Best Place to Buy Gemstones
There are many places to buy gemstones around the world. No matter where you go, you need to ensure that you have someone who can verify if you are not an expert.
When you are looking for the best place to buy gemstones you have three options.
- A local jeweler
- The internet
- A diamond district
No matter which selection you choose, you should get written guarantees and proof for every product you buy. You can find many diamond districts in foreign countries popular for open gemstone markets. The advantage to purchasing gemstones in markets throughout places such as India or Thailand is that you get to make a vacation out of the trip.
Some of the best places to buy gemstones include Thailand, Madagascar, China, and India.
The best place to buy gemstones is also dependent upon the type of gemstones you want. No matter where you turn, it is important that you understand how to grade them for worth. Gemstones are slightly more challenging to grade than diamonds because they do not have a grading system.
If you are bringing gemstones from foreign countries into the United States for sale you should ensure you know the difference between an appraisal and a certification. You should always get a certification from a gem laboratory for every gemstone you purchase. This shows that it was verified by a third party and given a grading. The appraisal is like a non-binding estimate in that it is only for insurance and for retail value but not for quality.
If you are appraising the quality on your own, or with an expert you should begin with the four C’s before you begin appraising gemstones in any area.
- Color
- Color is an important way to determine the worth of gemstones throughout India, Thailand, Madagascar, etc… Most prefer colors which are clear, intense, saturated, with a medium tone. If the color is too dark it becomes muddled which is unappealing. You want brighter colors because they are more vivid.
- Clarity
- Once you verify the color you want, you want to look at the clarity. This is also called the saturation. The gemstones with the most value are those which are clear and have no flaws you can see. There are some flaws which might not be visible when the stone is face up, but rarely. Emeralds and red tourmaline often have small flaws so finding nearly flawless varieties of these make them very expensive.
- Carat
- When you buy gemstones they are sold based on their weight not on their size. The price you pay will be calculated per carat. Some gems might be dense so you could pay a lot less or a lot more for gemstones of highly varied sizes. Additionally, certain types of larger stones are rare and more expensive. These include emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and tourmaline.
- Cut
- The cut is important because it can add or subtract hundreds of dollars to the retail value and to the beauty. You want a cut which will reflect light evenly across the entire surface if you hold it to the light. You can easily compare cuts in open markets by holding similar gemstones side by side.
How can I be Successful in Gemstone Business?
Gemstones are one of the oldest businesses in the world. Gemstones do not usually depreciate in value, which is why the business remains so successful.
Most of the time, the value of a gemstone is based upon supply. Since diamonds are low in supply they are expensive.
When you start a gemstone business you will only be successful if you can overcome the high start-up costs and yield a good profit.
If you are interested in starting a gemstone business, there are a few simple steps you need to follow.
- You need to have patience, time, and money you can invest.
- Choose the type of gemstones you want to sell
- Find quality cutters
- Determine your audience
You cannot grow or make gemstones which means you have to pay for cut gemstones or rough gemstones. This cost can become very high depending on the type of gemstone you are buying. The most expensive are typically diamonds and sapphires while topaz, tanzanite, and aquamarines are cheaper.
Finding Gemstones
- You can travel directly to mining sites in areas such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or Madagascar to reduce your costs. If you travel, you should have a good eye for quality stones or bring someone who does so that you do not overpay for bad gemstones. The more third and fourth parties you have involved in your transactions, the more you will pay for the gemstones.
- You can visit trade shows such as the Tuscan Gem and Mineral Show.
When you look for investors, you can use Faceters.com. This company understands that success will not occur within a few months or years. If you want to succeed in the gemstone business you must gain a reputation with:
I. Patience
II. Contracts
III. Experience
When you select the type of gemstones you are selling, this is often based upon the amount of money you have to start up initially. The more you have the higher quality stones you can sell.
You should also consider the condition in which you want to sell your gemstones.
You can purchase rough gemstones from places like Madagascar and then sell them at a premium in the United States. Another example is to buy uncut gemstones, use the services of a gemstone cutter, cut the rough gemstones into jewelry pieces, and sell them to jewelry stores.
