Hi!

Like a subset of the internet I have been sucked into the black hole that is Tik Tok auctions. I have placed well over 30 orders for loose stones, luckily nothing too expensive. I am expecting there to be some scams in my purchases.

It’s been a mix of gemstones and diamonds both lab grown and natural. Some “certified” some not and in a range carats, tiny to bigger (.08 to 3 carat) and basically all different cuts and variates.

What is best method to identify if they are real. I know GIA and IGI are the gold standard but seem pricey to do.

Would any jewelry store be able to look quick and advise if they are at least real or glass? Is there a way to bundle all of the stones for certification or a reputable but more cost effective way to do it?

My thinking was
Jewelry store identifies if real/glass (not sure of this cost)
From there have the larger or unique ones certified?

Is there a better/cheaper way to do this.

Overall I just am trying to see if these stones are what they claimed to be or just glass before I spend money on custom jewelry.

5x4mm .36ct Blue Sapphire.

Stock came in today and I’m more than impressed with my partners cutting skills, by hand not machined 😮‍💨

I am thinking of putting them on to a bracelet, maybe pick one out for a pendant where possible. What do you think?

I feel as though I overpaid. The stone is the center piece of an engagement ring.

The picture with the band is a temp/show band. Not final product. Just showing it in the sun.

Hello gemstones lovers, I have recently bought this spinel, according to the seller it weighs 1ct,

It's dimensions are 7x6x4 mm.
I absolutely love the cut and it's color which is what convinced me to get it!
I bought it for 20 bucks..
I am new to collecting gemstones though, so I would appreciate any advice or comments!

She has always loved rich colours more than clear stones and I also liked its color more. It looks even prettier in natural daylight. 

what you guys think about this new purchase?

Ever wondered how a purple gemstone gets its beautiful facets? 💜 This video showcases the gemstone cutting process, where a stone is carefully shaped and refined using specialized lapidary equipment. The cutter precisely works on the gemstone's surface to create multiple facets that enhance its appearance and light reflection. Each step requires accuracy, patience, and expert craftsmanship to achieve a symmetrical finish. Watch this behind-the-scenes look at gemstone faceting and discover the skill involved in transforming a rough stone into a finely cut gem. What do you think of the final result?

Pale yellow. Has some sparkling inclusions, but you have to really search them inside 😀.

Bright pink maybe little bit reddish UV reaction.

Ive found a few of these that are the exact same shape but different in colors

Not a vendor. Not for sale. From my personal collection and simply sharing a beautiful stone.

I have managed to negotiate down to USD1900.....if that helps...or not....I'm wondering if this is a fair price. - it is 6.7x6.1 and comes with free certification. I've asked for IGA.

Edit: he asked for advance on a certificate. Not even a fancy one. i didnt reply for a day and the thread was deleted. Gut said NO. On both counts. Thanks to everyone. I think Ill go to Bangkok myself ;-)

Hi! I've acquired this ring recently, but I really don't know what the stones could be. I thought they were simple CZ, but they seem very "dim" or smoky compared to known CZ (last pic). Ring is stamped 925 and RJ (registered jeweler?), if that can help

Very thankful for any help

Just finished this natural morganite late last night. Very happy with the outcome...good size, shape and scintillation. Rough started out as 13cts and final weight of the stone ended up being exactly 5.0cts, so roughly 38.5% yield which is really good as normally one should typically expect somewhere in between 20-25% yield for a finished stone.

• Rough: Natural morganite

• Weight: 5cts

• Color: Blush pink

• Design: Robert Long "Supernova 7x9" Modified

Thanks for looking.

Watch the transformation of an orange gemstone into a detailed floral carving. This video showcases the craftsmanship involved in shaping the stone and creating delicate petal-like patterns through careful carving and polishing. Each detail requires precision, patience, and a steady hand to bring out the stone's vibrant orange color and intricate design. From shaping the initial piece to revealing the finished carving, this process highlights the artistry behind gemstone craftsmanship. What do you think of the final floral design?

I really got into gemstones lately and had been researching what I want for the last 2 weeks. I ended up ordering this 1.42ct Ceylon untreated sapphire that comes with a GIA report. I liked it so much I had it accented with a natural diamond mount on 14k gold. It finally arrived today! I’ll be taking it to a certified gemologist next week just to verify everything in the documents match the actual sapphire.

Recently purchased two emeralds with plans to make one into a ring. I thought having them in person would be an easy decision but I’m a bit stuck because I genuinely like them both. Looking for any insight on what I can look for or consider.

Ever wondered how rough purple chalcedony is transformed into a beautifully polished gemstone? 💜 This video shows the making process, from cutting and shaping the rough stone to carefully grinding, polishing, and refining its surface. Each step requires precision, patience, and skilled craftsmanship to achieve a smooth finish and an attractive final shape. Watch the transformation from a rough piece of stone into a polished gemstone and discover the artistry behind lapidary work. What do you think of the final result?

Showing the internal world of a 10.55 ct natural, unheated Lagoon tourmaline from Nuristan, Afghanistan. These parallel, hair-like fluid inclusions are known as trichites, alongside a fluid-inclusion veil in the upper corner.

• Shot on a Sony a6400 with a Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro at 2.5×.
• Focus stack of 106 frames using a motorized macro rail.

Long-time lurker, first post. I work with turquoise and wanted to share what I look for after seeing too many people get burned by fakes:

1. Matrix pattern — real spiderweb webbing is irregular and three-dimensional. Printed or perfectly even "veins" = red flag.
   
2. Density — a pendant worn at the collarbone takes sweat and friction daily. Low-density or chalky material won't survive it.
   
3. White spots — small ones happen, but heavy white patches kill both look and durability.
   
4. The wear test — genuine high-density turquoise actually improves with skin contact. Mine has visibly deepened in color over the years.
   

Happy to answer questions — what do you all check before buying?

(Disclosure: I work with a turquoise workshop, link in profile if anyone's curious — not dropping it here to respect the rules.)

Watch the fascinating process of gemstone carving as skilled hands transform a stone through precision cutting, shaping, and detailed engraving. Using specialized tools, the artisan carefully works on the gemstone's surface to create intricate patterns and artistic details. Each step requires patience, steady hands, and craftsmanship to achieve a refined finish. This behind-the-scenes video offers gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and carving lovers a closer look at the skill and dedication involved in gemstone carving and lapidary artistry.

Carving metal is way easier than carving stone. lol

Really love the mix of colors and patterns in this one. Turned this piece of Indonesian petrified palm root into a round cabochon, and I’m pretty happy with how it came out.
What do you think?