GemColony vs QuickBooks for gem dealers
QuickBooks is accounting software for invoicing, bills, payroll and reporting. This page sets out where it fits a gem business and where GemColony, which is built only for gem dealers, cutters and exporters, fits better. We have tried to be fair: check QuickBooks's own site for current features and pricing.
What QuickBooks does well
Familiar bookkeeping for accountants. Bank feeds and tax reporting in supported countries. Wide accountant support.
Where gem businesses hit limits
It is accounting, not stone management: no stone records, parcels, memos or lapidary tracking. Inventory is built for quantity-based goods. Gem dealers often end up keeping stock in a separate spreadsheet.
Choose QuickBooks when
You only need bookkeeping and have another system for stock.
Choose GemColony when
You want stock, sales and accounts to agree with each other in one place.
Gem-trade needs checklist
| What a gem business needs | GemColony | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Stone records with origin, treatment, weight, dimensions and certificate number | Built in, with photos, barcodes and QR labels | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| Parcels and lots that can be split into single stones | Built in (lot and parcel support on every plan) | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| Memo and consignment tracking | Built in, with a memo-to-sale conversion | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| Lapidary workflow with weight loss at each stage | Built in (Professional plan) | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| Provenance certificates with an online verification link | Built in (Professional plan) | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| AI gemstone analysis from photos | Built in (Professional plan) | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| Multi-currency sales across LKR, USD, THB, AED and others | Built in | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
| Shareable stone links and QR codes for buyers | Built in | Not a standard feature; usually needs customisation or a separate tool |
Based on publicly available descriptions of QuickBooks. Products change, so confirm current features with the vendor before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is GemColony a replacement for QuickBooks?
For stone inventory, memos, lapidary, certificates and sales, yes. If you need QuickBooks for statutory accounts or a wider business, some customers run both and let GemColony handle the stones.
Can I import my existing stock?
Yes. GemColony can import your existing stock from Excel.
How much does GemColony cost?
Plans are $69 (Starter) and $179 (Professional) a month, with Enterprise from $399. Pay yearly and get 2 months free. Each plan has a 14-day free trial and no credit card needed.