Buying On Ebay??

[xlent]

Any Tips or Advice about how to buy and how to get the gems checked when buying on Ebay?

There are some great bargains and amazing finds posted on these thread about stones purchased on Ebay. When I look on the Ebay listings I see great bargains but being such an amateur, I hesitate.

I would like to have some types of unset stones just to play with.

I don''t want to pay $5 for a stone and pay $$$ to get the stone certed when all I want is to play with the stone..I want to see for myself what different stones look like in different lights. I want a box of toys...and some prices ($1.49 up to $20 or more for some items but still reasonable) are very tempting. I don''t want "top collector quality" stones but I don''t want colored glass either.

Any experiences? Any tips? Appreciated!

 

[zeolite]

Well, let me tell you who NOT to deal with: specialnext

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/beware-of-ebay-seller-specialnext.126226/

quoting from this reference:

As soon as I tested it, I did notify him with gemological refractive index proof and clear photographs of immersion in heavy liquids, proving it could not be apatite, and I kept records. I gave him 8 days to respond. He refused to reply.

After 8 days, I gave him a warning of negative feedback, and waited 4 more days for him to respond. He didn''t.

Then I notified ebay, who did not seem surprised, given his past history. I think I was more than patient and more than fair.

 

[Indylady]

GIT memos are great for peace of mind, and Thaigemcity will provide them for a small cost (about $10).

 

[T L]

If you want to buy cheap stones to play with on ebay, some species are safer than others. Never buy sapphires, rubies, emeralds on ebay for very little. Even quartz, like amethyst is highly synthesized.

Untreated and natural stones to be had for very little $$$:
I think pyrope or some rhodolite garnets are safe, dark very greyish blue or lavender spinels (that color is not synthesized), dark brown spessartite garnets, especially very included stuff is typically real. Dark green tourmaline, or peachy brown tourmaline is often a cheapie natural untreated stone on ebay.

There are so many synthetics and treatments out there, that a novice to gem collecting on ebay would have a difficult time outside of the small few I mentioned, to get a natural untreated stone.

Always check toolhaus.org for feedback as well.

 

[T L]

Date: 3/18/2010 3:08:54 PM
Author: zeolite

Well, let me tell you who NOT to deal with: specialnext

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/beware-of-ebay-seller-specialnext.126226/

quoting from this reference:

As soon as I tested it, I did notify him with gemological refractive index proof and clear photographs of immersion in heavy liquids, proving it could not be apatite, and I kept records. I gave him 8 days to respond. He refused to reply.

After 8 days, I gave him a warning of negative feedback, and waited 4 more days for him to respond. He didn''t.

Then I notified ebay, who did not seem surprised, given his past history. I think I was more than patient and more than fair.

Thanks for the warning Zeolite, but that seller is typical of so many on ebay, it''s scary.

 

[Barrett]

to bad i can''t link to other sites..jamey (swishman) site has a nice little list we have compiled(a couple by me) that are a no no when buying gems on ebay..listen to what TL said..find you some good sellers..thats the most important

 

[xlent]

Thanks ..next question
Can I ask about specific sellers on the threads? If I see something I like can I post to see if anyone else has had dealings with them?

What if the seller is offering a certificate? Are those real or can they be phony?

What is the procedure at thaigemcity? Do I have to send the stone to them? Could I ask my local jeweler to look at the stone for a few dollars?

I really like Rocks..I pick up rocks everywhere I go and I like natural stone..Maybe I should buy rough. I might get bigger and better stones for the money.

I thought of putting the stones or gems in a glass box and setting the box where the stones can be seen and taken out to examine in different lights...because I don't wear much jewelery and what I wear is very special to me..wedding set, gifts or very interesting toys that I rarely take off..so I am thinking of ways to enjoy the stones besides jewelry.

 

[T L]

Date: 3/18/2010 5:36:27 PM
Author: xlent
Thanks ..next question
Can I ask about specific sellers on the threads? If I see something I like can I post to see if anyone else has had dealings with them? Sure

What if the seller is offering a certificate? Are those real or can they be phony? I only accept a lab report from a reputable lab that can be verified online. If it's some strange lab that no one has ever heard of, I would be leary. Note that not all lab reports show all treatments on the stone, if any.

