PJ Joseph

Welcome! I’m P.J. Joseph—a trained gemologist with over 40 years of experience in the fascinating world of gemstones. My journey blends scientific precision with storytelling, as I’ve spent decades educating others through writing. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned collector, I’m here to share insights that empower ethical, informed choices in jewelry and gemology. I hold a professional diploma (DgemG) in gemology from the Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft e.V., Idar-Oberstein, Germany, and the Gemological Institute of India, Mumbai, India.

The #1 Mistake First-Time Diamond Sellers Make: Retail Price vs Resale Value

Learn why diamonds lose value once purchased. Discover the difference between retail and resale price, and what you can expect when selling your diamond in India or abroad. When you buy a diamond, you pay the retail price.When you sell a diamond, you get the resale price. These two numbers are not the same. Think […]

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Don’t Get Fooled by the Sparkle: How Gemstones in Your Jewellery Affect Its Final Price

Learn how gemstones in Kerala jewellery affect your gold price. Discover why jewellers deduct stone weight, what stones are common, and how to check the real gold value before you pay. Don’t Get Fooled by the Sparkle When you buy or sell jewellery in Kerala, your gold value is always based on net weight. Not

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Is Your 22 Karat Really 22 Karat? A Simple Guide to Gold Purity in Kerala

Learn the real meaning of 22K gold in Kerala. Understand the difference between 24K, 22K, 18K, and 14K. Discover what the 916 stamp means and how to check purity before buying jewellery. Is Your 22 Karat Really 22 Karat? Gold is never sold in one form.Different karats mean different purity levels.Knowing this helps you avoid

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Natural, Synthetic, or Imitation? The Key Question Before You Buy a Gemstone

Learn the difference between natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones. Avoid costly mistakes by asking the right question before you buy. Natural, Synthetic, or Imitation? When you walk into a jewelry store, every stone looks tempting. But do you know if it’s natural, synthetic, or imitation? This single question can protect your wallet and guide your

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The Paper Trail: Why a Gemstone Certificate Can Be Your Best Friend (And When It’s Not Worth It)

Learn when a gemstone certificate from labs like GIA, AGL, IGI, GII, SSEF, or Gübelin adds value—and when it’s unnecessary. Discover what lab reports reveal, what they miss, and how to decide if you should invest in one. A gemstone certificate can be a smart investment.It can also be a waste of money. The difference

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Beyond Diamond Hype: The Real 4 Cs of Colored Gemstones You Need to Know

Discover how the 4 Cs—Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight—apply differently to colored gemstones. Learn why color is king and how to judge gems beyond diamond standards. When it comes to colored gemstones, the rules are different from diamonds.The same 4 Cs—Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight—apply, but they carry a different meaning. Color is

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“It’s an Investment!” – The Most Dangerous Phrase for a Novice Gem Collector

New to gemstone collecting? Don’t fall for the “investment” trap. Learn why your collection should be about joy, not a get-rich-quick plan. “It’s an investment!”The phrase that traps many beginners in gemstone collecting. Every gem lover hears it. A dealer says it. A friend repeats it. You start believing that every stone you buy will

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Bigger Isn’t Better: Why Chasing Carat Weight Can Be a Costly Mistake

A smaller diamond with excellent cut, color, and clarity often brings more beauty and long-term value than a larger but dull or included stone. Learn why presence matters more than size. When you buy a diamond, size often feels like the main goal.But a bigger stone does not always mean a better one. A diamond’s

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Nivada Grenchen F77 Mark II Gold: A 1977 Classic Reimagined

Discover the Nivada Grenchen F77 Mark II Gold. A modern reissue of the 1977 icon with an 18K yellow gold-plated case, black onyx dial, and Soprod P024 automatic movement. Vintage soul meets modern wristwear. Nivada Grenchen F77 Mark II GoldA golden revival of a 1977 icon. This watch brings together vintage charm and modern precision.

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The Vacation Gem Trap: Why Your Souvenir Stone May Not Be Worth the Price

Many travelers fall for the “vacation gem” trap. Learn how high-pressure sales and emotional souvenirs lead to overpriced stones. Protect your money before buying jewelry abroad. You’re on vacation. Sun, sand, and the promise of a good deal.A street vendor or dockside shop waves you in.They show you a “rare” tanzanite or sapphire.They promise it’s

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