What the TV Gem Shopping Channels Don't Tell You!
I never watch any of the home shopping channels regardless of whether it is for gemstones or jewelry. It usually takes only a minute before I hear mis-information or incorrect information. Some of what is said is down right laughable or shocking is more like it, at least to those in the know, but the real danger is IF the people watching believe what they are being told.
When we had our own TV Show featuring gems and jewelry back in the mid-90s, those viewers that really enjoyed the content were those in the jewelry trade - I would tell the audience about heating, irradiation, natural color, issues or concerns about gemstones and much more. The trade loved the show because I was telling the public exactly what they were telling their customers. The information was backed up with facts and not what one frequently hears on many shows currently on air.
I was watching one show the other day that was selling jewelry set with smaller round Orange Sapphire. The seller indicated that orange is the most costly or rare colors in Sapphire - Yes, that was correct. BUT, the seller never mentioned during my time of watching/listening, that the orange Sapphires in the jewelry were not entirely natural - they were of natural origin, but the color was artificial and added in a lab. They were Beryllium treated Sapphires and that color was due to treatment. Now that being said, the price for these treated gemstones are inexpensive in this size and not rare at all when compared to any natural (or natural and heated) orangy Sapphire. In fact, how many thousand would you like to purchase? The non-disclosure that these were enhanced to this color is against FTC rules and regulations. I also think that implying the Sapphire in the jewelry was rare and expensive was misleading.
The only way the public understands what they are buying is for the seller to explain everything - not just give bits and pieces of information to make a sale.
When we had our own TV Show featuring gems and jewelry back in the mid-90s, those viewers that really enjoyed the content were those in the jewelry trade - I would tell the audience about heating, irradiation, natural color, issues or concerns about gemstones and much more. The trade loved the show because I was telling the public exactly what they were telling their customers. The information was backed up with facts and not what one frequently hears on many shows currently on air.
I was watching one show the other day that was selling jewelry set with smaller round Orange Sapphire. The seller indicated that orange is the most costly or rare colors in Sapphire - Yes, that was correct. BUT, the seller never mentioned during my time of watching/listening, that the orange Sapphires in the jewelry were not entirely natural - they were of natural origin, but the color was artificial and added in a lab. They were Beryllium treated Sapphires and that color was due to treatment. Now that being said, the price for these treated gemstones are inexpensive in this size and not rare at all when compared to any natural (or natural and heated) orangy Sapphire. In fact, how many thousand would you like to purchase? The non-disclosure that these were enhanced to this color is against FTC rules and regulations. I also think that implying the Sapphire in the jewelry was rare and expensive was misleading.
The only way the public understands what they are buying is for the seller to explain everything - not just give bits and pieces of information to make a sale.
posted by All That Glitters at 5:56 AM
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