Frequently asked questions
What are the Advantages of Gemmological Knowledge?
The key-word is knowledge … that is knowing.
At some stage in their life, almost every person buys or obtains a gemstone or at least one piece of gemstone-set jewellery. If you aware of the differences between gemstones, value-enhanced gemstones, synthetics and imitations, then you know what you have and you will not be duped by value-enhanced gemstones, synthetics or imitations. If you are purchasing you can choose which you want.
There are many coloured stones which provide less expensive alternatives to the more expensive traditional gemstones of diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Do you know what coloured stones are available and what are their important characteristics. How often are these synthesised, imitated, or value-enhanced?
It you are a fossicker, or a lapidary, will you know whether you have found a piece of genuine rough gem stone, or perhaps a fragment of water-worn glass? If you facet gemstones, as a hobby or for profit, how and where will you learn how to correctly orient rough to achieve the best display of colour through the table of the gemstone you are about to facet?
For those who travel overseas, the opportunity to purchase gemstones cheaply in Asian countries must to be tempered by the knowledge of obvious pitfalls. That ‘bargain purchase’ often can let you down badly, if you return home only to discover that poor cutting has seriously undermined the value of your bargain gemstone, or even worse, you bought a synthetic or an imitation. Determining whether your bargain gemstone been value-enhanced is yet another challenge the tourist must overcome.
Factually, the more gemmological knowledge you can acquire, the more potential exists for its use.
Gemmologists come from every walk of life. The Gemmological Association of Australian has gemmologist members who are gem merchants, jewellers, geologists, antique dealers, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, librarians, shop assistants, secretaries, housewives … the list is endless.
Remember, the appeal of gemmology is universal.
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