FAQs |
| Q: How can I see the gemstone before buying it? |
| A: We will send the gem to you and you can see the quality, and feel its energy for yourself. Deposits may be made with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Alternatively you can also send a deposit via check or money order. Most customers are extremely pleased with the gem selected for them, but if within two days you wish to view a different gem, we will be happy to send another one for your perusal. You may also request a selection of up to 3 gems if your credit limit will cover the value. |
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| Q: Is it possible to telephone and speak to an expert in this? |
| A: Without question! Our founder, Vedic astrologer and planetary gemologist Howard Beckman, employs a very knowledgeable staff in all aspects of gems, jewelry, and planetary gemology who will be happy to personally answer all your questions. You may also speak directly with Howard about your specific needs and concerns. |
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| Q: Do you have pictures of the gems in stock? |
| A: You can see a small sample of our highest quality gemstones on our Gems In Stock pages. We have many more in stock! You may request digital images of gems to be e-mailed to you after speaking with one of our planetary gemologists regarding your needs. |
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| Q: Is there any scientific proof for the validity of gems having powers? |
| A:Yes! This science has not only thousands of years of use behind it, but in more recent years gem therapy has entered the mainstream medical arena in India, the UK, and Europe, and with alternative health practitioners the world over. |
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| Q: How much do gems cost? |
| A:The price of gems is varies depending on the size and quality, as well as the rarity of a particular gem. Call us for quotes on a range of gems to fit your budget. |
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| Q: How can I be sure what gem is right for me? |
| A: The best way of choosing a gem is through a recommendation from a qualified Vedic astrologer or planetary gemologist. If you do not have a recommendation already, we will be happy to analyze your Vedic horoscope to determine which gems are good for you and explain the findings for a nominal fee. The fee can be credited toward the purchase of a gem. |
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| Q: Why buy a precious gem if a substitute will suffice? |
| A: The "navaratna", or 9 principle gemstones traditionally used in jyotish and ayurveda, are most powerful for this purpose. There are a limited number of "uparatna", or substitute gemstones, that we carry that do have good effects, but not to the degree of the "navaratna". We do not carry as many substitute gems as other companies. We carry only those we know are effective beyond the shadow of a doubt. |
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| Q: Why can’t I just go to my local jeweler for a jyotish gem? |
| A: Most jewelry stores do not carry gemstones suitable for jyotish or ayurvedic usage. Usually gems are in some way treated or enhanced. Although they are beautiful to look at and still worth their monetary cost in the trade, they no longer possess their inherent vibratory healing qualities. Trust only companies that specialize in natural gemstones and give an unconditional guarantee as we do. |
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| Q: Am I then paying a premium for natural gemstones? |
| A: Definitely not. As we have our buying office in a source country, which also is a cutting and business center for gems from other source countries, we provide the best qualities at the best possible prices. Generally companies in our position sell to jewelry stores or other merchant middlemen who resell to the public at retail prices. As there is no middleman between the first purchaser abroad and you, the end user, the savings are monumental. |
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| Q: What if I have a different type of ring or pendant that I’d like made to order? Will your jeweler be willing to also make custom pieces not displayed on this web site? |
| A: Yes, we assure customer satisfaction always. If you have a drawing or picture of something you’d like made, we will be happy to create it just for you. |
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| Q: Where can I learn more about Vedic Astrology, Ayurveda, Gem Therapy and Planetary Gemology? |
| A: Visit our Vedic portal at www.vedicworld.org/home.html |
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| Q: What if I approve a gem and purchase it, then change my mind for some reason? |
| A: Gems that have been approved by clients are returnable for credit or exchange ONLY within 15 days of receipt, but no cash refunds or refunds to credit cards will be made once gems are approved for purchase. All mountings are made custom for each gemstone so mountings may only be returned for alterations (at a client's cost), but not for credit. |
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| Q. Do you offer a catalog? |
| A. Since we are constantly adding new items to our selection and we offer many one-of-a-kind items, it would be next to impossible to keep a printed catalog up to date. If you would like to be notified of new items or special deals you can subscribe to our mailing list. |
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| Q. What forms of payment does 1st Class Gems accept? |
| A. We currently accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, "e-check", personal check, or money order. We accept American Express or Discover via PayPal. |
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| Q. How can I place an order? |
| A. It's easy. You can choose from three options: 1) Place your order online, using our 100% secure shopping cart. 2) To order by phone. 3) If you wish to pay by check or money order, or to order by mail, download our printable order. |
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| Q. Can I have my order shipped to an alternate address? (Not my billing address!) |
| A. Yes, as long as you contact your credit card issuer prior to order placement to add an alternative "SHIP TO" address. If you enter a separate shipping address, without doing so, your credit card company may decline the transaction. |
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| Q. How can I charge a purchase without entering my credit card info online? |
A. Easy! Just call us with your info or send a check or money order using our printable order form.
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