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+1 (212) 382-1314

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New York City, International Gem Tower

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship internationally?
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Yes we ship internationally. However, any countries that may have trade restrictions with the United States will not be shipped. International shipping is included. Buyers are responsible for any additional customs, duties and tax related fees upon receipt. International buyers are also responsible for paying for return shipments and insurance.

what is your uSA shipping policy?
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We offer free shipping anywhere in the United States. Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs.

do you insure the shipments?
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Yes. All shipments include 100% insurance coverage. In the event your package is lost, you will be refunded all of your money.

who founded rare gem?
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The Rare Gem was founded by Joseph and Justin Zaroovabeli in 2015. Read more about our history here.

what is your return policy?
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If for any reason you are unhappy with your stone upon receipt, we accept returns within 14 days. However, any gemstones that is returned in a altered condition which may include:, but not limited to, scratches, chipping, or wear may be denied. No gemstone may be mounted in jewelry and then returned. We believe our clients will be honest with us, and will do our best to accommodate returns. Any custom work, which includes customization of jewelry of any sort is not returnable. A deposit may be kept as a result of not proceeding with any order.

what if i want origin on one of the stones i want to purchase?
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All gemstone origins are subject to laboratory opinions. If the lab determines an origin, it will be deemed an opinion. Upon request, we can include an origin request with either GIA, AGL, Gubelin, or SSEF, at an additional fee. Fees are subject to size of gemstone and may vary from $100- $1000 USD.

the lab report is many years old. what if i want an updated report?
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We offer free lab report updates for any gemstones with reports over 5 years old. This may delay any shipment by 4-5 weeks.

how do i know what alexandrite origin is?
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Origin determination is a multifaceted analysis unique to each gem lab. We do not guarantee any origin of our gemstones. We rely on reputable independent gem labs to make any origin determinations (which are considered opinions). We do our best to disclose all information about each gemstone to help you make an educated decision.

i already own an alexandrite, do you offer trade-ins?
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Yes. Please email us info@thraregem.com with the subject “Trade In.” In the email, please provide an image of your alexandrite with a copy of the lab report. Please do not email us if your alexandrite does not have a lab report accompanying it.

i am trying to figure out if my stone is real. how do i know if it is?
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We believe a reputable independent lab, such as GIA is best suitable and affordable to help make this determination. Generally speaking, some tools to consider are: Visual Inspection: Look for flaws, color variations, and irregularities that might indicate authenticity. You may also seek Professional Assessment in the city you live in by consulting a certified gemologist or jeweler for accurate identification. For individuals who are more ambitions, we suggest exploring Testing Tools: such as refractometers, hardness tests, UV light, and heat conductivity measurements to distinguish between natural and synthetic gemstones.

do you offer Appraisals?
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No, we do not offer appraisals.

i want to sell my alexandrite. Do you buy alexandrites?
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We are only interested in Alexandrites that are accompanied by a reputable certications. Any consideration would have to be assessed in person. If you have an alexandrite you are looking to sell, please email info@theraregem.com with the subject line. “Certified Alexandrite for Sale,” any other emails will be disregarded. If you wish to make an appointment to show us Alexandrites as a Wholesaler, please call us 212-382-1314.

do you sell other gemstones or diamonds?
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We occasional have other gemstones that we consider rare. Any gemstone or diamond request should be made on this page.

do you customize other types of jewelry besides rings?
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Yes. Should you want to make a piece of jewelry, we will arrange a meeting with our in house jeweler. Visit this page for more information.

what are lab created alexandrites?
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Alexandrites that are synthetic or “lab created” are made by humans. We do not deal with these.

are your alexandrites treated?
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All of our Alexandrites are 100% Natural.