We, Jewellery Wanderlust makes jewellery using 'unused gemstones'. Some of them have been sitting unused in stock for decades.
But why is there a 'surplus' of supposedly expensive and precious gemstones? In this article, we would like to talk about the background of unused gemstones.
1, Purchased in bulk or in lots at once
Most jewels sold in Japan are imported from abroad. Large importers purchase rough stones in bulk, such as by the container, and from there cutters shape them into the shining gemstones we know. Even when cut and polished gemstones are imported, they are basically sold in lots, which means that not all the gemstones are used up and there is a surplus.
2, Non-standard sized gemstones
When jewellery is produced in large quantities, it is required to have stones of the same size. This is because, in order to turn a gemstone into a piece of jewellery, it needs to be fitted into a mounting, and if it is the same size, a single mounting mould can be made and the rest can be mass produced. For this reason, the industry has a standard size (i.e. the preferred size). Stones that fall outside of these sizes are difficult to sell and may be left over.
3, Economic situation
There was a time in Japan when the more jewellery was made, the more it sold. At that time, importers and jewellers bought more and more jewels. However, when the bubble economy burst and the consumption of gems and jewellery dropped, they ended up with inventories.
↑ A Room full of piled up with stones that procured 30 - 40 years ago.
These are the reasons why even expensive gemstones can become stock, just like anything else. However, there are some advantages that only old stock and vintage gemstones.
1, Quality that is not available today
Stock from a period when good gemstones were plentiful includes many high-quality gems that are difficult to find nowadays. You can also find gemstones that showcase craftsmanship, such as gemstone carvings, where the craftsmen who could make them are no longer available.
2, No expiry date
Gemstones do not have an expiry date. As long as they are properly managed, gemstones do not deteriorate just because they are a few decades old. Gemstones were created by the earth billions to thousands of years ago, indeed. The equation "old = inferior" does not apply to gemstones.
For these reasons, Jewellery Wanderlust actively uses 'unused gemstones'.