A Different Kind of Rough Diamond Question

[verticalhorizon]

Can a consumer buy a little diamond rough just to own as a part of collection? Something to compare a before-and-after?

How much would something like that cost? Would it be, then based solely on weight?

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Theoretically, a consumer is allowed to buy a rough stone, if he finds someone who would sell it to him. In some countries, like South-Africa, possessing rough diamonds is only allowed to licensed persons or companies, but such countries are exceptions.

However, do not think that rough is cheap just because it is rough. The value of the resulting polished is already an integral part of the price.

Therefore, price depends on shape, cristallisation, quality, colour, clarity, fluorescence, risk of breaking, and last but not least, how often you will buy 1,000's of carats of the same quality.

Live long,

 

[verticalhorizon]

Yow... I just wanted a souvenier! You know like shredded up thousand dollar bills you get at the treasury gift shoppe!

 

[The Joker]

You can find rough diamonds on ebay now and then.

Here is a "NOW".

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3824&item=4905379439&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Also there are some shops around the Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas that sell some rough diamonds from the Crater ($5-$10/point).

Joker....

 

[mdx]

Try to purchase the rough in the USA as the Kimberly Process requirements for importing are complicated.
If you cant find something PM me and I will organise something for you.
Johan

 

[valeria101]

If it is just a mineral specimen (not necasarily a facetor's dream)... check THESE out

It is much harder to find one in matrix (= host rock) since from industrial mining you just get "floaters" (= crystals separated from matrix). Here (Link) is one example. Chinese specimens of the same sort are more frequently available, but you need a loupe to see the little ( ~ 3-4mm) diamond crystals in those.

 

[verticalhorizon]

Wow... that's great. I didn't see these replies.

I want that 20+ ct paperweight!

There actually are a couple I would consider getting. Thanks everyone!

 

[Iceman]

If you ever get a chance to go , the first week of February to the Tuscon Gem show, you can find the rough crystals there along with everything else. I found this stuff with the vendors that was opened to the public.