The Scoop
Tips On Buying Quality Gems For a Decent Price
We have been in the gem business for 20 years. We have nearly done it all. We did weekend shows for 10 years. I traveled extensively overseas. I visited 15 foreign Countries including most of the major gem centers of the world. I have this active website, and have done internet sales including EBay and other sites for 11 years, so finding a good deal on a quality gem is as important to me as it is to a customer. I have searched the world including various mining locations in the USA. I am willing to share my experiences and help in whatever way I can for people to buy a gem and feel safe and secure with their purchase. I will make this one qualification. I am not addressing the whole issue of buying gems overseas, especially in Thailand, or over the Internet from Thai Dealers. My only suggestion for a novice buyer is not to even consider doing that, and I will explain my reasons for that statement in a forthcoming article entitled, "Ten Reasons Not to Buy a Gem in Bangkok", and I would add from Thai dealers over the Internet. It is risky business to put it mildly, so we highly recommend buying American, and here are some key tips on how to do it.
1. Do some self education. Read. Study, and do research. People find out all kinds of information before they make a purchase of a car, or a home. Why not do the same thing when considering a gem investment. The world of gems is definitely complicated and at times confusing, but don't let those factors stop you. Do some self education. It is definitely worth your time to do it.
2. Get to know your Gem Dealer. I cannot stress how important this is. If something doesn't feel right about a certain dealer then are always others. Gems and minerals are highly prized and there will always be lots of sellers. Be patient, and take your time. Get to know your dealer. Don't be afraid to ask questions of them. How long have they been in business? Where do they live? What is their experience level? These are important factors in getting to know and trust a seller.
3. When you find a trusted dealer if at all possible stick with him/her. Why? It is simple. Sellers love loyal repeat buyers and almost always will knock themselves out to keep your business by making you good buys that you would virtually never get by hopping from dealer to dealer. I personally will bend over backwards to keep a customer, and definitely will find ways to reward their loyalty.
4. If you are looking for a high quality, unique, or rare gem then don't expect to get buy it for nothing. Most gems are not flawless. Many are not well faceted, and others are common, but super quality gems can carry a hefty price tag, so be wary if something sounds to good to be true. It probably is. Don't be afraid to buy quality. Quality gems retain and gain in value.
5. Always examine closely the return policy of your dealer. Look carefully for re-stocking fees. Ask how long you have to return an item. Trusted dealers are usually generous on these issues. If there is NO Return Policy then I would suggest that dealer is one to avoid. Honest dealers with quality product don't fear good policy. They welcome it, because they want their customers to be completely satisfied. We feature Oregon Sunstones which we consider to be the most beautiful gem on earth. To guarantee the Oregon Sunstone is an honor.
I would conclude with a comment about the internet. It has provided great opporunities by allowing a buyer access to gem dealers otherwise unknown to them. Gems of virtually every type are now a key stroke away, but at the same time the Internet has become a Tsunami of anything and everything. There are wonderful buys from countless honest sellers who treat buyers right. On the other hand there is FRAUD. It happens every day, especially when buying from a dealer from Thailand for example who can't speak English and sells faceted red tail light glass as a Burmese Ruby, and shockingly it's not that hard to do. They simply obtain a picture of a beautiful real Ruby and say it's Burmese. They then put a low price on it, and somebody will fall for it, and what are you going to do when you discover that your Ruby is a piece of red glass? Unfornately the answer is nothing. American laws don't apply over there so a buyer simply gets taken. It happens every day. Maybe every minute of every day. HOWEVER, that does NOT mean that a buyer cannot make GREAT purchases on the Internet if they use some common sense, and ahere as closely as possible to the 5 buying suggestions we have made. Please feel free to E-Mail us if you have questions concerning the wonderful world of gems and minerals. Even if your question does not involve a purchase from us we are always happy to provide positive suggestions to any inquiry.
If you wish to COMMENT on this, or any of our articles feel free to E-Mail those to us at sales@gemsnjewelry.com With your permission we enjoy posting a portion, or all of your comments.
Jim Stewart
Gemstones Of Montana
DBA: gemsnjewelry.com
Email: sales@gemsnjewelry.com