Selling Gemstones: Where to Find Buyers & Maximize Value

Question
My husband bought some gems and stones (rubies, emeralds, alexandrite, lapis etc...) during his tour in Afghanistan with the army. He bought them at a very nice price so we are considering them an investment. When we do get ready to sell, where could we do this at? Some of the gems and stones are cut and shaped, others are in jewelry but could be removed, and others are rough. Any input you could give us on this matter, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Answer
HI NIKKI,

LOTS OF FOLKS OVER THE YEARS HAVE ASKED ME THAT SAME QUESTION. YOU HAVE THE SPECTRUM OF GEMS. THEY ARE ALL VALUED DIFFERENTLY AND WOULD BE SOLD DIFFERENTLY. ROUGH GEMS IS A SPECIALIZED MARKET AND THE DEALERS HAVE THEIR CLIENTS. STONES ARE CUT IN INDIA AND THAILAND MAINLY AND THAT IS WHERE THE BUYERS ARE. CUT STONES ARE SOLD WORLDWIDE AND COULD BE MARKETED AT SHOWS OR BY VISITING THE JEWELERS DIRECTLY. YOU SHOULD AT LEAST KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SELLING AND HOW MUCH IT IS WORTH. YOU SHOULD HAVE THEM APPRAISED BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE WHOLESALE MARKET AND THEN CAN IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE EACH STONE CORRECTLY. I MUST ADMIT THIS IS A DAUNTING TASK. I HAVE BEEN IN THE GEM BUSINESS FOR 30+ YEARS AND I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS SELLING STONES. IT SEEMS EVERY ONE WANTS THE SIZE OR PRICE YOU DON'T HAVE! IT TAKES YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO KNOW WHAT AND WHERE TO SELL., OR YOU CAN JUST GO ON EBAY AND TRY YOUR LUCK. I HAVE DONE VERY WELL ON EBAY. ANY WAY IT AIN'T EASY AND YOU WOULD NEED TO HAVE A LARGE INVENTORY TO GO INTO THE MARKET. GOOD LUCK.