Finding Gemstones

   I think the question I am asked most often is: "Where do you get your gemstones?" There is no one answer as I use many sources. I am very fortunate to have working relationships with several gem dealers who I have known for many years. They know what I like and so they search for particular gemstones during their travels with my jewelry in mind. Because of our long- standing relationship, I will see some some gem dealers before they head west to the Tucson Gem Show, and I get first crack at their newest finds. 

    I have arranged these photos from my meeting this past January, with a gem dealer from Brazil that I have know for 25 years, so that you may look over my shoulder during the selecting process. 

Sometimes just a small look through a tray of Amethyst cabochons can lead to a bewildering variety of shapes, sizes and color.

Green Tourmaline and Imperial Topaz terminated crystals are laid out like candy.

Green Chalcedony, also called Chrysoprase, in beautiful shades of green.

Larger, (and more expensive), gemstones are usually displayed individually.

Rubellite is a deep- color Pink Tourmaline.

Sometimes a collection is a potpourri of colored gemstones.

When I ask to see some small gemstones, the selecting can take quite some time.

Tourmaline can come in so many different colors.

Blue is probably the most popular gemstone color. Aquamarine, Apatite and Natural Blue Topaz are shown here.

Tourmaline can occur with several different colors in the same gemstone. This depends on what elements were present as the crystal was forming. A change in color indicates a change in elements as the atoms came together. 

Sometimes Citrine occurs naturally, but most often it is Amethyst that has been exposed to heat.

Buying rough material to cut is especially challenging. Predicting what a piece will yield when cut takes some time. These are Aquamarine and Morganite, both forms of beryl.

Shown here is some Tourmaline rough that is ready to be cut.

Sometimes a piece comes under the heading of: "What the heck would I do with this?" Below is an example of how I sometimes just take the plunge and begin cutting. This is Peruvian Opal.