Gemfields’ chief gemmologist Elena Basaglia shares her insider tips for buying gemstones

Are you looking to buy a loose coloured gemstone or a jewellery piece set with one but not quite sure how to go about it? You're in luck. We caught up with Gemfields' chief gemmologist Elena Basaglia while she was in town, and asked her to share her top tips on purchasing a coloured gemstone so that you can walk into that store and buy the stone of your dreams with ease and confidence.

Gemfields is the world’s leading supplier of responsibly-sourced coloured gemstones, produces 25 percent of the world’s emeralds, and 70 percent of the world’s rubies. It is the operator of the famous Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, which is believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine; the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique; as well as another in Ethiopia.

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1. Colour and cut

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Gemfields

The very first thing you should look at when purchasing a gemstone is its colour and cut. The step cut is typically used to shape emerald-cut gemstones, with facets that run up and down the stone's structure in a straight line, giving it a softer and more gentle shade because the light doesn't reflect off its angles as intensely.

The brilliant cut, on the other hand—often used in diamonds—allows for the light to bounce off the stone, making it appear very bright. 

2. Touch

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Gemfields

Take the time to pick up, touch and hold the gemstone. Really feel the emotion you experience when you're holding it, wearing it, and when you see its colour contrasted against your skin. After all, what is the purpose of jewellery but to evoke happiness. Your chosen gemstone should reflect your feeling or disposition.

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3. Don't overthink its origin

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Gemfields

It shouldn’t matter where a gemstone is from. It’s common to have a preference, but if you walk into a boutique and fell in love with a particular emerald, would you be able to guess where it’s from? No. Even as a gemmologist, it's difficult to guess. If you really love a gemstone, don’t overthink it.

It is, however, very important to take a stone's sustainability into consideration. They must be sourced according to strict business, social, and environmental standards.

4. Demand a lab report

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Gemfields

A salesperson of reputable jewellery stores should always be able to tell you the stone's characteristics, which should always be graded by an independent laboratory.

Characteristics you would usually find on the certificate are: shape, cut, transparency, colour and geographic origin.

5. Take your time

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Gemfields

Although I support a spontaneous approach to buying gemstones, I would always recommend that you do your research and purchase gemstones through legitimate companies that are well-researched.

You should always be able to put a face to the name. Don’t look for a good deal, because the best deal is one where you can sleep at night.

Find out more at gemfields.com 

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