Here’s a little trade secret which, as industry-insiders, we can divulge to you: most gemstones available in the market today are used, and most sellers usually charge the same prices for them as for a freshly-mined gemstone. And guess what? That’s ok and not in the least unethical! With any other product category, such as shoes or clothes, this information would make a consumer’s stomach turn but selling an old gemstone at the price of a newly-mined one, is not only ethical, but also sustainable, and certain used gemstones may even fetch a price higher than a new gemstone. Keep reading to find out why gemstones make for a peculiar type of a trade, when it comes to used or pre-owned goods.
Gemstones have a rich history that spans centuries, captivating human imagination with their vibrant colours, breath-taking brilliance, and the belief in their metaphysical properties. These precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, have been revered and sought after by civilizations throughout time. From ancient Egypt to the royal courts of Europe, gemstones have adorned crowns, jewelry, and ceremonial artifacts, symbolizing power, status, and beauty.
Traditionally, the allure of gemstones has been associated with newly mined specimens. The idea of acquiring a gemstone freshly extracted from the earth, untouched and untarnished, holds a certain appeal. However, there is a growing movement in the jewelry market that embraces the concept of used gemstones, recognizing their unique charm and character.
One might wonder if a used gemstone loses its lustre over time. The truth is, gemstones are incredibly durable and resistant to wear. While minor scratches or abrasions may occur on the surface, these imperfections can be easily remedied through professional polishing and cleaning. Polishing a gemstone not only restores its original brilliance but also highlights its unique features, unveiling a renewed and captivating beauty.
The Hope Diamond - among the most famous of used gemstones
One of the misconceptions surrounding used gemstones is that they are somehow tainted or compromised. However, this notion is far from the truth. Gemstones are inherently timeless and resilient, capable of transcending generations. By embracing pre-owned gemstones, we celebrate their enduring nature, contributing to a more sustainable and ethical approach to the jewelry industry. In this blog post, we explore the reasons why gemstones can never truly be considered second-hand. We'll also discuss how polishing can restore their beauty, maintaining their value.
What Are Gemstones?
Gemstones are among the handful of substances on earth that have truly been tested against the passage of time, and have established themselves as truly permanent objects. They are formed deep within the Earth's crust under intense pressure and heat, taking millions of years to develop their unique crystalline structures. Each gemstone possesses inherent qualities, including its colour, clarity, and cut, which contribute to its value and allure. However, these qualities are not diminished with wear or time.
The Misconception Surrounding Used Gemstones
When we think of second-hand items, we often imagine products such as clothes, shoes, or watches – which all have a tendency to wear and tear, losing their original allure and value. Gemstones, however, defy this common understanding. Unlike many objects that deteriorate with use, gemstones remain remarkably resilient and virtually unaffected by age or handling. This is largely due to their higher levels of hardness, relative to other materials found or manufactured on earth.
Gemstones, in general, rank very highly on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, a scale that measures a mineral's resistance to scratching. For example, diamonds, the hardest natural substance found on earth, are ranked at the top of the scale with a perfect 10. This exceptional hardness extends to other popular gemstones like sapphires (9.0/10), rubies (9.0/10), and emeralds (7.5/10), which rank highly as well. This inherent hardness ensures that gemstones can withstand regular wear, including being set in jewellery and worn on a regular basis, without losing their physical properties. Whether a gemstone has been previously worn or is fresh from the mine, it retains its original characteristics, such as hardness, lustre, and refractive index, which are crucial in determining the quality and value of a gemstone. This is why gemstones, even those with a history of wear, can still maintain their original beauty and structural integrity.
Moreover, the optical properties of gemstones, such as their lustre and refractive index, remain unchanged over time. Lustre refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a gemstone, giving it a radiant and reflective appearance. Gemstones with high lustre display a captivating brilliance that catches the eye. Similarly, the refractive index determines how light bends as it passes through a gemstone, contributing to its scintillation and play of colour. These optical properties are inherent to gemstones and are not altered by previous use.
In cases where a used gemstone may exhibit superficial scratches or imperfections due to previous wear, professional polishing can instantly restore its beauty. Polishing is a transformative process that removes surface scratches, rejuvenating the gemstone and revealing its pristine condition. Through this procedure, used gemstones can be brought back to their original splendour, shining just as brilliantly as newly sourced ones. In fact, it is almost impossible to differentiate between a newly-mined gemstone and a freshly-polished used gemstone.
