready to buy. Don’t buy a gem as an “investment” because you think it’ll rise in value. Even if the gem is color enhanced, if you love it, then buy it. Before you do, make sure the seller gives you a certificate stating the type of stone, size, color, and whether it’s natural or enhanced. That way, if for some reason you have to return the gem, you’ll have some financial recourse.
A GUIDE TO BUYING GEMSTONES
You can’t pay retail for a gemstone and expect to sell it for a profit in a few years. Your best prices will come from primary “Tier 1” dealers, those who mine and cut the stones themselves. Secondary dealers buy from other wholesalers (usually primary dealers) and resell them, still well below retail. In addition, you’ll get better prices by purchasing lots rather than single stones.
- The same can be said about understanding where to get the most significant resources, avoiding the need for many intermediaries between requests & transactions.
- There are many places where you can purchase loose gemstones.
- For example, a colorless diamond is rare and therefore can be more expensive than a diamond that exhibits some color, which can range from light yellow to light brown.
The dealers then send some stones from their inventory to the jeweler, who selects one or none to purchase and sends the rest back. In some cases, inclusions can actually add to a gemstone’s beauty and value. People from all life backgrounds are likely to acquire costly stones such as emeralds, blue sapphires, rubies, yellow sapphires, and others in the present market. Moreover, the demand for gems has risen for various reasons, including gorgeous jewellery designs and astrological elements and investment purposes.
Gems Might Rise in Value… and Then Fall Drastically
Most often, gemstones have a primary color (red, blue, or yellow) and a secondary color that results from mixing the primary colors (orange, green, violet). The most valuable gemstones are pure colors, with only a slight tint of other gemstones. The quality and value of gemstones are evaluated according to the 4C’s include color, cut, clarity and carat. When the customer buys gemstones from the wholesale market, uncertified stones and jewellery, they risk being duped. As an outcome, buying genuine and verified gemstones is recommended.
In the gem world, in my experience, that is the exception, not the rule. For example, blue topaz used to be rare and demanded a fine price. In the 60s, a technique for turning common white topazes into blues became available. As a result, these gems suffered a massive loss of value. When I make a bad buy on a stone or make a mistake, I prefer to take my licks quickly and sell. Finding another fool to buy a stone at my inflated cost basis isn’t something I’ve ever been particularly good at.
If you’re willing to hang on to a stone indefinitely, you may get lucky eventually. You might find someone willing to adopt your mistake. A 6.42-ct blue sapphire is much more valuable than a 6.42-ct blue spinel. But that’s not the end of the story of this investment.
If the gemstones have been treated, then you want to know what type of treatment was used. There are many reasons why you may wish to purchase loose gemstones. When you find a stone you truly like, then it’s just a matter of choosing the right jewelry setting to show it off. You may want to have a custom-designed ring or pendant.
Colored gemstones are cut in various styles and shapes. Mostly gemstones are faceted like diamonds, in several proportionate geometric sizes. The origin of a gemstone refers to the geographic location where it was mined or extracted from the earth.
How to Buy and Where to Find High-Quality Gemstones: Buying Gemstones is Easier With Our Gem Guide
The act of seeking out a specific stone with defined cut, colour, clarity, & certification must be included in the final sale price as a function of time. The same can be said about understanding where to get the most significant resources, avoiding the need for many intermediaries between requests & transactions. In any event, I knew this was a good buy for a larger spinel, even though the color wasn’t ideal. So, since he assured me it was eye-clean (with no eye-visible imperfections), I picked it up.
For example, a colorless diamond is rare and therefore can be more expensive than a diamond that exhibits some color, which can range from light yellow to light brown. You will also want to keep in mind the differences between natural, lab-created, and imitation gemstones. Similarly, some gemstones are enhanced or treated. The first thing to do if you’re planning on buying a precious gem is to do some online research.
As a result, purchasers must also research the sellers. They should go to stores and compare the gems and semi-precious gemstones that each merchant offers. Finally, carat is the measurement of physical weight in metric carats. You would assume that the value of a gemstone increases as the size increases. Yet the value is not proportionate to the size increase. For example, assuming cut, color, and clarity are all the same, a one-carat diamond will cost more than twice the price of a half-carat diamond.
The top isn’t too badly done, though it has some mild polishing streaks and micro-chips on some of the facet edges. The bottom could be given a partial recut that would make the stone look a LOT better, with minimal cost or weight loss. Using a different design might push more of the blue in from the sides and improve the color slightly.
Rule #5: Consider Adding Value to a Gem Deal
Plus, you must be prepared to do a lot of legwork. Those who love “the thrill of the hunt” will enjoy this method. Paying the right price is the single largest determining factor in whether you’ll generate a good return on investment. As with any investment, this requires that you be knowledgeable and exercise a good deal of caution and common sense. When buying a diamond, you should look at cut, color, clarity, and carat. These attributes can also be used when buying nearly any other gemstone.
One of the most appealing professions at the moment is that of gemstone wholesale. Traditionally, diamonds were thought to be a status symbol available exclusively to the elite. Lower priced gems receive a higher markup (frequently five times or more) than expensive gems. For example, when jewelers order stones for a customer, they may have a set minimum price.
It doesn’t matter if the stones cost one dollar or five, jewelers may feel they need a minimum of ten dollars just to justify the labor of ordering the stones. Cut dramatically affects the appearance of a gemstone. Gemstones are cut to maintain maximum weight while exhibiting optimal color and brilliance.