| Shipping |
- FedEx for $20.00 only / Delivery 3-4 days / fully insured
- Registered Mail for $6.99 / Delivery 7-14 days / insured for $200.00
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| Payment Options |
- Credit Card
- PayPal
- Western Union
- Bank transfer
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| Guarantee / Certification |
- All gemstones are natural!
- All photos and videos are of the actual gem for sale (No Stock Photos)
- We offer certification from AIGS for $20.00 only (3-5 additional days)
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| Size and Weight |
- Gems are always measured in Millimeter (mm)
Compare mm Size with US coins
- Dimensions are given as length x width x depth, except for round stones which are diameter x depth
- Select gems by size, not by weight! Gem varieties vary in density, so carat weight is not a good indication of size
- Note: 1ct = 0.2g
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| Additional Quantities |
- Every item is unique, so you can only order 1 of each item
- However, we often have similar or matching items. If so, we display them on the same gem detail page
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| Clarity Explained |
- IF = Loupe Clean - Internally flawless; free of inclusions
- VVS = Almost Loupe Clean - Very, very slight inclusions; inclusions barely seen under 10x magnification
- VS = Eye Clean - Very slight inclusions; inclusions can be seen under 10x magnification
- SI = Slightly included - Small inclusions can be seen with the naked eye
- I1 = Included - Inclusions can be seen with the naked eye
- Transparent = A gemstone having the property of transmitting light without serious diffusion / may have rutile or other inclusions
- Translucent = Allowing light to pass through, but not transparent
- Opaque = Does not allow light to pass through
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| Return Policy |
- All gems have a 30-day inspection period, which begins on the date
of delivery. Gems may be returned for a full refund during this
period.
- Please email us for return authorization code when returning a gem.
- For more details click here
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About Tourmaline
Tourmaline derives from the Singhalese term "turamali", which translates as "stone of mixed colors." The very name refers to the unique spectrum of colors displayed by this gemstone, which is second to none in the realm of
precious stones. One of the most versatile of gemstones, tourmaline is available in every color, from colorless to black. It can show every tone from pastel to dark, and can appear in various colors in the same stone.
The many different colors of tourmaline mean that this stone can easily be mistaken for just about any other gemstone. Many stones in the Russian Crown Jewels from the 17th century once thought to be
rubies are actually tourmalines. Another unique characteristic of tourmaline is that it can be electrically charged by heating and cooling, or applying pressure by rubbing the stone. The Dutch, who imported tourmaline in the early 17th century from Sri Lanka, discovered that specialty and used it to pull the ash out of their meerschaum tobacco pipes. They nicknamed tourmaline "aschentrekker" or ash puller.
Tourmaline is of high clarity, has very few inclusions and is quite durable (rating of 7-7.5 on the
Mohs hardness scale), all of which make tourmaline a very attractive buy. Large sizes are affordable as well.