When you sell retail gemstones you have the potential to make the most money, but you have to invest more at the beginning because you will need machinery and a professional cutter. You should know that these gemstones might not sell as quickly.
All of the gems you sell will need certification from the Gemology Institute of America or another outside party.
The cut of the gemstones can add or subtract hundreds from the price tag which is why finding a quality cutter is so important.
Determining your audience means meeting their needs. Any retailer will need certification but the sales pitch you use will be different for larger companies versus someone looking for an engagement ring.
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What’s Inside Jewelry Trunk Shows?
Jewelry trunk shows are most commonly held by designers or manufacturers who want to test a new jewelry design on the market. This means, if you know where to go, you can get new or unique pieces of jewelry before anyone else. The designer will go to a boutique, a gift store, or perhaps a gallery, and arrange for some pieces to be displayed and sold for the public. It is a great deal for both the store and those who brought or made the jewelry.
Jewelry trunk shows are one of the few places where a designer can have direct contact with the public who will be buying his or her product. The designer can also explain to the salespeople in the store what the selling points of the pieces are and how to best present them to potential customers.
In fact, such shows are often used as testing grounds for new designs. They are usually done far enough ahead of the actual release date so that changes can be made to the line of jewelry, rather through price points or through actual physical alteration to the pieces themselves.
One of the best reasons for a designer to go to a store and run jewelry trunk shows is to make sure none of the creations they offer look too much like something that’s already out there. No one wants to sell something that looks like a copy of someone else’s work.
Big designers or major boutiques are not the only ones to benefit from jewelry trunk shows. Many of us know someone who makes interesting pieces of jewelry and sells them to friends or on websites. That person might even be you. There’s no reason why such a person couldn’t run a trunk show of her own. Local, independently owned stores, like consignment shops, would certainly benefit from the extra business, as would the jewelry maker herself.
It takes a bit of preparation, but the end result is worth the effort. First, of course, a proper venue has to be found. Discuss with the store owner what times might be best for a show. You’ll provide the snacks and the drinks, and well as a portion of the sales to the store. That will make your proposition difficult to resist.
All the real preparatory work will be yours. You’ll need to advertise by printing flyers and posting them all around the city, and by emailing any customers of yours. The latter should be a big help by promoting through word of mouth, as well. Personally tell friends and family, and they’ll also spread the word. Be sure your flyers have the details of what food will be served and some good pictures of your best pieces.
When the day comes, arrive at least an hour early. Dress simply and elegantly. The simple black dress is always a good choice – but be sure you’re wearing your own jewelry to go with it. You are your best advertisement, after all. The show itself is your best opportunity to build up your clientele. Have a bowl available for business cards. You might even want to encourage customers to leave business cards by holding a drawing for free jewelry. Soon, you’ll have a mailing list to contact when you’re ready to sell your next creations.
Whether buying or running one of your own, jewelry trunk shows can be a lot of fun and places where you can save (or make!) quite a bit of change.
We have 3 upcoming events in Tucson! Our new show, “SuperStart Show” will be opening the beginning of next year. All dates are listed below! There’s plenty of time to register but why not register today and save time later? Click To Register
JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show Dates:
September Show: September 6-9, 2012
SuperStart Show: February 1-4, 2013
Winter Show: February 1-12, 2013
Other Names:
Origin of Name: Location, Danbury, USA
Meaning of the Stone: Leo starsign
Classification: semi-precious
Family: Tectosilicates
Region: USA, Mexico, Bolivia, Japan,Russia,Madagascar
Color: colorless, yellow(light-faded) grey,brown,pink
Transparency: transparent, translucent
Fracture: Conchoidal, uneven
Hardness (Gravity): 7-7.5 (2.97-3.03)
Crystal System: orthohombric
Similar Minerals: Topaz, Apatite, Citrine
1. Legend and History:
Danburite is a relatively newly discovered stone carrying no historical or legendary matters; It was first discovered in 1839 by Charles Upham Shephard in Danbury, Connecticut, USA, and this is where it’s name derived from.
