How to Buy Genuine Gemstones Online in India: 7 Things to Check before You Order

Pure Vedic Gems

17 August 20269 min read

You come across a 5-carat Blue Sapphire online that looks exceptional. The listing describes it as “Natural, Untreated, Ceylon and Certified,” and the photographs make the stone look even more appealing. Before placing the order, however, it is natural to wonder what is actually behind those claims. Is the Blue Sapphire truly natural? Does the certificate belong to the same gemstone? Is the stated origin verified? And will the stone you receive be the exact one shown online?

These are important questions when learning how to buy genuine gemstones online in India. Online gemstone buying has become convenient, but terms such as “original,” “pure,” “untreated” and “certified” should not be accepted at face value. The information should be supported by proper documentation and transparency from the seller.

At Pure Vedic Gems, our approach is to help buyers look beyond these marketing claims and focus on the details that can actually be verified, such as the gemstone’s natural and treatment status, laboratory documentation, specifications and suitability for Vedic astrology.

In this guide, we’ll cover 7 practical things to check before ordering a gemstone online, so you can evaluate your options with greater clarity and make a more informed purchase.

1. Verify That the Gemstone in Question Is Natural and Certified

The first thing one must determine when purchasing gemstones online is whether or not the stone is natural or synthetic. While there may be a photo of the stone on the web, you won't readily know the answer.

Make sure to request the gem lab report of a particular gemstone. A good gem lab specifies in the report whether the gemstone is natural or synthetic.

One should cross-check the number of the report and the name of a gemstone in the report and confirm the lab's details online.

Also, remember that being 'natural' does not necessarily mean that a gemstone is 'untreated'.

2. Inspect and Confirm the Gemstone Certificate

When you acquire your certificate, pay attention to more than just the word "certified". Make sure to consider the information in the report.

Check the Gemstone Details- It is also crucial to know the carat weight of the gemstone, its size, and type, to track its treatment and where it comes from, if applicable - all this must check out before the transaction takes place regarding the particular stone you want to buy. For example, if it is mentioned in the certificate that the weight of the stone is 5 carats with the identification of yellow sapphire, then the purchaser must ensure that the seller is selling the specified stone and not a similar one.
Verify the Certificate- Also, one must ensure to reconfirm the CGA certificate number and the name of the certification body, in addition to already checking the certificate document online.

3. Make sure if the Gemstone has Endured Any Treatment

Prior to purchasing any gemstone, it is essential to know if the tested gemstone has any kind of treatment or enhancement.

Even the natural gemstones can have been treated.

Some individuals and organizations use several techniques like heating and filling to improve the appearance of gemstones. Instead of simply asking whether the stone is natural or not, use this question:

“Is the gemstone treated or untreated?”

After that, consult the laboratory report for the answer.

This question is important, as treatment can influence the properties of the gemstone, its value, care needs, and, depending on what you intend to do, its usefulness for Vedic astrology.

4. Confirm the Alleged Origin of the Gemstone

You will likely come across listings claiming to offer different gemstones such as sapphires from Ceylon, rubies from Burma, Colombian emeralds, and Zambian emeralds.

Don't Judge Quality by Origin Alone- Where some gemstones are defined by their source, being mined from a well-known place does not necessarily denote quality. If the seller has made a claim of a specific origin, make sure the claim is proven and presented in a laboratory report.

What Else Affects Gemstone Quality?

The origin of a gemstone is only one part of the overall evaluation. Before making a purchase, it is also important to consider the gemstone’s other quality characteristics.

Colour
Clarity
Cut
Treatment
Size
Overall quality

5. Request Images or Videos of the Real Gemstone

When purchasing a gemstone online, there’s no opportunity of evaluating the gemstone in question. Thus, it’s necessary to understand if the pictures displayed in the ad are of the actual gemstone which the buyer will be getting.

Before purchasing an expensive gemstone online, ask yourself:

“Will this be the exact gemstone that will be sent to me?”

Ask for the Actual Stone- If you can, it’s better to obtain a video of the actual stone than to use stock photos. Examine its hue, cut, shape, visible inclusions, and overall quality. You may want to ask the seller to show the gemstone together with its certificate.
Don't Judge Authenticity Only by Appearance- Natural gemstones may have inclusions, so do not think that any visible inclusions simply imply that the stone is fake. In fact, the lab report and expert evaluation should be considered more trustworthy than judging based on pictures.