An Aquamarine stone: Before & After Polishing
Considering these facts, it is evident that labelling gemstones as "second-hand" is misleading. Unlike many objects that experience wear and degradation, gemstones retain their value and quality over time. Whether a gemstone is newly mined or previously worn, its physical properties and unique characteristics remain intact. As such, we can comfortably surmise that the notion of second-hand gemstones is a misnomer. Gemstones are incredibly durable and do not deteriorate with use. Whether a gemstone is newly mined or previously worn, it can still hold its allure and desirability, making the term "second-hand" irrelevant when applied to these enduring treasures.
What Does Polishing Achieve?
In general, among the only type of imperfections that may arise in a gemstone due to daily wear, are surface scratches. Such scratches may occasionally occur if the gem has been exposed to abrasive or acidic materials, or has experienced hard impacts against rough substances. It is exceptionally difficult to break a gemstone into 2 pieces without the use of industrial equipment. This may happen on occasion, however, if the gemstone has deep internal fractures or if it experiences an unusually strong impact against a hard material.
Polishing is a transformative process that can rejuvenate gemstones, enhancing their beauty and restoring their brilliance. When a gemstone is professionally polished, the lapidary uses specialised tools to gradually remove an extremely thin layer of material from the gemstone’s surface – ensuring that any superficial scratches or imperfections are eliminated, and revealing a pristine surface. After the initial polishing stage, finer abrasives are utilized to further refine the gemstone's surface and enhance its optical properties. This includes maximizing its ability to reflect and refract light, thereby enhancing its brilliance and overall visual appeal. Once the desired level of polish is achieved, the gemstone undergoes thorough cleaning to remove any residue or debris accumulated during the polishing process.
A gemstone being polished on a grinder
This entire process allows used gemstones to shine just as brilliantly as their newly mined counterparts, making it almost impossible to differentiate between the two. By revitalizing the gemstone's appearance, polishing ensures that its value is maintained and sometimes even potentially enhanced.
Sustainability & Ethical Considerations
Embracing used gemstones aligns harmoniously with the principles of sustainability and ethical sourcing, representing a conscious choice to promote environmental responsibility and social well-being. By opting for recycled and repurposed gemstones, we actively reduce the demand for new mining activities, thus mitigating the potential negative impacts associated with the extraction process. Furthermore, the use of pre-owned gemstones helps alleviate the environmental consequences linked to the disposal of jewelry and gemstones. Instead of adding to waste streams, reutilizing gemstones reduces the need for additional raw material extraction and manufacturing processes.
In addition to the environmental benefits, embracing pre-owned gemstones also promotes ethical considerations. The mining industry has unfortunately witnessed instances of human rights abuses and labour exploitation in certain regions. By opting for used gemstones, we circumvent potential associations with gemstones sourced from politically-charged or conflict-ridden areas. This choice supports the ethical treatment of workers and minimizes the risk of supporting unethical practices.
A small-scale mine in Madagascar (Source: GIA)
Choosing used gemstones allows us to appreciate their inherent beauty while demonstrating mindfulness towards the planet and the people involved in their extraction. It reflects a commitment to a more sustainable and responsible approach to the jewelry industry, fostering a positive impact on both the environment and society.
By embracing the allure of pre-owned gemstones, we not only contribute to the preservation of our natural resources but also participate in a movement that advocates for transparency, fairness, and respect throughout the gemstone supply chain. In doing so, we play an active role in creating a more sustainable and ethical future for the jewelry industry and the world at large.
The Value of a Used Gemstone
The value of a gemstone is determined by its inherent qualities and characteristics rather than whether it is newly mined or previously worn. Gemstone rarity, colour intensity, clarity, carat weight, and cut quality are the primary factors influencing their worth. As long as these aspects remain intact, a used gemstone can be just as valuable as a newly sourced one. In fact, the uniqueness and history associated with used gemstones can, at times, add an extra layer of allure and exclusivity. Such gemstones carry a story, having been cherished and worn by someone before finding their way to a new owner. This inherent history adds to their mystique, especially if the gemstone is over 50 years old, making them more intriguing and appealing to those seeking something truly special.
In conclusion, the notion of second-hand gemstones is a misnomer. Gemstones, by their very nature, do not deteriorate with use. Through professional polishing, these treasures can not only be restored to their original glory, but can also be passed on to future generations as cherished heirlooms. Choosing such gemstones not only offers a sustainable and ethical alternative but also adds a touch of individuality and charm to your jewelry collection. And always remember – there is no such thing as a “second-hand” gemstone!
