Introduction

Gemstones include a huge variety of precious stones ranging from Amethyst, Bloodstone, Corals, Diamonds, Emeralds, Garnets, Jade, Moonstone, Opal, Onyx, Pearls, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline, and Turquoise to Zircon and many more. They have been in demand since ages and valued as items given to loved ones. Generally while buying gemstones people are doubtful as with the quality, as there are a number of people who sell fake gemstones. In certain cases where the gemstones are extremely rare to find as in the case of pearls cultured pearls are being accepted worldwide as finding the natural variety can be difficult and monetarily out of reach for most people.

Buying Tips

The price of a gemstone depends on its quality, size, type, and cut. While determining the quality of a gemstone you can find out more about the color, treatments used and the clarity of the gemstone. Many gemstones are treated chemically to make them functionally usable with treatments like irradiation, heat treatments, dyes, coatings and more. Sometimes sellers pass off synthetic stones as the original ones thus depriving customers of the original variety.

One needs to be aware about this and watch out for stones which look too perfect to be true as these could turn out to be fake stones. While buying gemstones check thoroughly for any scratches or chips as well as the color of the gemstone which should be even throughout the stone. Check for matching stones and the correct shapes and sizes if you are purchasing loose gemstones. If you are buying jewelry with embedded gemstones watch out for the finishing.

When you buy beads check for evenly shaped beads and make sure that the beads are not cracked or chipped. Buy beads with good sized holes so that a stronger string can be used for the necklace and check out the color so as to create a harmonious jewelry set. Ask several questions to the buyer about the gemstone size, the dimensions of the cut as a deeper cut increases the sparkle of the gem especially in case of diamonds, about the method of treatment used, about the color and the treatments used to enhance their color and more.

Treatments used for gemstones

• Irradiation – this treatment is commonly used to treat gemstones like emeralds, diamonds, aquamarine and blue topaz to remove imperfections and improve the color of the stone.
• Heat Treatment – ruby, topaz, amethyst and aquamarine are some of the gemstones given this treatment to improve their color.
• Dye – this is a common method of treating many gemstones like rose quartz, lapis, amethyst, citrine and black onyx which is permanently dyed in the normal processing of the stone. You need to look out for cracks and incisions which can spoil the appearance of the jewelry set once created.
• Coatings – turquoise is waxed, emerald is oiled and jasper dipped in petroleum products to enhance their color and protect them from damage.

As you tend to spend a substantial amount of money on buying gemstones and jewelry embedded with gemstones you need to take all the necessary precautions.