3. Know difference between laboratory-created gemstones and naturally mined stones. Stones created in lab are visually identical to stones mined from earth. The big difference is in cost: laboratory-created stones are less expensive then naturally mined stones. But because they look much like stones mined from earth, they must be identified as lab-created. If you want a naturally mined stone, ask if it has been treated. Gemstone treatments– such as heating, dyeing or bleaching– can improve a stone’s appearance or durability. Some treatments are permanent; some may create special care requirements. Treatments also may affect stone’s value.

4. When you’re buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects price. Color is sometimes “graded” on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a “D” may be best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent color of diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

When shopping for Father’s Day jewelry online, apply these tips. 1.Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it. 2.Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust. 3.Get details about product, as well as merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy. 4.Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

4. Ask whether pearls are imitation or real. Real pearls are made by oysters or other mollusks; imitation pearls are man-made. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks with human intervention; and irritant introduced into their shells causes a pearl to grow. Real pearls that are not cultured are fairly rare and expensive. The cost depends on size, usually stated in millimeters, and coating or “nacre” on a real pearl, which gives it its iridescence.

5. When you’re buying a diamond, consider four criteria: cut, color, clarity and weight, usually stated as carats. Each factor affects price. Color is sometimes “graded” on a scale. However, scales are not uniform: a “D” may be best color for one scale, but not for another. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent color of diamond you’re considering. A diamond can be described as “flawless” only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

6. Everybody is fascinated by their birthstones, here is a list of commonly accepted birthstones for each month. January Garnet-Dark Red FebruaryAmethyst-Purple MarchAquamarine-Pale Blue April Diamond-Clear MayEmerald-Deep Green June Pearl-Pearly White July Ruby-Red AugustPeridot-Light Green SeptemberSapphire-Deep Blue OctoberOpal-Multicolor NovemberCitrine-Yellow DecemberBlue Topaz-Blue