Danburite is said to be a stone of strong spirituality and an excellent crystal for the relief of stress and worries. In addition, it is said to help with restless sleep disorders, stimulation of the heart, and bring on its wearer a positive outlook on life.
2. Origin in nature and use:
Danburite is a common mineral, but rather rare as a semi-precious gemstone. Honey colored crystals are known to be excavated in Baja, California, while colorless crystals, of up to 10cm high are found in Charcas, Mexico.
In addition, Russia, Bolivia, and Burma also have Danburite deposits where large white, yellow and green crystals have been found.
This gemstone is usually cut en cabochon or with flat sides to be put on jewelry as it resembles topaz and citrine both which are rather expensive and rare.
3. Interesting Facts:
Danburite has often been referred to as the stone of “joy and celebration”.
4. Care and Storing:
Danburite is best stored in a presentation box or soft cloth pouch; It is cleaned with water and soap. Danburite must not be cleaned with steam or use of ultrasound.
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Other Names: Precious coral, red coral
Origin of Name: Greek Word «κοραλι» meaning coral
Meaning of the Stone:
Classification: semi-precious
Family: Corallium rubrum
Region: Australia, Algeria, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Taiwan, Mauritius, Cuba
Color: Red, pink, rarely white, light blue, black
Transparency: opaque
Fracture:
Hardness (Gravity): 3.5-4 (2.6-2.7)
Crystal System:
Similar Minerals:
1. Legend and History:
Coral has been found in archeological sites which date back to 10.000BC; It was very popular in Ancient Egypt for the art of jewelry making, but also in Celtic tribes, from which it is believed to have got its name from.
Coral had a great trade associated to it in the beginning of the Christian Era, from the Mediterranean to India where it was believed to have many mystical powers.
The Romans believed that coral, when hung around children’s necks, would protect them from danger.
It is believed that coral sharpens the mind, and cleanses the urinal path but also heals problems of the eyes.
2. Origin in nature and use:
Coral, is in fact a species of marine life, and is the common name given to the specific species of corallium rubrum, It is rather durable in the form of a gemstone and used for many types of jewelry.
The hard skeleton of coral is matte in its natural form, but most often polished up to provide a glossy shine when used in jewelry. As coral is relatively soft however, it is usually cut en cabochon or used in order to make beads.
3. Interesting Facts:
In Ancient Greek Mythology, I is said that Poseidon, the God of the Seas, lived in a palace which solely made out of coral.
4. Care and Storing:
Coral should be protected from heat, sweat, and beauty products which may make it fade and loose it’s natural color. There are however techniques for coral to get back its color, mainly by dipping it into hydrogen superoxide. Soap and water is recommended in order to clean coral, while heat and ultrasound should be avoided.
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Other Names:
Origin of Name: Greek «σαπφειρος»
Meaning of the Stone: September birthstone
Classification: precious
Family: Oxide Mineral
Region: Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Canada, Brazil, (Tanzania is the main deposit for color-change sapphire)
Color: Varieties of blue, purple, blue-purple, pink-orange
Transparency: transparent to translucent, opaque
Fracture: conchoidal, uneven
Hardness (Gravity): 9 (3.99-4.10)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Similar Minerals: Tourmaline, Topaz, Zircon, Tanzanite
1. Legend and History:
The remarkable beauty and amazing properties of sapphire have intrigued people from the beginning of historical times; In the past the majority of blue precious and semi precious stones were named sapphires. It was not until the 19th century when sapphires and rubies were recognized as varieties of corundum. In Medieval times sapphire was said to reflect the sky and the highest of spiritual values.
Sapphire is considered to be a symbol of wealth and prestige, and is said to relieve it’s wearer from pain, protect from evil, as well as bring power, honor and immortality to its wearer.
2. Origin in nature and use:
Color change sapphire is considered to be a highly rare variety of sapphire, as it has the ability to exhibit different colors in different light, thus being blue when outdoors and purple when in indoor light, but also pink and green.
