Buying precious gemstones online can be a bit intimidating. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back. Here are our top 7 tips for buying diamonds and other precious gems online.
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Identify the Stone Correctly
First, you should identify the stone correctly in terms of its color, clarity, weight, and origin. There are different aspects that determine the value of a gemstone. For example, a blue diamond is more expensive than a yellow diamond.
The size of the diamond also determines its price. Similarly, if we talk about rubies, it is important to understand their color as this is one of the four C’s that determine its price apart from carat weight, clarity, and cut.
Second, you need to assess your budget before making any purchase. You can then compare prices across different stores before buying your precious gemstone online.
Bear in mind that these stones are expensive so do take some time to assess your financial situation before making any sort of commitment or purchase.
Check the Certificate
One way to determine the quality of a gemstone is to check the certificate. A certificate, in this context, refers to a detailed report issued by an independent reputable gemological laboratory.
The report should describe the stone’s carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. It should include photos of the stone as well.
If you are considering buying a loose diamond that has been certified, check if you can see results from all three leading labs: Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI), an American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL).
If the seller does not provide any certifications for the diamond you want to buy or offers certificates only from less known labs such as EGL or GCAL – look somewhere else.
Know What You’re Looking for
There’s no need to go shopping for a gemstone, but if you are looking to buy one, you should be aware of what you’re getting yourself into.
Whether it’s an old-gold coin or the raw allotrope of a particular mineral, the price listed on the store’s website may not include any premium.
It takes time and money to craft them, so they can have some value in precious metals like gold and silver.
But that doesn’t mean they’re going to be worth more than their weight in diamonds or quartz. Even something as beautiful as a diamond can turn out worthless in today’s market because of cheaper alternatives.
The best way to find rare gems is by doing research and having knowledge about them before making your purchase.
Before deciding which ones are really rare and where you want to spend your money or your credit card number, educate yourself about how things work online, firstly with online stores (and those who sell through) and then with the seller themselves.
Know what gemstones are being sold on both websites, whether cut correctly for balance setting or with flaws that would put off prospective buyers (or buyers just looking for something different), whether the stone is well-cut for its type or whether it looks odd from certain angles or at certain angles—and what information is being provided about each stone behind it all.
Go by Your Gut
If you’re feeling unsure or uneasy about a jeweler, don’t sweat it. It’s a huge red flag that something isn’t right, and you shouldn’t move forward with the transaction if that’s the case. Go with what your gut is telling you!
There are plenty of trustworthy sellers out there who will be happy to answer any questions and give you as much gemstone information as possible.
Plus, they know their gemstones like the back of their hand and can clue you in on all kinds of interesting secrets about your potential purchase.
If a jeweler won’t take the time to answer your questions honestly or doesn’t seem knowledgeable enough to do so, find another one!
Consider a Gemstone Consultation
Before you buy your precious gemstone, consider seeking a consultation first. A consultation can help dramatically in understanding the value of a gemstone, which can be quite different from the value of the piece of jewelry that it is in.
For example, the value of a sapphire is based on its color, clarity, and cut; the quality of the craftsmanship that went into the mounting or setting for the stone is irrelevant.
So, if you wanted to make sure you were getting a good deal on your stone but not worry about whether or not it had been mounted well into its current setting, then you could have your jeweler remove it from its setting and take it to a reputable source for evaluation (say GIA or Gubelin).
Gemstone consultations can also help explain what to look out for when buying an online stone–such as how to grade and assess color without seeing it in person.
Shop Around
When it comes to buying precious gemstones online, there are a few things you should know. First of all, it’s important to shop around. Don’t just buy from the first dealer that offers you what seems like a great deal at first glance.
Regardless of your budget or how many stones you’re looking to buy at once, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and see what else is out there on the market before making your final decision. You might just find an even better deal!
Fortunately, finding multiple dealers and comparing prices is easier than ever these days, thanks to the internet. Remember that not all jewelers will sell their products online—you might have to do some digging for this one!
Buying gemstones online is a great way to find just the right piece of jewelry, but it’s important to do your research. So now that you know a bit more about buying gemstones online, are you ready to do some shopping?
