4 Questions You Should Ask Your Precious Stone Dealer

1. 4 Questions You Should Ask Your Precious Stone Dealer Become an educated consumer and enter the world of rare colored precious gems, prepared and with confidence. You may already be well-versed in the basics of colored stones. You might have done some research and know about the types of precious gems available in the market, you’re aware that gemstones are routinely subjected to treatments, and your expectations of price and availability are realistic. But there are also questions some gem dealers wish you wouldn’t ask… Read on for 4 surprising facts of the gem trade, including the right questions to ask, which reputable precious stone dealers are comfortable helping you out with! 1. Can I See Other Similar Stones? Always visit more than one precious stone dealer or jeweler. And always compare more similar gemstones together. Why? This will enable you to compare different prices and quality criteria, like a stone’s transparency, brilliance, symmetry in cut and most importantly, the vividness of color.

2. Our memory of color is short. Only when you see a few colored stones of the same species & color, of a similar carat weight and shape together, will you be able to pick the best stone from the lot. Side-note: judge the stones under the store’s light, but also ask if you can see them outside for a second or close to the window for proper daylight.   2. Is This Stone Natural Or Synthetic? You can ask this question when the stone is loose but also when the stone has been set in jewelry.

3. Side-notes: a ‘natural gem’ is any gemstone which is entirely the product of nature. It’s unaltered by humans in any way, except for ordinary cutting and polishing. A ‘synthetic gem’ is the same as a natural gem (in terms of physical, chemical and optical properties), EXCEPT that it has been made by humans. High-quality natural colored stones are far more valuable than synthetic ones. So, know your budget and preference. If they answer the stone is natural: great go-to point 3. → If they answer synthetic: thank them and leave the vendor unless you want a synthetic gemstone for a cheaper price. 3. Has This Stone Been Treated? Some jewelers may simply repeat that the stone is natural and feel they just answered the same question before. Or they may tell you that indeed the stone has been ‘enhanced’ without being able to give you any specifics on the treatment. Remember most jewelers are not gemologists and they may not know much about treatments nor that although the stone is natural, it can still have been subjected to heavy treatments which are not acceptable to reputable gem dealers. Good precious stone dealers, however, know their ‘chain of custody’ and the suppliers they bought from. By asking about treatment and origin of a stone, you’re asking the seller to reveal to you more about this background.

4. Especially when it concerns a significant purchase, they should be able to tell you where the stone was mined, where it was cut and polished, if there were any treatments (and the type) and where the stone was set in jewelry. Side-note: A ‘treated gem’ is any gemstone that has been altered by humans, beyond ordinary cutting and polishing. Most natural rubies and blue sapphires, for instance, have been heat- treated; a fully acceptable treatment in the gem market. Likewise, most emeralds are oiled and fracture-filled. You want to know those things as they influence the price. Treated stones should be less expensive than untreated stones.

5. If they cannot answer that question: thank them, leave the vendor and go to the next. 4. Can I get an independent gemological laboratory certificate? If the gemstone vendor tells you the stone is either (a) natural and treated (including details of the treatment) or (b) natural and untreated (in which case the piece will be more expensive): know that today it’s a safe practice to ask for a lab certificate on any ruby, sapphire or emerald purchase over $1000. Ensure the certificate comes from an international reputable lab, like GIA, Gübelin or GRS and NEVER from a small, local lab. The seller might charge a fee to facilitate this. It’ll be worth it. Not only for your own peace of mind but also if you want to sell the stone later on.

6. What are the questions you wish you had asked your precious stone dealer before buying a colored gemstone? What will you do differently next time? Let us know if an issue like origin is important to you. And if you like personal guidance from a gemologist, gem dealer and jewelry designer specialized in rare colored gems, Ask Eva from Eva Gems & Jewels.