megeve
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,328
I can't help you with the vendor you mentioned but I can with the 'D Block' (hope I got this right).Date: 6/8/2010 3:45:44 AM
Author:megeve
Also, what does it means 'D Block' in describing tanzanite?
Wow, thanks so much! Now the description makes alot of sense! Cheers!Date: 6/8/2010 6:50:06 AM
Author: mhovingh
I can''t help you with the vendor you mentioned but I can with the ''D Block'' (hope I got this right).
The government of Tanzania has broken down the areas that Tanzanite is mined in the country into blocks. The blocks are simply geographical areas within the country, a total of 4, named Block A/B/C/D.
Block D traditionally has produced some of the best Tanzanite. Good pieces can come from the other blocks but D seems to produce high quality stones more frequently than the other blocks do.
What does that mean to you as a person looking at the stone for purchase? If the stone is real Tanzanite and looks the way you want it to, then the block it came from should be irrelevant. I personally think that ''Block D'' Tanzanite is really just a good label for selling, the history of amazing stones coming from that area provides a great opportunity to them to throw a little extra on the price tag of a lower quality stone. Since it is known by many that some of the best has come from that block, any Tanzanite coming from that area can have the ''Block D'' stamp thrown on it, even if the stone isn''t of the real high quality that some of the stones coming from that area are known for. Knowing your stone came from Block D can be a nice thing (speaks of the quality of the stone to those familiar with it, good for conversation when talking to someone about your stone), just don''t think that only amazing stones come from there, or that you can''t get the same or better quality than the stone you are looking at from the other blocks.
If I am wrong about this, feel free to correct me. I am still learning about all this.![]()
They have quite a number of stones certified by top tier labs like GIA, GRS and AIGS. These give me a sense of comfort if I would buy from them but would still want confirmation about trust and return policy. Ahhh, TL just confirmed its also run by Tan.Date: 6/8/2010 8:39:10 AM
Author: Chrono
Megeve,
I’m not up to date with all the eBay vendors but I think vvs1gems is also run by Tan who runs Odysseygems as well. If so, then you don’t have to worry about returns and refunds. Which lab certified the stones? Not all labs and memos are created equally.
Thanks TL! Its nice to know that Tan is trustworthy, popular and returning stones are not a problem. Can it be that vvs1 has more high end quality stones than Odyssesgem or Gemburionline? I haven''t checked Ody/Gemb sites yet but I was amazed how many stones in vvs1 site have GIA, GRS and AIGS certs!Date: 6/8/2010 9:53:17 AM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Chrono is correct, that store is run by Tan (aka Odysseygem/Gemburionline) so you don''t have much to worry about. He''s very popular. I own several gems from him and returned three, without any problem whatsoever.
You know, it could be that he puts his higher quality gems on that page, someone else thought that too. However, I''ve seen duds on vvs1gem, so who knows. Maybe ask him if there''s a difference.Date: 6/8/2010 1:21:22 PM
Author: megeve
Thanks TL! Its nice to know that Tan is trustworthy, popular and returning stones are not a problem. Can it be that vvs1 has more high end quality stones than Odyssesgem or Gemburionline? I haven''t checked Ody/Gemb sites yet but I was amazed how many stones in vvs1 site have GIA, GRS and AIGS certs!Date: 6/8/2010 9:53:17 AM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Chrono is correct, that store is run by Tan (aka Odysseygem/Gemburionline) so you don''t have much to worry about. He''s very popular. I own several gems from him and returned three, without any problem whatsoever.
BlueSea said:For those who have returned stones to Tan's stores, may I ask about the return procedure? He stated in his website that it has to be Registered Mail with insurance - but how do you package it? Do you put the stone in the box or do you use USPS thick envelope? Do you use "Priority" or even quicker? Also, for international, I think you need to declare the content too - do you say "gem"?
I'm nervous to send it to Asia - but it seems that TL, Chrono and others have done so without trouble - so I just need some tips here![]()