Gemstones & Memo Program FAQ

Calibrated gemstones are precision-cut loose gemstones cut to exact standardized millimeter dimensions (e.g., 2.00 mm, 3.00 mm, 6x4 mm, 7x5 mm, 8x6 mm) with strict dimensional tolerances. Unlike free-form stones that require custom mountings, calibrated stones fit directly into standard jewelry mountings, halo settings, eternity bands, and production castings without requiring bench jewelers to perform costly custom seat-cutting or lapidary re-cutting.

We maintain one of the most extensive physical loose gemstone inventories in NYC’s Diamond District. Our inventory includes natural and lab-grown Sapphires in every color (Royal Blue, Cornflower, Navy, Teal/Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Padparadscha, Purple, and White), Colombian and Zambian Emeralds, Rubies, Aquamarines, Alexandrites, Citrine, Garnets, Amethysts, Spinels, Tourmalines, and Peridot.

We offer two distinct ordering modes tailored to how jewelers build pieces: • By the Carat (ctw): Ideal for volume parcel orders, melee pave, and matching layouts. Pricing is calculated directly on total carat weight, with a minimum order requirement equal to or greater than the weight of a single stone. • By the Piece: Ideal when you need an exact count of stones (e.g., 2 matched rounds for earrings, 5 stones for an anniversary ring). You select the exact piece quantity with fixed per-piece pricing.

Every gemstone parcel at B.V. Gems is meticulously graded and matched by our in-house gemologists. When you order multi-stone calibrated lots—such as layouts for eternity bands, tennis bracelets, or necklace suites—we calibrate for millimeter tolerance (±0.10 mm to ±0.20 mm), crown height, pavilion depth, hue, saturation, and brilliance so your finished piece exhibits uniform optical balance.

Yes. We specialize in precision-matched pairs (ideal for stud earrings, drops, and three-stone engagement rings) as well as graduated and multi-colored gemstone layout suites (including rainbow sapphire suites, ombre layouts, and graduated bracelet layouts). Each layout comes pre-measured, color-sequenced, and ready for immediate bench setting.

We offer both Natural and Lab-Grown gemstones with 100% full disclosure. Every item on our platform and trade invoice explicitly identifies whether the stone is Natural or Lab-Grown, along with standard industry enhancements (such as traditional heat treatment in corundum or minor cedarwood oil in natural emeralds). We never sell undisclosed synthetic or treated materials.

Our Memo Program is an exclusive service designed for vetted jewelry designers, independent retailers, and wholesale trade members. It allows you to take select high-value loose gemstones, matched pairs, and calibrated layouts on consignment ('memo') to present directly to your private clients before purchasing, with zero upfront capital required. Qualification is open to registered jewelry businesses with verifiable trade references or a Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) rating.

You can apply directly through our Trade Account Application or the Memo Program portal. You will need your Business Tax ID / State Resale Certificate, business details, and at least two trade references (or your JBT ID number). Our trade compliance team reviews applications within 24 to 48 business hours.

The standard memo period is 7 to 14 calendar days, depending on the inventory tier and volume requested. If you require extra time to accommodate a rescheduled client appointment, you can request an extension directly through your account dashboard or by contacting your B.V. Gems account representative prior to the expiration date.

Simply log into your B.V. Gems trade account portal and mark the stone as purchased, or contact your account representative via phone or email. We will issue your final invoice at your approved wholesale trade pricing. If the client declines, simply package the stone securely and return it within the agreed memo window.

All memoed gemstones must be returned in their original, unaltered, and unset condition, accompanied by all original security packaging and certificates. Any gemstone that has been set into a mounting, altered, chipped, or scratched while in your possession is deemed purchased and will be invoiced to your account at wholesale value.

Outbound shipping for approved memo requests is dispatched via fully insured overnight courier. The requesting trade account assumes responsibility for return shipping and full transit insurance. You may use our discounted prepaid return labels or your own established third-party parcel insurance (e.g., Malca-Amit, Brinks, or Parcel Pro).

Important single loose gemstones, high-carat emeralds, unheated sapphires, and rare collector pieces include independent lab certificates from globally recognized institutions, including GIA (Gemological Institute of America), Lotus Gemology, AGL (American Gemological Laboratories), or IGI. For calibrated stones and parcels, individual laboratory certificates are available upon request for an additional lab fee ($75 per stone).

Yes. We stock origin-specific inventory, clearly identified on our website. For example, our emeralds are categorized by Colombian (celebrated for pure, warm verdant hues) and Zambian (renowned for deep saturation and high crystal clarity) origins. Origin determinations are verified through our direct mine sources and gemological testing.

Our calibrated stones are cut to precision tolerances of ±0.10 mm to ±0.20 mm depending on the gemstone variety and millimeter category. You can consult our interactive Size & Tolerance Guide on any product page for exact millimeter-to-carat weight conversion matrices across every cut.

Wholesale gemstone pricing is reserved exclusively for verified trade professionals. To access wholesale pricing, click LOG IN in the top-right header and log into your approved account, or apply for an account using our Trade Registration Form. Once approved, you gain access to wholesale carat rates, quantity tiers, and live inventory holds.

Yes! All orders, memo requests, and custom stone consultations can be picked up or inspected in person at our Manhattan Diamond District headquarters: 66 West 47th Street, Booth #9 & 10, New York, NY 10036. Appointments can be scheduled online via our Showroom Appointment tool or by calling (212) 302-0447.

In-stock calibrated and loose stone orders placed before 3:00 PM EST ship the same business day. All packages are dispatched via fully insured expedited couriers (FedEx or UPS) with adult signature required upon delivery. Free 2 Days insured shipping is provided on all U.S. orders of $500 or more ($23 for orders under $500), and Priority Overnight shipping is available for $38 ($15 on orders of $500 or more).

For purchased loose gemstones, we offer a 14-day inspection and return window from the date of delivery. Returned stones must be in their original, unset, and undamaged condition with all original laboratory documentation and security packaging. Custom-cut orders or stones that have been mounted are non-refundable.