AboutDavid Fortier Expertise I can answer questions about gemstone physical attributes, uses in jewelry, cleaning concerns, and synthetics and treatments.
Experience I own a gemstone wholesale and retail company that operates from South Korea. I specialize in ruby, blue sapphire, tsavorite, spessartite, and tourmaline. I also sometimes have top-grade lapis lazuli and specialty rare stones like top-color Mali garnet from West Africa. I travel Asia seeking the best values in gemstones for my customers who are other wholesalers, individual collectors, and retailers in North America, Europe, South Africa, and Asia.
Organizations Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association
Education/Credentials I have earned a Graduate Gemologist Diploma with the Gemological Institute of America. I have studied rocks, minerals, and gemstones for most of my life- beginning in elementary school. I have worked in jewelry retail and wholesale for over fifteen years.
Expert: David Fortier Date: 7/17/2008 Subject: Making a bracelet from gems
Question I recently found some pieces of garnet at a gem mine in NC. How do I find someone who can make these gems into a bracelet? I live near Pittsburgh PA.
Thanks,
Helen
Answer Hi Helen~
Your best bet is to visit a local lapidary club and meet up with some of the folks who do this kind of thing as a hobby or a sideline business. You can find lapidary clubs via the internet or yellow pages. It is a great hobby!
Take care,
David Fortier, GG
Staff Gemologist
tiptopgem.com
