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About gemstones buyers in china

Types of Gemstones

  • Precious Gemstones

    Gemstones buyers in china often look for globally renowned
    gem dealers to buy precious stones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires and
    emeralds which have enduring value and are often used in fine jewelry making.
    These stones are rare, hard, come in various colors, and are considered
    precious due to their beauty and the intense process involved in cutting
    and polishing them. Precious gemstones typically attract a higher
    price and are icons of luxury. The luminaries of many ancient cultures wore
    them. Nowadays, they are primarily set in high-end jewelry pieces.

  • Semiprecious Gemstones

    These stones are abundant than precious stones and are available in a
    wide range of colors. Also, they have a diverse spectrum of cutting and
    polishing options. Commonly, semi-precious stones include amethyst,
    citrine, garnet, and aquamarine. Semiprecious stones are mainly used in
    making fashion jewelry. Due to their availability, semi-precious
    gemstones buyers in China often buy these stones in bulk for trading
    purposes.

  • Organic Gemstones

    Organic gemstones, unlike the previous ones, are formed from organic
    materials. They include pearls from oysters, coral from the sea, and amber
    from tree resin. Organic gemstones buyers in China prefer purchasing these
    gems as they are often found in niche markets due to their unique
    characteristics.

  • Synthetic Gemstones

    These are man-made versions of natural gemstones. While they are made
    from lab processes, some high-quality synthetic gemstones have the same
    chemical properties as natural ones. For instance, synthetic diamonds and
    rubies are made by recreating the conditions that form the natural gems
    deep in the Earth. To an untrained eye, synthetic gemstones are hard to
    distinguish from the natural ones.

  • Imitation Gemstones

    Like synthetic gemstones, imitation gemstones are made in labs or
    created through other processes. However, unlike synthetic ones which are
    composed of the same materials as the real gemstone, imitation gems are
    made from different materials and are used to mimic the appearance of
    other gemstones. Common imitation gemstones include cubic zirconia as an
    imitation diamond and glass crystals that imitate the brilliant sparkle of
    gemstones.

Design of Gemstones

  • Cut and Shape

    Different designs of gemstones are largely determined by how they are
    cut, because cutting not only brings out the beauty of the gemstone by
    increasing its brilliance and sparkle, but also affects its shape. For
    instance, the round brilliant cut is mostly for diamonds and enhances their
    sparkle. Other cuts also include the emerald cut that is usually applied on
    gemstones like emeralds and sapphires where its rectangular
    shaped cut enhances the color of the stone, and the rose cut that has a
    rounded base and a pointed top, which offers a soft, vintage look to the
    stone.

  • Setting Designs

    The way gemstones are placed on jewelry pieces is known as setting. This is
    because some settings are meant to exhibit the stone's best features, while
    others hold it securely in place. Common types of setting include
    straightforward solitaires which are only one gemstone, halo settings where a
    central stone is surrounded by smaller stones, and pave settings where tiny
    stones are embedded into the metal surface for a glittering effect.

  • Color Design

    The design of gemstones also largely depends on their color, this is because
    gemstone color is responsible for determining the type of jewelry to choose as
    well as its overall style. For instance, red gemstones such as rubies and red
    spinels are ideal for bold and dramatic pieces, while blue gemstones like
    sapphires and aquamarine are suited for classic and elegant designs. In
    addition, lighter gemstones including topaz can be used to create more
    delicate and vintage pieces.

  • Size and Proportion

    The size of a gemstone and its proportion are critical in designing the jewelry as a whole because the weight of the gemstones used will greatly
    influence the amount of metal used when making the jewelry as well as the overall
    aesthetic. A large central gemstone can turn a simple ring into a statement piece,
    while smaller stones are ideal for adding subtle accents to the pieces of
    jewelry.

  • Theme and Inspiration

    Various designs of gemstones are inspired by varying themes, concepts, and
    even nature. For instance, floral designs are protruded by flowers, while
    settings that resemble the rays of the sun are inspired by the sunrays. In addition,
    historical periods also inspired some designs, this is because the vintage
    styles were inspired by the previous eras.

Usage of Gemstones

  • Jewelry

    Gemstones are primarily used in making jewelry. Precious gemstones like
    diamonds and pearls are the most popular choice for making fine jewelry
    worn on formal occasions. A necklace of colorful semi-precious gemstones can
    also be stunning and worn more casually. Organic gemstones like pearls and
    coral are favored in timeless bridal jewelry. Nowadays, many jewelry brands
    create pieces with synthetic gemstones that are more affordable for
    the customers.

  • Decorative Items

    Imitation gemstones are large mounted into fashion jewelry and
    ornaments to enhance their appeal. Such items include rings, bracelets,
    necklaces, and earrings. Also, gemstones are used to embellish various home
    decor items. For instant, raw or polished gemstones are embedded or mounted in
    coasters, keychains, phone cases, and even picture frames to give a unique
    style to ordinary household items.

  • Healing and Wellness Products

    Traditionally, certain gemstones have healing powers and are used in wellness
    and healing products like skincare. For instance, jade rollers are used to massage
    and soothe the skin. So, buyers looking for skincare products with an upgrade
    often go for skincare products with gemstones.

  • Collectibles and Investments

    In addition to jewelry, precious gemstones are also collected or invested-of.
    This is because gemstones, when bought right, appreciate over time. Stones like
    rubies, sapphires, and emeralds have high demand in the market most of the time. In
    addition, the rise in popularity of gemstone art and crafts has led to the rise in
    interest of collecting semiprecious stones such as amethyst, garnet, and citrine, as
    well as agate and carved jade.

  • Fashion and Apparel

    In addition to jewelry, gemstones are also integrated into fashion and apparel
    to add a luxurious or bohemian touch to the pieces. Real or fake gemstones can
    be incorporated into belts, handbags, shoes, and clothes such as embellishments on
    buttons, zippers, and studs.