What is the procedure at thaigemcity? Do I have to send the stone to them? Could I ask my local jeweler to look at the stone for a few dollars? Email the seller and tell her you want a GIT cert, she will take care of getting the report for an extra charge.

I really like Rocks..I pick up rocks everywhere I go and I like natural stone..Maybe I should buy rough. I might get bigger and better stones for the money. As long as you do not buy it with the intention of faceting it, then you might not be disappointed by rough specimens. Most rough on ebay is not facet grade material.

I thought of putting the stones or gems in a glass box and setting the box where the stones can be seen and taken out to examine in different lights...because I don't wear much jewelery and what I wear is very special to me..wedding set, gifts or very interesting toys that I rarely take off..so I am thinking of ways to enjoy the stones besides jewelry.

 

[zeolite]

Date: 3/18/2010 5:36:27 PM
Author: xlent

What if the seller is offering a certificate? Are those real or can they be phony?

The seller of my "apatite" above offered a certificate. If I had asked for it, he might have said "oh, it''s gone or it''s sold". Or he might have steered it to to a crooked, or unknown laboratory.

I''m not saying many eBay sellers are crooks. But two things about my transaction bothered me considerably:

1. 98% of PS buyers would not have caught this fraud. Only a gemologist with test equipment (which I am), or a PSer who paid for a certificate from a reputable lab would have known.

2. After two prior eBay bad feedbacks, my test photographs and ebay feedback, and one supplied by Amethystguy: This seller was caught cheating by 4 gemologists, and HE JUST DIDN"T CARE. My feedback was shown on eBay, he continued to sell to unknowing buyers, my feedback rolled down as new unskilled buyers praised him, and it was just business as usual! His arrogance was astounding!

 

[xlent]

Mr. Zeolite
Thank goodness there are experts who can call them out and with the internet, the defrauders can be publically exposed!

That said..I went a little crazy and ordered a
blue tanzanite,
two small emeralds,
opals,
red topaz,
sapphire and ruby rough,
ametrine,
lapis
and a package of mixed lab created, clearly stated gems just for fun ( a very large package of stones)
The dealer seems reliable and the stones in the photos look genuine. I know from photographing my garnet that stones that are as clear as glass, as cheap as dirt and as cleanly photographed as backlighting will allow are ..possibly..being ..misrepresented
The stones I ordered look real..look like road rock only well cut and polished
I think the seller is a cutter..possibly a hobbyist..US based
I will let you know how it turns out
If he is a bad guy.. I can always go knock on his door

 

[SB621]

Just remember you get what you pay for....

 

[gsellis]

Date: 3/18/2010 3:44:37 PM
Author: amethystguy
to bad i can't link to other sites..jamey (swishman) site has a nice little list we have compiled(a couple by me) that are a no no when buying gems on ebay..listen to what TL said..find you some good sellers..thats the most important

You are thinking of Jamey's Busted vendor list. **Link removed by moderator. Per PS policies we do not allow discussion of other forums to protect security and privacy and reduce broken links**

Another tool is Toolhaus.org. It can search for bad feedback that normally may not show up. But consider that anyone with 99.5% or below might be a yellow flag. Even some 100% ones can deliver substandard materials. Low feedback counts might be someone new or often, someone using a new account because of the stink of their last sales.

It can be a minefield. Consider though that the focus of ebay tends to be on the bargins. If you are ordering something that started as $9.99, it will probably never be sold at Christie's (I was studying to be a statistician, it is improbable that I will ever say never ever )

But, I still buy rough there a bit. I just know that I am not getting $50-500/ct rough at $5/ct. But I have some very good small stones.

 

[xlent]

I know ..I get what I pay for and ..I want to get a candy dish full of rocks..not fancy or precious..just rocks that I can let my friends handle and not worry about it.
I only ask that the stones are genuine ..and if lab created..then clearly labeled as such

 

[Bella_mezzo]

several people have gotten some pretty stones from gemburionline on ebay, but they have had some issues of shipping to wrong addresses.

