FAQ

How can I contact you?
In the USA and CA you may call us toll-free at 1800-540 3403. If we are not in the office you will be able to leave a voice mail. If you leave us your number we will call you back. Promised. Alternatively drop us a note via our automated forms or write an email directly to contact@wildfishgems.com.
How long have you been doing business online?
We started on the web in 2003.
Where are you located?
Wild Fish is registered in Delaware (USA), Germany, Sri Lanka and Japan. Moreover, our work takes us to far-flung places like Burma or Tajikistan. Hence we travel a lot and do not maintain a public showroom.
How long will it take until the stone is with me?
Fedex or EMS for orders above $500 will need less than four days. Registered Mail for orders below $500 will take less than 10 days. If you need advanced service please contact us.
How about certification?
Our prices include an independant third party certificate from one of the major labs in Colombo or Bangkok: LGTL, Tokyo, Swiss, AIGS, GIA or EMIL.
I would like to have a stone cut in a special shape. Can you get me what I need?
If size, color and cut is physically possible, yes, with pleasure. Let us know what you seek. Please also see our section on "gem-hunting" under About Us.
What payment option do you offer?
You may pay online via our secured checkout, or by phone, fax and email using Visa, Delta or Master, or pay via Paypal. For orders above $500 we suggest to use money transfer for which we offer 10% discount. Also, we offer layaway and installments. Please contact us for details.
How long can I return a stone or jewelry?
Our inspection period is seven days after delivery to you. In this period you are free to return for a full refund without discussion. After seven days we consider the deal to be closed. However, if you feel something isn't right, we will consider any reclamation to keep you as our customer.
Why "Wild Fish"?
The name was given to us by our miners. We wanted them to stop washing gravel in the river because it kills the fish (which was a new idea for them...), so they called us care-for-"Ganga Malu" or river fish or Wild Fish.
What happens if I don't want a stone after inspecting it?
Contact us to arrange the return. You will have to pay for the return transport costs. There are no relisting fees.
Do you offer any discounts for retailers or jewelers?
If you think your order is worth negotiating a discount please feel free to tell us. We appreciate your business.
What is Karma?
Though in origin a Buddhist word, the concept of Karma can be found in many ethical philosophies and world religions. Karma is based on the idea of direct or indirect human responsibility in an overall connected universe on the quest to reduce suffering. In our highly interrelated and causal world, we are responsible for the moral effects of our actions. The scientific law of action (cause) and ethical result (effect) is understood beyond the boundaries of space and time. A deed may cause suffering somewhere else and in years to come or in the past, yet the deed is part of the person's or a society's karma. Karma as such can be individual or collective.
Do you sell healing stones and Jyotish jewelry?
All our stones qualify as healing gems because they are untreated and of good karma. Those selected for Jyotish healing are especially energized in a Reiki session by Gunila Schenck. You will also find untouched sapphire crystals and ready-to-wear healing jewelry, designed to be worn directly on the skin. Contact us if you can't find what you seek. We do have others in stock and offer individual designs.
Do untreated stones require any special care?
No, on the contrary. An untreated stone has been as it is for all its long existence. It will not change, ever. Heated gemstones on the other hand are brittle and thus less durable. Also, the color of a treated stone might fade with time, depending on the kind of treatment.

Do you have other stones than the ones shown here?
Yes, we do. If you don't find what you seek, please use "Request a Stone", or drop us a note and we will let you know what we have or make a reservation for you. Some rare stones, like alexandrite or color change garnet are usually sold before they are published, so let us know you are there. See also the section 'Gem Hunting'.

Is it safe to use credit cards on your web site?
Yes, our SSL checkout system, which is run by the Bank of Scotland, is state of the art and as safe as it gets.

My credit card limit (or monthly budget) is less than the stone's value. Can I pay in installments?
Yes, please contact us to arrange the payment or ask your credit card company to temporary lift the limit for your purchases. You may also pay by wire or western union. Contact us for details.

Can I place an order by telephone or email?
Yes, you can place an order and pay by phone, fax or email. Please call us toll-free from the US and Canada at 1-800-540-340-3 or drop us a line to contact@wildfishgems.com . Since we are mostly on the other side of the world, the best time to reach us is late in the evening or early in the morning.

Your Grading Report seems to be different from what I see on the photo. Why?
Consider the Grading Report to be closer to reality. Photos are a good way to show a stone but sometimes they deceive. Also look in our comments for remarks regarding such differences. If we believe a photo shows a stone as too good or bad, we mention it in the report.

Why are your stones so much cheaper than the ones I see in my local jewelry shop?
The Internet is a very cost efficient sales channel (but we can't offer you a tea while you shop). However, at Wild Fish you buy high quality stones as cheaply as possible for sustainable and environmentally friendly mining.

Do many people return their stone?
Our return rate in 2007 was below 5%, out of which many stones were exchanged. See our client 'testimonials' under 'About us' to read what our clients say.

Can you set a stone for me?
Yes, with pleasure. Check out our 'workshop' section for details.

Do you also mine gold for your jewelry?
No, but our gold comes from the Columbian "Corporación Oro Verde". Oro Verde ("Green Gold") is, like us, committed to bring the benefits of globalization to the mining areas while avoiding ecological and social destrucion.

Do you have any pairs or sets available?
We do. Please contact us and see the section 'Pairs' under "Untreated Gems".

Are all stones available?
Most probably. We update our published stock every 72 hours. Unless someone has bid for the same stone within the last 72 hours it should be available. If so the old rule "first come - first serve" will apply. We will only process your credit card payment after confirming the stone's availability.

May I see sold stones?
Not all (because of the loading times), but some specials or those that were sold recently we keep on display for a while to honor them and just for the fun of it. Others you may see in our client testimonials.

People sell gems for $2.99 on the Internet! What is wrong?
These are gems of lowest quality sold at "cutting costs". That means the stone was produced from fishtankquality gravel at bottom rock cost: Industrially mined and then either machine cut or faceted by some Thai girls who work their backs and eyes sick in 14 hours shifts 7 days per week sitting in a stuffy room on wooden benches. They get fired when they can't see anymore (after 3-4 years). The workers in the mines risk their lives for one $ a day and get nothing for the stone at all. The Karma of these stones is as bad as it gets. The only one who is happy that you buy it, is the factory owner and the trader who makes 5 cents with each stone, while nature and humans are wasted along the way. If you care about these things here is the rule: Any hand cut stone below $15 does not leave enough for the cutter or miner. (Add $20 transport, $20 certificate, $5 insurances, $5 taxes, $4 packaging, $4 handling, some margin and you arrive out at our cheapest stones.) A precious gemstone for $2.99 is a contradiction in itself. Sure, one can buy cheapest sapphire for $15 a kilo, but what for? The difference between a real gem and a $2.99 stone is like the difference between a six-pack of t-shirts from China and a British suit. Those who try the cheap-cheap offers have no fun at all, soon lose interest in gems and drop out. Then, after all the mess, the $2.99 stone gets lost in the "drawer-with-the-cheap-stuff". What is wrong?