The short answer
The best place to buy a natural gemstone online is the seller that can document your specific stone. That means:
- its identity and any treatment, in writing
- a report from a laboratory you choose or trust, whose number you can look up yourself
- photos or video of that exact stone
- return terms that cover the stone not matching its report
We compared five Indian online sellers on these points, using their own published pages, checked on 9 October 2026: GemKrishna, GemPundit, Khanna Gems, Navratan and Rudra Centre. Each is strongest on different criteria, so we do not declare an overall winner. Use the table to match a seller to your purchase.
This guide applies our general seller evidence checklist to gemstones. For paying, delivery and unboxing, see buying jewellery online safely.
Who this guide is for
- First-time buyers of a ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl, coral or other natural gemstone, including stones recommended by an astrologer.
- Buyers comparing a few online sellers before paying a significant amount.
- Anyone who wants a stone set into custom jewellery after buying it loose.
Our comparison method
Evidence used. We used only what each seller publishes: its homepage, FAQ, return or refund policy and builder pages, checked on 9 October 2026. Where a page did not answer a question, we write “not found”, which is not the same as “no”. Terms change, so check again before you buy.
How each criterion is marked:
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stated | A specific, written statement on the seller’s own pages |
| Partly | Mentioned, but without the detail a buyer needs |
| Not found | We could not find it on the pages we checked |
What this comparison covers. The table records what each seller publishes, so you can check it yourself. We did not verify sample reports from every seller or assess price levels, which vary stone by stone. We add no overall score, because sellers lead on different criteria and a single number would hide that.
The criteria, and why each matters
- Authenticity and treatment disclosure. “Natural” is not “untreated”. Heat, oil, resin, glass filling, dye and diffusion all change value. See our gemstone buying guide.
- Certificate issuer and choice. Which laboratory issues the report, and can you choose? For high-value stones, the laboratory’s scope matters, for example whether it gives origin opinions.
- Report verification. Can you look up the report number on the laboratory’s own website?
- Actual-item imagery. Photos or video of the exact stone you are buying, not a stock image.
- Price transparency and delivery. Is the price stated, and are there extra charges for certificates, setting or shipping?
- Returns and exclusions. The window, the conditions, and what is excluded: custom work, set stones, certificate fees.
- Support and complaint path. Phone, email, hours, and how to raise a dispute.
- Custom work. Can the stone be set into custom jewellery, and on what terms?
Comparison table (sellers’ published terms, checked 9 October 2026)
| Criterion | GemKrishna | GemPundit | Khanna Gems | Navratan | Rudra Centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment disclosure | Stated: FAQ says certain stones “may be heated, treated, dyed or otherwise enhanced” and known treatments are disclosed; builder labels dyed and cultured materials | Partly: a “Select Treatment” search filter; no general statement found | Stated as a positioning claim: sells “non-heated, non-treated” gemstones | Partly: says it sells “certified natural gemstones” and aims to offer “unheated and untreated” stones | Not found for gemstones on pages checked |
| Laboratories | GJSPC by default; IGI, GIA, GRS “or another preferred laboratory” on request before ordering (extra charges payable by customer; FAQ re-checked 10 October 2026) | GJEPC (GTL Jaipur), IGI, GRS and GIA “certified stones” collections | IGI-GTL (a GJEPC laboratory) | Collections for GRS, Gübelin, GIA, ICA, IGI and IGI-GTL | Not found |
| Report lookup | GJSPC reports can be looked up online (we verified two report numbers on GJSPC’s site) | Depends on the laboratory; not separately stated | Not found | Depends on the laboratory | Not found |
| Actual-item imagery | Not assessed | Not found on homepage | Not found | Not found; general photo gallery | Not assessed |
| Returns window | 30 days from receipt for eligible items; prior approval needed | 10 days | Not found (policy page content did not load in our check) | 10 days (240 hours) from signature | 10 days (returns policy, not gemstone-specific) |
| Key exclusions | Custom or made-to-order items not eligible for a standard full refund; making charges may be deducted; customer pays shipping | Custom jewellery “cannot be returned for Money”; jewellery refunds as 75% store credit; extra certificates and gateway charges not refunded | Not found | Set gemstones and custom pieces non-returnable; 5% card processing charge non-refundable | Custom items: 75% store credit; certification and energisation fees non-refundable |
| Custom setting | Stated: craftsmen can set a selected stone; bracelet and mala builders | Stated: custom design service with sketch and 3D view | Stated: customise into bracelet, pendant or ring via contact | Stated: custom-designed, handcrafted jewellery | Not assessed for gemstones |
| Support | Phone and WhatsApp +91 76782 75972, 11 am–9 pm | Sales 24/7; support 9:30 am–9:30 pm IST | Toll-free 1800 102 2394; WhatsApp; Janakpuri, New Delhi store | Phone; sales 10 am–11:30 pm; support Mon–Sat 10 am–6:30 pm; Jaipur office | Phone and WhatsApp, Mon–Sat 9 am–7 pm IST |
Sources:
- GemKrishna: FAQs, refund policy, builder
- GemPundit: homepage, returns and exchange
- Khanna Gems: homepage
- Navratan: homepage, return and exchange policy
- Rudra Centre: refund policy; its support hours are from its rudraksha pages
What the comparison shows
- Laboratory choice differs most. GemKrishna certifies through GJSPC by default and, on request before ordering, through another laboratory such as IGI, GIA or GRS, at the customer’s cost. GemPundit and Navratan organise stock into collections already certified by named laboratories, including GIA, GRS and (Navratan) Gübelin, which matters for buyers who want an international report on a high-value stone. Khanna Gems certifies through IGI-GTL.
