Entry

How to Buy Colored Gemstones?

May 3rd, 2007 12:52
Tania Glover,

Prized for centuries for their beauty, and often used as currency, 
gemstones hold ageless appeal. Modern treating techniques enhance their 
look and improve their durability. Whatever your favorites--rubies, 
sapphires, emeralds or others--find a good jeweler to buy from.  
  Steps:  1.   Work with a jeweler whose character you trust. Since 
virtually all gemstones are treated, the opportunity for deception is 
great-- you want to be dealing with someone you can depend on. If 
something about the experience is off-putting, leave.    
2.   Learn about lab-created and treated stones. Ask jewelers if a 
naturally mined stone has been treated--heated, bleached, coated or 
dyed to improve the look or durability. Some treatments can weaken a 
stone and lower its price.    
3.   Keep your eyes open for imitations, generally made of glass or 
plastic. Jewelers will tell you what's what.    
4.   Apply the four Cs to buying gemstones just as you would to 
purchasing diamonds (see How to Buy a Diamond). Gemstones, however, 
don't carry letter grades for guidance; a trustworthy jeweler will show 
you how to be discerning.    
5.   Shop around. Numerous companies operate in the field of colored 
gems, so prices fluctuate far more widely than those of diamonds, and 
it pays to watch them over time. A one-carat ruby, for instance, can 
vary enormously in cost--and may be just as expensive as a diamond. And 
gems over three carats in size leap up in price because they are rare. 
Color--shade and saturation (whether the color is dull or intense)--
also greatly affects price. Clarity is also important (the gem should 
have few flaws or inclusions), as is a perfect, light-reflecting 
faceted cut.    
6.   Check the store's return and refund policy before finalizing your 
purchase.    
7.   Make sure your receipt details all the stone's specifications 
including its weight and size. Ask for a grading report, and check that 
the receipt specifies whether the stone is a natural gem, lab-created 
or treated stone. 
http://www.silverbeadsjewelry.com/
http://www.beadsgemstone.com