 

[jstarfireb]

I can vouch for one ebay vendor personally, who goes by gemburionline and odysseygem. His name is Tan, really nice guy, has tons of stones available (it''s a mixed bag in terms of cut and quality, but they''re at least authentic and the photos/videos are good representations). With regard to the stone I bought from him, I had a shipping issue but it worked out in the end, and he would have given me a full refund if it hadn''t.

Some of our trusted vendors sell on ebay in addition to their regular websites. Gemline/Litnon and The Gem Trader come to mind.

Weblorn is another ebay vendor with good reviews, but I haven''t bought from her...

 

[RevolutionGems]

I won''t comment on the other stones but the red topaz will be vapor coated. Be careful not to scratch it. It is a clear (colorless) stone with a chemical vapor deposition that gives the stone its color. Natural red topaz is exceedingly rare and outrageously expensive.

 

[xlent]

I know about red topaz but a family member likes red topaz and I paid very little for it.
I did ask about the emeralds..two very small mint green..and the seller stated they were genuine. The tanzanite is treated, I will bet.. but genuine enough, I would assume.
I did not get the ametrine (it looked very very good) or the matched opals. Was outbid at the last minute.
The bundle of lab created stones was the highest bid and that surprised me. I don''t know why I paid as much for 8 lab created as for 8 genuine (if heat treated) stones.
It was fun and now I will see what the package looks like. The seller had a 100% rating so I am not too worried. I bought 29 stones and there should be something in there of interest..some fascinating toys ..and toys is all I buy stones for.

Thanks for all the input..I never had the nerve to do this before but for around $100 it was great good fun! And now I get the stones...Better than a casino and I won!

What I am wondering..If a seller states that a stone..is xxx...(clarity, origin etc) or makes any statements ..is the seller held to that by anyone or is it just the buyers tough luck if the stone is other than as represented?

 

[Arkteia]

Date: 3/19/2010 12:35:05 AM
Author: xlent
I know about red topaz but a family member likes red topaz and I paid very little for it.

I did ask about the emeralds..two very small mint green..and the seller stated they were genuine. The tanzanite is treated, I will bet.. but genuine enough, I would assume.

I did not get the ametrine (it looked very very good) or the matched opals. Was outbid at the last minute.

The bundle of lab created stones was the highest bid and that surprised me. I don''t know why I paid as much for 8 lab created as for 8 genuine (if heat treated) stones.

It was fun and now I will see what the package looks like. The seller had a 100% rating so I am not too worried. I bought 29 stones and there should be something in there of interest..some fascinating toys ..and toys is all I buy stones for.


Thanks for all the input..I never had the nerve to do this before but for around $100 it was great good fun! And now I get the stones...Better than a casino and I won!


What I am wondering..If a seller states that a stone..is xxx...(clarity, origin etc) or makes any statements ..is the seller held to that by anyone or is it just the buyers tough luck if the stone is other than as represented?

Technically he should be responsible but you''ll spend so much time chasing him, and ebay...It is as much fun as spending a day in court trying to dispute a ticket for traffic violation.

I wonder if your lapis will be genuine. I bought some for my project, and I can swear it is artificial.

 

[delayedreaction]

Date: 3/18/2010 7:50:52 PM
Author: jstarfireb
I can vouch for one ebay vendor personally, who goes by gemburionline and odysseygem. His name is Tan, really nice guy, has tons of stones available (it's a mixed bag in terms of cut and quality, but they're at least authentic and the photos/videos are good representations). With regard to the stone I bought from him, I had a shipping issue but it worked out in the end, and he would have given me a full refund if it hadn't.

I had read about your shipping issues beforeI ordered a spinel from Tan; I noticed with my shipment, the shipping address is now a printed label. So it looks like there were some refinements of the shipping methods after the issues with your mixup.