- Return windows differ. GemKrishna states 30 days for eligible items. GemPundit, Navratan and Rudra Centre state 10 days. All exclude or restrict custom work.
- Treatment wording differs. Khanna Gems positions itself on non-heated, non-treated stones. GemKrishna states that treatments may be present and are disclosed. Navratan aims at unheated and untreated. In every case, the report for your stone is what counts.
- Unknowns are real. We could not confirm actual-item imagery for any seller from the pages checked, or Khanna Gems’ return terms. Ask before paying.
Matching a seller to your purchase
| Your purchase | What to prioritise | Sellers whose published terms fit |
|---|---|---|
| A high-value ruby, sapphire or emerald, where origin matters | An international laboratory report (GRS, Gübelin, GIA) on the specific stone | Navratan and GemPundit collections; GemKrishna on request (choose the laboratory before ordering) |
| An astrological stone on a budget | Treatment disclosure; a verifiable report; a fair return window | GemKrishna (30-day window for eligible items; other laboratories on request); Khanna Gems (IGI-GTL); compare quotes |
| A stone set into custom jewellery | Written custom terms, because most sellers exclude custom work from refunds | All five offer some custom work; read the exclusions first |
| Bead bracelets or malas combining gemstones | Disclosure of dyed and treated beads; a report that names each stone | GemKrishna’s builders state treatments and include a GJSPC report |
Price transparency and delivery: what to ask
We do not compare prices, because gemstone prices depend on the individual stone. For any quote, ask:
- Is the price for the stone only, or does it include the certificate, setting, shipping and tax?
- Is the report free, and which laboratory issues it? Is a different laboratory extra?
- When will it dispatch, and is the delivery insured?
- For a stone that will be set: are the making charges and metal quoted in writing?
Returns and exclusions: what a fair policy looks like
- A stated window (counted from delivery) long enough to get an independent check.
- A clear statement that a stone not matching its report can be returned for a refund, not just store credit.
- Honest exclusions: custom work is reasonably excluded from change-of-mind returns, but not from misdescription.
- Clear costs: who pays return shipping, and which fees are non-refundable.
Customer support and complaints
- Get key answers in writing (email or WhatsApp): identity, treatment, laboratory, return terms.
- If a dispute is not resolved, the National Consumer Helpline (1915) and the e-Daakhil consumer-complaint portal are the official routes in India.
If the report and the seller disagree
- Check the report number on the laboratory’s own website.
- Ask the seller in writing to explain the difference.
- If needed, get a second opinion from another recognised laboratory. Keep the stone unaltered and unset.
- Use the return window. If the stone was misdescribed, that is not a change of mind.
Buyer’s checklist
- The stone’s identity and treatment are stated in writing.
- The laboratory is named; you chose it or accept it; the report number looks up online.
- You have photos or video of the exact stone.
- The total price includes or itemises the certificate, setting, shipping and tax.
- The return window and exclusions are clear, including misdescription.
- Support answers specific questions in writing.
Last checked and corrections
All seller information above was checked on 9 October 2026 from the sellers’ own pages. If a seller’s terms have changed, or you find an error, tell us through our contact page and we will re-check and correct it.
FAQ
What is a good gemstone certificate?
A report from a recognised laboratory that states the stone’s identity (species and variety), whether it is natural or laboratory-grown, any treatment, and its weight and measurements, with a photograph. It should have a unique number that you can look up on the laboratory’s own website. For high-value stones, an origin opinion may matter.
Can natural gemstones be treated?
Yes. “Natural” means the stone formed in nature; it can still be heated, oiled, filled or dyed. Ask for treatment to be stated separately from identity, and check what the report says.
What is a fair returns policy for gemstones?
A stated window, counted from delivery, long enough for an independent check; a full refund if the stone does not match its description or report; clear exclusions for custom work; and clear statements about who pays shipping and which fees are non-refundable.
What should I do if a second laboratory’s report differs?
Check both report numbers online, ask the seller to explain in writing, keep the stone unset and unaltered, and use the return window. A misdescribed stone is not a change-of-mind return.
Which retailer allows a custom size or setting?
All five sellers we checked offer some form of custom jewellery. GemKrishna also has online builders for bracelets and malas. Custom work is usually excluded from full refunds, so agree the specification in writing first.
Which seller is the best?
It depends on what you are buying. For a high-value stone, choose the seller that can supply the laboratory report you want on that exact stone. For a budget astrological stone, weigh disclosure, laboratory choice and the return window. We do not rank them overall.
Are prices lower online than in shops?
Sometimes, but not always, and like-for-like comparison is hard. Compare total prices for the same identity, treatment, weight, quality and report, not headline prices.
Sources
- GemKrishna: FAQs, refund policy, custom bracelet builder.
- GemPundit: homepage, returns and exchange.
- Khanna Gems: homepage.
- Navratan: homepage, return and exchange policy.
- Rudra Centre: refund policy.
- All checked 9 October 2026.
Next steps
Use our seller evidence checklist, read buying jewellery online safely, or compare testing laboratories.
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