Buying gems online: questions a beautiful photograph cannot answer
Buying gems online: questions a beautiful photograph cannot answer.
Read articleBuying Guides
Notes on gemstones, silver and the pieces we live with.
More to read
Kundan, polki, jadau and meenakari: what each label tells you
Read kundan, polki, jadau and meenakari in their stated contexts. Use a label-decoder sheet to ask about the actual jewellery.
Gold purity explained: what 14K, 18K and 22K tell a jewellery buyer
Understand gold karatage and fineness, then compare the components, construction and finish in the actual jewellery offer.
Choosing a jewellery metal: compare the piece, its finish and its upkeep
Compare jewellery alloys, finishes, weight and servicing questions without choosing from a generic strongest-metal ranking.
Checking a gold hallmark in India: read the marks and verify the HUID
Read the gold marks, verify the HUID through BIS Care and compare the invoice for a gold jewellery purchase in India.
What does handmade jewellery mean? Questions behind the label
Ask which jewellery stages a handmade label covers, and distinguish US guidance, marketplace categories and item-specific evidence.
Choosing necklace and bracelet clasps you can use comfortably
Compare necklace and bracelet clasps through an ordinary-use demonstration, component questions and professional condition checks.
Repair, restore or remake jewellery? Agree what you want to preserve
Prepare a preservation brief and compare assessed repair, restoration and remake proposals before approving changes to jewellery.
Before buying jewellery online: seller, delivery and return checks
Save an online jewellery purchase record covering the seller, delivery promises, return route and unresolved order questions.
Buying a loose gemstone for a setting: agree the fit first
Use a loose-gemstone setting checklist covering measurements, depth, condition, protection and approval before buying the stone.
Buying gemstones while travelling: what to check before paying
Prepare for a gemstone purchase while travelling with written material claims, report checks, return terms and a clear total cost.
Mineral specimen or jewellery gemstone: decide what you want to own
Choose between a mineral specimen and a jewellery gemstone by clarifying what you want to preserve, display or wear.
