COMPLETE GUIDE TO GEM CERTIFICATION

Part I

History and Lore of Gemstones

People have been fascinated with gemstones for centuries. While their external beauty plays a key role in our fascination with gemstones, there are many reasons why they captured the attention of our ancient ancestors. By understanding how our gemstones were viewed and used ages ago, we can better understand why sapphires, rubies, diamonds and other fine gems continue to grow in popularity.

Protective Properties

Gemstones have long been revered for their protective properties. Sapphire, for instance, was used thousands of years ago by the Etruscans and is believed to shield kings from harm. Sapphires were also worn to protect people from poverty, dishonesty, and fraud.

Long-standing Traditions

“The earliest record of a man giving a diamond to a woman for her hand in marriage was in 1477 when the Archduke of Austria gave one to Mary of Burgundy. Now, more than 500 years later, diamonds are still the most popular gemstones in engagement rings.” – Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

Traditions play a key role in the popularity of gemstones today. For example, if you have ever wondered why the diamond is the most popular gemstone, then consider the fact that diamonds have been the gemstone of choice for a man asking for a woman’s hand in marriage since the 1400s. In keeping with this tradition, diamonds continue to hold court as the gemstone of choice for engagement rings today.

Healing Powers

Gemstones were often purchased because they were believed to possess the power to reduce pain or improve a person’s health. While today’s savvy consumers are more apt to purchase gems for other reasons, some buyers continue to choose gems because they were believed to offer specific healing powers. Amethysts, for instance, are still believed by many to relieve symptoms related to insomnia, circulation, and pain-related disorders.

Colour-Associated Qualities

“Green is the symbol of nature, fertility and life. Green stones are thought to strengthen the eyes, control the kidneys, relieve stomach problems and prevent migraines.” – Julie Potter, Emporia State University

In addition to the properties outlined previously, gemstones were often selected based upon the qualities associated with their colour. For instance, emeralds were worn by women who wished to conceive because of green symbolized fertility and life. Rubies, on the other hand, were associated with wealth and power, making them a popular choice to adorn the crowns of ancient royalty.

Part III

 The Best Gemstones for Investment

Now that you have gained an appreciation for the history of gemstones and the methods used to authenticate them, you may wonder which gemstones are ideal from an investment standpoint. While there is no magic formula to apply when investing in precious gems, you should always consider a gem’s aesthetics, its durability, and its scarcity. Gems that are brilliant, highly durable, and rare typically yield the highest return on investment.

Diamonds Versus Coloured Gemstones

“Historical values of colored gemstones suggest an exponential increase in value. While diamonds have been marketed well and have become a well-known investment proposition, colored gemstones are relatively lesser-known but pack in more punch than the sparkly diamonds, their gravity-defying per carat sale values overshooting diamonds by several notches.” – Abhijita Kulshreshtha, Gemstone Advisor

While the media and leaders in the entertainment industry frequently portray diamonds as the stone of choice for investors, it is actually the coloured gemstones that frequently provide a higher return on investment. Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are all good options for potential investors. Jade and alexandrite also yield an impressive ROI.

Certification of Gemstones Purchased Online

As you compare online jewellery stores, make sure that you enquire about the certification process. Request confirmation that your purchase will be accompanied by an official certificate. More importantly, make sure the certificate was issued by a reputable agency. Beware of companies that reference a “certificate” but refuse to validate the issuer.

Part V

How To Tell If The Gem Certification
Is Real or Fake

The gemstone industry is officially booming. With a global market value that exceeds $23 billion, it seems that everyone is climbing aboard the fine gem train. While this news is exciting for sellers and buyers alike, there is a darker side of the gemstone industry of which all sellers and buyers should be aware: fake gem certification.

The good news is that there are some simple steps buyers can take to avoid falling prey to fake gem certification. By doing your homework and knowing the telltale signs of fake gem certification, you can narrow the thousands of online gem sellers to the stores with a proven track record of success delivering precious gems to buyers. Here are five steps to follow to help ensure that you choose a trusted, reputable online provider:

Step One: Look for sellers with an official company address and office phone

In today’s digital age, virtually anyone can create a website that features images of gorgeous gems. In order to separate the legitimate online companies from the fraudulent ones, look for businesses that feature their complete business address and office telephone number in a highly visible location on their website. Be sure to verify the location using Google or another valid means of confirming business locations.

Step Two: Purchase the stone from someone with decades of experience in the gemstone industry

There is no substitute for experience in the gemstone industry. A seasoned specialist can often quickly detect fraudulent certifications and fake gems that may appear to be legitimate to the inexperienced buyer. Family-owned businesses and those that have prospered for multiple generations are often good choices.

Step Three: Know a few tricks of the trade for popular gems

Knowing a few insider secrets can help protect you from gemstone fraud. As you review gem options, look for signs that you are considering an authentic gem. Remember that tricks of the trade vary according to gem type, and a strategy that works well for one type of gem may prove to be useless with another type of stone. 

Below are some tips for separating real gems from fake ones:

• Diamonds: Authentic diamonds are able to cut glass with ease while fake diamonds cannot.
• Rubies: Real rubies are revered for their bright red colour and strength. Imitations are more dull in appearance and are apt to show scratches.
• Sapphires: Authentic sapphires do not reflect any other colours if they are moved under the light. Real sapphires are also a deeper colour blue.
• All Gems: Real gems have a stunning appearance but are not without imperfections. Fake gems, on the other hand, often “look perfect.”  

Step Four: Request a list of references and contact them

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to ask for a list of references. If possible, ask for names and contact details of customers in your city or state who have placed orders previously. Then contact each person on the list and ask to view photos or see the gems in person if you live in the same city. Finally, follow up by taking some time to check out online reviews submitted by verified buyers.

Step Five: Select sellers that ship with FedEx or Malca-Amit

 The world’s top online providers of fine gems use the world’s top shipping providers to ensure that customers receive their gems safely and securely. Companies that use FedEx or luxury merchandise shippers such as Malca-Amit are typically committed to providing a safe, secure purchasing process.

Remember to carefully inspect your purchase immediately upon receipt. Even the most reputable fine gem providers in the world are not immune to mistakes. By following the steps above, you can help ensure that you are delighted with your purchase.