Learning curve with colored stones.

[beaujolais]

Does everyone go through this?

Being that we are not born knowledge on colored stones, you start to learn about them, buy some that you think are good and might even be from a very good vendor (who says it's a good/great stone, too) - then eventually you end up getting another (or a few) of the same variety and you find out what you thought was a good stone, of the right saturation, color, cut, etc. - is really not.

Tx.

 

[Edward Bristol]

Sure, everybody does. I did, years ago.

And still, today, I sometimes run into something that is way better than anything I seen before.

There is no final word here, ever. That’s why Dorian Gray’s only lifelong passion was in gemstones.

 

[Enerchi]

I purchased a few stones on line thinking they were 'the ones'... and (shocking, I know....) they were not! I've made several mistakes on eBay with vendors that I've since learned, are showing photoshopped pics. I've bought items that have windows you need a set of drapes for! But then a few things kind of kicked in and the most recent items I've purchased have been MUCH better!

Mistakes are just life's way of teaching you a lesson, you wouldn't have learned otherwise.... I chalk up my mistakes to my learning curve and think of them as pretty stones, nothing more than that. And being eBay--- I really wasn't out a whole lot, in the grand scheme of things.

Where I've had my best successes have been on the stones I got from gemfix.com but I haven't purchased "good" stones from anyone else yet. LOL - "YET" I regularly cruise the recommended CS sites... and drool. I have champagne tastes and a beer budget, at the moment... hoping that changes!

 

[marymm]

Does everyone go through this?

Being that we are not born knowledge on colored stones, you start to learn about them, buy some that you think are good and might even be from a very good vendor (who says it's a good/great stone, too) - then eventually you end up getting another (or a few) of the same variety and you find out what you thought was a good stone, of the right saturation, color, cut, etc. - is really not.

Tx.

Definitely there is a learning curve - as with everything in life, yes? And some of the learning has to do with recognizing windows, or extinction, or inclusions that affect structural integrity of the stone, or stone cuts that emphasize carat weight rather than beautiful proportions - but some of the learning is that which impacts your personal taste or preference... so some "good" stones you bought previously may well still be "good" stones but now, today, you prefer a lighter/darker color or more/less saturation or a higher crown. And some "good" stones are still "good" stones because they fairly represent the stone variety and a fair price was paid (in my opinion).

 

[maebelle]

There is no final word here, ever. That’s why Dorian Gray’s only lifelong passion was in gemstones.

I haven't read Dorian Gray since high school and don't remember this. I'm going to have to re-read now that I know he's a fellow Gem Nut

 

[Upgradable]

That learning curve is one of the great reasons for Pricescope, especially this forum!! I have learned the most by either asking here, or specifically putting stones up and getting opinions. I have found very few "scooping" of potential stones (someone seeing you posting them, and they scoop in to get them before you've made a decision).

My hardest lesson was learning to recognize secondary hues in stones, especially gray or brown. Gotta give TL props on that, though I have thrown my hands up once or twice asking myself "what was wrong with that one?"

Now that I feel relatively confident (not for an expert, but for an informed consumer), I can decide to throw the rule book out the window (not that kind ) when I've really fallen in love with something.

You'll get there! Just continue to hold hands with the CS homies!!

 

[T L]

There is no final word here, ever. That’s why Dorian Gray’s only lifelong passion was in gemstones.

I haven't read Dorian Gray since high school and don't remember this. I'm going to have to re-read now that I know he's a fellow Gem Nut

I read it too, and I don't remember that in the novel, but it's been a while. Well, like Dorian, gems don't get old and ugly, and stay young forever (maybe with a little polishing)

 

[T L]

Does everyone go through this?

Being that we are not born knowledge on colored stones, you start to learn about them, buy some that you think are good and might even be from a very good vendor (who says it's a good/great stone, too) - then eventually you end up getting another (or a few) of the same variety and you find out what you thought was a good stone, of the right saturation, color, cut, etc. - is really not.

Tx.

Yes!! I went through that several times in my collecting career. That's why it's a good idea to browse gem shows because you see a lot of variety there. However, not everyone can afford top color, so as long as you love what you have, and paid a fair price, that's what's important. When you view top color, it is still important to have realistic expectations for your budget.

 

[Kim Bruun]

Does everyone go through this?

Yes, I would imagine so. Especially if gem collecting is a hobby where you are basically self-taught. Attending gem fairs (a great way to see and compare several examples of the same stone with your own eyes) and having access to literature is helpful... But I've certainly made my share of purchases that did more for my knowledge than for my collection.

Some stones I wish I would have bought a tad larger, even though I am happy with the quality of the material and the workmanship - but I know that this was a financial restriction at the time.

Others, well... I have a sapphire of the most lovely pink colour, but if I had understood the what windowing was at the time, I wouldn't have purchased it.

I have said this before: If gem collecting is a passion for you, I think it is important to not beat yourself over the head with your mistakes - learn from them instead.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks all, very much. OK, now I don't feel so bad.

Say, do you sell off your lesser ones?

Also, how do you store them?

I've got them, mostly, in gem jars (taped shut), brief info on the bottom of the jar about the stone, then in a plastic bag and I print out the page or information about it and keep it in a file. Also, I put the information in a computer file. If you have other/better ways, please tell me.

One day I want to get a microscope; I LOVE inclusions. There is a part of my collection that is cheaper stones with great inclusions. I just got a very windowed tourmaline that has really cool brownish (copper?) needles in it. The window in that one shows off the inclusions.

Thanks Ed. I'm always thrilled for your expert opinions. I truly admire you. (And you have some really neat star sapphires and the blue sapphire I linked the other day over there at WF. )

You'll get there! Just continue to hold hands with the CS homies!!

I do Uppy, and I can't thank you all enough. Sometimes I don't post that much, as life gets crazy busy (busy job & child) but I always look in. Thanks tons, all.

 

[beaujolais]

However, not everyone can afford top color.

Oh, yes, that's me. Sometimes I've found good color in a tiny or included or poorly cut stone and I'm ok with that. Maybe I've not needed to buy $$$$$ stones as I've not been that exposed to them and have therefore not developed that taste.

 

[Lee Little]

The curve never ends. Always more to learn. Have fun, Lee

 

[chrono]

Definitely and that curve continues towards infinity.

I sell off stones that I've outgrown or regift them. There's always a home for them as everyone has different tastes and budgets. There's no shame in buying a less than ideal coloured gemstone. As mentioned earlier, not everyone likes the same thing. What's important is not overpaying for the quality.

I keep them in their little plastic cases with a little tape underneath listing the ct weight and gem type. I keep the receipt nearby which should match up (with the original price, origin, measurement and etc). I have a folder with all the receipts and lab memos.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks Chrono, Kim, Lee !

OK, so we file/store them similarly, Chrono. The times I've given them "less loved" ones to people, they seemed thrilled. I believe I have made a few more gem lovers this way, it seems.

I think I'm going to start getting some set in silver (meaning ordinary silver) just to get some of them out and going. I can't afford to put everything in gold.

Thanks all.