- Should you buy a Gemstone with or without Inclusions?
It is common for people to consider cracks or scratches in a gemstone as flaws. In truth, these are not flaws but are technically called inclusions or feathers. These inclusions help in identifying a gemstone and many a time helps in tracing the mining origin.
These inclusions are like the grains on wood or patterns on marble or granite which are a part of its inherent nature and not flaws or defects. Yes, while a clean stone may appear attractive, it may still have inclusions under a magnifying lens and of course, it comes with a higher price tag.
Nevertheless, inclusions are not flaws.
- What is the difference between Natural, Treated, Imitation & Synthetic Stones?
Any stone mined and then cut & polished into a finished stone is Natural which is usually more expensive. It is ideal for a wearer who is looking out for astrological and aesthetic benefits.
There are many processes available to artificially enhance the properties like color, transparency, etc and such stones are called treated stones. Since treated stones are also real, it is ideal for jewelry where the importance is placed on appearance and compromised cost.
Imitations are artificial and have no astrological value. They are typically less expensive than even treated stones. Imitations are look-alikes of natural stones, but with different chemical & physical properties.
However, Synthetics also called Simulants are created artificially in a lab by replicating the natural process of formation of a gemstone in the earth. Therefore, a stone thus produced will have all the properties of a natural gemstone and it is very hard to distinguish from a stone mined from the earth. A perfect example would be CVD (Chemically Vapour Deposited) Diamonds which are produced in a Lab.
- What is the right price for a Gemstone?
Determining the exact price of a Gemstone is indeed very difficult. The gemstone pricing structure is very complex because of too many variables that go into it.
Colour is one of the most important factors which determines the price – usually darker the color, more expensive is the stone. There are many more variables like Clarity, Cut, Size, and Origin.
Clarity depends on the Inclusions. Lower the inclusions, the higher the clarity and hence more the transparency, which makes the stone pricier.
The quality of Cut is a result of human skill which adds to the luster of the Gemstone.
Size or the Carat Weight is another variable that makes a huge impact on the price. Generally, smaller stones are available more in abundance than larger stones. Therefore, within a gemstone lot of a particular quality, the price of the bigger stone can be exponentially higher than a smaller stone.
Finally, Origin too plays an important role in the pricing as some gemstones of some particular origins are very popular like Burmese Rubies, Srilankan Sapphires, Columbian Emeralds, etc.
- Did you check for alternatives before buying a particular Gemstone?
If the Gemstone you’re looking for is expensive and beyond your budget, do not be disappointed because for every stone there are alternatives.
If you are buying a stone for its physical characteristics like color, you can opt for another with a similar color. For instance, you can buy Iolites or Kyanites instead of a Blue Sapphire. Similarly, you can replace Yellow Sapphires or Yellow Topaz with Citrine and so on.
However, if you’re buying for an astrological purpose, you can compromise either on the size or the quality. For example, instead of a 3-carat top-quality Columbian Emerald, you can opt for a 1.5 carat Zambian Emerald. Here, we do not substitute with a different stone but with the same stone of different specifications. It is a popular misconception that higher quality and bigger stones give more favorable results. It is important to note that the quality and the size of the stone has no role in the outcome of astrological benefits.
All stones irrespective of their quality and size give you the same results as long as you’re wearing the right one.
- For astrological and zodiac stones, should you consult an Astrologer or a Gemstone dealer?
It is a common dilemma faced by many whether you should consult an astrologer or approach a gemstone dealer directly.
An astrologer with his knowledge of horoscope, zodiac sign, numerology is well-placed to suggest gemstones that can offer the best solutions to the wearer.
However, a gemologist or a gemstone dealer is an expert on technical aspects like chemical and physical properties which are critical in identifying and distinguishing gemstones from real and fake or between natural and treated.
To draw an analogy, an astrologer is like a doctor who diagnoses and prescribes, while a gemstone dealer is like a pharmacist who provides as per the prescription. So in reality they complement each other.
- What type of Setting should you prefer for maximum benefit?
For best results, one should go for an open setting of gemstones where there is no metal – gold or silver below a stone, thus leaving a gap by securing the stone on the periphery with prongs or other methods. This will allow the sun’s rays to pass through the stone and then impinge on our body which is believed to be essential to get the desired results. However, there are exceptions when the stone is opaque where water is believed to be the transmitter.
There is also a common misconception that a stone has to be in physical contact with the body to derive the benefits. However. this is not advisable as in almost all transparent stones the sharp facets can cause injury to the wearer.
It is more important to leave it open at the bottom for the sun’s rays to pass through than having physical contact to get the desired results.
- How to trust a Gemstone dealer?
Try to check with a few clients about their experience while purchasing a gemstone as there is no better substitute than word-to-mouth referrals. Check for the competence, integrity, and reputation of the seller before making your decision.
You could also check online reviews on many platforms like Google or other Social Media. You need to be especially beware of websites that sell gemstones online since customer support and follow-up are very difficult. Last but not the least, whenever a gemstone is claimed to be of top quality and if quoted at ridiculously low prices, you should be more skeptical in closing such deals.
Remember quality always comes at a price.
