Why Expertise Still Matters in Gemstones

We are in a fascinating moment in the jewellery industry. With the rapid rise of lab-grown diamonds impacting the natural diamond market, we're observing a significant trend: some traditional diamond suppliers are now pivoting to sell coloured gemstones.

While competition is great for the consumer, this particular shift introduces a major risk. Coloured gemstones are not diamonds, and when your supplier lacks the foundation of expertise that a specialist coloured gemstone dealer has, quality—and ultimately, value—suffers.

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The Diamond Dealer's Dilemma

Natural diamond dealers are experiencing a loss of market share to lab-grown diamonds. In response, they are naturally seeking new revenue streams, and the vibrant world of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds offers a compelling alternative.
After all, the market for coloured centre stones in engagement rings is soaring, moving from about 5% to over 15% of the market in a decade.
The problem is one of transition. The diamond market is built on the universally accepted 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Colour, Clarity), where consistency and certification reign supreme. A diamond dealer's expertise lies in precise, standardized grading.

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Beyond the Paperwork

Coloured gemstones, by contrast, are an entirely different entity. They are not standardized; they are unique. Their value is determined by a complex interplay of factors that go far beyond a lab report:

  • Origin and Story: The geographic source (Burma ruby vs. Mozambique ruby, for example) carries immense weight in both price and prestige. The nuances of a gemstone's origin story matter deeply to collectors and high-end clients.
  • Saturation and Hue: Colour quality is subjective and requires a seasoned eye. A new supplier may simply look for a "Red" stone, while an expert understands the difference between a weak, commercial red and the prized, intense, and flawless "pigeon-blood" hue.
  • Treatment Knowledge: Understanding how a stone was treated—or if it's completely untreated—is paramount. Simple heating is acceptable for some stones, but others, like fracture-filled emeralds, require caution.

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The "Buy the Certificate" Trap

We are seeing a disturbing pattern: new-to-the-market suppliers tend to simply buy stones based on a certification, regardless of actual quality.

A certificate from a reputable lab confirms the stone's identity, weight, and general characteristics, but it is not a guarantee of beauty or top-tier quality.

The specialist, on the other hand, knows how to read the stone, not just the paper. They have the foundational knowledge to spot critical flaws, assess the brilliance of the cut, and verify the colour's life and intensity, often even before sending it to a lab for certification. They ensure you’re not just buying a piece of rough mineral, but a piece of art.

Our advice : When you are sourcing fine, investment-grade coloured gemstones—the stones that capture attention and hold their value—trust a supplier whose business was built on the knowledge of these unique, vibrant treasures. Don't risk buying a gemstone from a dealer who is simply using a certificate as a checklist; partner with an expert who can guarantee the brilliance you are paying for.
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