|
Tips on
Shopping for Jewelry
Author: Shelia Foster
Diamonds are
the only gem stones that have standards of quality so you want to pay
close attention to these standards when you are buying diamonds. As
for as other gems go, it is up to you and the jeweler to decide their
value. The are quite a few gems that are being synthesized now and
you should learn which ones are and how to recognize them. Rubies for
instance will have a “tagant” in them that is visible when
the synthesized stone is held under ultraviolet light.
If there are
any terms or words that you do not understand when the jeweler is
talking to you, don't be shy about stopping and asking him or her to
explain what they mean. If you feel that the jeweler or salesman is
being less than forthcommig or at all deceitful, leave and find
someone else to do business with. If you are buying expensive stones
then you will want to get a GIA certificate and take your time when
you are shopping.
There are many
types of stones that look similar, so be aware of what they are. For
instance yellow quarts and citrine are often mistaken for yellow
topaz and rhodolite and grossular garnets are much rarer then red
garnets but they can look the same to the untrained eye. If the deal
looks to good to be true then it most likely is, so never jump at a
hasty deal the requires that you pay quickly or sight unseen.
Also, remember
that the type of lighting can and will effect the color of a
gemstone. The best way to see a gemstone is in normal out door
lighting. Of course, no jeweler is going to let you walk out the door
with a fine piece of jewelry,
so they should have decent lighting for you to examine the gemstone with. |
