Gemstones: Navigating The World Of Investment-Worthy Purchases

Investing in gemstones is a great way to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk. They are a physical asset with a substantial value that is not subjected to high volatility like gold, stocks, or bonds. The supply volume of gemstones has decreased in recent years, while worldwide demand has increased significantly.

When investing in gemstones, it is important to consider their rarity and quality. The three most popular gemstones for investment are ruby, sapphire, and emerald. These gemstones have seen a constant and high performance in the market, with annual average price increases of 5-8%. Other popular gemstones for investment include alexandrite, tourmaline, and diamonds.

It is recommended to buy gemstones from a reputable jeweller or gemstone dealer who can provide a certificate of authenticity and proof of the gemstone's quality. Buying gemstones online is also an option, with some companies offering a wide selection of gemstones at competitive prices.

Online gemstone shops

There are several online gemstone shops that offer a range of gemstones for investment purposes. When buying gemstones online, it is important to consider factors such as the reputation of the seller, the quality and rarity of the gemstones, and the presence of internationally recognised certificates.

One reputable online gemstone shop is The Natural Gem, which has 30 years of experience in the international gemstone trade and specialises in naturally coloured, untreated gemstones. They offer personalised customer service, discreet delivery, third-party storage options, insurance mediation, and support with resale. The Natural Gem also provides exclusive access to rare gemstones and custom jewellery creation.

Another option for online gemstone purchases is BNT Diamonds, a renowned jeweller based in Antwerp. They buy gemstones directly from the source without intermediaries, ensuring a wide selection and competitive prices. BNT Diamonds offers individual diamonds, investment packages, and custom quotes to meet your specific needs.

Additionally, Ceylons Munich is an online shop specialising in fair and fine sapphires. They offer worldwide shipping and provide informative guides on investing in gemstones, making them a valuable resource for first-time investors.

When purchasing gemstones online, it is essential to conduct thorough research, compare prices, and ensure the legitimacy of the seller. Online shops provide the advantage of geographical flexibility, allowing you to explore investment opportunities beyond your local area.

Jewellers

When it comes to purchasing investment gemstones, jewellers are a trusted source.

Additionally, jewellers have the expertise to assess the quality of gemstones. They can provide insights into the treatment and origin of the stones, which are crucial considerations when investing. For example, untreated gemstones are generally considered better for investment, and certain origins may command premium rates in the market.

When purchasing investment gemstones from jewellers, there are a few key considerations:

• Certificates: Always ask for and verify certificates to ensure the authenticity and quality of the gemstones. Reputable laboratories like GIA, HRD, IGI, and GemLab provide certification for gemstones, indicating their value based on factors such as carat mass, clarity, colour, and cut quality (the 4 Cs).
• Cut stones: Opt for cut stones over raw gemstones. While raw gemstones may be cheaper, assessing their quality requires specialised expertise. Cut stones provide a clearer indication of their value, and you can more easily determine if you're getting a fair deal.
• Reputation and expertise: Choose jewellers with a strong reputation and extensive experience in the industry. Look for customer reviews and testimonials to ensure they are knowledgeable and trustworthy.
• Range of options: Select jewellers who offer a wide variety of gemstones. This not only allows you to compare and choose from a broader selection but also indicates their access to rare and valuable stones.
• Price and resale options: Consider the initial purchase price and its potential impact on future resale. Jewellers who work directly with sources, like BNT Diamonds, may offer better prices by eliminating intermediaries. Also, inquire about the jeweller's policies on repurchasing or supporting the resale of your gemstones in the future.

Benefits of buying from jewellers:

• Expertise and guidance: Jewellers provide valuable knowledge and advice throughout the buying process, helping you make a more informed investment decision.
• Access to rare gemstones: Reputable jewellers often have connections and networks that grant them access to rare and valuable gemstones, increasing your chances of finding unique investment opportunities.
• Convenience and location: Buying from local jewellers offers the advantage of proximity, allowing you to examine the gemstones in person and build a relationship with the seller.

