help an old friend

[vedderboy]

hello gang,

this site was invaluable when I needed help finding a diamond for my bride! then, you all also pointed me to a custom designer to make the wedding band (markmorrell is unbelievable). Now it is our first christmas, and I am looking to make her a ring with 2 gems, (Tourmaline)

Would anyone know a reputable source for me to obtain loose stones? Stores on the internet seem shady, I sure would feel better if you experts could gide me to a reputable web storeor other place arouns Boston/Burlington Ma.

Thanks again

Marc

 

[valeria101]

Hm... Tourmaline covers such a price & quality range (leaving the 100% rainbow color range aside) that I have no idea what you are actually talking about. The idea of matching two stones for a special design brings to mind the option to use the jeweler as broker for the stones (if the cost of the whole thing is worth the extra expenditure of such service). Pala International, AJS Gems, Africagems come to mind. In Boston I used to like the inventory of American tourmalines of "All That Glitters" and I am somewhat familiar with the store behing Jewelryexpert.com which may provide some holistic (jewelry making and gem sourcing) services.

Tourmaline prices are quite senzitive to both color (tome & saturation & rarity) and clarity, to begin with, and I am quite curious about this project already!