CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
Brought to you by
How To Buy Colored Gemstones
Give your customers the full gemstone buying experience by using the 6C's.
Brought To You By Gemfields
The process of purchasing a colored gemstone – be it a ruby or emerald – is a complex one, with multiple factors to consider. Thankfully, these have been distilled into the famous "6 C's", a handy catch-all that all prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with. Most of these are fairly tangible – for instance, color, cut, carat, clarity and certification – but the sixth, and arguably most important, of the Cs – character – is purely instinct-driven.
And herein lies the magic.
Character & Inclusion
Emeralds and rubies are miraculous quirks of nature, formed in the earth’s crust millions of years ago. Each gem has been, quite literally, carved from Mother Nature and had its own totally unique journey before reaching its final destination: in a beautiful piece of jewelry to be purchased by a lucky consumer. Buyers are advised to do their homework thoroughly by researching any gemstone they may buy and getting to know its journey.
Inclusions are the gemmological term for any material picked up along the way, which give each colored gemstone its character and individuality; they prove that a gem is natural and reassure buyers that no one else will have exactly the same.
These are to be celebrated.
Prospective purchasers should choose the colored gemstone that they are naturally drawn to – not the one they think they "should" buy. This may be a less "perfect" gemstone with more inclusions; in fact, these tiny features might be the very thing that makes a buyer decide it’s "The One."
Color & Clarity
The more tangible buying considerations should also be given weight – literally and figuratively. Some buyers will prize a higher carat gemstone and go for one of substantial size and weight; while others will have a particular cut, say, round-, octagon- or cushion-cut, which they favor. For many, color and clarity will be the most pressing concerns.
Typically, evenness of color and good saturation are traits to look for when buying colored gemstones, as in the absence of color enhancement treatments – these are associated with higher-quality, higher-value gems. To best judge this, it is advisable to view a colored gemstone in natural daylight, as artificial light may make it harder to assess its true color.
Sourcing & Certification
As well as the aesthetic considerations, which are the fun part of choosing a gemstone, there are important boxes to tick in terms of provenance. Knowing a gemstone’s journey is fascinating, but it’s also important from the perspective of certification and sustainability. It is best to always purchase a gemstone from a trusted supplier, who can vouch for where it has come from and provide confirmation that it has been responsibly sourced.
Especially with a higher carat gemstone, it is vital to get certification in writing. Any reputable gemmological laboratory will provide a report disclosing a gemstone’s origins and any treatments it may have received.
Responsible sourcing and sustainability are increasingly uppermost in consumers’ minds, and there are, therefore, no shortage of experts – from in-house jewelry experts, to industry bodies – on hand to help. Buyers are strongly encouraged to utilize these resources and really do their homework before deciding on a gemstone to buy.
Ascribed otherworldly qualities since ancient times, both emeralds and rubies have long been revered. Emeralds are associated with peace, fertility and renewal and were favoured by the likes of Cleopatra, while rubies are through to represent passion, prosperity and protection and were worn by ancient warriors heading into battle.
These are no ordinary purchases, and the importance of taking in the full range of buying considerations cannot be overestimated!
Learn more about Gemfields, a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced colored gemstones.
Learn more about Gemfields, a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced colored gemstones.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
