How to Buy a Gemstone
Your complete guide to buying natural gemstones with confidence
Every gemstone from Gemfame is 100% natural and backed by our full guarantee. Use this guide to understand what to look for before you buy.
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Natural vs Synthetic
What is the difference between a natural and synthetic gemstone?
Natural gemstones take millions of years to form naturally inside the earth's crust, but synthetic stones are mass-produced in a laboratory within hours or days with the same chemical and physical properties. Synthetic gems lack the supernatural powers and energy of natural gemstones and are therefore not recommended for astrological purposes. Natural gemstones are very rare to find and as natural resources deplete they become even rarer — which is the key reason for the difference in price.
What is Cubic Zirconia or American Diamond?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone that imitates diamonds in appearance. It is completely different from synthetic or natural diamonds as the chemical and physical properties differ. "American Diamond (AD)" is simply a trade term used to market Cubic Zirconia.
What is a CVD Diamond?
CVD Diamonds are synthetic diamonds manufactured using Carbon Vapour Deposition technology. As synthetic diamonds, their chemical and physical properties are exactly the same as natural diamonds. Even experienced gemologists cannot differentiate between natural and synthetic diamonds with the naked eye — only advanced equipment can.
Inclusions & Clarity
What are inclusions?
Inclusions are naturally formed minerals, fingerprints, fissures, or other features within a gemstone that are usually formed at the time of its creation under the earth's crust. They sometimes reach the surface as cavities or inverted crystals.
Why are natural gemstones often clouded by inclusions?
Natural gemstones are not produced in laboratories with perfection — they are produced by the earth with enormous energy. During formation, crystals of other minerals often enter the gemstone. These birthmarks help differentiate natural gemstones from synthetics. The GIA classifies coloured gemstone clarity into three types: Type 1 (usually eye clean), Type 2 (usually included), and Type 3 (almost always included). For example, finding an eye-clean Emerald is far rarer than finding an eye-clean Hessonite Garnet.
The 4 C's & Quality Factors
What are the four C's in gemstones and diamonds?
The Four C's — Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight — are the most important factors that determine the value and quality of a gemstone.
Is there anything beyond the 4 C's I should look for?
Absolutely. A gemologist considers many more factors: Enhancements (most gemstones are treated to improve colour and clarity — untreated stones command a premium due to rarity), Characteristics (the unique character of every gemstone is different — beauty is in the eye of the beholder), Certification (essential because many synthetics and imitations closely resemble naturals), and Origin (some origins carry a premium "brand value" — e.g. Kashmir Sapphire, Colombian Emerald, and Burmese Ruby are priced far higher than similar stones from other origins).
What is a treatment? Why are gemstones enhanced?
Treatments are processes carried out by humans to enhance the overall appearance of a gemstone. Common enhancements include dyeing, lead/glass filling in rubies and sapphires, resin filling in emeralds and corals, and thermal enhancement with or without additives. Treated natural gemstones are priced far less than natural untreated ones.
Carat & Weight
What is Carat?
Carat is the standard unit of weight for gemstones and diamonds worldwide. The word originates from the Latin "Carratus" relating to the Carob Bean seed. 1 Carat = 200 milligrams = 0.200 grams.
Is Carat related to the purity of a gemstone?
No. Carat only defines the weight of a gemstone or diamond. It is often confused with the Karat of gold, which defines metal purity.
What is the difference between Carat and Ratti?
Carat (0.200g) is the standard unit worldwide. Ratti is a traditional Indian unit based on the Ratti Seed, still used by many astrologers. There are two variations: Sunari Ratti (0.1215g) and Pakki Ratti (0.1822g). We recommend requesting gem weight in carats to avoid confusion from differing regional calculations.
I want to buy a natural gemstone. How much will it cost?
Gemstones and diamonds never come at a fixed price. Pricing varies widely depending on the 4 C's, character, certification, origin, and more. They can start at a basic price point and run into millions. Contact us to find which gemstone best suits your requirements.
Authenticity & Certification
How do I know if my gemstone or diamond is genuine?
Unfortunately, a layman cannot tell. Only an experienced gemologist or diamantaire can distinguish genuine gemstones from synthetics, imitations, or fakes. Certifications and trust are the most important factors when buying gemstones from any merchant.
Why are natural gemstones expensive?
Gem mines exist only in a few locations worldwide. It may take millions of years for gemstones to form and another million to discover the mines. Of all gemstones extracted, approximately 1 in 100 are gem quality — and of those, less than 5% exceed 3 carats. Finding a clear, beautifully coloured gemstone is extremely rare. Prices can never truly define the real value of a natural gemstone.
Are your gemstones genuine and natural?
Absolutely. You can be 100% sure when you buy from Gemfame. Our buying and testing offices are equipped with full gem testing resources and qualified gemmologists for efficient gem testing — this is the foundation of our guarantee.
Do you provide a gem authenticity certificate?
Yes. Every gemstone you buy from us comes with a lab report from Gemfame. Most exceptional gemstones are also pre-certified by internationally recognised laboratories. Our report verification system allows you to confirm the information on your report against our database.
Astrological Gemstones
Do astrological gemstones work?
Yes, we firmly believe in the supernatural powers of gemstones. However, a gemstone reflects its benefits only when it is properly analysed, recommended, and selected. The right quality of gemstone is one of the principal requirements for astrological use.
Does Gemfame provide astrological gem recommendations?
No. We believe astrology and gemology are two different aspects that provide the best results only when analysed individually by their own experts. Only an independent astrologer can provide an accurate, unbiased recommendation. Only a gemologist can provide a genuine gemstone with full treatment disclosure.
What gem weight is recommended for astrological purposes?
Weight should always be a secondary criterion. The quality of the gemstone — fine colour and clarity without major enhancements — should be your primary criteria when selecting a gemstone for astrological or talismanic purposes.
Why do astrologers recommend gemstones in Ratti?
Ratti is a traditional Indian weight measurement unit used for centuries. Most Vedic astrologers still follow this traditional unit. There is a conflict in standard Ratti conversion, so we recommend insisting your astrologer define their Ratti-to-carat conversion rate or recommend in carats.
Are treated or enhanced gemstones recommended for astrology?
No. Enhanced gemstones lack the basic essence of a natural gemstone. Gemfame insists on untreated gemstones for astrological and talismanic jewellery. Minor enhancements such as cutting and polishing, colourless oil in emeralds, or colourless polymer in corals are accepted — but any treatment that transforms the internal chemical or physical properties of a gemstone is not suitable for astrological use.
Ethical Sourcing
What are "conflict gemstones" or "blood diamonds"?
Conflict gemstones are illegally mined in war zones and used to fund conflict or exploit human resources. Gemfame, as a member of GJEPC (Nodal Agency for KPCS in India), sources all diamonds via the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme — a UN-certified programme to prevent trade in conflict diamonds. We are dedicated to sourcing all coloured gemstones from conflict-free channels.
