Have you ever heard that a stone is “certified” and wonder what this means? Whether you’re looking at a beautiful sapphire or a brilliant diamond, there are often “certifications” given to gemstones to prove their origin, grade and/or rarity. Certifications offer buyers validation and confidence in their purchases. They are also helpful for appraisals, insurance … Read more
An educated consumer is a gemstone vendor’s best kind of customer. You have taken the time to investigate the types of gemstones available in the market, you are aware of the common treatments that gemstones are routinely subjected to, and your expectations of price and availability are realistic. But what about the questions that make … Read more
Purchasing gemstones online can be more complicated and difficult than purchasing in person, but purchasing in person means visiting a retail store where prices may be much higher and selection limited. This online price advantage can have numerous disadvantages. Viewing a gemstone in person allows one to visually see the brilliance, polish, cutting, color, inclusions, … Read more
It can be difficult, when making jewelry or gemstone purchases, to decipher the terminology used to describe the origins of a gemstone. The significant differences in price of natural, synthetic and imitation stones can easily turn what looks like a good deal into a costly overpriced purchase. Use this guide to learn what these words … Read more
What is a Gemstone Certificate? A gemstone certificate can be a wonderful comparative tool. But what exactly is a “cert” and why should you get one? With all the different gemstone treatments in use today, a detailed evaluation of your gemstone will be a great asset if you need your gemstone appraised or if you … Read more
Are you in the market for a gemstone? How can you be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company? Are there any industry watchdogs on your side? Apart from customer reviews, is there a way you can investigate and evaluate your gem dealer before deciding on that big gemstone purchase? Here are a … Read more