6. How to Find Out the Right Gemstone for You According to Your Horoscope

Like when purchasing any other piece of jewellery, one would normally focus on the colour, shape, and beauty of the gemstone in question. However, when dealing with Vedic astrology, the process of selecting the right gemstone has a different meaning.

A gemstone is usually selected because it looks good or is the most popular one, but the truth is that its suitability depends on your horoscope and the astrological needs that make you wear one. Therefore, one should always find the appropriate gemstone first and then move to its quality, natural state, and certification.

Gemstones and Vedic Astrology

It is essential to check the right gems for one’s zodiac sign while buying gems for astrology.

Several types of precious stones are linked with different planets, for example:

In addition, it is important to highlight that some gems are incompatible with an individual’s horoscope, so it is advisable to consult an astrologer while purchasing the gems.

You may have a consultation session for Vedic gemstones before purchasing one.

7. Verify the Seller before Making Your Purchase

Having a real-looking gemstone is one factor of making a safe purchase online. Equally important, before buying any gemstone, is to understand the seller and the information he provides about the gemstone and the buying process.

What to Check about the Seller?

Proper business address and contact details
Clear specifications regarding the gemstone
Clear laboratory certification
Clear policy regarding returns or exchanges
Authentic customer reviews
Secure shipping and after-sale support

If the seller does not want to provide the certificate with the gemstone, is evasive while answering questions regarding the gemstone treatment, employs generic pictures for the advertisement, and makes statements that can’t be backed with documents, you should be alarmed.

An honest seller will be glad to share the information about the gemstone and the testing process that has been conducted before the gemstone sale.

An Example to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Let's say you encounter an advertisement with the following details:

“100% Pure African Ruby – 7 carats – Untreated – Certified.”

Just because you've seen this advertisement doesn't mean that you can have full faith in it.

However, you should verify:

Does the laboratory report mention that it is a yellow sapphire?
Does the report say whether the sapphire has been treated or not?
Does the report indicate whether the origin stated as Ceylon/Sri Lanka is valid?
Do the numbers shown on the certification correlate with the actual stone?
How do we check if the report number is authentic?
Will the dealer show us the actual stone?
Moreover, is there a return policy?

If you are interested in purchasing a genuine and certified gemstone for astrology, it is essential to select a vendor with integrity, reputation, and proper documentation of their gemstones. Pure Vedic Gems gives you an opportunity to browse high-quality gemstones that satisfy all the standards related to your astrology. To know more details you can reach out to our support team.

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Buying guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are natural stone inclusions?

Natural stone inclusions, as the name implies, are authentic features of the gemstone that form as part of the process when creating the stone. An inclusion doesn’t mean the stone is not created naturally or sometimes even tells the expert some facts about the gemstone’s history.

How do I distinguish genuine stone?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question. There is no universal technique to help you identify a gemstone as genuine or false. The only truly trustworthy method is to take it to a professional gemology service.

Is the gemstone origin significant?

No, the gemstone origin doesn’t determine its value. Several other factors determine the value of a gemstone, including but not limited to its colour, clarity, cut, treatments, size, and quality.

Can a stone be both natural and treated?

Yes, a stone can be natural as it was created by nature; however, it can also be treated after mining. Thus, the terms "natural" and "untreated" are not the same.

Is the certificate of stone enough to determine its quality?

The certificate presents critical information concerning a stone, but should not be considered the only measure to determine its quality. A certificate should be analyzed in regard to stone identification, weight, measures, treatment status, etc.

Can I identify a gemstone treatment from photographs?

Not reliably. Some treatments may not be visible in photographs and can require professional examination or specialised gemological equipment. For important purchases, laboratory documentation is more dependable than judging treatment from images alone.

Should I choose a gemstone based only on its appearance?

No. Appearance is only one part of choosing a gemstone. If the gemstone is intended for Vedic astrology, its astrological suitability should be considered first, followed by its natural status, treatment, quality and laboratory documentation.