What is a Gem Card….

A Gem Card is a laminated piece of paper with a picture of a piece of jewelry and stated value. The Gem Card serves to offer a “warm and fuzzy feeling” to the buyer of the product. The Gem Card may disclose the carat weight, size and in most cases, the estimated value of the item.

Are Gem Cards Accurate….

In many instances, the Gem Card is NOT accurate and Buyer’s should NOT base the decision of the purchase based upon Gem Card values alone.

Gem Cards Issuers….

In some cases, we find that those issuing the Gem Cards are the actual Sellers of the product. In other words, some sellers purchase a laminator, card stock and simply spit out Gem Cards all day long. In addition, words such as “certified” may be used in order to add credibility to the card issuer.

Some sellers set up parent companies to issue Gem Cards and may or may not employ a qualified Gemologist to grade the items being sold. The disclaimers on these cards are clear and every possible loophole of liability is covered to protect the Gem Card issuer. The cards also (usually) display some type of logo such as an American Eagle, American Flag or a Government Type Seal (in red, white and blue) or other type of logo, which gives the card an Official look.

Perceived Value to the Buyer….

Sellers who offer Gem Cards may state “Gem Cards are FREE with Purchase - a $25.00 (or more) value.”

Let’s be clear on the perceived value of a Gem Card. It is a piece of card stock with a picture of the item, description, stated value and of course, the Issuer’s disclaimer. The cost to produce mass amounts of these cards is pennies per item sold. In some cases, the Gem Card issuers set up a website however, contacting the Gem Card company directly may be difficult (as in most cases) the contact information is an email address (no telephone number, no street address).

Do Research before Clicking on the Bid Button….

There are a few legitimate companies, which do provide Gem Cards in lieu of a full appraisal (such as GIA). Have you found a piece of jewelry for auction, which comes with a Gem Card? Review the following before you purchase or bid:

• Conduct a “Who Is” domain search on the Gem Card Issuer and you may find that the owner of the domain name is connected in one way or another to the seller.
• If you do NOT find a telephone number or street address for the Gem Card Issuer, ask the Seller for direct contact information and call the Gem Card Issuer.
• Are there Official looking Seals displayed on the Gem Card? Check out any affiliation which displays a Seal and logo.
• Read the disclaimer on the Gem Card. If only the text on the front of the card is displayed - ask the seller for the disclaimer text (for review) before purchase.

Why are Gem Cards Offered….

Gem Cards can be viewed as a “hot button” for many buyer’s. The buyer see the word “Certified”, look at the card and think they’re getting an extra added value. However, when the item arrives and it looks nothing like the picture on the Gem Card and/or the stated value on card is a “pie in the sky” value and then decide to return the item to the seller - the real lesson begins.

Always remember that money is made is various ways by such sellers. The list can go on and on however, here’s the short list for review:

• The seller has a restocking fee, which can be 15% or more.
• The seller offers limited time to return an item.
• The seller retains the Buyer’s Premium on returned items.
• The seller is slow to answer emails or telephone calls.
• The seller returns Negative Feedback with remarks, which are uncommon for professional jewelers or those in the jewelry trade.
• The seller has many Negatives, dozens or hundreds of Mutual Withdrawals and many Neutrals.
• Review as much Feedback as possible before purchasing. This is vital in determining whether or not to purchase from the seller. Review as many Negative, neutral and Withdrawals as possible and then read the Positives.

The goal of jewelry and gem sellers is to “sell” and make money. If the seller offers *Declasse Gems (either in settings or loose) then the returns are coming the sellers way. However, if the seller retains the Buyer’s Premium and charges High Restocking Fees then the seller is ALWAYS making money (even on the returns). In addition, the buyer may also have to pay for shipping fees both ways (coming and going).

*Declasse Gems are gems, which have no classification.

Jewelry

Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:

• Gold Prices and Gold Jewelry

• Emerald Jewelry

• Jewelry Hallmarks

• Antique Jewelry

• Platinum and Diamond Jewelry

• Gold Jewelry

• Jewelry - Pirates of the Caribbean…

• Watches

• Charms and Charm Bracelets

• Gemstones and Diamond Grading

• Jewelry Watches Preview

• Jewelry Rings - Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond

• Jewelry Necklaces - Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond

• Jewelry Bracelets - Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond

• Earrings - Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond

• Sterling Silver Jewelry - Charms, Rings, Charm Bracelets, Necklaces

• Opal Jewelry

• Birthstone Jewelry

• Akoya Pearl Jewelry

• Aquamarine Jewelry

• Tanzanite Jewelry

• Emerald Jewelry

• Ruby Jewelry

• Sapphire Jewelry

• Diamond Jewelry - Part One

• Diamond Jewelry - Part Two

• Diamond Jewelry - Part Three

• Diamond Jewelry - Part Four