How to Collect Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones Part 2

After establishing the foundation of your collection, you can focus on preserving your pieces.

By Christopher Clark, GG, FGA, ASG, Gemologist & Co-Editor of The Sisk Gemology Reference | JTV
Published: 09/01/2017
Modified: 06/01/2021
gemstone-collecting mineral-collecting rock-collecting organize-gemstone-collection
How to Collect Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones Part 2

Now that we’ve established the foundation for building your rock, mineral and gemstones collection, we’re going to focus on preserving the value of your prized pieces. The following tips will help you keep your collection organized and tidy.

uncut green prasiolite gemstone specimen
Prasiolite Specimen

Preserve As Much Information As You Can

When you find the perfect treasure, there are some quick steps you should take each time you buy an item. Be sure to record its size, identity, place of origin, the person or company from which you bought it and how much it cost. If your item comes with any type of details or printed information such as a label, card, receipt or invoice, you should save those documents and file, photograph or scan them for future reference.

purple amethyst beaded gold necklace
Amethyst Necklace

Photograph Each Piece

Having photographs of each piece and any associated records is helpful for sorting your collection as it gets larger and also necessary for insurance purposes. Here are a few tips for capturing the best shots of your treasured pieces:

  • Photograph your items in the early morning or evening with your setup area near a window.
  • Diffuse any harsh shadows with a white sheer sheet or paper towel placed between the light and your item. Place foam core or white board opposite of the window so light bounces off the board.
  • Pick a solid white surface or a non-reflective simple, colored background for the layout of your item.
  • Be sure to use the correct cleaning cloth to remove any finger prints before shooting.
  • On your camera, turn off the flash and set it to the macro setting or zoom into the product to shoot close-up.
  • If your photos are too blurry, move the camera back a little. You may be too close to the product.
  • Setting the camera or phone on a mini-tripod will help keep the camera from moving and make the photos sharp.
  • Don’t move the camera when you push the shutter button. You can also set the camera on a 10-second timer.
lighting ridge oval shaped black opal
Lightning Ridge Black Opal

Label, Number or Sort Your Collection

Using a numbering system or labeling your items is recommended and much easier in the beginning when you’re just starting to build your collection. Taking a little time to establish this process will make it easier to identify a piece if it’s separated from its container. When it isn’t appropriate to place a sticker directly on the item, you can label the display container with the following details: name of the item, species, weight and a short summary of how, when and where you found it. You may also want to include a photograph of the piece and catalog of information.

Unboxing a Presidential Collection: Part 2
Christopher Clark

About the author

Christopher Clark

A Graduate Gemologist and Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain, Christopher has spent the last 4 years co-editing The Sisk Gemology Reference. He also acts as a customer advocate by inspecting and testing gemstones as they come into Jewelry Television to ensure they are exactly what our customers expect. He is an avid collector of vintage jewelry, gemstones, mineral specimens and spheres. Employed at Jewelry Television since 2006, Christopher spends much of his time immersed in the fascinating world of jewelry and gemstones.

Christopher’s passion for collecting valuables and precious stones began when he was shopping at a retired jeweler’s garage sale and he purchased a parcel of colored gemstones and a “lump of metal” that turned out to be GOLD! From that moment forward, the treasure hunt was on! But occasionally, he does become a commodities trader as he keeps an ever-watchful eye on precious metal prices. Unfortunately for his wallet, though, most of the treasures he acquires are never resold as they simply get added to his ever-growing collections. Christopher especially enjoys collecting vintage pocket watches and Mexican antique silver jewelry.

Christopher is now an Accredited Senior Gemologist with the Accredited Gemologists Association. He volunteers his time with a local gemological society for identifying gemstones. Christopher is always excited to attend major gemstone trade shows and is always on the look-out for the next great gem to bring JTV customers. Working closely with our vendors, Christopher has built a business rapport with them that allows for an easy trust and mutually beneficial working relationship. His favorite gem? Without a doubt, OPAL!