GemColony vs Tally for gem dealers
Tally is accounting and inventory software widely used by small businesses in South Asia and the Middle East. 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 Tally's own site for current features and pricing.
What Tally does well
Familiar to accountants across India, Sri Lanka and the Gulf. Quick voucher entry. Works offline.
Where gem businesses hit limits
Stock is quantity-based, so unique stones with photos, origin and certificates do not fit well. No memo tracking, lapidary workflow or provenance certificates. Access from several locations is harder than with a cloud system.
Choose Tally when
You your accountant wants Tally for statutory books and you only need to record totals.
Choose GemColony when
You need stone-level records and to share them with buyers and staff in different places.
Gem-trade needs checklist
| What a gem business needs | GemColony | Tally |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tally. Products change, so confirm current features with the vendor before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is GemColony a replacement for Tally?
For stone inventory, memos, lapidary, certificates and sales, yes. If you need Tally 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.