Maintenance & Repair of Gemstones

  • Maintenance of Jewelry with Gemstones

    Gemstone jewelry pieces like sapphire rings and ruby earrings should be
    stored in a cool, dry place such as a jewelry box kept away from sunlight,
    as exposure to sunlight can make some gemstones fade their natural color over
    time. In addition, all gemstone jewelry should be cleaned regularly with a
    soft, damp cloth to remove build-up. Harder gemstones like diamonds and
    sapphires can be cleaned using a mild detergent and a soft brush. It is helpful
    to clean gemstones frequently to maintain their shine and brilliance.

  • Care while Wearing

    While wearing jewelries with gemstones, buyers should be careful to avoid
    scratches or damage to the stone. This can be accomplished by avoiding contact
    with hard surfaces or exposing them to harsh chemicals. In addition, it is advisable
    to remove gemstone jewelry before performing tasks that could damage them, such
    as heavy lifting or household chores.

  • Repairing of stones

    Dependent on the extent of the damage, repairing gemstone pieces can be as
    easy as replacing a lost stone or as tough as reconstituting the entire structure.
    A professional jeweler should be contacted to carry out repair work on expensive
    gemstone jewelry to ensure it is repaired without causing further damage to the
    jewelry. For instance, getting repaired a damaged emerald ring would require a
    highly skilled jeweler because the jewel is quite delicate and dangerous to fix. For
    less valuable gemstone jewelry, buyers can try DIY repairs at home, but great care
    should be taken to ensure that the intrinsic quality of the jewelry is not
    compromised.

  • Regular Checkups

    It is important for buyers with valuable gemstone jewelry to take it for a
    check-up to a professional jeweler at least once a year. This is because during
    the check-up, the jeweler can ensure all stones are secure, take repairs, and
    refresh the settings. This is not only going to prolong the life of the jewelry but
    is also going to ensure that the investment does not go to waste.

Gemstone Market & Price

The global gemstones market is large and encompasses many types of gemstones,
ranging from natural to synthetic, and for each type of gemstone here is an
accompanying buyer. The average market prices of gemstones are dependent on
various factors, including the type of gemstone, its quality, size, color, and
the demand for it in the marketplace.

  • Precious gemstones

    Natural precious stones like rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires are
    always going to be expensive due to their rarity and brilliant beauty. For
    instance, a high-quality natural emerald costs $1,000 per carat, while
    natural rubies of the same quality can hit $2,000 per carat.

  • Semiprecious Gemstones

    Natural varieties can also be expensive. For instance, a citrine wholesale
    gemstone costs$50 per carat, while high-end varieties of amethyst can cost
    up to $200 per carat.

  • Organic Gemstones

    Organic gemstones like amber and pearls are also priced differently
    depending on quality. A strand of high-quality pearls costs about $2,000,
    while an amber wholesale gemstone costs about $200.

  • Imitation Gemstones

    Imitation gemstones are widely available at a cheaper price. This is because,
    even though they have the same appearance as real gemstones, they are mostly
    inexpensive. For instance, imitation pearl jewelry costs about $100, while
    the imitation birthstones are also pendant-mounted in inexpensive jewelry like
    rings and necklaces.

  • Lab-Created Gemstones

    Lab-created or synthetic gemstones like moissanite and created sapphires
    cost a fraction of natural stones. One carat of synthetic emerald costs about
    $100, while synthetic diamonds, depending on the quality, can cost up to 40% cheaper
    than natural diamonds.

The prices of gemstones in China are heavily influenced by the tastes and
preferences of its buyers. In Beijing and Shanghai, fine jewelry with precious
gemstones experiences high demand, increasing the price of these sought-after
stones. Conversely, there is a growing trend for unique and bold pieces with
semi-precious and organic gemstones in the country's smaller cities. Online
marketplaces provide access to various gemstones, allowing buyers to adjust their
purchases according to price, quality, and availability.

Gem traders in China also prefer local suppliers on Alibaba.com because of the need to maintain low operating costs.
Moreover, Alibaba.com allows gem traders to purchase imitation gemstone jewelry and synthetic stones in bulk
for resale at competitive prices. Chinese gem traders, particularly those in large
cities, often stock up on various gemstones, including uncommon ones like
Tsavorite and Paraiba tourmaline, to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding market.

Q & A

Q1. What are the factors that affect the price of gemstones?

A gemstone's worth is influenced by the four Cs: clarity, carat weight, cut, and color. These elements enhance the stone's beauty and rarity, raising its value. Also, the origin of the stone can impact its price as buyers prefer stones from specific countries known for producing high-quality gems.

Q2. How are lab-created gemstones different from imitation gemstones?

Lab-created gemstones are real stones that are made in a lab environment. They have the same chemical and physical properties as natural stones. On the other hand, imitation gemstones are not made of the same materials as natural gemstones. Instead, they are manufactured to look like them. For instance, cubic zirconia is often used as an imitation of diamonds.

Q3. Are imitation gemstones durable?

Yes, they are durable and can last for many years with proper care. They are mainly made of materials like glass or crystal. While they do not have the same durability as natural or precious gemstones, they are more durable than natural stones.

Q4. Do imitation gemstones fade with time?

Unlike other accessories such as fashion items that may have their color worn, imitation gemstones are designed to retain their color as well as shine for a long time.

Q5. How to distinguish between natural gemstones and lab-created ones?

Although they have the same physical and chemical properties, a jeweler's loupe can be used to distinguish between the two. Natural gemstones have inclusions, while lab-created gemstones are mostly flawless. Additionally, natural stones have authenticity certificates that do not exist for lab-created gemstones.