Buying colored gemstones on Ebay. Safe?

[HC47]

Ok sorry to bombard the forum with questions but this is something I couldn’t really find in a google search.

Does anyone here purchase gems on ebay? I see some that look really nice. One seller has good feedback, 100%, and has apparently been doing business on ebay a long time. Good images, good video. I find it a bit strange that most of their gems including pink zircons are no treatment but I guess it’s not too far fetched. Another seller I believe is a well known dealer for beautiful spinels.

I am interested to hear anyone’s opinion. Thanks!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I'm answering your tourmaline hardness question here since you started a new thread. If you are prone to knocking your rings and this will be a replacement engagement stone then you might want to look into spinels, you can get really pretty silver and pinks and they are harder than tourmaline. Just a suggestion, if you are set on tourmaline you could put it in a bezel setting so it's more protected.

 

[HC47]

I should add that I have read several of the old threads but they are pretty old. Mostly common sense but, the seller has excellent feeback, very good images, video in which the stone looks the same. Prices vary from very cheap to pretty high. This is a “make an offer” buy it now format. It’s such a gorgeous gemstone. Reviews seem legit. But still, what else could it be? Glass? I haven't any way of verifying it as it will be sent to a relative in the States. Maybe it’s better to leave it alone?

 

[HC47]

I'm answering your tourmaline hardness question here since you started a new thread. If you are prone to knocking your rings and this will be a replacement engagement stone then you might want to look into spinels, you can get really pretty silver and pinks and they are harder than tourmaline. Just a suggestion, if you are set on tourmaline you could put it in a bezel setting so it's more protected.

Thanks so much for answering. Yes I definitely have an eye out for a spinel or sapphire. I never, ever take my ring off. I wear it every day. I am probably too hard on it doing dishes etc. A tourmaline might not be a good fit as Lovely as they are, I’m pretty hard on my ring....

The stone that’s in there now is a CZ so I’ve never really had to worry about it

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I can't really help on the EBay question because I didn't buy any stones from there. Have you seen the two stones from JuliaB on Etsy? She has a pink tourmaline and a blue/silver spinel:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuliaBJewelry?section_id=14594008

I've worked with her before and she is great.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Sorry, I just realized you are looking for asscher cut!

 

[Gemobsessed]

Thanks so much for answering. Yes I definitely have an eye out for a spinel or sapphire. I never, ever take my ring off. I wear it every day. I am probably too hard on it doing dishes etc. A tourmaline might not be a good fit as Lovely as they are, I’m pretty hard on my ring....

The stone that’s in there now is a CZ so I’ve never really had to worry about it

Im not sure you should put a spinel or sapphire in it either for something like doing the dishes. Even diamonds can break actually if there is a hard clash with something! With CZ I get it, but I would really suggest breaking the habit if you get any coloured stone. Most of them are very hard to replace if something happens. They are all so unique

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Gemobsessed makes a valid point, I used to always wear my diamond ring no matter what I was doing but now I have a greater respect for my jewelry so my sapphire rings come off when I do the dishes, they do get worn all night though which is a big no no for some.

 

[Gemobsessed]

We never answered your question on eBay. Well I’ve bought lovely stuff off eBay in the past for very little. Like these blue zircons for Just 30 dollars and they just GLOW! This photo is taken practically in the dark. So you can get great deals! But the 100 percent positive reviews thing I don’t really believe

 

[qubitasaurus]

Have you tried looking them up on toolhaus.org? Also what is their return policy like? I would be very wary of sapphires coming from unknown ebay vendors without lab reports. I would want some form of cross checking, such as a local lab which could verify the level of treatment.

 

[arkieb1]

I'd recommend Jeff Davies for gorgeous precision cut Asschers and Asscher shaped radiants he can custom cut whatever you like;

http://stores.ebay.com/finegemstonesandjewelry?rmvSB=true

I'd also recommend something hardier than a tourmaline for every day wear too.

