We all know that Gemstones are expensive. Why? Basically, they are rare! There are other reasons too. For this, we have to know more about them.

What is a Gemstone

It is a precious or semi-precious stone, usually a mineral or rock valued for their brilliance and rarity. These lustrous pieces are found in an unrefined form in the earth’s crust globally. After processing, they are either used in making jewelery or carvings.

Eye Dazzling Varieties to please your mind

Some precious and semi-precious varieties are Diamond, Agate, Quartz, Jade, Aventurine, Lapis, Ruby, Emerald, Maw sit-sit, Jasper, Topaz, Amethyst, Amber, Aquamarine, Pearl, Tourmaline, Sapphire, Lepidolite, and Ruby.

Why are they Costly

Here are the reasons:

They are rare

The deposits of these brilliant minerals or rocks are very rare in nature. For example, Maw sit-sit deposits are found in a small area in Burma. Hence, their rarity makes them very expensive.

Their supply is limited

Only some areas have moderate to rich minerals and stone deposits; their supply is limited to only those areas. Production cannot be increased on increase in demand, which is possible in imitation jewelry. New discoveries may improve supply but the process is very slow.

High demand

It is a known fact that when demand is high and supply is low the cost of production increases. Demand is in form of jewelery and Decorative pieces in the B2C market.

Difficult mining Processes

Extracting of stones attract environmental and chemical processes and manpower costs.

Mining of the stone or mineral deposits also depends on seasons. For instance, a rainy day is not conducive for mining. This can affect the supply drastically.

Some gems are costlier than others

According to Forbes, the red diamond is the costliest of them all. Similarly, Quartz, Topaz, and garnet are more affordable than others.

Evaluation process is very elaborate

The name of a stone itself may not be the criteria for valuation. The factors such as color, clarity, and cut are three important aspects that have to be evaluated to determine the worth of any rough and final product.

Politics plays an important role

Government policies are based on various factors that include the friendly relation between nations, value of the currency and many more factors and affect mining, import/export, and other factors. Sometimes Cartels are also responsible for controlling face value of these products.

Lengthy supply chain

The supply chain from miner to consumer is very long in this industry. The product has to pass through many intermediaries, which augments the rate at every stage.

Costs of refining the raw material roughs to Gems

Gemstones are in an uncut and unrefined form in nature. They have to be cut, chiseled and refined to bring out its luster and shape. This is a laborious process. Only professional Karigars, who will work for good salaries, can take up this delicate job. This is another reason why they are so valuable.

Comparison viz-viz- Imitation jewelery make genuine ones more valuable

Imitation jewelery can easily be produced in huge quantities in cost-effective industrial processes. The supply is higher than the demand at all times. So when you compare them with the genuine ones the difference seems huge.

The cost of familiar and popular ones are high

Some products are marketed more than others are. The awareness of them can improve demand and demand push up the rate. Products available in abundance but not popular can still be bought at very fewer rates in the market.

Thus, the high price can be attributed to various factors like limited supply, evaluation process, mining expenditure, high demand, geopolitics, costs of refinement, weather, popularity and complicated supply chain.

Ma Passion endeavors to bring to you a great variety of precious and semi-precious stones from around the world. Our jewels and Gemstone carvings reflect the exquisite workmanship of our highly skilled Karigars who utilize time-tested Indian techniques and the latest tools in this line of business.

We know that in spite of all the imitation stones available, you desire the real one. Check our website or talk to us about knowing more about our highest quality gemstone products that come at the most competitive prices in the market.