Kim Rix

Gemstone Detective was created in 2018 by Kim Rix to help readers feel more confident about purchasing gemstones and jewellery around the world.

“In truth it all started in Egypt three years earlier when I bought what I thought was a very expensive Burmese ruby – it turned out to be glass” explains Kim.

Embarrassed by her mistake, Kim decided to study with the GIA (Gemmological Institute of Gemmology) and qualified as a gemmologist in 2015.

Driven by a desire to help people, Kim travelled the world researching the gem trade in each country to write these books, which took the form of a beginners gemmology book and travel guide combined.

“The thing is that every country has its share of bad apples and tourist destinations are particularly prone to attracting scammers. Dishonest people can use your lack of knowledge to get you to part with your hard-earned cash. You can’t get away from that."

Designed for hobbyists, frequent travellers and anyone with an appetite to learn about the gem trade, these books were written to protect the consumer and provide a road map to have a memorable travel adventure.