Way back in 1990, when Optima Gem started sending out our newsletters, there were NO photos, NO colors, NO fonts. Can you believe it? These were hand written documents describing gems and parcels. We slowly built a reputation for accurate descriptions and fair pricing. When I look back, it's hard to believe our customers were so trusting that they would buy our gems simply by reading our hand written words. Some of you that are reading today were clients back then. Can you believe how far we've come!

Now we have color photos of every gem we sell. We have an interactive website where you can sort gems by every imaginable criteria. However, we still maintain our detailed grading system that provides our customers the most accurate gem grading in the industry. Even though it is so easy to just scan photos and choose your gems solely from the pic, don't forget the old fashioned “words”. Use the photos and words together. In other words, “flirt” with the photo, but don't get married until you “get to know” the details. Here's why:

Photos are only as accurate as the honesty of the person who has “photoshopped” it. At Optima Gem, we try to show you raw pictures as often as possible. But if we have to “photoshop” a pic, we only do it to bring it to reality, no beyond. Sometimes it seems no matter what we do, the pic just doesn't look like the real thing – good or bad. It is not for lack of trying, but cost is a factor. Low cost gems will have fewer proofs and much less effort to reach perfection. Fingerprints and dust may look like inclusions in a photo. Be aware of this when you shop for gems.

We invite you to go beyond the photo and read all the details we provide on the quality of the gem. We grade color, cutting quality and clarity separately so if you get familiar with our grading system, you'll be able to add to the photo insights on clarity, cut and color. Don't be fooled by dust in the photo. If the “words” say AAA, you are seeing dust, not inclusions.

Dave & Debbie