How To Choose A Gemstone on a Limited Budget?

Posted on October 14th, 2025 05:28 PM

Owning a gemstone is not that easy. One looks for many factors. Besides deciding on the trusted gemstone seller, price also remains a considerable point. Of course, you need to check your budget to purchase something.   

Whether it’s the deep blue allure of a blue sapphire stone or the lush green charm of an emerald, owning a real gemstone often feels like a luxury reserved for a few.   

But if you think all gemstones come with a hefty price tag, then this blog is for you. In this blog, we will explore how you can choose a gemstone with a limited budget.   

Emerald Colombia - 1.29 Carat

Emerald Colombia - 1.29 Carat

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Minor Oil Emerald - 5 Carat

Minor Oil Emerald - 5 Carat

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Natural Ruby - 5.11 Carat

Natural Ruby - 5.11 Carat

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Natural Burma Ruby - 3.18 Carat

Natural Burma Ruby - 3.18 Carat

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Tips to Buy Gemstones on a Limited Budget 

Budget is a major concern when buyers look to buy natural gemstones. This is because natural gems are expensive as they are devoid of any treatment. Moreover, the price increases with the carat weight. In astrology, natural stones are preferred, and consumers, while looking for the same, end up buying gemstone alternatives. You can also buy gemstones that fit in your budget. Here are some tips you can follow:   

Read More: Where to Buy Original Gemstones in India?

1. Decide Your Budget First

Before you even start looking, make sure you know your budget. Gemstones come in all prices depending on color, size, clarity, origin, etc. So by analysing these factors, you can choose the stone of your choice.   

If you’re new, don’t go for huge stones. For jewelry purposes, a smaller Blue Sapphire with nice color can look great but costs much less than a big one. 

2. Know the “Four Cs”

Like diamonds, gemstones are characterised by Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat.

Color: The most important. Bright, even color is good. More vivid color gemstones cost you a lot. For instance, Kashmir blue sapphire shows a vivid color and is expensive for its rarity. However, if you are looking for Neelam Ratna for Shani's ill effects, then choose the ones from Burma origin. Like other origins, these are not vividly colored but fit in your budget. They also serve as good astrological stones.   

Clarity: Natural gemstones have inclusions. Perfectly clear is rare and pricey.

Cut: A well-cut stone looks brighter even if it’s small or has marks.

Carat: Bigger = more expensive. A slightly smaller stone with good color and cut looks just as nice. Learn More: How to calculate gemstone carat weight correctly?

3. Check Origin

Where the stone comes from matters, for instance, Kashmir sapphires and Colombian emeralds are expensive. In comparison to these Sri Lankan sapphires, Zambian emeralds are cheaper. These gems are budget-friendly and also have similar energies. Read More: A Complete Guide To Zambian Panna

Zambia and Colombian Emerald

4.  Get Certified Stones

Don’t get tricked by fake ones. Certificates from labs like GIA, IGI, and GII prove it’s real. Never skip this, even if you are looking for gemstones on a limited budget. 

5. Compare Prices

Check multiple sellers, online and offline. Don’t buy the first one. 

6. Medium Quality is Fine

If your budget is tight, medium-quality stones are better than expensive premium ones. A mid-grade emerald stone with some inclusions still looks good and works for astrology, too.

7. Smaller Stones Can Look Great

If you are looking for jewelry pieces, smaller stones can work. However, for astrological stones, the specified carat weight is required. For instance, you are required to buy an astrological emerald stone of 3-25-5.25 to overcome mercury's ill effects. In this case, you can look for similar options like the ones from Zambia or Brazil. Read More: How to Buy Astrological Emeralds  

Moreover, you can look for a Vietnamese ruby stone to overcome Surya's ill effects. These are budget-friendly options in comparison to expensive Burma rubies .

Mozambique Ruby and Burma Ruby

8. Be Careful with Treated Gems

Many stones are heat-treated. Some treatments are okay, but check what was done. Untreated is expensive, treated can be okay for the budget—just make sure it’s permanent and written on the certificate.

9. Buy from Trusted Sellers

Most important. Look for:

  • Certificate from lab
  • Return policy
  • Reviews
  • Seller guidance

They provide real certified stones at fair prices. Also Read: Why Buy Gemstones Online from Navratan?

Final Words

If you’re confused about where to buy original gemstones in India, check online stores like Navratan. They have a range of stones in different budgets. You can get your desired stone without spending a lot.

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