Buying loose gemstones isn’t just about getting a pretty rock; it’s also about getting something that looks beautiful and will last forever. With the right advice, you can make the process easier, safer, and more cost-effective. In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know in order to make an informed purchase of loose gemstones with confidence in your purchase.
The top 3 things you need to know about loose gemstones
Knowledge is power, and in gemstones there’s a lot to know! These are a few key things that you need to know about loose gemstones
1) Color: A good rule of thumb is that darker colored stones tend to be more valuable than lighter colored ones (although color alone isn’t always indicative of value).
2) Clarity: Stones with fewer flaws tend to be more valuable than those with visible flaws. This is especially true if they impact a stone’s ability to shine or reflect light — these are called inclusions. Inclusions may appear as fractures, clouds or discolorations within a gemstone.
3) Cut: Cut refers to how a diamond has been shaped and polished; cut quality can greatly affect how well light travels through a stone.
Where can I buy them?
You can buy loose gemstones from a variety of different places. Wholesale gemstone suppliers are great for amethysts, citrine, diamonds, garnets, and opals. Online gemstone supplier GemsBiz offers a wide range of options, including all of those above. Other online vendors include Etsy, Amazon, and eBay. There are also specialty shops that focus on one or two kinds of gems — this is where you’ll find topaz, moonstone, sapphire, emeralds, tanzanite (an African stone), turquoise, pearls, ruby and more.
How do I test them?
To test if a stone is real, check that its weight is appropriate for its size. A real diamond should feel heavy and substantial in your hand, especially when compared with other diamonds of similar size. Next, turn on a jeweler’s loupe and use it to look at all angles of your stone. If possible, have someone with gemological knowledge inspect it for you.
What do I need before I start buying?
Before you start buying loose gemstones, you’ll need to assess your budget and determine what kind of stones best suit your gemstone jewelry-making needs. If you’re a jeweler looking for high-quality gems, don’t forget that color is crucial.
Avoid scams by following these rules
One common piece of advice is to use a credit card for online transactions — you can often dispute charges with your credit card company if something goes wrong. If you’re buying from an individual seller or dealing in cash, follow these rules: Get insurance for any gemstone over $10 per carat and ask for a third-party appraisal before you complete a transaction. Make sure both buyer and seller have any certificates that indicate a diamond’s quality, origin and treatments.
Conclusion
Remember that buying loose gemstones can be a little tricky, and you should never try to purchase or sell them if you’re not 100% sure about their origin. You should also avoid purchasing stones from unknown parties, but with a little bit of caution and some research, you can purchase beautiful and rare loose gemstones for yourself, your friends or your family. Keep these guidelines in mind next time you want to buy a loose gemstone.
