The quality of a sapphire or ruby purchase depends as much on the dealer as on the stone. Knowing which questions to ask, and what a good answer sounds like, protects you from undisclosed treatments, inflated pricing, and weak return terms. Here are the ten questions experienced buyers ask before they pay.
Questions About the Stone Itself
1. Has this stone been heated or treated in any way? Almost all rubies and sapphires on the market are heat treated, which is accepted and stable when disclosed. What matters is that the dealer states the treatment plainly. Vague answers such as "standard enhancement" or "natural color" without paperwork are a warning sign. Ask specifically about glass filling, beryllium diffusion, and fracture filling, which are far less valuable than simple heating.
2. Where does the stone come from, and how do you know? Origin affects price, particularly for Burmese, Kashmir, and Ceylon material. A reliable dealer will say whether origin is stated by a laboratory or is only their opinion. If a premium is being charged for origin, ask to see a report that confirms it.
3. Is the stone natural, and has it been tested? Synthetic and lab-grown corundum is chemically identical to natural stone, so only testing can separate them. Ask whether the stone was examined by a gemological laboratory or only by the seller.
Questions About Certification
4. Which laboratory issued the report, and can I verify it? Reports from respected labs such as GRS, GIA, SSEF, and Gübelin carry weight in the trade. Every report has a number you can check on the lab's website. Be cautious of in-house certificates from the seller, which are not independent.
5. Does the report match the stone in front of me? Confirm the weight, dimensions, and shape on the report against the stone you receive. Reputable dealers welcome this check. For an unheated stone, the report should state "no indications of heating" explicitly, and you can browse examples in our unheated sapphire collection, each supported by laboratory documentation.
Questions About Price and Terms
6. How is the price calculated? Price per carat depends on color, clarity, cut, treatment, origin, and size. A good dealer can explain why one stone costs more than a similar-looking one. If the explanation is only "it is rare," keep asking. Comparing like with like, such as heated against heated at the same size and color, is the best way to judge whether an offer is fair.
7. What is your return policy? A confident dealer offers a clear window, often seven to fourteen days, to examine the stone and have it independently appraised. Ask who pays return shipping and insurance, and whether a custom-cut stone is returnable. Written terms matter more than verbal promises.
8. Can I have the stone independently appraised or tested? The honest answer is always yes. A seller who resists third-party examination is telling you something important.
Questions About the Dealer
9. Do you own this stone, or are you listing it on behalf of someone else? Many online sellers are resellers working from a supplier's inventory, which can affect pricing, availability, and accountability. Buying from a manufacturer that cuts and sources its own goods usually means better prices and direct answers. At Thai Gems, we have worked directly with mining origins and cutting workshops in Bangkok and Chanthaburi for over 70 years.
10. How long have you been trading, and can you provide references? Longevity does not guarantee honesty, but a dealer with decades of trade history has a reputation to protect. Look for membership in trade bodies, verifiable reviews, and a physical business address you can confirm.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Prices far below market: A "Burmese ruby" at a fraction of normal pricing is almost certainly treated, synthetic, or misdescribed.
- No laboratory report on a high-value stone: Any stone sold at a significant price should be supported by independent documentation.
- Pressure to buy quickly: Legitimate gemstones do not need countdown timers.
- Evasive answers on treatment: If a dealer cannot say clearly whether a stone is heated, assume the worst.
A good dealer treats these questions as a sign of a serious buyer and answers them without hesitation. Browse Thai Gems' full range of sapphires and rubies, all clearly disclosed and available with certification, or contact us for trade pricing and custom orders.