Whether you are buying a loose sapphire, ruby or emerald from a marketplace seller, a big online dealer or a local jeweller, the same ten questions tell you what you are really paying for. A good seller answers all of them in writing, before you pay. If a seller can't or won't, keep looking. That applies to us at Roho Jewels too.
1. Is the stone natural, synthetic or lab-grown?
Natural stones form in the earth. Synthetic and lab-grown stones have the same chemistry but are made in a factory, and they cost a fraction of the price. Both are fine to buy, as long as the listing says which one it is. Look for the words natural or lab-grown on the listing itself, not only in a chat. Every Roho coloured gemstone is natural, and the few lab-grown diamonds we sell are labelled lab-grown in the title.
2. Has it been treated, and how?
Most sapphires and rubies are heated, and most emeralds are oiled. These are accepted, permanent (for heat) or stable (for minor oil) treatments, but they change the value. Glass filling, diffusion and dyeing change it a lot more. Ask for the treatment in writing. Be careful with "no heat" or "untreated" claims that come without a lab report or a refund promise. Our guide to reading a treatment label explains each term.
3. Is there a lab report, and from which lab?
A report from an independent lab such as GIA, AGL, AIGS, GRS or IGI tells you the species, weight, measurements and any treatment found. Ask for the report number and look it up on the lab's website yourself; it should match the stone's weight and size. A seller's own "certificate" is not the same as an independent report. Browse our certified gemstones to see how a report is shown on a listing.
4. What is the exact weight and size in millimetres?
Carat weight tells you how heavy a stone is; millimetres tell you how big it looks and whether it fits a setting. Two 1 ct sapphires can look very different in size. Ask for length, width and depth so your jeweller can plan the setting before you buy.
5. Can I see a daylight video of this exact stone?
Studio light flatters every gemstone. A short video in daylight, of the exact stone you will receive, shows its true colour, how it moves and any visible inclusions. If a seller only has stock photos or "similar stone" pictures, you don't know what you will get.
6. Is it the exact stone in the photos?
For one-of-a-kind stones it should be. For calibrated stones sold by the dozen, a seller may photograph one and ship another from the same lot. Ask which applies.
7. What does shipping cost, and is it insured to the full value?
Gemstones are small and valuable. Ask whether shipping is tracked, insured to the price you paid, and needs a signature on higher-value parcels. Ask who pays import duties: for orders crossing a border, they are usually charged by the carrier on delivery.
8. What is the return policy, in days and conditions?
Look for a clear window (30 days is common), what condition the stone must be in, who pays return postage, and whether any lab report must come back with it. "No returns" on a stone you have only seen in photos is a real risk.
9. What happens if a lab later disagrees with the description?
This is the question that separates sellers. Ask what you get if an independent lab finds a treatment, a synthetic or a different weight from what was described. The answer you want is a full refund, in writing.
10. Who exactly am I buying from?
Look for a real business name, an address, a phone number and reviews from past buyers. Check how quickly and clearly the seller answers your questions before you buy; that is how they will treat you after.
How Roho Jewels answers these questions
- Every coloured gemstone is natural; lab-grown diamonds are always labelled lab-grown.
- The treatment is stated on every listing: standard heat, minor oil, or no heat where we say so.
- Independent lab reports are shown on the listing where a stone has one; see Certified Gemstones and Unheated & Untreated.
- Exact weight and millimetre measurements on every listing, and a daylight video of the exact stone on request.
- Free, tracked, insured shipping from Toronto; ships the next business day.
- Returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery, and holiday orders placed November 1 to December 31 can be returned until January 31.
- Lifetime guarantee that every stone is genuine as described, and a full refund if an independent lab finds treatment in a stone sold as unheated or untreated.
Looking for a centre stone? Start with Engagement & Center Stones, or see the one-of-a-kind vintage cuts. Questions about a stone, ours or one you are considering elsewhere? Message us; we're happy to tell you what we would ask.
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