It is a huge misconception that all types of gems are available in all shapes. For example, some gems for jewelry making are only available as octagons or dodecahedrons. That said, they can be set in any type of jewellery with the help of a jeweller and his tools.
Some gemstone types are better than others for particular purposes — like making earrings versus rings — so it's worth looking at the properties of your desired gem and finding out how it will affect your work.
Here are some of the best tips for buying gems for jewellery making:
1. Know Your Budget
Before you go to a jeweller to buy a gemstone, have an idea of how much money you want to spend. You don't need to save up for months to get a pricey gem but think about your budget and the length of time in which you can afford it.
2. Cut Quality And Color Grade
You should know the difference between cut quality and colour grade. Cut Quality is used primarily in lab settings and prices are usually set in USD. The colour grade is what you see when you look at a gemstone under normal light. It can vary a bit from stone to stone, so make sure you know what this means for your project before buying a gem.
3. If You Buy Online, Do Your Research.
If you are unsure about a gem, do some research about its properties or simply ask around. You can also search for the brand of gem for jewelry making you are looking for and get a basic idea about how it will look. Dream of Stones is one website that sells genuine gemstone beads and is known for quality services.
4. Know How It Will Look In Your Work
This is probably the most important advice you can take. The moment you buy a gemstone, you start looking at it from a different perspective. You become aware of its unique properties and wonder how your clients will react to them as an end product or how it will affect your own creativity. It is important to make sure that the gemstone you are buying goes with everything else that goes into making jewellery for your piece, like the quality of gold or silver used and even the design & theme of your piece.
5. Know The Effect Of The Inclusion On Your Piece
This is also very important as you don't want to spend all that money and end up with a gem for jewelry making which is not what you were expecting. Using a loupe, you will be able to see what type of inclusions you are dealing with and the possible effects they might have on your piece.
6. Know How To Clean Your Gemstones
Each gemstone has its own properties and method of cleaning which needs to be followed carefully. Most jewelers will give you a list of approved methods for cleaning and other information about the type of stone — so make sure you ask for this when buying gems from them.
7. Know About Origin Of Gemstone
If you buy from a local gemstone seller, ask about the origin of your gemstones. Some gems are cheaper if you buy them in bulk, but their quality is not the same as that of expensive gems. So make sure you know what the deal is with your purchase before you make it.
8. Know How To Test For Fakes And Imitations
When buying diamonds or other precious gems for jewelry making, it is important to know how to spot a fake. The best way to do this is by visiting a store selling that particular stone or by researching online. You can also buy gemstone jewellery online and see if the stones are real; however, if you are unfamiliar with certain stones, you might not be able to spot an imitation.
9. Treatment Of Gemstones
Be careful of retailers who sell polished and unpolished gemstones. Some people sell polished (usually white or silver) gemstones in bulk and those look very similar to unpolished gemstones. That's why it is important to know where your gem is coming from and what the "quality" of the stone is.
10. Know How To Take Care Of Your Stones.
This is a matter of basic knowledge but some people simply forget that their gems for jewelry making need proper care when they buy them. For example, unpolished gemstones are usually more susceptible to contamination and should be kept away from water sources as water can cause them to lose their lustre. This is especially important if you live by the sea or go swimming in pools.
So, it is important to know the gems you use for jewelry making thoroughly and not to mistake their genuineness and properties. Dream of Stones is entrusted with authenticity and a wide variety of beads are available there to choose from.
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