How to Buy Gemstones Wholesale

It is possible to buy quality gemstones, like these aquamarines, at wholesale prices.

Gemstones are gifts from the earth that have long been prized for their color, clarity, hardness, and symbolic meanings. The kaleidoscope of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies come in a variety of hues, shapes, sizes, and cuts. Although widely available for sale at many fine jewelry stores, good quality stones can be costly. You can, however, buy high-grade gemstones through wholesale channels at a fraction of their retail cost.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Buying from Online Gemstone Dealers

1. Explore the numerous gemstone dealer sites on the web. Many of these dealers sell quality gemstones at wholesale prices directly to the public. Examples include thaigem.com, gemstoneswholesale.com, and swdgems.com.

2. Select an online gemstone dealer who presents several clear pictures and thorough, detailed descriptions of each stone.

3. Purchase your gemstone from a dealer who offers a certificate guaranteeing the stone's authenticity. A reputable dealer should also offer a full money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with the stone.

Buying through Online Auctions

1. Peruse listings on online auctions, such as those that take place on eBay.com or gemrockauctions.com, to bid on gemstones at wholesale or below-wholesale prices.

2. Follow the same guidelines when buying a gemstone through an online auction as you would when ordering one from an online dealer. Look for several clear photographs and in-depth descriptions of each stone offered up for auction, and review listings carefully to be certain that the seller offers a certificate of authenticity for the gemstone and a full money-back guarantee.

3. Check the seller's rating and feedback from previous buyers. Before bidding, you should feel confident that the seller has a reputation of delivering gemstones to buyers that lived up to their descriptions.

Buy Directly from Gemstone Wholesalers Using Your Business License and Resale Permit

1. Contact your state's Department of Revenue to learn how to obtain a business license and resale permit. Note that even if your business is not explicitly jewelry-related, you can still buy gemstones from wholesalers who sell only to retailers.

2. Complete the necessary paperwork to obtain your license and permit.

3. View the online catalogs of wholesale jewelry supply companies who cater to retailers, such as riogrande.com and sfjssantafe.com. Note that these wholesalers typically deal with professional jewelers and jewelry crafters. They offer a variety of quality gemstones at wholesale prices, and you can buy from them with confidence and return your purchase if you are not satisfied.

Tips & Warnings

• After purchasing a gemstone wholesale, you may want to design a custom piece of jewelry that will include the gemstone. Bring your gemstone and design idea to a professional jeweler to create a unique pendant, brooch, or hair ornament.

References

• "Gemstone Buying Guide: A Guide to Buying"; Renee Newman, 1998
• eBay Guides: Gemstone Buying Guide