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While it should never be the main measure of value, origin often affects price. When buying a gem, personal preference is important, but you should know what you’re buying. If you don’t know, find out. Important gems should come with a report from a trusted gemmological laboratory indicating country of origin. Although it is not always possible to ascertain origin—determination of origin is a complex science—such objective advice can be as invaluable as the gem itself.

From top: 5.91-carat Burmese sapphire earrings; multi-tier necklace with Madagascan sapphires and diamonds; 10.7-carat Kashmiri sapphire and diamond ring, all by Gübelin; sapphire beads threaded into tassels for use in a high-jewellery necklace by Graff