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Let's talk "terminology" in the selling of gems and jewelry on eBay!
There are many words to describe gems and jewelry. When gems and jewelry are listed on eBay, Eye-Catching" words (such as the following) may appear in the title: (We have labeled the following as Word Group "A")
- Gorgeous
- Beautiful
- Stunning
- Exquisite
- Unbelievable
- Elegant
- Magnificent
- Fascinating
However, there are listings, which also appear in conjunction with the above related words and they may be as follows:
(We have labeled the following as Word Group "B")
- Ultra Fine
- AAAAA
- AAAA Fine
- XTRA Fine
- Super Fine
- Gem Fine
- Deluxe Fine
- Museum Quality
- Museum Aged
Describing a gem as Ultra Fine, AAAAA, XTRA Fine, Super Fine (and so on) may be confusing for those who are not familiar with the 4C's when buying diamonds and/or jewelry set with diamonds.
If one uses words such as Elegant, Fascinating and Stunning (as listed in Word Group "A") then this is the opinion of the Seller and the piece may indeed present itself as "Elegant and Fascinating". However, to use words such as XTRA Fine, Gem Fine or AAAAA may be a bit confusing for many buyer's who may think these terms apply to the cut and clarity of a given gem.
In fact, those who use terms such as "Museum Quality" or "Museum Aged" may be teetering a bit on the side "carnival barking" their wares - as to imply a gem is "Museum Quality" is to imply the item should be displayed in a Museum!
We've all been to Museums at one time or another in our lives and the only Museum (or Institute) I have seen Museum Quality gems is at the Smithsonian. If we're talking the Hope Diamond then that's one thing however, if we're talking about a three carat Burmese Ruby, then I think that stating "Museum Quality" may be a far reaching use of wording.
"Museum Aged" is another term, which (I think) may imply that an item is so old that it should be in a Museum. Okay, one slight problem on this use of wording and that goes to the core of "just how old are gems - which are mined from the earth?". I guess you can see my point. Then again, maybe all gems should be placed in a Museum, as they would ALL surely qualify as "Museum Aged".
Gem Origins:
When gem listings use words such as "Burmese Ruby" does that mean that the Ruby indeed came from Burma? Unless the gem came with a stamped passport from Burma or a gem "birth certificate" then one really does NOT know the origin of the gem. However, to state the gem is Burmese may simply imply the color of the stone is that of Rubies which originate from Burma.
The same can be said of Emeralds originating from Zambia or Tanzanite originating from Tanzania. Tanzanite also some from other parts of the world as do rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
Alexandrite:
There are some who advertised Alexandrite as "Russian Alexandrite". However, Russian Alexandrite originates from the Ural Mountains located (of course) in Russia.
(True) Russian Alexandrite displays a unique color change. However, Alexandrite is now originating out of Brazil and the color change is far from "true" Russian Alexandrite (which has basically been depleted and can only be found on the secondary market via serious collector's, buyer's and seller's).
The Brazilian version of Alexandrite changes from green to a gray-blue and while it's found in abundance, the price per carat is a bit on the high side as the "word" Alexandrite commands attention!
The Last Word:
When treasure hunting for gems and jewelry online, pay close attention to titles and descriptions as the "key" to finding a "treasure" may be found in reading between lines!
Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:
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