Gem Show Vendors?

[diamondseeker2006]

Here is a list of vendors for the gem show in my state in March. Does anyone have any recommendations of reliable vendors or any names to avoid?

http://www.intergem.net/event/detail.cfm?showID=31

 

[Kaleigh]

The same show comes to my State. This past fall it was dissapointing. I usually take Ashley with me as she loves to make her own jewelry from faceted briolettes and the like. I am always on the hunt for that special gem, be it sapphire, or whatever. Take it all in, it's a big show. Then if you see something you like ask about it, get a price and get their card. Move on and see everything around you. It can get confusing as there are rows and rows of vendors. I bought a killer strand of pearls for a great price and had them strung while I waited. But that wasn't this year, it was last year. Use your eyes, there are some nice stones there. I can't tell you which vendors we liked and which we didn't. You've been on PS long enough to be just fine.

Ask about heat treatments, most of them are. See if the vendor knows his or her stuff. I always have a great time, whether I buy or I don't. It's fun!!! Just don't buy any diamonds there, not that you would. That's just for anyone else reading this. The diamonds are yucko.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Wish I knew someone near me that''s into stones. It sounds like a really fun day, even if you don''t buy.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I do think it will be fun. I would probably be afraid to buy anything expensive. I do want to buy two tiny rubies to set in pierced earrings because my little girl lost one of a pair I gave her and she just loved them. I won''t be so picky about treatments on little stones like that! But I would have no idea who to trust at a gem show, and considering I have already made mistakes along those lines before (like my first set of studs), I don''t want to do it again. But it will help me get an idea of shapes and sizes for future projects.

 

[stonebroke]

I have done business with Vista, and VR Gem Cutters, and Gems 4 Less for years in several different parts of the country, they are all extremely honest with fair prices. I know they don''t all go to all the shows, but you may be able to catch at least one of them.