Acceptable and Non Acceptable Words in Descriptions:

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.

Gem Cards - A Questionable Practice:

What's more disturbing is the use of the words "fine" and "extra fine" (and so on ) on Gem Cards. Gem Cards seem to be the new wave in selling jewelry and gems. They are usually offered for free and look like a plastic credit card. These cards may have a picture of the item, carat weight and some type of grading information. If it's a diamond ring, which has been graded and there are many diamonds in the piece, the piece may be graded as VS-1 to I1. In other words, if it's a pave setting you're being offered (which may contain 5 pointer diamonds) this means that one diamond (out of the entire group) may be VS-1 however, the remaining diamonds may be all I1's.

The Gem Card is the next great selling tool, as this little card can carry a message of "high value".  In the case where the diamonds are graded VS-1 to I1 - the term "VS-1 is what catches the buyer's eye. VS-1 is the grading which "sells" the piece. However, once you receive the item and find crusty white I1 diamonds and one VS-1 diamond - you'll be sorely disappointed  - as in many cases, the one "good" diamond stands out amongst the crusty white "smashed glass look" of the I1 diamonds.

It's not by accident that a VS-1 diamond is set into the piece. Put in a VS-1 diamond and the seller can use the grading however, it's a slippery slope upon which they sell such goods, as if one diamond is a VS-1 and the remaining diamonds are I1's - the quality of the piece and the high value attached via a Gem Card - becomes questionable.

Gem Cards should NOT be given any weight when purchasing a finished piece of jewelry or loose gem as they set a bad example for the entire industry. They bring into question the validity of value and this has far reaching implications for the entire gemological grading industry.

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!

In closing, also remember a simple rule of thumb - if a Gem Card states an item is worth $7500.00 however, it's being sold for $300.00 then there's something very amiss in the valuation being touted. Does anyone (anywhere) on this planet sell anything for $300.00 - which has a Gem Card stating a value of $7500.00?

Buying fnished jewelry and gems on eBay can fun and exciting however, you might want read in between the lines in descriptions and research any gemological laboratory, which offfers Gem Cards, as opposed to the standard industry appraisal.