How should you prepare for a gemstone fair?

A gemstone fair lets you see side by side stones you may previously have known only from photographs. You discover unexpected colours, talk to professionals and refine your preferences. But between stands, it soon becomes difficult to remember which stone you liked and why. A little preparation is enough to make the most of the visit, whether you are looking for a specific gem or simply coming to learn.

1. Arrive with a project and a budget

Before looking at the displays, express your objective in a sentence: find a stone for a ring, add to a collection, compare several gem families or discover the instruments. This gives your visit direction without restricting you to too narrow a selection.

For jewellery, specify how it will be used: will it be worn every day or occasionally? Bring a photograph of the design you have in mind and the requirements provided by your jeweller. A gem’s durability is not just about scratch resistance: impacts, heat and certain substances matter too. The choice of gemstone and setting should be discussed together.

Next, set a maximum budget, distinguishing between the gemstone, the setting and any analysis fees. Clearly stating your budget helps the professional suggest relevant options. You may also decide to devote this first visit to observation.

Avant le salon, explorez our gemstone selection et relevez deux ou trois références proches de votre recherche. Notez ce qui vous attire et les questions qui restent ouvertes : dimensions, documents disponibles ou possibilités de montage. Vous disposerez ainsi de repères concrets pour vos échanges sur place.

2. Look at the gemstone before looking at its weight

Start with the naked eye. Do you like the colour? Does the stone remain attractive when gently moved? Do some areas look very dark or, conversely, almost transparent? Ask the exhibitor to show you these details, then use a loupe if one is available. Handle the gem over a tray, with their permission and following their guidance.

Compare gemstones under the same conditions. If possible, ask to see them under different lighting: the impression under a display lamp can differ from that in everyday light. A photograph remains a memory aid. As explained by the GIA in its photography guide, the background, light and angle strongly affect the appearance. An image alone cannot establish a gem’s identity or treatments.

Also note its dimensions in millimetres, including its depth. The carat is a unit of mass : it does not, on its own, describe how much space the stone occupies. Measurements are essential for an existing setting.

3. Ask precise questions about its identity

Ask for the gem’s exact name, then whether it is natural or synthetic. These terms describe its formation. A synthetic stone is produced by humans and has essentially the same characteristics as its natural equivalent, as the GIA reminds us. This question must be distinguished from that of treatments.

A natural gemstone may have been treated. So ask a second question: which treatments are known or declared, and on what basis? A precise answer may rely on a laboratory report, an analysis performed or information from the supplier. A lack of information does not automatically mean a lack of treatment.

Finally, ask whether this entails any precautions for care or setting. The GIA reminds us that certain treatments may change the precautions required. If a country of origin is stated, ask whether this is a declared origin or a laboratory conclusion. You will then know exactly what is documented.

4. Read the documents before deciding

A gemmological report must correspond to the stone presented. Compare its description, dimensions, weight and photograph, where one appears in the document. Look at the laboratory’s name, the number and the conclusions. If a verification service is available on the laboratory’s website, use it; checking the number should accompany examination of whether the report matches the gem.

The GIA coloured stone reports, for example, state identity, whether a stone is natural or synthetic, and detectable treatments. Geographical origin can only be offered for certain gems and when it can be determined. Do not expect a report to provide an answer it does not contain.

Before paying, ask for an invoice clearly describing your purchase and have the proposed reservation, delivery or returns conditions explained. For a purchase that matters to you, an unresolved question deserves the time for a gemmological appraisal suited to your needs.

5. Keep a useful record of your discoveries

For each shortlisted stone, note the exhibitor’s name, reference, stated total price, weight, dimensions and information received. Ask permission before taking photographs. Immediately link the photograph to your notes: after several displays, two blue ovals can become difficult to tell apart.

Keep a short selection, then return to compare your favourites. Ask yourself exactly what appeals to you: a shade, a shape, the presence of particular inclusions or how well it suits your project. To develop your eye between fairs, our gemmology courses help you become familiar with observation and the instruments.

6. The checklist to save before you leave

• I have written down my objective and maximum budget.
• I have the photographs and measurements useful for my project.
• I compare gemstones under the same lighting.
• I ask about identity, treatments and the basis of the information.
• I record the reference, dimensions, weight and total price.
• I read the documents and conditions before buying.

You can put these points into practice at the ING Gemstone Fair on 14 and 15 November 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm, at 3–5 rue Cambronne, Paris 15th arrondissement. Admission is free. Meet us there to discover our gemstones and discuss your project. If you are looking for a specific gem, contact us before your visit with your criteria and budget.