July 30, 2010
X-rays for Pearls
Question: I have a string of what I believe to be “natural” pearls from the 30′s or 40′s. They were given to me by my mother in law as a wedding gift. They were given to her by her father who was a jeweler in Peru. How can I get these x-rayed?
Answer: The x-rays needed to determine the origin of the pearls can be obtained through a local jeweler – but then must be sent to the Gemological Institute of America for the test. Unfortunately, it’s not the same x-rays that a dentist uses!
You can locate an American Gem Society jeweler in your area from the website – click on Find a Jeweler. They can help you safely send them off with the proper insurance. They can also get an estimate of the charges for you before you decide to proceed. …Dii
July 29, 2010
Jewels and Time
Question: What does 17 Jewels mean on a Pocket Watch?
Answer: ”Jewels” are used in the movement of a mechanical watch. Usually these are synthetic rubies, which means they are manmade rather than natural. They help with the durability of the moving parts. There could be 17 — more or less. For more information, visit www.timezone.com …Dii
July 28, 2010
Ring Separations
Question: Can you separate a bridal set? If so, how much would it be?
Answer: Yes, a jeweler who is knowledgeable in jewelry making and repairs can separate the rings. The only other consideration is the stone. Is it diamond? Then, you probably wouldn’t have any problems. The jeweler should give you an estimate of the charge before you decide to proceed.
However, if the diamond has been clarity-enhanced, this could pose a concern. Or, if it’s a color gemstone, depending on the species, it may have to be removed from the setting in order to safely separate the two rings.
Some jewelers work in the store – some send their work out. Be sure you understand this before leaving your rings. You should be given a receipt with a “limit of liability” amount. This would be in case of loss or damage. If you don’t know the value, I suggest you have the rings valued before leaving them with anyone. …Dii
July 27, 2010
Silver Reaction
Question: I recently purchased a silver ring that turned left a green circle around my finger. When I contacted the seller they told me it most likely had to do with my body chemistry. I do not understand how this could be possible because I have worn sterling silver rings all my life, and continue to, with no adverse reactions. Does this mean the silver in the ring I purchased is fake or low quality? Any information you could give me regarding this matter would be appreciated as I am finding nothing but conflicting information.
Answer: Sometimes it is the alloy used with the silver which causes the reaction. Typically, copper is used as the alloy, but if nickel was used, this may be the problem. Nickel also causes a similar reaction when used to alloy gold. …Dii
July 26, 2010
Handheld Device for Testing Gems/Stones
Question: Does a handheld device exist – to use UV light to test gem properties?
Answer: Yes, there is a handheld ultraviolet lamp which can test the fluorescence – or lack thereof – with gemstones. This, however, rarely will tell you the species of the stone.
Gemologists use long wave and short wave UV to help in the identification – and sometimes to get an indication of natural versus synthetic origin. It’s best not to rely on only one test to determine the identity of a stone.
A word of caution on short wave UV – be sure to have special glasses on when you view the stone under SWUV – since these rays are harmful to your eyes. For more information about gem identification, consult a professional such as a Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser of the American Gem Society. …Dii
July 23, 2010
Buying Gemstones Abroad
Question: Generally speaking, what kind of issues are you coming across with the “gems” that US soldiers are buying in Afghanistan? Are they lab created or actually the real thing? I have a friend over there and he has offered to return with ruby and others if requested. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this buying possibility?
Answer: Although I have no first-hand experience with seeing what has been brought back, I have been sent pictures of “ruby rough” thought to be valuable. (far from it)
And, I’ve received emails from men in the military asking how to determine if the stone is “real”. There are no quick courses or tips for this – and the reality is, they’re probably not! If you expect this, and you bring home a genuine and valuable ruby, consider yourself lucky.
Relationships between a gem buyer and seller are usually developed over time. The person selling outside the legitimate channels is more likely to be selling a synthetic or imitation and certainly not a bargain for you!
Man-created, or synthetic rubies can be very inexpensive and look convincing. Even glass can appear to look like a ruby. Mineralogists can look at rough and know if it is a shape which indicates ruby. Yet, I have seen synthetics and imitations that fooled a gemologist!
