New to coloured gemstone buying? Read this first!

[matt_k]

@matt_k please start a new thread if you have questions and want the advice of other PSers.

Thanks! Will do.

 

[dklaus2284]

I tried the link for the Swiss gem lab and it seems to be corrupted? It didn’t take me to where i thought it would take me.

 

[Newb2U]

Ya itsa **** site...do..not..click
I think this whole post is bait for that link.

It's for illicit pictures

 

[pokerface]

I think it would sense to update this info to include the fact that many sellers advertise treated gems as "natural" as to distinguish from synthetic, but natural in and of itself does not mean UNTREATED. A "natural" glass-filled ruby or irradiated sapphire is not worth much. I still see even seasoned PS-ers overpaying for "natural" stones when the proper questions haven't been asked/answered. IMO this is the most important piece of info people should know before making a colored gem purchase, and should be at the top of this sticky note.

 

[Anawaugh]

Great Post.Keep it up!

 

[m mirzadeh]

Hi all,

Please advise me about the price of this diamond

Cut: modified kite step

10.20 carat

Fancy Brown-Yellow, Even

Clarity: i2

GIA Report Number: 534394669

 

[LD]

Hi all,

Please advise me about the price of this diamond

Cut: modified kite step

10.20 carat

Fancy Brown-Yellow, Even

Clarity: i2

GIA Report Number: 534394669

Please start your own thread.

 

[LD]

I think it would sense to update this info to include the fact that many sellers advertise treated gems as "natural" as to distinguish from synthetic, but natural in and of itself does not mean UNTREATED. A "natural" glass-filled ruby or irradiated sapphire is not worth much. I still see even seasoned PS-ers overpaying for "natural" stones when the proper questions haven't been asked/answered. IMO this is the most important piece of info people should know before making a colored gem purchase, and should be at the top of this sticky note.

It’s already there. Look under the section about treatments. It says to ask all the questions but then to verify via a lab.

 

[pokerface]

It’s already there. Look under the section about treatments. It says to ask all the questions but then to verify via a lab.

Respectfully, I did read it. That's why I commented. I understand the distinction between natural vs natural AND untreated, but it's not spelled out that clearly here absent my supplement. There is an assumption among many people that natural means untreated, when unfortunately, most of the time, it does not. Sellers are purposefully using language in order to deceive unknowing customers. There are plenty of times when a lab report isn't worth it, but it's always worth it to ask if a "natural" gem is also untreated. Using the word "natural" to describe a highly treated gem is a relatively new practice meriting attention.

 

[cynoulet]

Thanks for this informative thread! Really helps a newbie like me take the plunge

 

[dk168]

Following the recent discussions on what constitutes to "eye clean" in Sapphire, perhaps this thread could be updated with more information on this subject matter.

DK

 

[adjidji17]

Thank you for taking the time to write this all out - so many of a newcomers questions will be answered if they read this. I assume it will become a pinned thread. Thank you so much!

 

[worljewels]

Awesome post! Super helpful for anyone getting into colored stones.