Our Quality Checking Process
Our Quality Checking ProcessĀ
Our stones go through an extensive process of cleaning, quality checking, counting, pricing, and a photo-shoot before they become available to the public.
- We start off with a general quality check as we count out our inventory and make sure our numbers match up. Any damaged stones are removed and added to the Clearance Bin, which is used for Imperfect Auctions in our Facebook group and are available on the website as random 1 oz scoops.
- Once we've reviewed the quantity of stones received and mark them in our logs, it's time to move on to testing for dye. We take pride in making sure that our natural stones are real and unaltered. If we do happen to end up with deceitfully enhanced or dyed stones, they are generally marked for clearance at or below cost with full disclosure.
- Now that our stones have passed the initial test for dye, it's time to clean them of any dirt, fingerprints, smudges, or oil. Many carvers and miners ship delicate stones, particularly those in the feldspar family, in oil to protect them from chipping during shipping. Not only is this oil unpleasant to clean off, but it can also hide chips, fractures, and other notable damage. It's arguably the most important step we take in our quality checking process.
- After the stones have been cleaned and have passed their second inspection, they move on to being sized, weighed, and calibrated stones are triple checked for accuracy with our high-end Mitutoyo calipers.
- Last check. Now that the stones have been thoroughly cleaned and sorted, they go through one last inspection to triple check that no stones were damaged during the previous steps.
- Almost done! Next the stones are photographed outdoors in natural lighting and are listed. Our stones are first listed in our Facebook group, Gemstone Clearance Sale, where our group members have exclusive access to brand new stones. Often times new stones never even make it to the website before selling out. For your best chance to snag new and exclusive stones, please make sure to join our group.
- Finally, our stones are sorted into bins by type, color, cut, and quality. Once sold, they are given one last quick check before being shipped off to their new homes.