Way back in the day, Gems was equal to the QVC section on ST. A number of members knew their stuff had loops and returned if not up to standard ordering another same ring to get the best stone.
Padparadscha sapphires are gone, they have stones which they now call Padparadscha, but they do not have the true pink/orange of the lotus they are named for. On Gems even back then very very expensive. There was a scandal some years later when it was found that some rings sold as true Pads were in fact not, they did not come from the area in India where true Pads did. People got their full money refunded if they wanted. So not all Pads are the same and equal. Think Alexandrite which Russian it the most highly prized but no longer available. Now Alexandrite is from India, still lovely but no where near the quality and the command price of the original Russian.
Back then as well there were stories of jewellers(Gems only sold size N/O back then so resizing for many), turning their noses up at rings and many telling the owner they were fake etc. Gems replied saying many of the gem stones they sold not widely available in jewellers in the high street, and the info card they sent with each item.
QVC have stamped QVC on the inside of their jewellery for years now. I have bought beautiful rings from QVC way back, Apatite with diamonds around £45 and the gold band is solid, yes I was shocked. I used to hang round clearance and buy, yellow beryl which I was asked a few times if it was a yellow diamond.:mysmilie_15:
On Ebay when the crash hit and people started selling off their Gems and QVC rings did not go for the prices expected and the prices dropped. I bought a gorgeous pink sapphire and diamond for around £50, got the cert with it too, Hot Pink Sapphire and Diamond from a scape dealer for around £40, Star Ruby and Diamond ring heavy gold weight with cert for around £40. One ring I adore I remember as a QVC TSV, they were white gold Diamonds and Morganite or Aquamarine. I really wanted the Morganite but could not afford that day £90+ and no easy pay. Then bang it a few years later turned up on Ebay, yes baby came to me for again £40 something.
There used to be lovely artisan jewellers on ebay making stuff in 9ct gold and real gems. I have many pairs of earrings which I wear and love. Then gold went up and what they charged for 9ct gold earrings suddenly even silver ones over £60 and I stopped.