 

[Bron357]

eBay can be an excellent place to shop. I’ve been happily and successfully buying there for 12 years now.
1. Read the description carefully and thoroughly. Check that any photos are actual item and not just an Example photo”
2. Check feedback. Not just the number (over 100) and percentage (99% is fine, all sellers get a whiner from time to time) and that the items happily received by other buyers are similiar to what you are buying.
3. Check the return policy - some will accept returns (shipping is still at your expense though) if you aren’t happy.
4. Ask the seller any questions, seek clarification etc before you buy. A good seller is happy to clarify or supply extra photos.
5. Where is it coming from ? International shipping can take 2 or more weeks, even slower over this holiday period.
6. Willl I have to pay any extra customs or taxes? Depending where you live and where the item is coming from, you may be required to pay additional $$ for taxes or customs. These are not eBay fees or the sellers fees and you, as the buyer, need to check this before you buy so there isn’t a nasty $$ surprise before you can accept your delivery.
7. And it goes without saying, all messaging through eBay not private, payment via PayPal through eBay (not private or family / friends) unless you are physically collecting your item from the seller at which time cash is the normal payment method.
It’s a great and safe place and to shop with just a little care and knowledge.

 

[Tolex]

eBay can be an excellent place to shop. I’ve been happily and successfully buying there for 12 years now.
1. Read the description carefully and thoroughly. Check that any photos are actual item and not just an Example photo”
2. Check feedback. Not just the number (over 100) and percentage (99% is fine, all sellers get a whiner from time to time) and that the items happily received by other buyers are similiar to what you are buying.
3. Check the return policy - some will accept returns (shipping is still at your expense though) if you aren’t happy.
4. Ask the seller any questions, seek clarification etc before you buy. A good seller is happy to clarify or supply extra photos.
5. Where is it coming from ? International shipping can take 2 or more weeks, even slower over this holiday period.
6. Willl I have to pay any extra customs or taxes? Depending where you live and where the item is coming from, you may be required to pay additional $$ for taxes or customs. These are not eBay fees or the sellers fees and you, as the buyer, need to check this before you buy so there isn’t a nasty $$ surprise before you can accept your delivery.
7. And it goes without saying, all messaging through eBay not private, payment via PayPal through eBay (not private or family / friends) unless you are physically collecting your item from the seller at which time cash is the normal payment method.
It’s a great and safe place and to shop with just a little care and knowledge.

Hi Bron357, kindly suggest some trusted ebay store that you think can be deal with

 

[FinleysMom]

I purchased an Emerald ring on Ebay about 7 years ago. I wanted to commemorate my mothers' passing ( her birthstone). I Paid $129.00 for the ring. I did not expect it to be any great shakes but I was choosing based upon looks and price. Was I I thrilled when I opened the package! The emerald cut center stone was gorgeous! I just stared at this ring! I get compliments from jewelers everytime I am poking around stores. One jeweler pulled out his loupe and spent some time with looking at the ring. (He never left the counter with it). I usually giggle when a jewler wants to see it or at least comments on it. No, I have not had my $129.00 emerald ring appraised....I just enjoy it.

FinleysMom

 

[HC47]

Sorry, I just realized you are looking for asscher cut!

No worries! Thank you, because I do love that grey spinel and have had my eye on it

 

[HC47]

Im not sure you should put a spinel or sapphire in it either for something like doing the dishes. Even diamonds can break actually if there is a hard clash with something! With CZ I get it, but I would really suggest breaking the habit if you get any coloured stone. Most of them are very hard to replace if something happens. They are all so unique

You are absolutely right. I totally plan on breaking myself of the habit. My only fear is of misplacing it... which I have already done once when I hid it. Apparently from myself.

 

[HC47]

We never answered your question on eBay. Well I’ve bought lovely stuff off eBay in the past for very little. Like these blue zircons for Just 30 dollars and they just GLOW! This photo is taken practically in the dark. So you can get great deals! But the 100 percent positive reviews thing I don’t really believe

So those earrings are ammaaazing. I love them. I am appreciating blue zircon more and more...

