To buy some raw gemstones in Dubai?

[thewillandtheway]

Spoiler alert - I don’t have a clue what I’m buying and am
certainly not a professional in this field.

DH has been talking about gifting me some jewellery for a while now, but I’ve never really found anything that I like!

We are currently in Dubai and have been chatting to a few different people in our hotel who have been / are going to the Gold and Diamond Park. This has sparked the conversation up again between DH and I. He’s keen for me to get something precious and memorable but I’m still not sure what that would be.

He has suffered a trip later this evening to the Gold & Diamond Park. I guess I’m worried as I don’t have the slightest idea what I am looking for (or at) but I think I’ve decided that it might be more sensible for me to buy some loose gemstones instead of a pre set niece so that I can have more control over the look, colours, style etc.

have any of you been to the Gold & Diamond park in Dubai before? And if so, any tips?

And lastly, am I absolutely crazy getting raw stones?

Thanks!

Will they actually be raw as in unpolished, or just unset?

How lucky you are to find the only place in the world free of blood diamonds.

Perhaps a vintage piece? There are some stunning art deco bracelets out there. For me, the thought of buying jewellery in Dubai raises all kinds of questions about unsavoury practices and the absolute vulgarity of that level of wealth.

If you have no idea what you’re looking at it’s a bad idea.

You wont be able to gauge their value and you’ll be sold poor quality stones at inflated prices.

Oops sorry! I mean unset!

You will also need to go through the red channel at customs in the UK to declare what you have bought. And pay duty here.

If you don't know what you are looking for how are you going to avoid being scammed?

Raw? Or already faceted but not set? You can't rely on the colour of rough gemstones to tell you what the finished product will look like, you won't be able to tell what finished size you'll end up with, or even if the gem can be cut without fracturing. Plus you'll have to find somewhere to get them faceted.

It’s funny that you think someone who is currently in Dubai and planning on buying jewellery sourced from who knows where will happily go through the red channel at customs 😂😂

OP, save your money - Monika Vinader has a great sale on at the moment 🙄😜

Yabu to be in Dubai, let alone be buying blood diamonds there

Look out for the OP's next thread: I got arrested for diamond smuggling, AMA! 😆

It’s not difficult to find diamonds that are 100% not blood diamonds. I’ve got argyle diamonds they are certificated and have ID numbers Lasered in them.

OP, what type of gemstones are you thinking of. If I was buying gemstones now I wouldn’t dream of buying anything other than lab grown diamonds. The prices are amazing and you can get amazing quality diamonds for a fraction of the price of ‘natural’ diamonds. You can get different colours too.

I’d look into jewellery certified conflict free. Especially vintage. That would be much more memorable.

Oh OP - you should really have asked this question on Reddit.
MN absolutely hates Dubai and anyone who apparently visits or works there, you’ll get very few sensible responses here!

Definitely google for Reddit threads on the Gold and Diamond Park, there are some with some good recommendations and advice.

Thanks everyone - I’m not interested in buying diamonds. I was thinking maybe a nice aquamarine stone.

of course if I do purchase anything, I will ensure it’s bought home the correct way, using the right procedures.

I’m beginning to realise 🤣 I’ve never been to Dubai before. We’re here for DH’s work conference but decided to make a week of it.

That’s quite sweet - I’m the kind of person who 100% wouldn’t do it the correct way 🤫😁

You want Cara, at the Gold and Diamond Park.

I’d recommend Gold Souk and Meena Bazaar over Gold and Diamond Bazaar, particularly the former. Regulations are high in UAE, so you’re unlikely to be duped. Be aware of the market gold price, and be prepared to haggle at the Gold Souk. It’s expected. For gems, Harsh Gems in Gold Souk, and Damas in the financial center are good options.

There will be a mark up, particularly with diamonds, so aim for a 30-35% discount.

https://desertbuggyrental.com/dubai-gold-market-bargains/

also check Reddit out. Lots of good advice can be found there.

I LOVE aquamarine and I’m wearing a stunning aquamarine necklace from Madagascar right now. Aquamarine is commonly faked so you need to be careful. Genuine good aquamarine is considerably more expensive than things like blue topaz. Aquamarine is also often heat treated to enhance its colour if you like completely natural stones then you need to be careful. Lots of gemstones are heat treated and it doesn’t bother lots of people.

@InterIgniswonderful thank you so much for the guidance!!

You won’t go wrong with Cara in the G&D park. Also worth checking out Fergus James and 77 Diamonds.

I love gemstones but I wouldn't buy from a seller I don't know/trust. If you are not 'used' to looking at stones, you may be looking at a fake and not realise until you've parted with your money. Buying second hand back home (at least if you're in the UK) is a much safer way of getting the real deal at a good price. You can always buy for the stone and have it re-set, if you don't like the existing setting (or if the stone is - say - a pendant or a brooch, and you're after a ring).

@KeyItInoh wow that does sound very beautiful! I will be sure to shop around before settling on any stone, If I do.

Aquamarine has always been one I’ve loved and never had the opportunity to own!

Have a look at tourmalines too - they come in many different colours and are cheaper than aquamarine.