Key Concepts

  • It’s necessary to know a gem’s identity before you grade it, assess its value, buy it, or sell it.
  • Each gem’s unique physical and optical properties help you identify it.
  • Gem identification involves gradually narrowing choices until you arrive at a final result.
  • A wrong identification can damage your reputation and cost you money.
  • To avoid getting gems mixed up, work on only one practice stone at a time.
  • It’s easier to find dropped stones if your workspace is well organized and uncluttered.