Gem Show in SE Texas

[txgreeneyes]

I went to the gem show today. The prices of some gems were outrageous.

$3800 for an imperial topaz ring that was maybe 5-8 carats.

Paraiba tourmaline for $7,000 (about 1.25 carats).

My daughter did get a beautiful amber pendant. I bought some cheap beads.

Was disappointed in prices overall.

 

[chrono]

I went to the gem show today. The prices of some gems were outrageous.
$3800 for an imperial topaz ring that was maybe 5-8 carats.
Paraiba tourmaline for $7,000 (about 1.25 carats).
My daughter did get a beautiful amber pendant. I bought some cheap beads.
Was disappointed in prices overall.

Depending on the quality, that sounds about right. I hear you on the prices of gems these days. Hope you still had fun though.

 

[T L]

Was it an Intergem show or something else?

 

[JewelFreak]

If it was a nice paraiba, that doesn't sound out of line, unfortunately. Sob. The rise in gem prices & the high cost of gold put a big crimp in my desired lifestyle.

 

[chrono]

The rise in gem prices & the high cost of gold put a big crimp in my desired lifestyle.

Yup, my desired lifestyle where I dream I am dripping in jewels.

 

[JewelFreak]

Precisely!

 

[LoversKites]

Lol, you guys

 

[txgreeneyes]

Was it an Intergem show or something else?

It was Intergem in Houston.

TL, the paraiba tourmaline was at your not-so-favorite vendor at the gem show. I did a search when I got home and saw your message. They chipped your stone and set it without telling you and then denied it. I'm so glad that I didn't buy a gem from them.

I asked the lady at the booth (same vendor) if their paraibas were heated. She told me that labs cannot tell the difference. I knew then that there was no AGL/GIA certificate.

Nope! Not going to spend $7,000 on a stone without a certificate. And, these paraibas did not have the neon glow.

The gentleman at Vance Gems was super nice. He showed me how to use the loupe to see the horsetail inclusion in a demantoid garnet. That pretty stone was huge and way out of my budget.

 

[txgreeneyes]

And, next time I go to the gem show, I'm going to bring a bottle of windex to compare!

 

[minousbijoux]

That "favorite" vendor of TLs typically has high quality items, but they are sooo expensive - not worth it times two!

I wish I could see the demantoid that Vance had - TGE: do you remember the deets and price on it? TIA