Biggest Black Gemstone Buying Mistakes

Black gems are filled with stardom, mystery, and opulence. Black diamonds, for example, will have you addicted to its dramatic personality; onyx will charm you on the mystical sheen of its black radiance; and the seductive charm of black spinel is unavoidable. But one can so easily be deceived with the wrong kind of purchase, which translates to disillusion, capital loss, or disappointment.

Most likely, individuals get sucked in—shelling out cash for rocks and believing they found an amazing bargain, shelling out too much money for worthless gems, or selecting a stone that is the incorrect one to wear daily. When purchasing a black gemstone for a ring, necklace, or collector’s item, what not to do is better referred to as learning as much as what to do.

In this tutorial, we will talk about the largest black gemstone purchase errors, so you can shop smart and assuredly.

Not Identifying the Right Black Gemstone

Not All Black Gems Are Created Equal

Probably the most prevalent error on the part of purchasers is the overall perception that all black gems are basically the same. Black gems can be quite different from one another in terms of hardness, durability, rarity, and cost. Some gems, such as black diamonds, are highly durable and resistant to wear, whereas others, such as jet, are soft and easily scratched.

All the stones are lovely in themselves, but having the wrong one for your purpose is disappointing. If you will be using it all the time, do not use soft stones such as obsidian or jet.

Distinguishing Synthetic or Treated Stones from Natural Stones

Nine-tenths or better of all black gems available in the market today are treated or produced synthetically. For instance, most black onyx nowadays are dyed, and irradiation has blackened diamonds that are much darker a hue. Moissanite gemstones, an advanced copy diamond, is produced but an eye-watering, guilt-free substitute.

To know the difference:

• Ask from expert labs such as GIA or IGI to certify.
• Inspect with a jeweler’s loupe for inclusions (natural stones typically have them).
• Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
• Study the typical treatments applied to each gemstone type.
• Consult a professional gemologist if you’re unsure.

Ignoring the Importance of Durability

Understanding Hardness and Wearability

The hardness of the gem will determine the degree of its resistance and strength against scratching and damage. Black diamonds, 10 on the Mohs scale, are the hardest and so the most appropriate for rings. Black tourmaline and black spinel are also extremely hard. Obsidian, as it is volcanic glass, is so brittle and prone to chipping.

If purchasing a black stone for daily jewelry, employ a more durable stone such as moissanite stones or black diamonds. Hardness is particularly well worth it for rings and bracelets, which are used more frequently and employed more than earrings or pendants.

Ignoring Proper Care Requirements

Certain stones need special care over others:

• Black diamonds: Can be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners.
• Onyx and obsidian: No chemicals; clean with damp cloth.
• Jet: Very tender—store it by itself so that it doesn’t get scratched.
• Black tourmaline: Hard; avoid subjecting it to solid blasts.
• Black spinel: Tough but still bathe it kindly with soft soap and a light brush.

A good upkeep ensures your black stones remain gorgeous years from now. It also pays to separate your gemstones since harder gemstones will scratch the softer ones.

Understanding the Investment Value of Black Gemstones

The majority of the buyers, while buying a black gem, hardly think about the investment value of it. Black diamonds, however rare they may be, are highly resaleable. Black spinel or onyx is not so precious after a while. While selecting gems as an investment, find the ones that trace back to their originality, contain fewer treatments, and are saleable today.

Red diamonds, for instance, are among the least common and costly colored diamonds and thus a safe long-term investment. Likewise, excellent moissanite gemstones are an investment worth making on their brilliance and durability. Pioneering the market’s trends, taking advice from gemologists, and acquiring certified gemstones can render your investment not losing but gaining its value in the coming years.

Being Prey to Fictitious or Misleading Advertising

Overpaying For “Rare” Black Stones Which Are Not

Some stores offer regular stones as “rare” in order to make a greater profit. Black spinel is lovely, but not as rare as red diamonds or black diamonds. Same for dyed onyx that is sold as a high-end gem.

Buying From Unknown Sellers

• Buy from known jewelers who offer simple return policies.
• Check customer feedback and ratings.
• Ask for a certificate of authenticity of expensive gems.
• Do not buy where the details of the gemstones are not revealed.
• Asking source, origin, and treatment of the stone.

Beyond Certification and Documents

Not Asking the Gemstone to Be Certified

A genuine gem lab report assures authenticity, origin, and treatment of the stone. On precious black gemstones, ask for GIA, IGI, or AGS certification. Certification saves you dollars on the fake and deception.

• Ignoring Source Country and Ethics
• Some black diamonds are extracted in war zones.
• Moissanite stones are an ethical choice to diamonds.
• Search for black gemstones that have been mined ethically to promote equitable mining.
• Find out the mining conditions in the source nation.

An ethically mined gemstone can provide fair labor practices and responsible stewardship of the environment.

The Wrong Cut or Setting

The Wrong Cut for Maximum Sparkle

As opposed to usual red diamonds, black diamonds are absorptive and non-reflecting, and thus their cut has a significant influence on what they look like.

Best cuts for black diamonds:

• Rose Cut: Emphasizes the rich black color.
• Brilliant Cut: Maximizes light play and brings out the gemstone to appear even more colorful.
• Cushion Cut: Adds depth and interest in the gem’s appearance.

Choosing an Inapt Setting

• Lovely stones (jet, obsidian) need to be in defensive settings (bezel settings are best).
• Black diamonds and moissanite gemstones are beautiful in prong settings, which transmit more light.
• Don’t use tension settings for fragile stones like onyx.
• Reinforced settings need to be employed for wear items to avoid accidental damage.

Conclusion: The Right Way to Buy Black Gemstones

The acquisition of black gemstones is a rewarding endeavor but must be done with caution. To steer clear of costly blunders:

• Be attuned to the variation between black diamonds, onyx, spinel, and other black gemstones.
• Make sure the gemstone is as tough as you plan to wear it.
• Make sure it’s real and ask for certification.
• Buy from reputable dealers and avoid cunning marketing tactics.
• Select the most suitable cut and setting to optimize ultimate brilliance in your stone.

Now that you know this, you can now select the ideal black gemstone, be it a stylish black diamond, a hot moissanite stone, or a strange black spinel. Bonne chance  gemstone hunting!