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eBay Jewelry Buying Guide
Buying jewelry on eBay can be a very rewarding experience. However knowing what to buy and how to purchase quality jewelry and gems can be a daunting task. We have broken this guide down into sections for ease of browsing.
Pearl Jewelry..
Pearl bracelets, rings, necklaces and pendants have never been more popular. Before purchasing a string of pearls, it's best to know exactly how pearls are formed (in nature) and the difference between cultured pearls and freshwater pearls. In addition, you may be seeking mother of pearl or baroque pearls which are are available in many shapes, sizes and quality. Akoya pearls are one of the most popular cultured pearls on the market today. They come in many sizes and various colors. Akoya pearls are readily available in white, cream, pink and rose. Dyed akoya pearls can mimic both tahitian pearls and south sea pearls. How do you know if you've purchased genuine pearls? Review our Guide on Gemstone - Pearl Fakes, Composites and Treatments for more information.
Diamond Jewelry..
Buying loose diamonds or finished diamond jewelry (online) is where you are most vulnerable, as you have no opportunity to loupe the diamond, grade it or truly know the color of what you're purchasing until delivery. There are imitation diamonds (such as cubic zirconium) and moissanite. Diamonds can also be irradiated to enhance color. While many savvy buyer's are familiar with the 4C's when purchasing diamonds, there are many other terms (applicable to diamond buying) which should receive as much attention as the the 4C's - they are as follows:
- Blemish - A blemish can occur on the surface of a diamond.
- Brilliance - This is the "heart" of a diamond.
- Brilliant Cut - A brilliant cut maximizes the "brilliance" of a diamond.
- Carbon Spots - Carbon is a naturally occurring "black spot" that can be found inside a diamond.
- Clouds - Clouds (when found in a diamond) can come together to form a transparent cloud.
- Eye Clean Diamonds - Industry term, which basically tells you that a diamond is "eye clean".
- Feather - A feather is basically a fracture.
- Inclusion - An inclusion affects the clarity of a diamond.
- Shy Diamond - Shy diamonds are termed "shy" when they're not quite a full half carat or full one carat diamond.
The grades of diamonds can also be confusing. An I1 diamond may still be a great bargain, if the color of the diamond falls in the J-K color range. There are famous diamonds throughout history, which have received the attention of the industry however, the attention was focused more on the size of the diamond and not necessarily the cut or clarity.
A clean diamond is more brilliant and fiery than the same diamond when it is "dirty". Dirt or grease on the top of a diamond reduces its luster. Water, dirt, or grease on the bottom of a diamond interferes with the diamond's brilliance and fire. Even a thin film absorbs some light that could have been reflected to the person looking at the diamond.
Colored dye or smudges can affect the perceived color of a gem. Historically, some jewelers' diamonds were not graded properly due to smudges on the girdle, or dye on the culet. Current practice is to thoroughly clean a gem before grading its color as well as clarity.
Buying Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies..
One can find high quality gems on eBay! While eBay search results will yield a fine selection for Mystic Topaz, Mexican Fire Opal, Jadeite, Tanzanite, Ammolite, Aquamarine, Opals, Amber and Birthstone Jewelry, the most popular gems on eBay are Sapphires, Emeralds and Rubies. Many buyer's of gemstones on eBay are those seeking to resell jewelry and gems.
Before buying any gemstone, it's important to know the difference between a bluff gemstone and quality gemstone. The use of specific words when describing a sapphire, emerald or ruby can trigger buyer's to simply buy a gem based upon the words used in the title and description. Knowing who you're buying gems from (the jeweler) is as important as the origin of the gemstone.
Gem Card Appraisals and Valuations..
Gem Card jewelry appraisals are being used to add a perceived value to sapphires, rubies and emeralds (either loose or in finished jewelry). Sellers using Gem Cards are using Gem Cards in lieu of offering certified appraisals by qualified gemologists. In some cases, the seller is connected in way or another with the issuer of the Gem Card. Always remember that declasse gems equal no classification and or "real" grading. They are also known as promotional stones and bluff gemstones.
Live Jewelry Auctions on eBay..
There are many advantages to buying jewelry through eBay online auctions. The first advantage is pricing. In many cases, one could never go into any jewelry store and find the bargains that abound on eBay. In fact, eBay has changed the way consumers shop for jewelry. Where else can consumers find top graded gems and finished jewelry products for just pennies on the dollar?
There was a time when consumers went to what they thought was the "source" (the New York Diamond District) for their diamond purchases, however, over the years, those who want to keep up with the competition (in New York) have actually opened eBay stores and conduct auction events in order to move their merchandise quickly (especially during non holiday seasons).
A Live Auction takes place in "real time". Unlike regular eBay auctions (which can be offered from one to ten days) a Live Auction Event is a "real time auction" and can run from one to twelve hours straight on one day! During a Live Auction hundreds of items are presented (one after another) and depending on the speed in which bids are placed, each item may appear on the screen from 10 seconds to 45 seconds.
Participating in a Live Auction Event is just like attending a land based auction in which you are given a paddle and you are competing for items that interest you! However, instead of using a paddle, you are bidding via the click of a mouse!
Live Auctions are utilized by auction houses wishing to move overstock, antiques,jewelry and estate items. The buyer's may be resellers, retailers, wholesalers and even consumers!
Many find a Live Auction Event when stumbling across an item in the regular eBay listings, as ALL Live Auction items appear in regular eBay listings.
In addition, you can visit EBAYLIVEAUCTIONS in order to peruse a list of ALL upcoming Live Auction Events. Some Live Auctioneers may not maintain an eBay store.
Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:
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