Not all stones exhibit the same change in color; others change fully while others only partially, like for example a change from blue to bluish purple.
Although color change sapphire deposits are found in many regions, the main location for high quality gemstones is in Tanzania.
3. Interesting Facts:
Given the remarkable hardness that the sapphire stone exhibits, it is not only used in jewelry making; Sapphire crystal is used for most watches as it does not break easily and is fairly scratchproof. In addition, some high quality windows are made of sapphire.
4. Care and Storing:
Sapphire should be protected from high temperatures as it may lose its color and beauty. Cleaning sapphire has no true limitations and any method may be preferred, caution must be taken however when the crystal has inclusions.
Read more →Other Names: Granat
Origin of Name: French (pomme) grenat,
Meaning of the Stone: January Birthstone
Classification: semi-precious
Family: Nesosilicate
Region: USA, South Africa, Russia,
Color: Technically all colors (blue however is visible in specific lighting)
Transparency: transparent,translucent
Fracture: conchoidal, uneven
Hardness (Gravity): 6.5-7.5(3.1-4.3)
Crystal System: Cubic, rhombic
Similar Minerals: Ruby, emerald, chrome diopside
1. Legend and History:
The name garnet is said to originally derive from the latin “granatus” which means seed, however, a more efficient meaning is that of the French word (pomme) grenat, meaning pomegranate as most garnet crystals look like the seeds found inside a pomegranate.
Garnet was, for many years, a very sought for semi-precious stone, as jewelry has been found which is dated back to the 6th century B.C. Plinius named all stones which had a reddish color, including garnet, carbunculi.
It is believed that garnet protects it’s wearer from enemies, stimulates the imagination and strengthens the power of love. In addition it is said to cure arthritis, rheumatism, and gaps in the memory.
2. Origin in nature and use:
Garnet is a color changing gemstone, occurring in every color except blue, which may only be seen under specific lighting and circumstances; Most varieties of garnet are named based on their color, for example pyrope garnet received its name from its red almost fire like color.
The main varieties of garnet recognized are, pyrope, almandine, spessartine, grossular, uvarovite, and andradite.
Garnet is mainly used as a gemstone to create beautiful jewelry as it may be found in many colors depending on the variety, thus resembling Alexandrite which is a highly expensive and rare stone.
3. Interesting Facts:
The rarest of the Garnet varieties, which was not discovered until the 1990s, is the blue garnet, a color thought not to exist in garnet. Although the blue color can only be seen under specific lighting and environment.
4. Care and Storing:
Garnet must be kept from sudden changes in temperature and knocks. Cleaning must take place only with water and soap, followed by a soft cloth; Steam cleaning is not recommended for garnet and should be avoided.
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Other Names: empholite, kayserite
Origin of Name: Greek diaspora, meaning scattered
Meaning of the Stone:
Classification: semi-precious
Family: Oxide mineral
Region: Russia, Turkey, Hungary, USA, South Africa, England
Color: White, yellow, green, gray,brown, colorless ( the colors change along with the lighting)
Transparency: transparent, translucent
Fracture: Conchoidal
Hardness (Gravity): 6-7 (3.2-3.5)
Crystal System: Orthohombric
Similar Minerals:
1. Legend and History:
The name diaspora derived from the Greek word “Diaspore” which means scatter, and was named as such due to the fact of disintegration when heated to extreme temperatures, or exhibited to naked flame.
The first descriptions of this gemstone were in 1801 in the area of the Ural mountains, Russia.
2. Origin in nature and use:
Diaspore occurs as an alteration of corundum or emery, and is most often discovered in granular limestone or other crystalline rocks.
It is a native aluminum oxide hydroxide, at often occurs as flat crystals, but in most cases as a mass.
Color change Diaspore may change its color depending on the specific lighting which exists in its environment, and thus it shows different colors in sunlight, yellow light, white light etc, thus somewhat resembling a chameleon.
3. Interesting Facts:
When Diaspore is heated to high temperatures it tends to disintegrate and scatter small pearly scales about.
