Handbook for the Gem Buyer


Before you buy a gemstone, check out our Handbook for the Gem Buyer. It covers specific gems, gem evaluation, and what to ask when you go shopping.

HomeJewelry MakingGemologyHandbook for the Gem Buyer
Chrysoberyl – Alexandrite and Cat’s-Eye

Chrysoberyl – Alexandrite and Cat’s-Eye

Ironically, chrysoberyl varieties include two of the world's most exotic and expensive gems, alexandrite and cat's-eye chrysoberyl, while yellow or...
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Birthstones and Anniversary Stones

At the time of Moses twelve gemstones comprised the Jewish High-Priest's Breastplate of Aaron; each stone represented one of the...
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The Four Cs of Gemstone Valuation

The Four Cs of Gemstone Valuation

The valuation of a gemstone is derived from the "Four Cs": carat, color, clarity, and cut. Understanding all four of...
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The Different Garnet Varieties

The Different Garnet Varieties

Garnets are a group of related minerals which have slight variations in chemistry but a common cubic crystal structure. Many...
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Feldspars: Moonstones and Labradorite

Feldspars: Moonstones and Labradorite

The feldspars are a group of related minerals which, as a group are the most abundant minerals in the earth's...
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Gemstone Name Reference List

To simplify your pursuit of gemstone knowledge, the varieties discussed in this book will be described in the mineral species....
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Jade – Jadeite and Nephrite

Jade – Jadeite and Nephrite

Jade is a confusing term since it is used to refer to two different gem materials. The two jades, jadeite...
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Optical and Physical Properties of Gemstones

Optical and Physical Properties of Gemstones

The beauty, color, and brilliance of each different gemstone variety is a result of its unique set of physical and...
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Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Properties

Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Properties

Lapis lazuli differs from other gem materials because it is a "rock" composed of several minerals rather than being a...
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The Different Beryl Varieties

The Different Beryl Varieties

Aquamarine was the talisman of the sailor for centuries, its colors resemble those of the sea and it has a...
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The Kinds of Opals

The Kinds of Opals

Every opal is unique in appearance. Opals contain fireworks of every possible color dancing inside them. The flashes of color...
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Turquoise Gem Properties

Turquoise Gem Properties

Turquoise has a long history as a gemstone. It was one of the favorites of the ancient Egyptians. Its name...
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Man-Made Gem Materials

Man-Made Gem Materials

The first man-made gem materials dates back a few thousand years; early Romans made glass beads and gems. Since natural...
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Andalusite Stones: Nature and Rarity

Andalusite Stones: Nature and Rarity

Andalusite is an unusual stone. It shows flashes of several different earth tones in the same stone. Because of its...
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Corundum: Rubies and Sapphires

Corundum: Rubies and Sapphires

Rubies and sapphires are the same mineral: corundum, with different trace minerals creating a wide variety of color. Rubies and...
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Topaz Gemstone Kinds and Colors

Topaz Gemstone Kinds and Colors

Topaz is a gem that is very often eye clean, so stones with good clarity are available. The red color...
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Tourmaline: Rubellite and Indicolite

Tourmaline: Rubellite and Indicolite

The most common tourmaline colors are greens and pinks. Yellow and violet tourmalines are relatively rare. Tourmaline that falls into...
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Zircon Gem Properties

Zircon Gem Properties

Zircons were called "jacinth" or "hyacinth" in older writings. Zircons are exceptionally brilliant gemstones; the high zircon has the highest...
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Quartz: Crystalline and Chalcedonies

Quartz: Crystalline and Chalcedonies

Quartz is generally divided into two groups: the transparent crystalline varieties and the translucent to opaque chalcedonies that are microcrystalline...
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The Treatment of Gemstones

The Treatment of Gemstones

The treatment and enhancement of gemstones has existed for centuries. Some enhancements improve on nature slightly, are undetectable, and they...
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The Formation of Gem Materials

The Formation of Gem Materials

The most valuable gems come from crystallized minerals that have formed under heat and pressure deep inside the earth. The...
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Gem Dealer’s Secret – Table of Contents

Gem Dealer’s Secret – Table of Contents

This book is written as a guideline for the potential buyer of gemstones that are mined from the earth or...
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The Different Kinds of Cultured Pearls

The Different Kinds of Cultured Pearls

Pearls are organic gem materials form in a variety of mollusks when the mollusk covers an irritant with layers of...
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The Olivine Peridot

The Olivine Peridot

Cleopatra was reported to have a fine collection of emerald jewelry, but rumor has it that it was really peridot....
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Spinel Gemstone Properties

Spinel Gemstone Properties

The most famous ruby in the world is actually a spinel! It is the "Prince Edward Ruby" which is the...
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The Joy of Gems

The Joy of Gems

Gemstones have been treasured by humankind since the beginnings of civilization. Every ancient civilization found practical and decorative purposes for...
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Diamond Gemstone Properties

Diamond Gemstone Properties

If you are shopping for a large diamond, .75 carat or more, you should look for a loose stone, or...
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Tanzanite Gem Properties

Tanzanite Gem Properties

If you are looking at a tanzanite it is critical to view it under different lighting conditions. In daylight tanzanite...
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Gems of Interest – Other Gem Materials

Gems of Interest – Other Gem Materials

here are many minerals accepted as gem materials. Some gem materials are organic in origin rather than mineral, such as...
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The Beauty that is Iolite

The Beauty that is Iolite

You may never have heard of iolite. It isn't a household word, but it is an attractive indigo colored gemstone....
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Evaluating Gem Quality and Prices

Evaluating Gem Quality and Prices

Each gemstone species has unique properties; the informed buyer can save time when he knows what is feasible and what...
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