Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Gemstones Safely & Ethically
These are the questions people ask when they’re excited about buying a gemstone but want to feel completely confident in what they’re being shown.
I’m Kim, the Gemstone Detective, and I provide independent guidance so you can buy with clarity, trust your decisions, and enjoy the experience — whether you’re at home, online, or travelling to a gemstone destination.
Are gemstones a good investment?
Gemstones should be bought first and foremost because you love them.
Some stones hold their value well, particularly those that are rare, untreated and of exceptional quality, but the market is not straightforward and resale is very different from retail buying.
If your main goal is financial return, always speak to a qualified financial adviser first. My role is to help you choose a gemstone that is correctly represented, fairly priced and right for you.
How much should I expect to pay for a gemstone?
There is no single price for any gemstone.
The value depends on quality, size, rarity, treatments, origin and how many people are involved in the supply chain before it reaches you.
Two stones that look similar can have very different values. I help clients understand what they are actually being shown so they can recognise when a price is fair and when it isn’t.
Why are the prices so different from one seller to another?
This is one of the most confusing parts of buying a gemstone, especially when travelling.
Price differences can be caused by:
• quality differences that are not obvious at first glance
• undisclosed treatments
• tourist pricing
• strong sales environments
• different supply chains
Independent guidance allows you to step back from the pressure and make a calm, informed decision.
How do I know if I’m paying a fair price?
Fair pricing comes from understanding the stone, not from negotiating harder.
You need to know:
• what the gemstone actually is
• whether it has been treated
• the quality level
• how the price compares to the real market
This is exactly how I can help you with my Gemstone Concierge service, where I assess a gemstone with you before you buy so you can move forward with confidence.
Is it really cheaper to buy gemstones at the source?
Not always.
Buying in a sourcing country such as Sri Lanka can be an incredible experience, but tourist areas often have higher mark-ups and very persuasive sales techniques.
True trade pricing depends on relationships and market knowledge. I help you understand what is realistic so you can enjoy the experience without relying on guesswork.
Is it safe to buy a gemstone while on holiday?
Yes, when you are properly prepared.
The key is:
• understanding how the local market works
• recognising common sales tactics
• knowing what questions to ask
• being able to walk away confidently
My Travel & Sourcing Advice prepares you before you go so you can enjoy the experience without pressure or uncertainty.
Can I trust a gemstone certificate?
Not all certificates offer the same level of protection.
Reports from recognised laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America or the International Gemmological Institute are widely respected, but many documents issued elsewhere are simply opinions presented in an official format.
I help you understand what a certificate does and does not. I'll tell you before you rely on it.
Do I need a laboratory report before buying?
Not in every situation.
Some gemstones are commonly sold without lab reports, while in other cases a report is essential.
What matters is knowing when it adds genuine protection and when it is unnecessary. This is part of the guidance I provide before a purchase.
What is the difference between natural, treated and synthetic gemstones?
A natural gemstone forms in the earth.
A treated gemstone is natural but has been enhanced in some way, and many treatments are completely standard in the trade.
A synthetic gemstone has the same chemical and physical properties as a natural stone but is created in a laboratory.
None of these are automatically “good” or “bad”. The key is that they are disclosed clearly and priced correctly.
Are laboratory-grown gemstones a more ethical option?
Choosing an ethical gemstone isn’t as simple as “lab-grown versus mined”.
Laboratory-grown stones avoid mining, but their production is highly energy-intensive and the supply chains are often far less transparent than people expect. In most cases, it’s difficult to know who made them, how they were produced, or what energy sources were used.
By contrast, many natural gemstones, particularly those mined on a small scale, directly support local communities and are recovered with very low environmental impact.
For an ethical consumer, the most important questions are:
👉🏽Can the stone be traced back to its source?
👉🏽Who benefits from the purchase?
👉🏽Is the information you’re being given honest and complete?
This is where I help. By giving you clear, independent guidance so you can choose a gemstone that genuinely aligns with your values.
What are conflict diamonds?
Not necessarily.
A laboratory-grown gemstone avoids mining, but that doesn't automatically make it ethical or environmentally friendly. Most are produced in large industrial facilities where the energy source, working conditions and supply chain transparenc
Is buying a gemstone online risky?
Buying online can be safe when:
• the seller is reputable
• the return policy is clear
• the stone is accurately represented
• the documentation is meaningful
If you are unsure, my Buyer Protection for gemstone purchases gives you independent guidance before you commit.
Why shouldn’t I rely only on the seller’s advice?
Most sellers are not being dishonest, but they are not independent.
Their responsibility is to sell the stone.
Mine is to protect your interests, give you clear information, and help you make a decision you will still feel happy about years later.
Still Thinking About a Gemstone?
If you’re planning a purchase, at home, online or abroad, I can guide you through the process so you feel calm, informed and completely confident in your decision.
Book a consultation through my Gemstone Concierge service and buy with peace of mind.