04 September 2008

Tips When Buying Gemstone


Gemstones have been sought after and treasured throughout history. They have been found in ruins dating several thousand years. They are valued as gifts symbolizing love.People have always fell in love with gemstones. That is because these items are almost always breath taking and are truly exquisite. Gemstones are valuable because naturally, their market appraisal is high. Thus, it is expected that you need to allot a significant investment when you aim to purchase any type of gemstone.


When buying gemstones, it is important that you first seek to be knowledgeable about the task. It is easy to acquire such items on the market if you have plenty of money. But if your resources are limited and you are aiming for the best deals, then, you need to get to know several guidelines of how the purchase can be made worthwhile and practical. Here are some tips.

- Observe and look at the gemstone of your choice at all possible and viewable angles. You should get a thorough ocular examination of the item to find any defects like uneven color distribution, presence of color zones, cutting defects and apparent inclusions. Defects found can reduce the value of the gemstone. If you want to purchase an item at significant discount, be observant enough and look out for any sign of defects.

- Be interested but don't let your enthusiasm show. You are advised to maintain your composure no matter how breath taking a gemstone. This strategy would help you maintain a sound and reasonable judgment over the jewelry.

- Don't be intimidated by the overall appearance and presence of the broker. If the gender, nationality and age of the broker distracts you, chances are greater that you would only nod to what the broker has to say and forget to affirm your side or your judgment. If that happens, you will lose your power to secure a bargain.

- Be patient to present your offer for the gemstone at the end or near the conclusion of the negotiation. You should appear and sound firm on your stand so that the broker would think your standing offer is the ultimate concession you could possibly offer.


As you buy the gemstone, aim to keep it as a priced possession. You should make sure to constantly update yourself about the valuation of your possession so that anytime, as the need may arise, you could always get the choice to dispose it.

There are many ways that dealers treat gemstones. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some treatments to look for: 

Irradiation: It is common to irradiate Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz, Emerald, and Diamond as well as other stones. This treatment brings out color and removes imperfections. Many dealers know if the stones they are selling have been irradiated. Honest ones will tell you if they are aware of the treatment. 

Heat Treatment: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Tanzanite and Topaz are often heated at high temperatures to enhance color. 

Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear stones, dye may be visible in cracks that are darker than the rest of the stone. Sometimes dye appears as a residue that rubs off or white patches. Lapis and Rose Quartz are commonly dyed. Amethyst and Citrine are often dyed. Black Onyx is permanently dyed in normal processing. 

Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it. Emerald is oiled; turquoise is waxed. 

Fake stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake stones instead of natural ones. There are fake stones for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what stone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. I avoid Laboratory made products are known as synthetics. 


Gemstones are beautiful. They will never fail to mesmerize the eyes of the beholder, so keep it safe the way you guard your life.