GEMSTONE BUYING GUIDE
by Dana Reynolds
I guess to sum it all up; know what you are buying and buy the best quality you can afford in that gem mineral. I know I would rather have a fine 1-carat stone than a not-so-fine 3-carat gem... But that is just me, as I know quality in any size will hold its value... As for buying colored gemstones here are a few tips that will help you make a more confident purchase.
I. Know your stones. Go to a few retail jewelry stores; from the high-end to
the discount jewelry stores and see what they have to offer in the gemstone you
are looking for. Ask questions like; Is this a natural gemstone, has it been
treated, irradiated, heated, diffused, etc.? Some times this is not disclosed
unless you ask and that can make a big difference in the price you pay or what
the gemstone may bring many years from now.
2. Know who you are buying from; do they know colored gemstones, do they try to sell you a gemstone less than 7 in hardness for a ring stone? These are little things that may let you know they just want to make a sale; or they are concerned you make a purchase that you will be happy with 5 years from now.
3. Do a little homework on the gemstone you are thinking of purchasing. The Internet is loaded with educational sites to help inform you as to the hardness, brilliance, rarity, and color choices in that gemstone mineral. I have studied gemstones for over 15 years and I still do not know it all but I can make an educated choice in what I want the stone for. Anything less than 7 in hardness is a higher risk for chipping, abrading, and damage in a ring stone; they will make great pendant and ear ring stones, but you will be unhappy with it’s appearance in a year or less if worn every day.
4. Look at the color; is it a pleasing color to you; do not be swayed as one color or the other is more valuable; buy what you want. If one gemstone color is less valuable than another; it may only be that it is a rare color for that gem. But if you are buying to wear; buy what you like.
5. If you are buying for investment alone; then more homework is to be done as that is investment buying. I tend not to investment buy; but buy what I like in the clarity, cut, and color of the natural gemstone. I have not gone wrong yet...
6. Do not impulse buy a gemstone. Think about it and make an educated purchase that you will be happy with for years to come. Most everyone likes a totally clean gem; I on the other hand like to see a little something off to the side not in plain view; as it most of the time reassures me it is not synthetic; but again the homework must be done as many synthetics have man-made inclusions also to make them look more realistic. I cannot stress it enough... DO YOUR HOMEWORK... even if you trust the seller; still do your homework. It is like buying a car; you want certain things from that car; the same should hold true from the gems or jewelry you invest in. I had rather a person not buy a gem from me than to buy something they are unhappy with or wished they had not purchased. So feel free to ask me any gemstone question; I will give you the most honest answer I have.