How to Decide What Gemstone to Purchase

Gemstones can be expensive--some more than others. Because there are hundreds of gemstones available in the marketplace today, choosing just the right one can also be an arduous process. Making a gemstone purchase decision can be confusing and somewhat frustrating. However, following the steps outlined below should help to make the decision easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• List of the gems in which you have a particular interest
• List of birthstones, by month
• Idea of the type(s) of metal in which you would like your gemstone set
• List of the "type" of jewelry you want your gemstone set in (like rings, bracelets or necklaces)
• List of shapes, cuts, and sizes of gems in which you are interested
• List of the "styles" of jewelry you like
• Compiled information about the gemstones on your list, particularly their hardness

How to Decide What Gemstone to Purchase

1. Decide on the list of criteria upon which you will make your gemstone purchase decision. This could be based on several different factors. These could include, but are necessarily limited to: your birthstone,
   your preferred gemstone metal, your favorite color(s), the color of your eyes, your wardrobe, the "style" of jewelry you like wear, the "type of jewelry you like to wear, gem availability in the marketplace and
   Investment values.
2. If you want to make a birthstone purchase, you must first understand what your birthstone(s) are. Some months have both a primary and secondary birthstone. Decide which of these birthstones you want to choose and eliminate the others.
3. Consider the metal in which you want your gemstone set. Certain gemstones look better in gold metals while others look better in silver. Therefore, if the rest of your jewelry is all gold, then you will likely want to choose a gemstone that is traditionally set into gold rather than silver. Eliminate the gems that are set only in the other metal color.
4. If you want a gemstone that is in your favorite color, then choose only those in that color. For example, if your favorite color is orange, you should consider stones like Mexican fire opal, Padparadsha, Coral, Montana agate, Carnelian, Sunstone, or Hessonite garnet. Eliminate the remaining gems on your list that don't come in an orange color.
5. If you want a gemstone the color of your eyes, then choose only those in the right color. For example, if your eyes are green, then you would likely consider stones like Tsavorite, Malachite, Green sapphire, Jade,
   Peridot, Green tourmaline, Chrysophase, Chrome diopside, Emerald, Varicite, Adventurine, and Green topaz. Eliminate the remaining gems on your list that don't come in green.
6. Consider the jewelry pieces in which you want your gemstone set. Some gems are softer than others and, therefore, not suitable for certain types of jewelry. For example, soft stones that rank a 6 or less on the Mohs scale of hardness really aren't suitable for setting in rings or bracelets. If you are seeking a gemstone ring, then you can eliminate those gems that are too soft to be set into rings.
7. Consider the type of cut, shape, and size you want for your gemstone. Certain gems are never, or rarely faceted. Therefore, if you are seeking one of them--like an opal or amber--you would have to settle for a cabochon cut, inlay, beading, or chips. Other stones are cut only 1 or 2 ways--let's say rounds and ovals--so you would have to settle for one of those cuts. Size can also be a factor. Certain gems come in only small sizes. Therefore, if your heart is set on something big and bold, you will have to eliminate them from your list.
8. Check out the availability of the remaining gems on your list. Some gemstones are more difficult to find than others. If they can't be found, then obviously they can't be purchased.
9. Consider your budget. Some gems are much more expensive than others. For example, padparadsha sapphires can run thousands to even hundreds of thousands of dollars. That may make that gem way outside of your budget. Eliminate all remaining gems on your list that are obviously outside of your budget price range.
10. Consider the long-term use of your gemstone. Some gemstones are classics, like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Others are more trendy in nature, like sunstone, ametrine, or certain types of tourmaline. You should ultimately choose a gem that can withstand the test of time. It should be something you can wear today, a decade from now, or even pass down to your daughter or granddaughter. It should certainly never be something which you feel you could easily tire of. Eliminate all of the remaining gems from your list that you don't consider a "classic" enough choice.
11. Consider the "style" of jewelry you like to wear. Some gemstones, like turquoise, are typically set in only one or two types of styles. If you don't like those styles, then you probably want to eliminate those gemstones.
12. Consider what you will be wearing your gemstones with. If your wardrobe is typically casual, then antique types of gems might not be appropriate. Eliminiate any gems that won't go with your wardrobe.
13. Once you have narrowed your gem choices down to 2 or 3 options, go shopping to see what kind of jewelry you can find with that gem. Some gems are easier to find than others and those might readily move to the top of your list. Be sure to make your purchases from retailers that have a return and/or money-back guarantee policy. That way, if you discover you don't like your choices, they can be returned for something else.

Tips & Warnings

• Make classic purchases that will be worn and worn again.
• Stay within your budget.
• Only buy pieces that you really like--not just because they are readily available.
• Buy pieces that are versatile.
• Don't make impulse purchases. Just because you see something pretty, don't automatically buy it. Make sure it is something that you will actually wear several times.
• Don't overextend your budget. Spending more than you can afford is foolhardy.
• Don't purchase something just because it is cheap. If you won't wear it, then don't waste the money.