 

[xlent]

Is the lapis genuine?
I have a taste for road kill and there is a "look" to rock that cannot be duplicated. I bought the lapis because it looked like real road kill rock..
That ametrine was the same way (very subtle and nuanced) but I didn''t know how to bid and I lost.
I have satisfied the entire neighbors, friends and families lust for every treated and dyed stone..and some lab created that I could never afford a decent specimen, such as ruby and emerald... and now..if nothing else..I can use my coffee table display..where people can pick up the stones, take them to different lights to educate myself and friends about stones... treatments, lab creations and natural stones..
Road kill rock..I love it while the rest of the world lusts for "mystic topaz."

Now I am going to start hunting "road kill" on the internet..those fascinating bits of natural stone that intrigue the eye..

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Maybe Rockhugger can comment, she''s purchased a lot on ebay.

 

[Jim Rentfrow]

If you are going to be buying any sort of rough on ebay just remember two things. The first is size, it takes about a four to five carat piece of rough to get to a one carat piece of finished gemstone. The second, and often times more important part, is depth. A stone can be fifty carats, but if it is only two milimeters thick then it is pretty worthless or would have to be cut into several small sizes. A precision cutter will typically need sixty five to seventy percent depth for a well performing stone. You will want to buy nice medium colored, clean, blocky material when you are buying facet rough. There are good ebay sellers who sell this, but there also times when you might be disappointed. It might be best to buy cut stones on there, and save your money to buy rough elsewhere.

 

[chrono]

Yes, a seller can offer a certificate. It does matter who issues the memo, be it a reputable lab or some obscure place or their own guarantee. In this case, I’d go with a reputable lab only. In some cases, where the stone is too inexpensive for a lab, having a gemologist friend or local gemology club confirm the ID of the stones or rule out other possibilities using specialized tools will be very helpful. I doubt most local jewellers have the skill nor tools to be able to ID a stone for you.

If you enjoy collecting rocks for rocks’ sake, that’s great but I do not advice getting any rough for faceting. It’s even more difficult to purchase rough than cut gems. Too many rough on eBay are of non-facet grade.

Worse case scenario if all are genuine stones as the seller claims:
Blue tanzanite: could be coated
Emerald: probably very heavily filled
Red Topaz: nuked? Coated?
Ametrine: probably synthetic

Even though a stone might be genuine, it only means that. It doesn’t claim that a stone hasn’t been treated to within a millimeter of its rough. Still, you said you are realistic about it, didn’t pay a lot and don’t expect a lot out of it.

 

[RockHugger]

Date: 3/19/2010 12:47:06 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Maybe Rockhugger can comment, she's purchased a lot on ebay.

I have had the stomach flu and havnt posted much past few days but I have been reading the thread. I LOVE LOVE LOVE thiagemscity. They have NEVER sent me a fake stone and if they said its untreated, it always tests untreated (cant vouch for heat treatment though, havnt learned how to check for that yet). I have gotten some beautiful tourmalines for VERY cheap. My last win was a beautiful dusty rose tourmaline 2.5cts ofr 8$. Tested real. I have actually been shopping only through them lately because of the success rate. I have gotten scammed many times with other sellers.



gemburionline is another great seller. Never had anything come back fake fron him either.

Gemshoppe is another nice one. Although they use very bright lighting. I havnt had any big problems with them with colored stones...stay away from diamonds though. I ordered some diamonds and returned them because the bright lighting washed the inclusions a bit.

If you are buying quartz on ebay, buy it expecting it to be synthetic. If it isnt, then thats a bonus....but with ebay it is usually synthetic.

 

[Arkteia]

RockHugger,

Either you have Midas touch or you spend a lot of time hunting for these beauties. I have never seen or bought anything at an incredibly low price that would not turn out to be synthetic or just poor quality. Worse, I can not even resell it because I can not deceive people. Sending it back to Thailand is such a waste of time and money...

 

[RockHugger]

Date: 3/19/2010 5:42:22 PM
Author: crasru
RockHugger,

Either you have Midas touch or you spend a lot of time hunting for these beauties. I have never seen or bought anything at an incredibly low price that would not turn out to be synthetic or just poor quality. Worse, I can not even resell it because I can not deceive people. Sending it back to Thailand is such a waste of time and money...

