Top questions you should ask your gemstone dealer before buying gemstones

There are several ways in which the dealers treat the gemstones. There is also the savvy buyer who asks a lot of questions and hopefully also tests the results. You can even buy gemstones online these days. Here are the top questions you could ask a gemstone dealer before buying gemstones. 

Is the gemstone certified?

There are several ongoing sustainability issues and also fair labour practices. All of these make the news weekly. More and more consumers are present who are more than interested into purchasing gemstones. The gemstones need to be free from any sort of associations with the oppressive government regimes, child labor, and even ecological destructions.

Therefore, this question seems like a really fair one. Therefore, why should it ruffle the feathers of a gem dealer? Well, we have a pretty simple answer to this. At this point in time, there is apparently no certification for the fair-trade astrological gemstones.

There are also very few gem dealers who make this chain of custody protocols completely public. Someone present might be offering you to sell a fair-trade gem and does not offer any sort of legal documentation.

Therefore, you are basically just taking their own word for this. Additionally, fair trade certification does exist. Let us just add that Coffee and apparel are two very well-known examples.

However, in the world market for the gemstones, there is currently no third-party fair-trade certifications.

What are the chances that the gemstone will suit me?

Well gemstones have been associated with star signs for several years. Ancient astrologers also believed that wearing or holding the gemstone linked to your zodiac sign can enhance your life through greater health and fortune. 

Moreover, the gemstones go through a lot of enhancements. One such enhancement procedure is irradiation. Irradiated gemstones have been regulated recently by the legislation in the United States. 

The gemstones are usually bombarded with neutrons or electrons here. The irradiated gems are also controlled very well by the delayed distribution to make sure that they are not radioactive. 

Therefore, coming back to the question – with the enhancements, the gemstones should definitely suit you.

What is the origin of the gemstone?

Here we speak about the country of origin for the gemstone. Well let us just begin by saying that inquiring about the gemstone’s country of origin is of primary importance. This also happens in case the seller is representing absolutely “fair trade” gemstones.

Additionally, currently, actually there is no official certification for totally fair trade in the great gemstone industry. Actually, by asking regarding the chain of custody, you are actually asking the seller to reveal to you appropriately where the gemstone has been mined. 

You are also asking the seller to reveal to you where exactly the gemstone was cut or even polished. If applicable, you can also find out where exactly it was set into jewellery. Suppose a gem seller is representing fair trade natural gemstones. Then they will already have the answers to these essential questions.

Is the gemstone heated or treated?

Gemstones come directly out of the ground as really rough crystals. Additionally, they are also cut and even polished in order to reveal their true beauty. Heat treatment is one such treatment to a gemstone. 

Heat treatment is quite a common gem enhancement. Heating a stone can vastly improve its color. There are actually rubies and sapphires that can otherwise be worthless. However, they can fetch up to hundreds of dollars per carat once they have undergone the great heat treatment.

Let us just add that heat treatment is all but routine really for several other types of commercial gemstones such as the amethyst and citrine even. You might also find that the color of heat-treated gems fades after a certainly long period of time in case the gemstone has been exposed regularly to the direct sunlight.

So, coming back to the question, yes, gemstones are definitely heated and treated.

Which metal goes best with the gemstone?

Silver is very ductile. It is also alloy able with the other metals in increase its toughness and even the durability. Pure silver is extremely delicate and rich in softness.

The colour of silver ranges from white to greyish white and can even have a matte or a shiny finish.

Also, platinum is the most valued and the most durable precious metal. It is usually alloyed with small amounts of other metals in order to increase its durability. Platinum has a shimmering silvery white brightness. It also has a lot of strength. This makes it perfect for showing off diamonds and gemstones. 

Platinum looks best with blue gems such as sapphires.

Gold is the most popular choice when it comes to jewellery. It is also traditional. Gold is also naturally soft and malleable. Gold has many different sets of colors. White gold and rose gold are present to give you a sophisticated feel.

Hence you can choose from a variety of metals according to your budget or even your skin tone. 

Are there any noticeable scratches, chips or inclusions?

Gemstones go through a process known as fracture filling. A gemstone might have surface reaching inclusions. Therefore, filling up the cracks and the crevices with an absolutely foreign substance can dramatically improve the appearance of a gemstone. 

Also, thousands of different fracture filling materials can be in usage. Fracture filling is not a permanent treatment by the way. It can always be removed by the professional jewellery cleaning devices.

There is the ultrasonic machine and the high-pressure steamers in particular. There are the emeralds that typically undergo fracture filling treatments just because the emerald crystals are frequently and highly included.

Due to the process of fracture filling, there will supposedly not be any noticeable scratches, chips or even inclusions.

Discover beautiful collections of gemstones at Brahma Gems. We have a range of gemstone jewellery that will make the perfect thoughtful gift for a loved one or even yourself.