Like many major purchases, there are some important tips to keep in mind when you decide to buy. For greater confidence in your purchase, here are some steps you can take to further ensure the credibility of your piece.
1. Buy from reputable jewelry retailer, designer, or auction house
2. Request a third party diamond or gemstone report or certificate that explicitly declares a stone's quality, color or cut. This becomes even more important for colored stones which are commonly treated to enhance color, clarity and overall quality. See the list below for organizations which provide this service.
3. Buy because you love it, not because you want a return on your investment in the future. Even with the data we have that gems and diamond increase in price over time, there are no hard guarantees.
4. Consider auction houses for rare gems and contemporary designers in addition to their traditional staple of estate jewelry. Note: If a stone is not described as natural in the catalog, it is likely that it has been heat or laser treated or oiled to enhance its color and quality. This is common practice for rubies, emeralds and sapphires, but a treated stone will not command as high a price as a natural stone.
5. Get the help of a respectable jewelry consultant to help locate rare stones or antique jewelry or hard-to-find pieces from designers who don't sell through typical retail channels (generally they sell through by-appointment basis).
6. Once you do make a purchase, insure your piece. Buy adequate insurance to protect your newly acquired asset.
Several industry organizations grade and value diamonds, gemstones and pearls:
1. Gemological Institute of America
http://www.gia.edu/ 2. Gubelin Gemological Laboratory
http://www.gubelinlab.com/ 3. American Gem Trade Association
http://www.agta.org/ 4. International Gemological Institute
http://www.igiworldwide.com/ 5. American Gem Society
http://www.americangemsociety.org/ Source:
http://www.robbreport.com/