I find the 100% reviews a bit suspect as well but I read through them and they all looked different but The only thing I could think was that the percentage is for a given time such as only 1 year back.

 

[HC47]

I'd recommend Jeff Davies for gorgeous precision cut Asschers and Asscher shaped radiants he can custom cut whatever you like;

http://stores.ebay.com/finegemstonesandjewelry?rmvSB=true

I'd also recommend something hardier than a tourmaline for every day wear too.

Thank you! I did contact him. He said he had nothing at the moment but to check back.

I had a tourmaline in my high school class ring and always wore it every day. The poor stone paid the price... I learned my lesson

 

[HC47]

eBay can be an excellent place to shop. I’ve been happily and successfully buying there for 12 years now.
1. Read the description carefully and thoroughly. Check that any photos are actual item and not just an Example photo”
2. Check feedback. Not just the number (over 100) and percentage (99% is fine, all sellers get a whiner from time to time) and that the items happily received by other buyers are similiar to what you are buying.
3. Check the return policy - some will accept returns (shipping is still at your expense though) if you aren’t happy.
4. Ask the seller any questions, seek clarification etc before you buy. A good seller is happy to clarify or supply extra photos.
5. Where is it coming from ? International shipping can take 2 or more weeks, even slower over this holiday period.
6. Willl I have to pay any extra customs or taxes? Depending where you live and where the item is coming from, you may be required to pay additional $$ for taxes or customs. These are not eBay fees or the sellers fees and you, as the buyer, need to check this before you buy so there isn’t a nasty $$ surprise before you can accept your delivery.
7. And it goes without saying, all messaging through eBay not private, payment via PayPal through eBay (not private or family / friends) unless you are physically collecting your item from the seller at which time cash is the normal payment method.
It’s a great and safe place and to shop with just a little care and knowledge.

This is very helpful, thank you!!

 

[HC47]

I purchased an Emerald ring on Ebay about 7 years ago. I wanted to commemorate my mothers' passing ( her birthstone). I Paid $129.00 for the ring. I did not expect it to be any great shakes but I was choosing based upon looks and price. Was I I thrilled when I opened the package! The emerald cut center stone was gorgeous! I just stared at this ring! I get compliments from jewelers everytime I am poking around stores. One jeweler pulled out his loupe and spent some time with looking at the ring. (He never left the counter with it). I usually giggle when a jewler wants to see it or at least comments on it. No, I have not had my $129.00 emerald ring appraised....I just enjoy it.

FinleysMom

What a beautiful sentiment. That’s so nice you found something beautiful and are able to just enjoy it...

Would you be concerned if he had left the counter with it?

 

[HC47]

Im not sure you should put a spinel or sapphire in it either for something like doing the dishes. Even diamonds can break actually if there is a hard clash with something! With CZ I get it, but I would really suggest breaking the habit if you get any coloured stone. Most of them are very hard to replace if something happens. They are all so unique

So true. I have even had a small diamond solitaire fall out of a setting but thank goodness I found it. I can’t really afford my dream Asscher diamond though. So I was thinking second best?

 

[arkieb1]

What are you looking for perhaps we can make suggestions....

 

[FinleysMom]

What a beautiful sentiment. That’s so nice you found something beautiful and are able to just enjoy it...

Would you be concerned if he had left the counter with it?

Oh probably not...not even sure why I said it...

Finley

 

[HC47]

What are you looking for perhaps we can make suggestions....

ArkieB. Sorry for the delay! I have a new baby and she’s one of those bionic babies that never sleep. I have still been searching and thinking this search might require a new thread as I have narrowed my search down to sapphires. But buying onlne when you are unsure what you are buying is very intimidating!

Im looking at some beautiful Montana sapphires on earths treasury but also some pink ones on Deliqa. Have not seen a lot about Deliqa online but what I have seen has been positive. Earths treasury seems to be quite popular but the stones seem quite a bit more expensive. Ive been looking at Montana sapphires... unheated of course. Are Montana sapphires typically more than Ceylon??