Rishabh Answered: Real Questions, Real Answers (EP1)
23 Feb 2026
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Our Instagram Q&A sessions have sparked some great conversations around gemstones and fine jewelry. In this post, we’ve compiled Rishabh’s answers to your most frequently asked questions — sharing practical advice, expert insights, and industry knowledge gathered over years of hands-on experience.
What's the best place for Sapphire?
Rishabh answered :
Sri Lanka has an amazing variety of not only Ceylon Sapphires but also African ones. But since stones are easily portable , trade exhibitions in Hong Kong and Bangkok would be the best place to learn, compare and get the best ones.
Getting a lab certificate is recommended as now there are many small reliable labs in Asia at low cost. But yes, with experience, you can make a calculated guess.
Heating is a trade accepted practice and useful for designers who want to make multiple pieces of a same design and not worrying about the supply chain of such stones.
No heat gemstones cater to people who want to make unique one of a kind pieces.
Sri Lanka has an amazing variety of not only Ceylon Sapphires but also African ones. But since stones are easily portable , trade exhibitions in Hong Kong and Bangkok would be the best place to learn, compare and get the best ones.
how do I check if a stone is heated or not?
Rishabh answered:Getting a lab certificate is recommended as now there are many small reliable labs in Asia at low cost. But yes, with experience, you can make a calculated guess.
Heating is a trade accepted practice and useful for designers who want to make multiple pieces of a same design and not worrying about the supply chain of such stones.
No heat gemstones cater to people who want to make unique one of a kind pieces.
Is it true that Paraiba is a good investment?
Rishabh Answered:
A big yes for Brazilian Paraiba, the original place where it was discovered is rare. Rarity with heritage will have a huge appreciation.
Though abundant, African Paraiba have been appreciating steadily. Just apprehensive if the big mining corporations who have been marketing it aggressively backs out, then the bubble might burst.
Let's break a myth first. Cheap or low value stones are not the easiest to sell. Beautiful stones which have a story or if you can convince someone honestly of its value proposition, it sells easily. Seems vague, but gem quality top stones at ridiculous prices won't sell in present but might sell in future. but will you term that easy?
so the answer this question is a the question "Which story is the easiest to sell?".
A big yes for Brazilian Paraiba, the original place where it was discovered is rare. Rarity with heritage will have a huge appreciation.
Though abundant, African Paraiba have been appreciating steadily. Just apprehensive if the big mining corporations who have been marketing it aggressively backs out, then the bubble might burst.
Which stones are easiest to resell in the future?
Rishabh Answered:Let's break a myth first. Cheap or low value stones are not the easiest to sell. Beautiful stones which have a story or if you can convince someone honestly of its value proposition, it sells easily. Seems vague, but gem quality top stones at ridiculous prices won't sell in present but might sell in future. but will you term that easy?
so the answer this question is a the question "Which story is the easiest to sell?".
WHAT MISTAKES SHOULD I BE AWARE OF WHEN DESIGNING CUSTOM JEWELRY?
Rishabh Answered:
Detailed planning on paper before production is key. In this case,it's the computer design, flexibility in slight revisions to the design, gold quality color , diamond carats - quality to be used, etc.
Have clarity of design and thought before committing as it would be unfair to the designer/settler if you are not clear of what you want.
Setters are always extra careful when working with someone else's stone, due to high liability cost involved. But all gemstones can be set, so it's best to ask the stone seller if it can be set for you. this way, the liability falls on him. And if you want to get it elsewhere, then better buy stones with hardness of 8 and above.
Detailed planning on paper before production is key. In this case,it's the computer design, flexibility in slight revisions to the design, gold quality color , diamond carats - quality to be used, etc.
Have clarity of design and thought before committing as it would be unfair to the designer/settler if you are not clear of what you want.
WHEN BUYING A PIECE OF JEWELRY OR LOOSES STONE, WHAT SHOULD YOU BE LOOKING FOR, TO MAKE SURE IT CAN BE SET/ RESET AS JEWELRY?
Rishabh Answered:Setters are always extra careful when working with someone else's stone, due to high liability cost involved. But all gemstones can be set, so it's best to ask the stone seller if it can be set for you. this way, the liability falls on him. And if you want to get it elsewhere, then better buy stones with hardness of 8 and above.
how much should I focus on origin vs appearance?
Rishabh answered:
It’s the same dilemma you face when choosing between brand and aesthetics in luxury goods. Origin matters—but it comes at a premium, and it doesn’t always guarantee the most visually stunning stone. What it often offers instead is stronger long-term value appreciation. Beauty, on the other hand, fulfills the most fundamental purpose of jewelry: to look magnificent. Yet when it comes to gemstones, not everyone can afford the finest-looking stone from a top-tier origin. That’s where budget ultimately becomes the deciding factor.
It’s the same dilemma you face when choosing between brand and aesthetics in luxury goods. Origin matters—but it comes at a premium, and it doesn’t always guarantee the most visually stunning stone. What it often offers instead is stronger long-term value appreciation. Beauty, on the other hand, fulfills the most fundamental purpose of jewelry: to look magnificent. Yet when it comes to gemstones, not everyone can afford the finest-looking stone from a top-tier origin. That’s where budget ultimately becomes the deciding factor.