In the begining of my rock hunting career I bought quite a few fakes....it takes practice to pick out the possable fakes and the real things. I also have the tools to test the stones myself to know if they are real or not and test for many treatments (although still learning). Paypal knows me in the dispute center for sure, because I am not afraid to challange the seller.

Also with ebay timing is key. You get the best deals 5am-9amET. Thats because everyone is usually heading to work all over the country or starting their day. You also learn angles with pictures. If the seller isnt showing the center of the stone, theres a reason. If the stone is in someones hand/fingers, and its edges look very sharp and ''pops'', its been photoshopped (contrast, color, ect). And look for dark shadows or bright flashes on needles or the stone (ultra bright lighting).

 

[xlent]

Photography..since I have been photographing my own stones, I am learning how lighting works and what backlighting looks like.
I just lost a bid on a "road kill" rock..a plain looking labrodite..resembled a piece of gravel with a sparkling blue shimmer..
I like road kill and it seems that the road kill I like..the other bidders like also!
I keep losing the bids on what I consider the best pieces..rats!

 

[fusica]

Did any of you guys ever buy from this guy on ebay? desertfox412003
He got 100% feedback, and he sells some nice gems, he based in texas i think.
I''m shopping for aquamarine for march bday.
Since i heard alot of fake gems in ebay i''m worried, anyone here know how to identify gems and live around los angeles, CA. Or can any of you suggest me to a local gem club or something so i can identify gems for cheap price.
i got couple cheap star sapphire and a yellowish diamond bought in asia. I''m worried its fake too, now that i read this thread.
I don''t want to pay GIA $100 to identify a $150 aquamarine, i''m not that desperate.
Plus i will share all the buying feedback and vendor vs real photo in this forum, so everyone will benefit from my ebay experience too.

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 3/19/2010 1:35:15 AM
Author: delayedreaction

Date: 3/18/2010 7:50:52 PM

Author: jstarfireb

I can vouch for one ebay vendor personally, who goes by gemburionline and odysseygem. His name is Tan, really nice guy, has tons of stones available (it''s a mixed bag in terms of cut and quality, but they''re at least authentic and the photos/videos are good representations). With regard to the stone I bought from him, I had a shipping issue but it worked out in the end, and he would have given me a full refund if it hadn''t.

I had read about your shipping issues beforeI ordered a spinel from Tan; I noticed with my shipment, the shipping address is now a printed label. So it looks like there were some refinements of the shipping methods after the issues with your mixup.

Great! I''m glad to hear things are improving. Looking back on it, I''d still be happy to buy again from Tan since he was so great about the whole thing (but a little guarded due to the shipping issue).

 

[xlent]

Thaigem is closed ..at least the websites I saw and no listings on Ebay. Is that the right outfit?

Thanks for the tips about cutting rough..I would buy it as specimen but I appreciate the person who posted the specifications for buying good lapidary rough.

Chromo
The seller stated and the photo clearly shows that the red topaz was treated. So that leaves the emeralds and the tourmalines..the seller has a few stones listed for sale in the western US and 100% rating. The stones look like they are from a hobby lapidariast..and I saw the "mint green emerald" rough sold a while ago. It may not be filled and the blue toumaline is very pale..but the mint green emeralds and the pale blue tourmaline are so pretty together that I am tempted to have them channel set in a bracelet. I wish I had bid higher on the ametrine, the opals and a package of "montana sapphires" but hindsight is 20/20
I think I got a good deal from this dealer but..I know very well there are sellers who are selling poor quality or outright fakes. I think this first purchase will be more than I hope for..
And I will be very careful in the future and not expect more than $.99 worth of value for $.99.
I will post pictures when I get the stones and examine the stones for quality.
Thanks for all the advice..I will have new stones to photograph..although that first seller is excellent with photography. The stones look like stones..You can see the grain of the lapis..and the watery plastic look of the treated red topaz but it is plainly stated. I bought stone knowing that untreated, top quality red topaz is a very rare stone and unlikely to be purchased for a few dollars.