S.Grand Gems CLT.,PART

Buying Tips

Here are some tips on buying gemstones:

Always make a careful, naked eye observation of the gemstone you intend to buy. Observe the gem in all direction under different lighting conditions (natural light, incandescent, fluorescent, halogen). This first careful observation is the key to establishing the identity, characteristics and quality of the materials under analysis.

Hold the stone in your fingers and feel it. Don’t use tweezers or magnifying lenses at this stage. Pay close attention to the color of the gemstone. It is normally this first color impression that will indicate the origin of the stone, whether it is natural, and what country it is from or whether synthetics or imitations should be suspected.

Don’t forget that color is the most important factor in the price evaluation of colored gemstones and the most difficult to determine. If you are not proficient in the color subtleties of the stone you are observing, seek the assistance of a qualified gem dealer.
Carefully study the surface of the gemstone by tilting it and using oblique lighting techniques to view the surface. Make sure the gemstone surface is free of grease, dust or anything that might interfere with your observation.

Carefully observe the brilliance of the stone and the faceting style. These elements will be considered in the identification and price evaluation process. Once this initial observation stage is completed and if you have not observed damages that could endanger the stone, proceed to handle the stone with tweezers and a 10X loop. Study the stones’ transparency and clarity, the second most important aspect in price evaluation.

Look closely at the features that will confirm the right identity of the gemstone. Pay close attention to the inclusions. This can yield a fair assessment of the mine origin. And, this can affect overall brilliance and durability of the material. Continue by studying the surface of the stone; make sure you are not looking perpendicular to the surface, but in an oblique fashion. The technique will allow you to observe the treated areas of the stone starting from the surface where the treating agent was introduced. Alternate between dark and light backfields. This will aid your observation of the internal features and fractures. Try to determine the origin of the enhancing material that will affect overall presence and durability of the stone in the future. When in doubt, seek the assistance of a qualified gem testing laboratory.

Observe the overall cutting and polishing of the surfaces. This is the third most important factor in the price assessment of a gemstone. It will affect the brilliance of the gemstone. Shape and overall balance and harmony of form are important factors in the marketability of gemstones. Keep this in mind.

The buying tips given here apply best to loose stones. Gemstones set in jewelry are generally more complex to identify and evaluate, especially if set low on the mountings.