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The beauty, spiritual or investment value of gemstones has been an attraction to buyers throughout centuries. However, in the digital era, there are more challenges associated with the process of buying gemstones over the internet. Although the internet has been convenient and provided an opportunity to the global market, it has also come with fraud, misrepresentation and duplication of products. So, Is it safe to buy gemstones online?
Yes, it is, but only if you follow some measures and beware of gemstone fraud, you can buy emerald, ruby, blue sapphire or any other stone online.
This is a buyers protection guide that will guide you safely and confidently when you are planning to buy gemstones online. We will discuss the most frequent scams and the most appropriate practices to defend oneself.
Gemstone fraud over the internet may be of various types. The following are some of the most common frauds:
Unscrupulous traders can also present artificial or man-made stones as natural gemstones. Synthetic stones are much cheaper than the natural ones and must have a label.
Other vendors offer counterfeit or irrelevant certificates to show the genuineness of their gemstones. Such papers can be from unknown laboratories or can be totally fake.
You can cross-check your lab certificate from renowned labs by visiting their website. Here is the complete process: How To Verify Your Gemological Report?
One such trick is to artificially hype the price by saying it was rare or potent in astrological terms. Consumers who are not aware of market prices can pay a lot more than the actual price of the stone. So, take note of the market trend, which gem is on the rise and which is not.
Ruby stone is on the rise these days but why, what makes a particular gemstone more expensive than others?
You can read it here - Gemstone Industry & Market Trends
Gemstones are usually and frequently treated to improve color or clarity. Although this is okay when the information is disclosed, the fraudulent sellers can conceal such treatments so as to sell the stone at a higher price as untreated. Check the gemstone lab certificate for it; it mentions the treatments done on the gem.
The stone posted online in certain instances is not the one that was delivered. Customers are given a lower quality or a completely different stone than the one advertised. So, make sure you buy from a reputable seller, and you can also check the dimensions and weight of the stone once you receive it to check that they are the same ones as of the one you ordered.
Careful selection of known and reviewed sellers should be made. Find companies that have offline stores too, have clear policies, and have records of happy customers. Look at reviews on other sites, not just customer remarks on their site. Like Navratan, the online gem bazaar, visit now.
Make sure that the gemstone is accompanied by a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory like GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute), Gubelin, or GRS (GemResearch Swisslab). Check the certificate number on the official website of the lab if possible.
Request complete information regarding the source of the gemstone and also any kind of treatment that it has received. It should be well mentioned whether it is used by heat treatment, irradiation, or dyeing. Raw stones are more valuable and harder to find, and only in the real sense.
Also, request pictures and videos of the real stone before buying. Check the above clarity, colour consistency and inclusions specially of precious stones in which inclusions are common like emerald stone. A 360 video can assist you in testing the brilliance and cut of the stone.
An honest seller will provide a clear return and refund policy. This ensures you against the possibility that the stone is not what it claims to be or even what its certificate says. Do not deal with sellers who do not have a return policy or give ambiguous terms.
You should always make use of secure and traceable means of payment, such as credit cards or trusted payment gateways. Never use wire transfer or direct bank deposit unless you are dealing with someone whom you know.
When you are buying expensive jewellery, you should also consult with a gemologist. They will assist you to determine the authenticity and worth of the stone.
Further reading - How to check if a gemstone is real or fake?
The following are some of the red flags that should be suspected:
Gemstones are mostly bought in India and other regions of the world to be used astrologically. Such a niche is especially susceptible to fraud since sellers can use spiritual beliefs to sell overpriced or counterfeit stones. When you are purchasing because of astrological reasons:
Stones containing apparent cracks or inclusions should also be avoided, as they might decrease their effectiveness.
More to read - Importance of Gemstones in Astrology
It does not necessarily mean that buying gemstones online is a dangerous affair, provided that one is well informed and cautious, you can get the real gem at the best prices. Learning how to identify the anatomy of a scam and taking proactive measures will enable you to appreciate the beauty and benefits of the true gemstones without falling victim to corruption.
It is important to keep in mind that a gemstone is not a simple purchase, but an investment in beauty, energy and legacy. You must treat it accordingly, and you will be rewarded in the long run.
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