The Gem Trader uopdate!

Date: 11/3/2009 11:25:38 AM
Author:Lady_Disdain
The Gem Trader has just put up a large (36Cts!) cuprite. Lovely! The faceting pattern is very unique and I like it a lot, even though it is a trillion.

http://thegemtrader.com/Nov%2009%20Cuprite%20Page.htm

The rhodochrosite is also very nice, a pleasant shade of pink. The chrysoprase is sweet (I love the translucency) but I only wish it were a real cab, not faceted.

I am not sure about the Munsteiner citrine - I can't quite picture qhat he did with the stone. I must get a Munsteiner someday...

Over all, I think Brad had some nice stones but on the expensive side. I don't think I am buying ths time.

Date: 11/3/2009 3:00:09 PM
Author: Lady_Disdain
Sphalerite is gorgeous: the colours are bright and saturates; the sparkle is unmatched. I have a 3ct trillion from gemline and it is beautiful in the full sun and the colour is still very attractive in low lights (orange - yum!). Unfortunately, it is way too soft to set... Not only would it be hellish to set, but I would be very afraid to wear it. I so want to set mine in a pendant!.

Date: 11/3/2009 11:25:38 AM
Author:Lady_Disdain
The Gem Trader has just put up a large (36Cts!) cuprite. Lovely! The faceting pattern is very unique and I like it a lot, even though it is a trillion.


http://thegemtrader.com/Nov%2009%20Cuprite%20Page.htm
.

Date: 11/4/2009 3:00:38 AM
Author: haagen_dazs



WIKIPEIDA says this

Cuprite as a gemstone

Though almost all crystals of cuprite are far too small to yield faceted gemstones, one unique deposit from Onganja, Southwest Africa, which was discovered back in the 1970s, rocked the gemological world by producing some crystals which were both large and gemmy. Virtually every faceted stone over 1 carat (200 mg) in weight is from this single deposit, which has long been mined out. Most crystals were immediately snatched up by the major minerological museums of the world, further increasing the rarity of faceted gems.

The number of faceted gems over 2 carats (400 mg) is difficult to estimate, but according to Joel Arem, one-time curator for the Smithsonian National Gem and Mineral Collection in Washington DC, faceted cuprite of any size is considered one of the most collectible and spectacular gems in existence, with its deep garnet coloring and higher brilliance than a diamond. Only the gem's soft nature prevents it from being among the most valuable jewelry stones. However, it is still one of the rarest and most sought of collector's gems, with gems over a few carats virtually impossible to find.



at 36ct, this must be mad rare