IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
