Bangkok is an excellent destination when you are looking to purchase gemstone jewellery, and it is one of the largest gemstone markets and trading centres in the world. There is a vast array of choices available when purchasing gemstone jewellery, but you will need to be careful to ensure you do not get ripped off. Below are some of the questions you should ask a jeweller before purchasing to help you buy high-quality jewellery easily.
Do The Gems Come With A Lab Report?
You will want to ask the jeweller whether the jewellery you are looking to purchase comes with a grading certificate or lab report. They will need to send this for gemstone testing at a laboratory to get this, which will cost money, so not all jewellers will offer this as part of the deal. However, you can often negotiate with them, and they may be able to provide this for an additional cost.
Ask About The Four Cs Of The Gems
You will also want to ask the jeweller about the four Cs of the gems, especially if there are not any reports or certificates available. If you are not familiar with the four Cs, these are as follows:
- The Cut
- The Clarity
- The Colour
- The Carat Weight
You can find out more about the four Cs by clicking here, and it is worth doing plenty of homework before shopping for gemstone jewellery.
Where Do The Gemstones Originate?
You will also want to ask about the origination of the gemstones to ensure they do not come from a conflict zone. Conflict gems are becoming scarcer, and we want to do all we can to avoid purchasing these as they can be used to fund wars and criminal organisations.
Have The Gems Been Enhanced
You will also want to ask if the gems in the jewellery you are looking to purchase have been enhanced. It is common for many gems to be enhanced to improve their aesthetic appeal, but some enhancement techniques are better than others.
Ask About The Price
When you are satisfied with the jewellery and have had answers to all your questions, the last one should be regarding the price. You can negotiate on the cost of many things in Thailand, including jewellery, so do not be afraid to haggle. However, ensure you are respectful and do not make too low an offer, as you may offend the seller, who could then refuse to do business with you.