How can I verify an online gemstone seller?

You can check an online gemstone seller by seeing what active memberships they have in professional trade organisations, reading independent third-party feedback and making sure they hand over recognised lab certificates for the stones, not just a vague document.

A legitimate, steady seller should also include a clear and firm return policy, plus they should show high-resolution, unedited videos and photos of the exact stone in neutral light conditions. Before you buy, verify that any laboratory reports they share, like ones from the GIA or AGS, are real by confirming the report number on the issuing gemmological laboratory’s official website.