South Woodford resident Kim Rix became a gemologist to fully indulge her passion for gemstones. Ahead of a gemstone discovery tour to Tanzania this summer, she offers some insight into her work
I’ve always loved gemstones. There’s just something magical about wearing a mineral that was created by Mother Nature over millions of years. In my forties, my passion was so intense, I became addicted to buying jewellery just so I could take a closer look! In 2017, after naively buying a glass ‘ruby’ on holiday, I took my hobby further and qualified as a gemologist with the world-renowned Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
What is a gemologist? I hear you ask. Gemology is the identification of gemstones. It involves testing a gemstone with specialist equipment, which eventually gives you the necessary clues to make an identification. A gemologist can also assess synthetic versus natural gemstones.
At its most basic, the rule of thumb is this: the rarer, the bigger and the more naturally beautiful a gemstone is, the more it will be worth. The problem is you cannot properly analyse a stone with the naked eye or gemologist’s loupe (magnifying glass). This is where the gem labs come in. In a laboratory, experts using high-tech equipment will be able to give you definitive information.
A gemologist can also advise if a gemstone is imitating a more expensive gemstone. An imitation stone might be a less valuable semi-precious stone or it might simply be coloured glass. If I believe you have something valuable, I might suggest you seek further advice for insurance purposes.
Is it a good idea to buy a gemstone as an investment? There is no simple answer to this and you should bear in mind all investments involve a degree of risk. Gemstones are hard assets. Historically, they have been seen as a hedge against inflation and the breakdown of more abstract forms of investment. Prices fluctuate, but over the long term, gemstones have risen in value significantly. So has the price of gold, which recently hit an all-time high.
Caring for your gemstones and jewellery is important. Gemstones have different levels of hardness, so some can damage others if thrown together. Each piece of jewellery needs to have a separate compartment, with room for necklaces and bracelets to be fully laid out. This way you’ll avoid your favourite jewellery becoming tangled and scratched.
When it comes to cleaning, you must know exactly what each gemstone is and what treatment it has undergone. Some gemstones can be irreparably damaged by harsh cleaning agents. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are hard enough to be cleaned at home. To do this, mix distilled water with some mild soap and use a soft toothbrush to gently remove dirt. Dry and polish your gem with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water stains.
For more information and to apply for Kim’s gemstone discovery tour, visit gemstonedetective.com
