As long as it’s something you sincerely like or have a passion for, a hobby can be incredibly fulfilling. However, some hobbies tend to be more fun and enjoyable than others, and for a good reason. If you read the title, you should already connect the dots… gem collection is a fun and colorful hobby that could possibly turn obsessive. Well, not really, but most passionate gemstone collectors will tell you that it never gets boring.
If you’re a gem enthusiast, perhaps you want to turn your passion into a hobby and become a collector. Well – good for you because you just made one of the best decisions. All you have to do now is learn how to get started and build on what you probably already have in your possession. It’s all about organizing, adding, and keeping track.
If you ask many of the experienced gem collectors, they’ll tell you that adding new pieces is the part where most of the fun lies. Without further ado, here are a few tips to help you get started with collecting gemstones and seeing your collection grow while having fun.
Why Collect Gems?
As you might already know by now, some gems are precious and can exceed most types of investments in terms of value. They are also beautiful exhibits that you can use to spruce the look of any space to make it more enticing to the eye.
Many people also use gemstones for jewelry, which is another reason why some of them are so valuable. It is also interesting how gems have a rich history, especially regarding how they were formed. As a matter of fact, formation history is among the reasons why Moldavite pendants are so popular. The gem is believed to have been formed from the action of meteorites that struck the earth’s surface followed by cooling to create these beautiful pieces of geology. Many people also associate moldavite jewelry or gems with good luck and prosperity.
Moreover, gem collection is an adventurous undertaking. It makes you appreciate nature more as you meet new friends and traverse many previously unfamiliar places. These scarce fruits of geology are also easy to transport, carry, and store with minimal safety concerns despite their incredible value. Ownership can also be incredibly confidential, especially since banks and other keepsake services provide safer storage vaults and locations.
Weigh Your Reasons for Collecting Gemstones
Based on the brief description above, one of the first important steps to take is to decide why you want to become a gem collector in the first place. This will guide you into what to look for, where to check your pieces of interest out. If you want to monetize the hobby, for instance, your sources will vary from geological excavations to exhibitions, museums, and even online auctions. Your reasons will also help you come up with a budget for your enjoyable hobby. In summary, you will want to ask yourself these questions:
• Is it purely out of interest?
• Is my collection an investment for returns?
Familiarize With Different Types of Gems
To be a successful gem collector, you will, of course, need to have an understanding of different types of gems. This way, someone cannot fool you into believing that a piece of glass is a precious stone. A collector without the skills and tools to identify different types of gems could easily lose money to scams and con artists. Thankfully, there are a lot of books, online videos, and illustrative photos to help you on this front. Strive to enrich your knowledge each day as you focus on growing your collection.
Consider Your Budget
Different gems will cost differently. You don’t always have to start with the most expensive gemstones on the planet, thanks to the wealth of information out there. The price or value differences mostly come from the type, size, color, shape, and so forth. For instance, opaque gems are often less expensive but go a long way in adding vibrancy to your collection. On this front, you may have several options, including turquoise, agate, onyx, or carnelian. Prices may also vary depending on where you get your pieces from.
If you’re into Emerald, for instance, you will spend a tad bit more on the gem than most other places on the planet. If you’re a hobbyist with an investor’s mind in gem collection, there is no harm in taking out a loan to collect pieces you really think will pay out decently in the near or far future.
Learn to Organize and Maintain Your Gems
Finally, you will need to take good care of your gemstone collection. This means ensuring a few things, including:
• Safe storage
• Keeping the collection organized
• Keeping track of your collection
• Cleaning your gems
If you know the tricks in the book, gem collection is an incredibly fun activity. It can be a purposeful way to spend your free time with no regrets. With the few tips above, you will hopefully find your new hobby exhilarating and rewarding.