Example jewellers to consider:

• BNT Diamonds: A renowned jeweller in Antwerp offering a range of individual diamonds and investment packages. They source gemstones directly from the source without intermediaries, providing a wide selection at competitive prices.
• Hatton Jewellers: Specialises in gold jewellery investments, offering professional appraisals and guidance. They emphasise the importance of authenticity and provide valuable insights into the jewellery investment process.
• The Natural Gem: With 30 years of experience, they are a market leader in natural- coloured, untreated gemstones. They offer personalised advice and a wide range of gemstones, including exclusive and rare options.

In summary, when purchasing investment gemstones, jewellers are a trusted source of expertise and guidance. They can help you navigate the complex world of gemstone investments, ensuring you make informed decisions. Remember to consider factors like certificates, cut stones, reputation, and price when buying from jewellers.

Mineral shops

One such shop is Folkmarket Gems, which offers a wide range of natural gemstones, including rough gems, crystals, loose gemstones, fine mineral specimens, cabochons/tumbles, gemstone beads, and gemstone jewellery. They pride themselves on their ethical sourcing, with a dedicated team travelling to difficult mountainous areas to find the best gemstones.

Toprock Gemstones and Minerals is another option, specialising in wholesale. They have been in the industry since 1989 and supply customers worldwide in more than 50 countries. They offer a range of gemstones, crystals, fossils, and minerals, with a focus on African Gems.

Mineralminers.com is an online gem and mineral warehouse, offering a wide variety of natural gemstone jewellery, minerals, crystals, and handcrafted gemstone jewellery. They add more than 50 new gem, mineral, and jewellery items to their inventory every week, with special offers available daily.

Spiritual shops

If you're specifically looking for investment-grade gemstones, it's recommended to purchase a cut stone. Raw gemstones may be less expensive, but assessing their quality demands considerable expertise. Additionally, raw gemstones lose a significant portion of their carat mass during the cutting process, impacting their overall value.

When buying gemstones as an investment, it's crucial to look for a certificate from an accredited laboratory, such as the GIA, HRD, or IGI. This certificate proves the gemstone's authenticity and enables you to track its value over time.

Before making a purchase, it's advisable to do your research and compare prices from different shops, including both online and physical stores. This will help you find the best quality gemstones at the most competitive prices.

Auctions

When buying gemstones at auction, it is important to remember that you are typically purchasing a loose stone, rather than a piece of jewellery. This means that you can buy a gemstone at auction and then have it set in jewellery at a later date, without reducing its intrinsic value.

One of the key advantages of buying gemstones at auction is the opportunity to find unique and rare gemstones that may not be available through other sales channels. Auction houses often have access to a wide network of gemstone suppliers and can source gemstones from all over the world, including some of the most renowned gemstone mines. This means that you can access a diverse range of gemstones, including those that are not commonly found in jewellery stores or online shops.

Another benefit of buying gemstones at auction is the transparency of the process. Auction houses typically provide detailed descriptions of each gemstone, including information on its colour, size, cut, clarity, and treatment. This allows buyers to make informed decisions and assess the quality and value of the gemstone before placing a bid.

It is important to choose a reputable auction house when buying gemstones, as this can ensure the authenticity and quality of the gemstones on offer. Look for auction houses that specialise in gemstones and have a strong reputation in the industry, such as Gem Rock Auctions, which prides itself on hosting a network of verified sellers who meet high standards of authenticity and quality.

In addition, some auction houses offer additional services to support buyers, such as expert advice, gemstone encyclopaedias, and independent audits of the gemstones on offer. These services can help buyers make informed decisions and ensure they are getting a fair deal.

Overall, auctions are a great way to buy investment gemstones, offering access to a wide range of unique and rare gemstones from all over the world. With the right auction house, buyers can be confident in the authenticity and quality of the gemstones they purchase, making auctions a safe and transparent option for investing in gemstones.

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