Purchasing gemstones online is a really engaging task. One can find a wide array of color, type and quality that is not presented in the local shops. However, the online market is also a rather attractive and vast opportunity because it is often filled with gentleman’s misrepresentation and gemology is rather a rather complicated science. Here is what you should know to enjoy online gem buying without falling into the hands of con artists:
1. Research Reputable Sellers
When making any purchase online it is important that one takes his/her time to identify reputable merchants. Choose companies with good feedback on their Website, and which have been in business for a number of years. Most gemstones’ selling websites can have accreditations from gemological associations or provide certificates from them. Search for the list of reliable sellers at GIA or AGTA or consult with other reliable sources.
2. Learning about the different terminologies when it comes to gemstones
Just as any other market or trading platform, understanding the language used in the purchase of gemstones can put the buyer at vantage. Some of these parameters include: clarity, cut, color, and carat- all referred to as Four Cs of gemstones. The knowledge of these terms will enable you to decide on the quality and the worth of the gemstone that you want to acquire more especially if you have to surf the internet or read more about the gemstone in question.
3. Request Certification
Since tangible characteristics of gemstones cannot be precisely ascertained, reliable certification from a competent gemological laboratory should always be demanded. Certifications give factual data on a gemstone’s origin, it’s genuineness and quality. That’s why, you should buy certificates in licensed laboratories such as GIA, AGS or EGL, for instance. This certification is important in order to make sure that you are getting a real product
4. Examine Detailed Photos
Original quality images are critical when buying gemstone online. Choose vendors who have many clear pics of the product and the pictures show quite a number of aspects of the gemstone. Zoom in on the stone in these pictures to determine how clear, what color, and in general how good or bad this particular stone is. In the event that the seller does not offer clear images consider this as a sign of warning.
5. Check Return Policies
When browsing through products, commonly read the seller’s information regarding the returns policy. When buying a gemstone you can check it from the box once it gets delivered and there is usually a chance of returning the product. The search for the best offers should consider the sellers that provide buyer guarantee or a viable return policy. This policy can help you avoid getting stuck with the gem that wasn’t really what you wanted.
6. Know Your Budget
Before shopping for the gemstones one should set a budget to help eliminate several options and avoid making costly mistakes. Price sometimes fluctuates according to nature and the quality of the gemstone as well as its rarity. Don’t forget about extra expenses like shipping, taxes, when choosing your budget.
7. Pay Attention to Treatments
There are many gemstones that have to be treated to make them look better, for example by heating or by oiling. As much as these treatments are acceptable in most cases, they pose a major risk in the valuation of the gemstone. You should also question the seller whether the gemstone has been treated and if so, what has been done to it? All this information should also be included in the gemstone’s certification The Certification of the gemstone: The above information should also be included in the certification of the gemstone.
8. Look for Customer Reviews
The evaluation by the customer can offer an explicit outlook into the kind of the seller and the gemstones he offers. Seek information concerning the purchase process, the descriptions provided on the website and the nature of the gemstones used. While positive reviews are an indication of trust to the seller most of the negative reviews may depict certain reputational drawbacks.
9.Understand the Market Value
This reveals that Gems are not of a fixed inherent but subject to value changes occasioned by the market forces available in the market. Check out some current market prices of a gemstone you choose to invest in. This knowledge will enable you to decide whether a certain price is reasonable or not thus avoiding paying more than necessary. Others, like the Rapaport, may give useful data about market prices regarding different kinds of gemstone.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, trust your instincts. If one has a bad feeling about a particular seller or a certain gemstone this is OK also. There is no reason at all for the purchase of gemstones to be stressful and indeed there are many honest gemstones dealers in the market. If you are feeling stressed or compressed, try to move away from the situation and make analysis.
Conclusion
Purchasing gemstones through the Internet can be very rewarding if the following pointers are considered when making the purchase. Specifically, the study of the sellers, the terminology used in the description of gemstones, and the fulfillment of the following ten rules will help you become orientated in the sphere of online purchase of gems. Whether you are buying a gemstone for your own pleasure, as a present or an asset, proper identification will yield a good result. Happy gem hunting!
