Gemstone Buying Guides & Travel Resources
Buy Gemstones With Confidence, Wherever Your Travels Take You
Whether you’re planning a gemstone-buying trip, searching for the perfect sapphire or simply want to understand what makes one gem worth more than another, you’re in the right place.
I’m Kim Rix, the Gemstone Detective. For more than a decade, I’ve travelled to gemstone mines, markets and cutting centres around the world, building trusted relationships with miners, dealers and lapidaries. The knowledge in these guides comes from real experience in the field, not from behind a desk.
Each guide is designed to help you make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the adventure of discovering gemstones with confidence.
Whether you’re a traveller, jewellery lover, collector or aspiring gemmologist, you’ll find practical advice you can use before, during and after your journey.
Ready to dive in? Pick your book, start learning and enjoy the journey. Your gemstone adventure begins today!
What You'll Find
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Destination buying guides packed with local knowledge, trusted advice and practical tips.
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Gemstone buying guides to help you understand quality, value and what to look for before you spend your money.
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Travel resources to help you prepare for unforgettable gemstone adventures.
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Professional resources for those looking to deepen their knowledge of the gem trade.
Every guide reflects my commitment to ethical sourcing, honest advice and helping you experience the fascinating world of gemstones with confidence.
Browse the collection above and below and start your next gemstone adventure.
Why Trust These Guides?
✔ Written from more than 10 years of hands-on gemstone experience.
✔ Based on first-hand visits to mines, markets and cutting centres.
✔ Practical advice you won’t find in generic travel guides.
✔ Independent recommendations with no paid promotions.
✔ Designed to help you buy with confidence and avoid expensive mistakes.
Gemstone Detective e-Books
I've read one of your books, and through your incredible knowledge I found my way to you. You're truly an inspiration, especially for someone like me who's just beginning and wants to do things the right way from the start.
Tal Edri, March 2026
I've purchased your Thailand gemstone guide. Thank you for writing such an informative, well written and insightful guide. It's sparked my interest and I'm planning to do some short study at AIG Bangkok.
Janice Panino, February 2026
I've started reading your books and find them very well written. I truly appreciate your kindness and the depth of your knowledge.
Reader from Taiwan, April 2026
Vanessa Thompson
This book is crammed with so much information on what to look for, where to go, do's and don'ts, etc.
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Sara Brown UK
Since I staycation, I bought the GB book from Kim Rix. It is an excellent book with lots of information. If you are taking a UK holiday this is the perfect book.
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Grace R
I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to explore the gem markets of Sri Lanka. Kim's guidance will be your ally.
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Alexis Krawzow
This great pocket about gemstones💎in the USA is so informative and the photos are superb!
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Paul H, Florida
Your Sri Lanka book is such a terrific resource and provides an excellent game plan.
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Aleida Solis
Informative and your books very colourful, with such inspiring insight into the world of Rocks & Gems..
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Njonja Ketjil
The book is quite interesting, if you're looking for gems sold in other countries. You might want to buy Kim's books for info and trusted dealers.
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Deborah Craig