PANJSHIR VALLEY EMERALDS

[lionrampant]

Ladies and Gents,

I am new to this forum, and more or less to the gemological field. I find myself in a unique position that I am trying my best to exploit. Having done business extensively in Afghanistan, and currently being here, I have developed a relationship with a Panjshir mine owner. I'm in the process of importing a great deal of stones into the US. I have every block in this endeavor checked, except for the tail end. I lack knowledge of the market.

If any of you kind souls here could possibly provide me some guidance on the best manner in which to properly value and professionally unload these stones I would very much appreciate it. I hope my ignorance of these things doesn't show too much, I am researching and studying all aspects of this venture as thoroughly as possible, but its been like drinking from a fire-hose.

L

 

[gsellis]

First, this is a consumers forum and by that, they buy finished stones. You have rough.

Second, the forum rules do not allow self promotion and you are on the border there.

Third, the picture you have shows very fractured stones for the most part. Most US faceters probably would not take those on unless they were cheap in the lot. There are a couple that might require minor treatment. But for the most part, many of those require opticon before cutting.

Fourth, try Facebook. There are some gem selling groups there and you might have luck.

 

[Jim Rentfrow]

Hi lionrampant,

I would be very very careful on how you try to do business in Kabul right now. Getting stones out of the country is very difficult and you will have to pay some form of duty or bribe at the airport. Also, getting good quality rough at good prices is extremely hard to get there. I just got back from 8 months in Kabul training gemstone cutters. You should contact me at my website and I can give you some pointers and feedback. Emeralds, are some of the hardest stones to buy rough in terms of evaluating value. Plus the Afghan market is littered with lots of synthetics and lab created stones. You can make profits but you can also lose a lot of money too!

 

[harper19740]

Hello

I am currently working in Kabul - and whilst here I was looking to buy Emeralds for an engagement ring. I have ended up with 5 now all 1ct or above all from panjshir valley - I was wondering if from my pictures you could tell if they were genuine and what sort of price I could ask for - due to now having 4 to sell on.

 

[harper19740]

 

[Roger Dery]

Hello,
I am currently working in Kabul - and whilst here I was looking to buy Emeralds for an engagement ring. I have ended up with 5 now all 1ct or above all from panjshir valley - I was wondering if from my pictures you could tell if they were genuine and what sort of price I could ask for - due to now having 4 to sell on.

Hi Harper, as stated earlier in the thread, this is a consumer forum. What you are asking takes well-developed knowledge and expertise to determine. And the 1st thing anyone experienced will state is: "can not make determinations from photographs". And it would be irresponsible to do so.

You may check around for various Facebook groups that may be helpful to your cause. Or, better yet, get them to a known gemological laboratory for a determination report. After you've received word whether they are natural (or not) then you can go about determining the best venue for liquidation.

Please know I am not attempting to be critical here. There are many service people coming back from Afghanistan with goods that may not be as advertised.