where would you look for a ruby

[partgypsy]

I heard through the grapevine my FIL may be looking for a ruby, possibly to set in a pendant for my MIL. If you were looking for a decent ruby, where you you purchase from? I don't know what the price range is but I'm sure it is more in the mid high hundreds than thousands.
Also any vendors from Ebay that you would recommend. He really doesn't know anything about gemstones so I'm afraid he is going to buy a glass filled not so good one. I also don't think he knows how expensive rubies are.

 

[chrono]

You are right that with a budget in the mid-hundreds, something has to give. It has to be either glass filled, beryllium diffused, clarity challenged, colour challenged or all of the mentioned in some sort of combination.

Here are a few that I would purchase from if budget is very low but as always, these vendors carry varying qualities so it is up to the customer to do their homework.

Barry of Artistic Colored Gems - www.acstones.com (might have something already set)
Rick Martin of Art Cut Gems - www.artcutgems.com
Dutton's Diamonds (and colored gems) http://www.diamondexpert.com
Andrew Gulij of Gemfix - www.gemfix.com (probably too pricey)
Dana of Master Cut Gems - www.mastercutgems.com
David Wein of Multicolour Gems - www.multicolour.com
Tan of Gemcatalogue http://stores.ebay.com/GemCatalogue
Tan of Odysseygem http://stores.ebay.com/OdysseyGem
Tan of VVS1gem http://stores.ebay.com/vvs1gem
Tan of Thegemology http://stores.ebay.com/thegemology

 

[partgypsy]

thanks! this is exactly what I was looking for. So at least if he is randomly looking at the internet, he has some good places to start.

 

[liao]

try to contact this vendor http://www.veerasakgems.com/content.php

their inventory makes pala's ruby's inventory looks like a toy store

 

[partgypsy]

Ah, I have a feeling a little beyond his price range, but thanks.

 

[liao]

if we may know, what is his price range? that vendor literally has everything. If I remember correctly, it was the vendor that I made a joke, and ask whether they has a tricolor corundum with pattern of german flag. In fact, they have it in their inventory!!!

 

[AGBF]

Am I out of line to suggest you mention a red spinel to him?

Deb/AGBF

 

[VirginiaZee]

Gems 2000 might have something in inventory as well... http://www.gem2000.com/gsresult.php?itemno=&gemtype=RUBY&varietycolor=Any&minweight=&maxweight=&pieces=Any&cutshape=Any&Submit=SEARCH.. I believe (though might be wrong) that Pearlman's works with them... http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/gemstones/..

 

[partgypsy]

Sorry i didn't follow up. I actually did suggest red spinel, and cc'd some of the websites to him. Also explained that rubies are one of the more difficult stones out there because of the various treatments with a link to article about treatments.

His response is that he just wants to pick out something in person, not too expensive, as long as it is a "real ruby" or something like that.

So, I'm just going to let him do what he wants..., and try to refrain from any comments.

 

[VirginiaZee]

I think it's sweet that you tried to help, though probably totally frustrating at the same time. I just keep reminding myself that these little sparklies/glowies are hard enough to find as it is, and would be next to impossible if EVERYONE wanted them.

 

[Marlow]

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=view&cat=274

Nice one within your budget. I wonder why Tanzania ( Winza ) or Mozambique ( Niassa ) ????

But size and price are very good and these african rubies are underrated compared to a medium burmese quality...

 

[partgypsy]

That is a stone I wouldn't mind seeing in person! I like the .92 one even more (but sold).

Wish I had a reason to buy a ruby...

 

[VirginiaZee]

That is a stone I wouldn't mind seeing in person! I like the .92 one even more (but sold).

Wish I had a reason to buy a ruby...

Solitaire ring, three stone ring, five stone ring, pendant, bracelet, the first stone in a pair for earrings....

 

[chrono]

You can lead the horse to the water but not make it drink. I have a feeling he's not going to go with a spinel because it is still relatively unknown to most consumers. If he is like most consumers, ruby still carries more prestige and he only wants it to be a natural stone (aka not synthetic, regardless of what treatments it has and the level of treatment) just so that he can say it's ruby.

 

[kim3005]

Try contacting Nellie kay Jewelry.

I know they get gemstones directly from mines in Sri Lanka and has reasonable prices.

You could ask for a certificate from the government which is reputable.

http://www.nelliekay.com/Multi-gemstone-necklaces-Natural-Gemstone-Jewelry-Citrine-Amethyst-Peridot-Garnet-925-Silver-Necklace.html

 

[partgypsy]

Crap, THANKs for posting the Yvonne Raley etsy site, I love so many of her pieces (especially the antique-inspired dangle earrings!)

Another site to drool over.

I never did ask him for an update, but will be together over the holidays so we will see.