Insist on GIA nomenclature. NO GIA NOMENCLATURE - NO DEAL! One of
the important GIA contributions to the Trade is establishing
common language, so gemstone trade can be done over the distance.
Unfortuately, most standard nomenclature, GIA included, is designed
to describe polished stones. There are a lot of rough dealers out
there who may say "will probably cut VVS stones," but the fact is
that you never know what is inside a rough stone, unless it has been
polished. (Yeah, I know, Refractol and other tricks, but we're
talking about buying online here.) I am cutting an amethyst right now
that looked like it would come out I1 at best, but is shaping up into
a nice VS or SI. The point being that, in most cases, it is just not
possible to say with certainty what clarity grade, or sometimes even
exact color, a rough stone will yield when cut.
If in doubt, don't spend too much. That way, if you are
disappointed, you didn't lose too much. Also, in auctions, you can
check feedback, look at other items the seller is offering, and do
some other consistency checks to ensure that the deal is reasonable
and honest. In general, avoid sellers with blurry pictures, low/bad
feedback numbers, or ultra-rare stones at ridiculous prices. Expect
clarity to be about 1 grade lower than described. For some reason,
auction sellers often grade their stones optimistically. Finally, if
it doesn't seem right, even if you don't know why, let it go! There
is more than one source for any stone you can imagine.
On the other hand, if you are willing to take a chance, once in a
while it may pay to gamble. Just be aware that you are placing a bet
in such cases. (I got some really pretty simulated tanzanite one time
when doing just that!)
Happy hunting!
Steve
http://www.gemsevermore.com
