Anybody familiar with Optima Gem?

[peridot]

I'm looking to purchase some loose stones. I'm not looking to spend a pile. I came across Optima Gem and it seems to have what I want at a price I'm willing to pay.

Optima Gem - Rare, Unusual and Fine Quality Gemstones

Optima Gem is your source for fine quality faceted Gemstones, the rare and unusual! Set yourself apart with Optima Gem quality and service! We have monthly Unique Gem Lists with closeouts, rough, and the unusual.

www.optimagem.com

Specifically I'm looking for 4mm round apatites and white zircons. I have some earring jackets and I'd love to be able to switch out the studs and have different colour options. Because the stones are so small and partially hidden in the jacket frames, I don't need to invest in really expensive, over-the-top stones for the earrings. The jackets themselves are sterling with white zircons.

Optima has AAA apatites listed as US$11.55 each (with free matching) and AAA zircons for $14.55.

I've had good advice from the forum before (I love the peridot that Gene at Precision Gems cut for me), so I'm hoping I'll get some good advice again.

I'm happy to take recommendations for other sellers. My preference is that they're Canadian (highly unlikely) or they're familiar with shipping to Canada.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I am not familiar with Optima Gem, but if the price is reasonable, the stones look good, and they'll ship to Canada, I think they may be a solid option for this project (in reading about them online).

When I needed all different 4mm CS for a large pendant halo I was working on, I went with Neil of NWGems, and he did an excellent job. All gems were top quality and well-cut. He does appear to be more expensive that Optima, but there may be a reason for that (I'm not sure). He has 4mm apatite, but I only see blue and champagne zircon. I'm sure he could locate white for you though. He has much more in stock than what's online. Good luck!

Loose Kyanite Gemstones | NW Gems & Diamonds

This loose kyanite gemstone is a natural earth-mined gem. All of our loose gemstones are inspected by a GIA certified gemologist. AAA grade and better.

www.nwgems.com

 

[peridot]

Love your avatar AiNE, but I'm a sucker for anything equine-related.

It's good to know that you haven't heard anything negative about Optima. That's mainly why I popped back onto the forum. I figured it if it was a scam operation or someplace that cheated its customers, somebody here would likely warn me off.

That NWGems sites looks really interesting. I'll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for recommending it to me. It's always more comforting dealing with a well-respected business with a good reputation.

 

[LilAlex]

Wait is he a Transformer or a Decepticon?