4. Care and Storing:
Diaspore is not relatively high on the Mohs scale, therefore must be treated with care and kept away from harder minerals. Cleaning may be done with a soft cloth warm water and soap.
Read more →Stone Expo
First Chengdu (International) Stone Fair opened in April 30, May 7 over the identity of the author Zeng Yi exhibitors participated in the Stone Fair. A few days off, leaving a heavy heart about, but also triggered a few reflection.
In fairness, the hardware construction of the Chengdu Stone Fair is the best: Pavilion government building, than focus, the exhibition area and exhibition area near white and bright halls wide, and this is in any other parts of the country stone development are second to none. Second, the guests invited stone exhibition is more, the original organizing committee planned only 40 guests, the result produced 80 guests card, or can not meet demand, which was registered a few guests did not guests to get evidence. Once again, to visit the tourist is more, within seven days, almost every day coming and going, steady stream.
But in sales, awards, and organizations a series of problems still exist, causing a large number of stone Friends of the discontent. Should pay attention and reflection.
One reflection from the sales perspective, is really very dissatisfied. Sales of the entire exhibition area is only 500,000 yuan, but one of more than 300,000 of the Feast (agate), the other sales very much. The same is true of sales outside the booth, where more than 100 yuan in the rocks on the very few people buy. Therefore, the faithful have the field to reflect the stone, “the loss of original capital, even the tolls are also into a loss.” Arrangements, especially the original three-day auction period, the result would only “beat” half a day to a hasty end up.
The second review, Stone Fair’s awards did not reflect the “open, fair and just” principle, almost the entire process all black box-style operation.
First, the awards too short, twenty-eight scheduled on the 29th for the awards of the judges, the result is reduced to only on the 29th day. More than 2000 pieces of stone, a day assessment completed, each stone will have a few seconds? This fly and, assessment of energy correct? A result, many of the share and not been assessed. Secondly, there is no feedback time. Described by invitation, awards, “the time for the April 30 announcement.” The results have been towed at 4:00 p.m. on the May 7 announcement later (Move the day before), then the judges had to leave, some people have no place to mention, even if unreasonable awards, there is no way to feedback their views. And this time the Friends have been a lot of stone stones automatically withdrawn. Again, the results to adjust the Nobel committee more. View from the results announced at least two in number “0267″ “1050″ is repeated. The same stone, which won gold, silver was given to it in the awards history can not be not a strange phenomenon. Jury awards illustrates the results had been adjusted but not adjusted, resulting in leakage of “himself away!” (This is the mouth of a member from the organizing committee confirmed). As a result, caused great dissatisfaction rock faithful, have said that this rock show is a fraud? Did not comment publicly on the cursed, even though comments on the prize medals is also suspected of “gold content” is sufficient.
Reflection of three members of the panellist was bad faith and the promise of something hard to fulfill. First, at the opening day, a few guests did not receive guests card, committee members agreed to: “Tomorrow replacement!” The next day to look for, then push “tomorrow will certainly be a replacement!” Result 7 tomorrow down or has not been a replacement. Second, on May 7 day winners were published, some friends found two stone No repeat winners of the phenomenon. Go to the Organizing Committee promised to give them up a couple of awards. And promised a few days after the printing of medals, and to the card, said contact with him after a few days. The results more than 10 days have passed, and then call, some say, “Medals do not print well!” Some say “do not know what is going on!” So to speak like this does not count, they only sent back to the stone faithful the behavior of family trouble, it should not happen in the stone industry. Play the stone would have been, they should first one, said second two, things will simply not do without that promised things would have to be.
The fourth reflection, not a good beginning of a thesis seminar. “Foreign rocks cultural forum” should be held on the morning of May 3, the result is open in the evening finished on May 1, less than two hours, and many authors did not notice that. And many procedures are not in accordance with prior arrangements.
Recommended that future development around the stone, and the authorities should regulate what has not done already, to do some good on! Learn a little more organized and more successful experience, stay a little less faithful to the stone sorry!
I am a professional writer from China Crafts Suppliers, which contains a great deal of information about earring display card , earring card display, welcome to visit!
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