From presenters to lapidarists, the Gemology Hub has interviewed countless individuals over the years. But today, the spotlight is on us! We've received numerous inquiries about our operations, sourcing methods, and how we manage to keep our prices so affordable. In this article, we aim to address these burning questions and provide you with a deeper understanding of how we work here at Gemporia. So, let's dive right in!
Questions About Us...
WHERE IS GEMPORIA BASED?
Our head office is located on the outskirts of Birmingham in the West Midlands, with an operational site in Jaipur, India. In Jaipur, we have our Ladies Cutting School, where many of our gemstones are cut and polished before being set in jewelry.
WHO OWNS GEMPORIA?
We do! Since 2017, Gemporia has been a 75% employee-owned business. This unique ownership structure ensures that each of us has an equal stake and responsibility in the company's success. The remaining 25% is owned by our founder, Steve Bennett, and his family.
HOW DOES GEMPORIA WORK?
At Gemporia, our primary goal has always been to make genuine gemstones and jewelry accessible to everyone. We believe in offering natural, authentic pieces that are not mass-produced. To achieve this, we leverage our industry connections to source responsibly and bring you high-quality products at budget-friendly prices. You can purchase from us through our website, TV channel, or various social media platforms. Our TV buying process is particularly unique, as the cost of each piece drops continuously while it's on air. Rest assured, though, no matter when you place your order, everyone pays the final low price. Our TV channel broadcasts live shows from 7am to 11pm daily on Sky 665, Freeview 45, Virgin Media 755, and Freesat 805.
IS GEMPORIA CLOSING DOWN?
Absolutely not! Although we faced financial challenges like many businesses worldwide, we remain fully operational and continuously thriving. Despite the impact of global issues on our industry, Gemporia is here to stay.
HOW SUSTAINABLE IS GEMPORIA, REALLY?
Preserving our planet is a priority, and we actively pursue sustainability at Gemporia. We've achieved significant milestones, including becoming a Carbon Neutral business, transitioning to eco-friendly packaging, and ensuring that 75% of our Gold jewelry is recycled (with a goal of reaching 100% by 2026). We are also committed to responsibly sourcing gemstones from ethical mines, such as our Canadian Diamonds sourced from the Arctic Circle. Moreover, our jewelry designs are based on the gemstones we find, minimizing waste. Through The Bennett Foundation, our independent charity, we improve conditions in the mines we use and the surrounding areas. We even plant two trees for every one we cut, ensuring balance and conservation.
While we acknowledge that there are areas for improvement, we strive to give back to nature, preserving its beauty. For more information on our commitment to ethical practices, read our sustainability blog.
WHY AREN'T GEMPORIA GEMS MORE EXPENSIVE?
We often receive questions about the affordability of our gemstones. Rest assured, our prices are consistently competitive, and the authenticity of our gemstones is never compromised. Our unique mine-to-market strategy enables us to offer natural and affordable gemstones. With decades of industry connections, we source directly from mines, cutting out middlemen and unnecessary costs. This allows us to save you money without compromising quality. You can save over 53% on Diamonds alone! To learn more about our gemstone buying process, check out our blog.
Questions About Our Jewelry...
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY GEMSTONES?
Gemstones are precious, and proper care is essential. When not worn, store them safely in a bag or box, keeping them separate to prevent scratches. To keep gemstones clean and shiny, use lukewarm soapy water and a dry, lint-free cloth. However, keep in mind that certain gemstones, like Opals, require special care and should not be exposed to excessive water or heat. For more tips on caring for your gemstone jewelry, read our blog on gemstone jewelry care.
ARE GEMPORIA DIAMONDS REAL?
Absolutely! Every gemstone we offer, including our Diamonds, is completely natural and sourced from Mother Nature. We ensure the authenticity of each gemstone through lab testing, and every purchase comes with a GIA-certified card providing information about its origin, properties, and treatments.
CAN GEMSTONES CHANGE COLOR?
Indeed, some gemstones possess the remarkable ability to change color. This rarity makes them truly special. Under different lighting conditions, gemstones like Alexandrite, Fluorite, Garnet, Sapphire, Csarite, and Spinel can exhibit varying hues. Temperature also affects color change, such as the warm light from a lamp or candle.
WHICH GEMSTONES SHOULD I BUY?
Why not explore them all? We believe every gemstone is beautiful in its own way. If you're overwhelmed by the choices, here are a few suggestions:
- Your birthstone: Start your collection with your birthstone, as it adds a personal touch and makes for a meaningful gift.
- Your favorite color: Build a collection around your favorite color. Many gemstones come in a variety of colors, giving you ample options.
- The rare and the wondrous: Consider investing in rare gemstones that are likely to increase in value over time. For example, Argyle Diamonds from the now-closed Argyle mine or Tanzanite, which may become scarce in the coming years.
We aim to be transparent about our gemstones and operational practices. We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of Gemporia and the natural wonders we offer. Remember, it's our combination of business practices and our wonderful audience that makes us unique. We are honored to provide you with Mother Nature's precious gifts.
Explore our full gemstone jewelry collection
