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- Aug 5, 2010
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I was lucky enough to spend yesterday at a gem show here, and I had such fun! First off, admission: I did not feel comfortable enough to take any photos, sorry. 
I went looking for Christmas presents for my sons (found them!), but I have multiple stones that need to be set, so just to play it safe, I brought three of them in case I found the vintage settings that I've been searching for. So, all things considered, it was a low key trip, and I totally lucked out. Here's my overview:
1) I brought two precision cut stones - a Tsavorite and a Namibian Demantoid. Found not one but two settings at Efim Gilin. They were so nice - a total joy to work with - and a great price for two art deco settings - one 18k with diamonds and one platinum with diamonds. They will set the stones, size them for me, before sending them back. My new favorite vendor, as they have excellent quality and are charging me less than the price I could find one single used platinum setting elsewhere! Photos of stones attached
2) The I stopped off at BandB Gems. I know there is at least one PSer who has had difficulties with them in the past. They have a wide variety of both colored stones and settings. I would not purchase settings from them nor would I get anything set by them. Their stone prices for almost all their stones are much higher than other vendors. But many of the stones they do have are extremely high quality and rare stones. So they are a good place to check if you have exhausted your search for Padparadscha saphhires, Russian Demantoids, alexandrites, and most importantly, copper bearing tourmalines - they had two small Paraiba tourmalines!
3) Very briefly checked out Vance Gems and what they had. They appear to have restocked and have many "fancy-colored" sapphires, and grossular garnets - both Merelani Mints and Tsavorites. I am sorry I didn't get to see too much more there; they were busy and my eye always tends to gravitate to what I love best.
4) Finally stopped off at New Era Gems. Steve and his staff are just fun to be around, as they are so enthusiastic and have lots of information to impart. Anyway, NEG has:
1). Amazing Mahenge spinels - like what a padparadscha would aspire to be if it had close to vivid saturation;
2) Gorgeous grossulars (Mint Merelanis), some with the coveted slight blue modifier (there was one stunning oval that had amazing polish, slightly bluish green, scintillation, and no shadowing at all); and beautiful Malawis;
3) Emerald trapiches; and
4) perfect medium to medium dark toned tsavorite rounds that would be perfect for matched earrings for well under $200/pair.
5) Not to even mention the rough, lol!
So if you're around, check out these vendors! And, in about two weeks' time, I'll be back with photos of two new rings.
I went looking for Christmas presents for my sons (found them!), but I have multiple stones that need to be set, so just to play it safe, I brought three of them in case I found the vintage settings that I've been searching for. So, all things considered, it was a low key trip, and I totally lucked out. Here's my overview:
1) I brought two precision cut stones - a Tsavorite and a Namibian Demantoid. Found not one but two settings at Efim Gilin. They were so nice - a total joy to work with - and a great price for two art deco settings - one 18k with diamonds and one platinum with diamonds. They will set the stones, size them for me, before sending them back. My new favorite vendor, as they have excellent quality and are charging me less than the price I could find one single used platinum setting elsewhere! Photos of stones attached
2) The I stopped off at BandB Gems. I know there is at least one PSer who has had difficulties with them in the past. They have a wide variety of both colored stones and settings. I would not purchase settings from them nor would I get anything set by them. Their stone prices for almost all their stones are much higher than other vendors. But many of the stones they do have are extremely high quality and rare stones. So they are a good place to check if you have exhausted your search for Padparadscha saphhires, Russian Demantoids, alexandrites, and most importantly, copper bearing tourmalines - they had two small Paraiba tourmalines!
3) Very briefly checked out Vance Gems and what they had. They appear to have restocked and have many "fancy-colored" sapphires, and grossular garnets - both Merelani Mints and Tsavorites. I am sorry I didn't get to see too much more there; they were busy and my eye always tends to gravitate to what I love best.
4) Finally stopped off at New Era Gems. Steve and his staff are just fun to be around, as they are so enthusiastic and have lots of information to impart. Anyway, NEG has:
1). Amazing Mahenge spinels - like what a padparadscha would aspire to be if it had close to vivid saturation;
2) Gorgeous grossulars (Mint Merelanis), some with the coveted slight blue modifier (there was one stunning oval that had amazing polish, slightly bluish green, scintillation, and no shadowing at all); and beautiful Malawis;
3) Emerald trapiches; and
4) perfect medium to medium dark toned tsavorite rounds that would be perfect for matched earrings for well under $200/pair.
5) Not to even mention the rough, lol!
So if you're around, check out these vendors! And, in about two weeks' time, I'll be back with photos of two new rings.
).
What a fabulous shopping spree. You found some gorgeous stones 
They're like light green diamonds.
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