GEMSTONES & PROCEDURES

 
The content of this page is provided for informational and professional reference purposes only.
MM Precious Trading Ltd is currently undergoing regulatory authorisation in Malta, and no commercial activity is carried out through this website at this stage.

The purchase of gemstones — rough or cut — is generally allowed for both private individuals and companies.
However, professional trading may require specific compliance procedures.

Key points include:

• AML/KYC obligations for high-value transactions
• Customs regulations depending on the destination country
• documentation and certification requirements
   
• licensed intermediaries for commercial operations
   

Each transaction follows the compliance standards required under the DPMS regime in Malta and international due-diligence guidelines.

Buying gemstones follows a structured and transparent process:

The Buyer specifies:

• type of gemstone
   
• carat range / quality range
   
• certification requirements
   
• delivery destination
   
• preferred payment terms
   

For professional transactions, the Buyer issues an LOI including:

• company details
   
• product specifications
   
• quantity / budget
   
• delivery terms
   

The Seller provides:

• gemstone details
   
• photos / videos
   
• certification copies
   
• pricing and availability
• validity of the offer
   

Depending on value:

• professional photos and videos
   
• third-party gemmologist inspection
   
• verification of certifications (GIA, IGI, GRS, SSEF, etc.)
   

Defines:

• product
   
• price
   
• payment method (TT / escrow / bank instrument for large lots)
   
• delivery method (hand-carry / secure logistics)
   
• inspection rights
   

Upon payment confirmation:

• shipment is executed via secure logistics
   
• hand-carry delivery is possible for specific destinations
   
• all documents and certificates are delivered with the goods

Gemological analysis identifies and evaluates gemstones using precise laboratory instruments such as:

• microscope  
• refractometer  
• spectroscope  
• polariscope  
• UV fluorescence equipment  

This examination determines:

• identity and authenticity  
• treatment status  
• clarity and inclusions  
• structural integrity  
• origin indicators (for certain stones)

Recognised laboratories include:

• GIA 
• IGI 
• GRS 
• SSEF 
• AGL 
• Lotus Gemology 

A certification typically reports:

• identity  
• carat weight  
• colour description  
• clarity  
• cut  
• treatment status  
• origin (when determinable)

 Some gemstones — such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds — may include an origin opinion in their report.This opinion is based on:

• inclusion patterns  
• chemical composition  
• spectroscopic analysis  
• comparison with laboratory reference samples  

Origin is an important value factor for many gemstones. 

 Traceability describes the full documented journey of a gemstone:

• sourcing information  
• export permits  
• cutting and polishing records  
• certification  
• transport documentation  
• customs clearance  
• final delivery to the buyer  

This ensures:

• ethical sourcing  
• transparency  
• regulatory compliance  

Pricing depends on several factors:

• type and rarity  
• colour (hue, saturation, tone)  
• clarity  
• cut and proportions  
• carat weight  
• treatment or no-treatment  
• origin  
• market demand  

High-quality untreated stones command the strongest premiums. 

Common treatments include:

• heating (sapphires and rubies)  
• oiling (emeralds)  
• diffusion  
• fracture filling  
• flux healing  

All treatments must be disclosed. Untreated stones of fine quality are significantly more valuable.
 

Depending on the transaction:

• company registration  
• export licence (when required)  
• invoice / packing list  
• certification from recognised labs  
• photos and videos  
• origin documentation (when available)  
• AML/KYC documents for compliance
   

 For compliance:

• company registration or ID documents  
• proof of authority for the buyer’s representative  
• AML/KYC information  
• LOI for professional transactions  
• proof of funds for high-value operations
   

 Delivery can be arranged through:

• secure insured couriers  
• specialised high-value logistics  
• bonded carriers  
• professional hand-carry services  

Documents provided may include:

• certificates  
• invoices  
• packing lists  
• customs declarations  

Delivery terms are defined contractually.
 

 An escrow account ensures security during the transaction:

• Buyer deposits funds  
• Seller delivers the gemstones  
• Funds are released only when inspection conditions are fulfilled  

Escrow is recommended for high-value or international transactions.
 

The Seller may require:

• identification of the Buyer  
• verification of beneficial ownership (for companies)  
• source-of-funds checks  
• risk assessment depending on value and jurisdiction  

No transaction can proceed without meeting the required compliance standards.