Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider

Observer

18-02-2025

In recent years, the gemstone market has experienced a surge of excitement and confusion with the rise of commercially manufactured stones. How are these captivating natural treasures classified, and what criteria—such as value, colour, and origin—play a pivotal role in this determination?
For gemstone enthusiasts like Muath bin Abdullah al Ghafri, the art of distinguishing between authentic stones and imitations is a passion steeped in knowledge and experience.
'There are simple methods to detect gemstones without a lab,' Muath shares. 'Take the handkerchief and perfume method: if you wipe the stone with a scented cloth and it leaves a trace of colour, that indicates it's dyed and thus, a fake.' He cautions, however, that relying solely on light to identify authenticity can be misleading. Some genuine stones are naturally opaque, rendering such tests ineffective.
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
The secrets embedded in gemstones are as vast as their colours are diverse. Muath's journey through collecting exquisite gems grants him the ability to discern subtle differences between stones that may appear similar yet vary significantly in composition.
He explains, 'Stones like Agate, Star Sapphire, and Garnet, while all boasting shades of red, are geologically distinct. Agate is a pure blood-red, resembling natural rock, whereas Star Sapphire bears a pinkish hue, and Garnet reveals a deeper, darker red that transforms into a maroon when illuminated.'
Historical use of gemstones
Gemstones have captivated humanity for millennia, evolving from simple adornments to symbols of power, wealth, and protection across various cultures. Their rich history traces back as far as 25,000 BC, with prehistoric people creating beads from natural stones and shells.
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
The ancient Egyptians were among the first to harness the beauty of gemstones around 3000 BC. They utilised stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, and emeralds, which were believed to offer protection and facilitate the journey to the afterlife. Similarly, the Indus Valley Civilisation and Mesopotamians esteemed gemstones for both decorative and spiritual purposes, crafting seals and religious amulets from stones like carnelian and agate.
Throughout history, gemstones have held significant cultural importance, symbolising status and love. For example, sapphires were thought to safeguard royalty, while diamonds symbolised strength. These beliefs contributed to the flourishing trade of gemstones along routes like the Silk Road, where they became important goods that transcended borders and cultural barriers.
The Renaissance marked a surge in demand for gemstones in Europe, influencing art, fashion, and societal norms. As the Industrial Revolution introduced mining advancements, gemstones became more accessible, yet high-quality stones retained their luxury status.
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
Today, the market for gemstones continues to thrive, fuelled by factors such as rarity, quality, and cultural significance. The precious 'Four Cs'—colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight—play a crucial role in determining a gemstone's value, while historical associations enhance their allure.
Oman: A Gemstone Paradise
Muath's journey of collecting luxury and unique gemstones enables him to identify stones that are similar in colour but geologically different in composition and name. He explained, 'There are many stones with the same colour, but their chemical properties differ due to their geological formation, such as Agate, Star Sapphire, and Garnet. These stones are all red in colour, but it is possible to distinguish between them. For example, Agate is pure red, like blood, and resembles natural rock, while Star Sapphire is pinkish-red. The Garnet stone is a very dark red and can be distinguished when exposed to light, changing to dark brown or maroon.'
Oman is a prime location for exploring gemstones, with the most common stones being Omani Agate and Quartz. There are many places to extract gemstones, such as the Wilayat of Samayil, Saih Hatat in Muscat, Wadi Haibi in Sohar, and the mountains of Quriyat.
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
Buying gemstones? Local gemologist shares important things you should consider
At first glance, one is amazed by the sparkling beauty of the gemstones, the formation of their layers, and the variety of stunning colours. This geological difference relates to the classification of the rocks in which the gemstones originated, such as metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks. Each classification of rock contains a list of gemstones. Agate is extracted from igneous rocks and belongs to the silica stones. It consists of silica dioxide mixed with iron oxide, and sometimes, some agate contains nickel.
Certain gemstones undergo treatment processes for enhancement. Heat treatment focuses on deepening the stone's colour, making it darker. The glass treatment method alters the chemical properties of the stone, giving it a shiny, glass-like appearance. The treatment of gemstones plays a role in their economic and investment value. 'The value of untreated gemstones increases over time because they have not been chemically interfered with, and their properties have not changed, so their value remains high. As for treated gemstones, their investment value decreases, but not all stones are affected. Some gemstones are labour-intensive during the treatment process, so their value can actually increase. There are also a few countries from which prized gemstones are extracted, like Africa, which holds treasures of precious stones,' Muath shared.
He added, 'For instance, the treated Star Sapphire appears red, while the untreated Star Sapphire is purple-grey. Additionally, the investment value of a gemstone decreases when it is abundant. In contrast, if the gemstone is rare, like the ruby—which is a very dark red colour resembling the blood of a deer—it is considered a rare stone and has a significantly higher value compared to gemstones that are easy to obtain.'
Most gemstones do not deteriorate under natural conditions, except for a few that can dry out and become brittle, making them prone to breaking. Opal, for example, is formed in watery environments. Therefore, soaking the stone in water for up to two days is essential for its preservation.
In Nizwa, with its historical significance, is another gem hotspot. Local artisans produce traditional silver jewellery adorned with semi-precious stones like garnet and turquoise, allowing visitors to take home pieces that reflect Omani craftsmanship and history.
Lastly, Sohar, once famous for pearl diving, is now embracing gemstone trading. The city features a growing selection of turquoise and coral jewellery, with artisans blending modern techniques into traditional designs. As more visitors are drawn to Oman's rich cultural tapestry, the gemstone trade is flourishing, creating new opportunities for local artisans and preserving age-old practices.
While exploring these markets, travellers can engage with artisans, learning about the intricate processes that go into crafting each piece, from the initial selection of raw stones to the meticulous polishing that reveals their inner beauty. This connection to the makers adds a personal touch to each purchase, turning gemstones from mere commodities into meaningful keepsakes.
Muath encourages those interested in gemstones to appreciate not just their beauty but the stories and histories they carry. 'Every stone has a journey. From the depths of the earth to the hands of skilled craftsmen, they embody time, culture, and nature,' he reflects.