Greetings!
Over
the last thirty years, I have spoken with hundreds of people who have taken the
leap and purchased a "Jyotish gemstone" on their own overseas. Most often they were purchased in India, Thailand or Sri Lanka, but some were from Brazil, Colombia, Tanzania, Hong Kong, Israel and other countries.
After
the fact, they asked my opinion because they know I am a gemologist and gem
dealer who, for 30 years, has specialized in buying gemstones at the
source countries. I then wholesale throughout America, as well as
provide gems for Jyotish and Ayurvedic purposes. In every
case, each individual was curious as to the value and quality they
had received.
They
all shared some common experiences and similarities. Most were somewhat adventurous. They
had traveled to exotic lands and had some exciting experiences. I'm all for
that. In fact, I've been doing a little of that myself for many decades.
But,
they all shared another unfortunate experience as well. They were all, to some extent, taken
advantage of by a jeweler or gem merchant. Some had been totally swindled,
or had bought a fake, fraudulent gemstone which was nearly worthless.
Others had purchased a gemstone for a hugely inflated price and paid 10 to 100
times more than the true value of the gemstone or jewelry. And in nearly every
case, the quality of the gemstone or jewelry was not suitable
for Jyotish purposes.
They
all assumed that the gems would be less expensive and money could be saved. The first assumption was true.
The gems seemed to be less expensive. They had purchased a gem or gem in
jewelry that appeared to be bargain. However, money was not saved; in
virtually every case, just the opposite happened.
A
few actually did okay. They bought a
gemstone of near to moderate
Jyotish quality and paid what
a similar gem would cost in the USA market from a good, honest supplier with very good
overseas experience. But
remarkably, I would estimate that less than 1% succeeded! Out of the hundreds who
approached me for advice, to evaluate their purchase, I only remember perhaps
two or three that "did OK". Even
these few did not find the bargain they hoped for; rather they made a fair
purchase for a medium quality Jyotish gemstone. The odds of succeeding and getting
what you want are extremely slim.
Sounds
scary? You should be very
scared of buying Jyotish Gemstones in foreign lands. Go ahead and buy all the souvenirs and
exotic items you want to remember your trip abroad. But when you are ready to buy a gem for
Jyotish purposes, find someone you know you can trust.
Call
me prejudiced, but I think I'm the best one for the job. We will provide you with honest information
and access to the best Jyotish gemstones and pricing you will find
anywhere. And that's a promise I can
make. Best wishes,
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