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Online shopping is the norm today, as it is the least complicated way to buy anything. Especially when buying gems, it is however, difficult to judge the quality of your purchase from a distance. Although most providers usually have a good return policy, you would rather save yourself the trouble of sending back the items.
Ultimately, only an independent certificate provides real assurance of quality and authenticity. This is like an identity card, which among other details, states the origin, authenticity, and quality of the gemstone. If you want to buy precious gems, you should look for a certificate from an independent and renowned gemological institute, both at the jeweler and online.
What to look for when buying – an overview
Here is an overview of what to look for when buying a gemstone. Click on the link to go to the relevant section:
- The four C’s (carat, color, clarity and cut)
- Natural or synthetic?
- Independent Certificate
- Price depending on the type of gemstone
- Value depending on the color
- Purity and special inclusions
- The quality of the cut
The 4 C’s for gemstone quality
Carat
Color
Cut
Clarity
These are the main features used to assess the quality of a stone. In addition, factors such as the rarity and uniqueness of the gems influence their prices. Find more quality features here.
Natural vs. synthetic gems
How do you recognize a real (natural) gem and how do you distinguish it from a synthetic gem?
Independent certification
When you buy high-value and multi-carat jewelry, we recommended your gemstone come with an attached, independent certificate of authenticity. This is the only way you can be guaranteed the genuineness and quality of the gemstone.
Trustworthy institutions for certification are:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant)
- IGI (International Gemological Institute)
- EGL (European Gemological Laboratories)
Price depending on the type of gemstone
The type of gemstone plays a crucial role in the price. The rarity and occurrence of the gem is particularly decisive for the price.
Color determines value
Color is an important criterion for colored gemstones. The color of the gemstone depends on the type of mineral.
Basically, the more intense the color of the stone, the more valuable it is. However, this may vary from one type of gem to another.
Learn more about gemstone color
Currently (2020), the popular color is “Lush Lava “.
Purity – inclusion-free or with star effect?
As a rule, the less impurities (inclusions) and damage the gem presents, the more precious it is. Sometimes, however, the inclusions make a gem unique.
Buying guidelines
Whether a necklace for a birthday, a set of cufflinks for a friend, or an Amber necklace for the baby – gems are found in numerous forms, colors and shapes. However, there is much to consider when buying gems. For example, the purity, the size and of course the nature of the gemstone are essential things to note before you purchase.
Especially when buying gemstones online, checking the quality features can be difficult. How do you recognize a trusted seller? Is the price reasonable or overpriced? Is the bargain possibly a synthetic stone? Above, you will find all the information you need to buy gems.
If you want to buy jewelry, caressers and pendants of a specific gemstone, you can buy the corresponding stone in our list from A to Z.
Stones in a specific color, you will also find here.
Value, cost and quality
In the case of jewelry, decorative items or sets, the complementary materials used also play a decisive role in the value of the product.
In our guide about quality features, value and cost of gems find out everything you need to know about each category. We go into detail on some basic concepts of gemology, such as color, carat, cut, clarity, rarity, and Mohs hardness.
If you’re planning on investing in a high value natural stone, you’ll want to find out, first of all, whether it is an authentic or synthetic stone. Many manufacturers or vendors present obscure, confusing, or misleading information about their products. There are some good reasons to buy fake gemstones, however, the buyer should always be aware of whether it is an imitation or real gemstone.
Above, you will find out what factors affect the quality and value of a gem or jewel, what you should look out for when buying, and which gemological instruments are required in determining gemstone value.