GemColony vs Zoho Inventory for gem dealers
Zoho Inventory is a cloud inventory and order management tool that sits in the wider Zoho suite. 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 Zoho Inventory's own site for current features and pricing.
What Zoho Inventory does well
Simple stock control and order handling. Fits in with Zoho Books and CRM. Quick to start for general goods.
Where gem businesses hit limits
Items are generic products, so a one-of-a-kind stone with its own photos, origin and treatment does not fit naturally. No lapidary stages or provenance certificates. Memo and consignment is not a gem-trade workflow out of the box.
Choose Zoho Inventory when
You sell standard products in quantity and want to stay in the Zoho ecosystem.
Choose GemColony when
You most of your stock is unique stones and parcels that need individual records and documents.
Gem-trade needs checklist
| What a gem business needs | GemColony | Zoho Inventory |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Zoho Inventory. Products change, so confirm current features with the vendor before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is GemColony a replacement for Zoho Inventory?
For stone inventory, memos, lapidary, certificates and sales, yes. If you need Zoho Inventory 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.