# Moldavite Buying Guide

> How to buy genuine Moldavite safely: a buyer's checklist, questions to ask sellers, where to buy, fair prices and red flags that signal fakes.

- Source: https://moldavitegems.com/buying-guide.html
- Publisher: Moldavite Gems (https://moldavitegems.com/)
- Last updated: 2026-10-20
- Cite as: Moldavite Gems. "Moldavite Buying Guide." https://moldavitegems.com/buying-guide.html. Updated October 2026.

A checklist for buying with confidence.

## Before you buy

1. Decide your goal: collecting, jewelry, or metaphysical use. It changes which grade makes sense.
2. Know the [price per gram](https://moldavitegems.com/price.html) for that grade and size.
3. Learn the [real vs fake](https://moldavitegems.com/real-vs-fake.html) signs.

## The listing must show

- Weight in **grams** (to two decimals for small stones).
- Czech **locality**, ideally a specific site.
- Clear photos of the actual stone, including backlit shots.
- A return policy.

## Questions to ask the seller

- Where exactly was this stone found, and how did you source it?
- Will you accept a return if independent testing shows it is not Moldavite?
- Can you send a backlit photo or video?

## Where to buy

| Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Czech finder-direct shops | Best provenance and value | International shipping, customs |
| Specialist dealers (US/EU) | Curated stock, convenient returns | Higher prices |
| eBay specialists | Wide selection, buyer protection | Many fakes; vet sellers carefully |
| Etsy shops | Easy, many small stones | Quality varies; low-price lots risky |
| Gem and mineral shows | Inspect in person, negotiate | Limited dates and locations |

Good feedback scores do **not** prove authenticity; most buyers cannot tell glass from Moldavite. Judge the listing details instead.

## After you buy

- Inspect immediately under backlight and do a density test.
- Keep the listing screenshots and invoice.
- For valuable pieces, get an independent gem-lab report within the return window.