Sign In

Sign Up
English speaking customer support only

Toll Free - USA & Canada only:
1-800-464-1640

International:
+66-39609697
Change Language
- English
- Français
- Español
- Italiano
- Deutsch
- Pусский
- 中文
- 日本語
- العربية
USD
Change Currency
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- AED = United Arab Emirates Dirham
- AUD = Australian Dollar
- BHD = Bahraini Dinar
- BND = Brunei Dollar
- CAD = Canadian Dollar
- CHF = Swiss Franc
- CNY = Chinese Yuan
- CZK = Czech Koruna
- DKK = Danish Krone
- EGP = Egyptian Pound
- EUR = Euro
- GBP = British Pound
- HKD = Hong Kong Dollar
- IDR = Indonesian Rupiah
- ILS = Israeli New Shekel
- INR = Indian Rupee
- IQD = Iraqi Dinar
- JOD = Jordanian Dinar
- JPY = Japanese Yen
- KRW = South Korean Won
- KWD = Kuwaiti Dinar
- MXN = Mexican Peso
- MYR = Malaysian Ringgit
- NOK = Norwegian Krone
- NZD = New Zealand Dollar
- OMR = Omani Rial
- PHP = Philippine Piso
- PLN = Polish Złoty
- QAR = Qatari Riyal
- RUB = Russian Ruble
- SAR = Saudi Riyal
- SEK = Swedish Krona
- SGD = Singapore Dollar
- TWD = New Taiwan Dollar
- USD = U.S. Dollar
- VND = Vietnamese Dồng
- ZAR = South African Rand

Understanding the Colored Gemstone Business

Most retail jewelers sell both diamonds and colored gemstones. It looks more or less like the same business - small valuable minerals mounted in expensive metal. But if you understand the supply side of the business, you see that these businesses are very different indeed.

The diamond business is essentially controlled by the De Beers cartel, which manages everything from supply and pricing to public perception of diamonds. Though the public is led to believe the diamonds are rare and precious, in fact diamonds are plentiful and are as commoditized as are oil, gold and silver. Diamonds of similar grade are sold at the same prices nearly everywhere in the world and prices are kept high by controlling the supply.

From the consumer point of view, that makes it difficult to find a good bargain on a diamond. From the retailer's point of view, it makes it difficult to achieve differentiation in the market and find a profitable business model.

The colored gemstone business is completely different. Colored stones, unlike diamonds, are mostly mined by independent, small-scale miners, working in remote locations in far away places such as Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Pakistan, Burma, Afghanistan, Columbia and Bolivia. Mining is carried out with picks and shovels, and only rarely with heavy equipment. Loose colored gems reach the market in various ways, many of them involving relatively small deals between independent businessmen.

Even in our home of Chanthaburi, Thailand, one of the world centers for trading and processing colored gems, most gems are cut by small businesses who tend to specialize in certain types of gems. The supply of gems here is constantly in a state of flux, according to the output from the mines around the world. For example, we may see a lot of high grade spessartite garnet in large sizes for a few months, and then not see it again for many months. Also, prices constantly change depending on supply and demand.

Since there is a free market for colored gemstones, there are many opportunities for smart buyers who know the market. We buy gemstones literally every day to stay abreast of the ever changing market. We are value buyers, always looking for the best quality at an attractive price. The colored gemstone market is vast, encompassing a huge range of gem types and grades. Therefore, we have had to learn about virtually every variety of colored stone.

Working in a major trading center like Chanthaburi makes us particularly aware of opportunities relating to colored gemstones. Extending these opportunities to the jewelry designer and retail jeweler is the next challenge. The Internet makes it possible to reach the market without expensive distribution or marketing. Reducing cost by eliminating middlemen in the supply chain is essential. That alone can enable a new business model at the retail end. Additionally, providing jewelers with a vast selection is equally important. Colored gemstones present tremendous opportunities for product innovation and creativity.

About Us

Gemstone Information Sign up for our Newsletter

Overall Rating -> 10

I have been shopping with Jim select for quite a few years. The descriptions of the gyms are accurate and the selection is very broad. Anyone looking for loose gyms, this is the place to go. Check out is easy.Pricing is very reasonable.

Posted By Ronald in January, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

easy to use and good products

Posted By Fishman55 in August, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I have been looking for a good place to buy gem stones for my girlfriends engagement ring and this site has stones I didn't even know existed. They have all the stones I need to bring her ring to life.

Posted By Sean T in February, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

easy , fast , dependable

Posted By Jennifer in January, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

I enjoy this website and always choose to use of .

Posted By Rb in April, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Nice quality items, good customer service, great selection of fine stones, product information detailed & fast deliveries

Posted By Tadeo in November, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Everything was straight forward as always. I've shopped here many times over the years and know where things are. Everything was quick and easy to find. The website is organised well. Great shopping experience.

Posted By Konstantin Marchenko in January, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Gem Market Chanthaburi

International Gemstone Market in Chanthaburi, Thailand: Shopping for Colored Stones by GemSelect ...

Gemstone Prices

Gemstone Prices - A review of what influences the amount you pay ...

Tanzanite Prices

Tanzanite Prices - Limited supplies of this stunning stone ...

Beryl Family

Beryl Family - The Royal family of the gem kingdom ...

How Gems are Colored

How Gemstones Get Their Colors ...