Gems HQ

Let us start from the explaining the term "wholesale" in context of wholesale gemstone business to our readers. Wholesale means the sale of goods (gemstones) in large quantities by the prices different from retail ones. It may be done for resale purposes.

Different precious and semi-precious gemstones have one thing in common – they are graded using the same methods by four qualities. These qualities are also known as "gemstones’ 4 Cs". Four C stand for carats (gem size), clarity, cut and color. If we are talking of wholesale gemstones we should keep in mind that almost all gemstones that are traded on the wholesale market are based on single values for each of these 4 Cs. For example – a group of wholesale gemstones are rated as 1.5 carats, VS2 clarity, F color, excellent cut. That is enough to reasonably establish an expected price range. But if you want to determine actual market value for individual gemstones you should gather or provide more detailed information from within each characteristic. Consumers who purchase individual gems are often advised to use the four Cs to pick the diamond that is "right" for them. To these buyers is sometimes added the 5th C for cost.

In the wholesale trade of gemstones you may meet "t.c.w." (total carat weight) term. It is used in denominating lots of diamonds for sale. For example, purchaser places an order for 200 carats of 1 carat, D-F, VS2-SI1, excellent cut diamonds. That means he wishes to buy 200 diamonds (200 carats of total weight) with these approximate characteristics. That is why wholesale prices are usually quoted per carat, but not per stone. Total carat weight describes the total mass of wholesale gemstones in a piece of jewelry, when more than one gem is used. For example diamond solitaire earrings are quoted in t.c.w. when placed for sale. That indicates the total weight of the jewels in both earrings, but not of a single diamond.

Wholesale gemstone trade and cutting centers are not quite limited in their location. They are situated all over the world in almost all regions. The most important are New York, Antwerp, London, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and some single companies that control gem mining industry in Africa.

The most valuable, precious and therefore more often sold are diamonds. There are a lot of diamond bourses (exchanges) where wholesale diamonds are sold. At least 24 of them are legal and registered. This is the last precisely controlled step in the world gemstone supply chain. Both wholesalers and retailer purchasers are able to buy comparatively small lots of diamonds at these exchange bourses, after which they are prepared for final sale to the consumer. Gemstones can be sold already set in jewelry, or as is increasingly popular, sold unset (another word for "loose gemstones").

There are many opportunities on the internet today for purchasing wholesale gemstones. As with buying any product wholesale, always keep in mind to educate yourself before shaking hands on any final deals.