A gemologist needs tools – and although the eyes are valuable, a microscope, dichroscope, and spectroscope are a big help. Does the seller have these? Where are the warranties? Is there a place to get your money back? If the answers are no, nowhere and no, then the risk is high and a person must decide if it is worth it. …Dii
July 22, 2010
How Do I Sell My Gemstones?
Question: I have a lot of loose gemstones that my father left to me, they’re all cut, but I don’t even know what most of them are. I want to sell them but don’t know how to. Is there any way you could refer me to someone who would want them or tell me how much they’re worth?
Answer: I recommend you consult an appraiser to determine the identity and value of the stones. A Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser of the American Gem Society can best advise you on how to sell them. But you first need to know what they are and how much they are worth.
Some jewelers will offer to sell items on consignment – meaning you leave them, with a receipt — and agree on the share to each of you when sold. You would be informed on the selling price ahead of time and must agree. Usually, there is no charge for this up-front. Some jewelers may offer you a trade-in value toward another piece of jewelry.
If you only want to have them identified and appraised for their replacement value, expect to pay according to the time it would take. The appraiser should give you an estimate before you decide to proceed. You won’t get full value for them when selling, but depending on the quality of the stones and your market, expect less than 50% of replacement value.
July 21, 2010
How to Locate a Credentialed Jewelry Appraiser
Question: Is there some type of national list that identifies certified jewelry appraisers? Do you have a list of your members that is accessible via the Internet?
Answer: Yes, you can visit the website, www.AmericanGemSociety.org and click on Find an Appraiser. A list of Certified Gemologist Appraisers and Independent Certified Gemologist Appraisers can be found when you search by your state.
You can also search members of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers at www.najaappraisers.com or the American Society of Appraisers at www.appraisers.org. These are two other associations of accredited jewelry appraisers who might be in your area. …Dii
July 20, 2010
Do You Need A “Cert”?
Question: I recently bought a diamond pendant from a jewelry store. When I asked for a certificate, they said the diamond didn’t have a certificate. Is this acceptable or okay to buy such a diamond? I am talking a diamond over 1.0 carat in size.
Answer: Many diamonds today are sold with reports from independent laboratories, but not every diamond – even those of 1 carat or more – will have an independent diamond report or “certificate”. In fact, reports from independent labs are not really certificates — they don’t certify or guarantee the grade — they’re merely opinions.
Some jewelers will offer their opinion of the grade – explain their grading system to their customers — and personally guarantee the grade against another reputable gemologist/appraiser’s report.
American Gem Society members have the option of providing the Diamond Quality Certificate with each diamond which documents the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the diamond. This is a true certificate, a guarantee of the accuracy of the grade, signed by an AGS titleholder, and is supported with a report from the AGS Laboratories.
You can read more about this certificate on www.AmericanGemSociety.org. If your jeweler belongs to the American Gem Society and holds the title of Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, or Certified Gemologist Appraiser, they are held to the standards of the society and will stand behind the diamonds they sell. …Dii
July 19, 2010
Semi Precious Diamond?
I don’t care for the term, “semi-precious” being used to describe any gemstone; however, this question is a first using this term with a diamond:
Question: My question is about semi precious diamonds. I guess i want to know if they are real diamonds and are they valuable? Any info would be helpful thanks.
Answer: I have not heard the term, “semi-precious” used to describe any diamonds. Is this a marketing term from someone selling imitation or synthetic diamond? Here are the differences:
Natural diamond: found in Mother Earth. All qualities are available.
Synthetic diamond: same physical, chemical and optical properties of natural; however, these are grown in a laboratory by man.
Imitation diamond: any substance that looks similar to a diamond. This can be plastic, glass, or other synthetic and natural minerals that look like a diamond. For example, a colorless sapphire may look similar to a diamond. Synthetic moissanite is man-made moissanite that looks like a diamond. Synthetic cubic zirconia is a popular man-made imitation of diamond.
Values vary depending on the materials. Other than natural diamond, synthetic diamonds are most expensive, due to the cost of production. Synthetic moissanite is probably the most expensive option. Synthetic cubic zirconia costs very little.
So, even if you are considering a purchase of a diamond substitute, it is important to shop with a knowledgeable person who can advise you on the material and represent it accurately and at a fair price. This is one reason for the American Gem Society — an association of jewelers dedicated to proven ethics, knowledge, and consumer protection.
