| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| rough amber | 11/16/2009 |
Q: I have a piece of roughly cut amber, about 2 cms wide. There is a mosquito clearly visible in it. I ...
A: You can shape amber with sand paper starting with a rough grit say 100 then refine the shape using ...
|
| nice piece of jewelry | 11/11/2009 |
Q: my friend has a piece of jewelry that has the marking of 925 GM. What does that mean exactly, and ...
A: The 925 has something to do with the type of metal exactly what I am not sure. The gems or minerals ...
|
| agate | 11/8/2009 |
Q: Want to know if you can identify an agate I have?
A: I am not sure what you mean identify it. It does look like a nice agate specimen. I am not sure ...
|
| Raw cut Amethyst | 11/2/2009 |
Q: I live in Wales UK. I am looking for a raw amethyst cross at least 5 Cms, not mms, in length.It ...
A: I have looked around and it seems large amethyst is not the easiest to find. However you might want ...
|
| confused | 11/1/2009 |
Q: On wat basis we can distinguish mineral,crystal and gemstone?
A: Gemstone material is distinguished by its natural beauty when cut and polished. Clear crystals of ...
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| fancy sapphires | 10/29/2009 |
Q: what value would a 9k fancy sapphire w.gold ring be? gem name: fancy sapphire gem shape: square gem ...
A: The value of the gold if you got full market price is around 30.00 US. The value of the stones is ...
|
| smoked diamond | 10/27/2009 |
Q: I know you say in your bio that you deal with coloured stones mainly, but Im interested in the fact ...
A: Yes I am aware of jewelers burning the surface of diamonds. They are carbon after all. However a ...
|
| question on gem stone | 10/15/2009 |
Q: how can i identify the vein of a gem stone and how can i determine the quality of safire
A: You would need to take a sample of the gem material and have a gemologist identify it and the same ...
|
| stone I found | 9/29/2009 |
Q: I am always looking for artifacts on my property because it is basically 75 acres of rock with tree ...
A: You need to locate a rock shop that offers lapidary services. They can saw and polish very large ...
|
| replacing opal | 9/20/2009 |
Q: I have a modern opal and diamond ring, the opal being the main stone. I've been a bit rough with it ...
A: I would say it is a matter of what you like best. As far as wear and tear the lapis is not too much ...
|
| Emerald enquiry | 9/9/2009 |
Q: I want to buy emerald for astrological purpose.My biggest concern is all the available emeralds are ...
A: I agree natural emerald for your purpose would be better. There are stones out there if you shop ...
|
| pendant | 8/28/2009 |
Q: I have a pendant; oval shaped; black, with silver trim. 825. The word "HAN" stamped . I wonder what ...
A: Could be black onyx that is the most common black stone. Next would be maybe black jade which is ...
|
| uncut raw rubies | 8/24/2009 |
Q: How would a person know if they have authentic rubies if they are uncut and raw. I had dug some from ...
A: Yes go to e-bay at the following link. http://shop.ebay.com/items/ruby%20rough?_dmd=1&_sop=12 and ...
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| Polishing gemstones | 8/23/2009 |
Q: after an accident that meant i couldn't work I've taken up jewellery as a hobby and I've just ...
A: Yes you could do both of these tasks with the proper equipment. Meaning a machine with sanding ...
|
| Beginning Stone Cutting | 8/22/2009 |
Q: I see that you were professionally trained in CA. I live in Austin, TX and want to learn how to cut ...
A: I would suggest starting out by buying a good instruction book on the subject. There are quite a ...
|
| Pink Jade | 8/21/2009 |
Q: I have a pink jade ornament, it is a pig, and its front foot has been lost. I was wondering if I ...
A: Yes it can. But the cost would be the question as to whether it is worth it to do so. You would ...
|
| Emerald chip. | 8/21/2009 |
Q: I recently bought an emerald ring for my girlfriend for £200, a few months later she noticed a small ...
A: Does sound a little strange. As far as recourse goes, it is very difficult to prove. The only real ...
|
| replacement of colored stone | 8/19/2009 |
Q: Recently I lost a colored stone which fell out of my college mens ring Therefore what do you charge ...
A: I just recut one for a ring like that the other day. You want the garnet red color? Is it faceted ...
|
| determine value | 8/17/2009 |
Q: I was given a 18k gold bracelet that was purchased in Italy about 30 years ago. I has 5 strands and ...
A: Most major cities will have jewelry appraisal professionals listed in the yellow pages or online. ...
|
| Gold ring with little diamond | 8/12/2009 |
Q: The astrologer told me to wear a gold ring with a small (any) diamond in it. I never bought any ...
A: The problem here is the 22 karat gold. You may have to settle for 14K or less. You need to measure ...
|
| Gold ring with little diamond | 8/12/2009 |
Q: The astrologer told me to wear a gold ring with a small (any) diamond in it. I never bought any ...
A: To get a ring made of that purity of gold you may have to have to made. Do you have a design in ...
|
| Gemstone Cutting/Polishing/Setting | 8/10/2009 |
Q: I have a small business in Canada retailing good quality Cubic Zirconia fashion jewelry. I would ...
A: Of course I can cut the cubic, it would have to be out of the ordinary though because you can buy it ...
|
| making gold bracelet | 8/6/2009 |
Q: Who could make me a gold bracelet by mixing/melting differing carrot gold items of mine please? I ...
A: I think most jewelers would rather give you credit for your old jewelry items then make you a ...
|
| rough rubies. | 8/4/2009 |
Q: my family and i were in North Carolina and went to a "ruby mine" operation where you can purchase a ...
A: Yes it may be true but the question would be what quality is it. I would guess low quality. High ...
|
| Polishing facet edges of moonstone | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I want to set a faceted [Portuguese cut] oval moonstone UPSIDE DOWN in a pendant with a bezel. The ...
A: You should first dop the stone using wax or glue. With wax you will need to heat the stone so the ...
|
| rubies | 7/27/2009 |
Q: how much is a ruby worth per caret?
A: That is dependent on the size, clarity and color of the ruby. Ruby can be very expensive for the ...
|
| Jewelry | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I have a silver medal about the size of a fifty cent piece. Silver backing with the inscription; ...
A: I really would have no idea. Perhaps coin dealers of collectors would be able to help you. My ...
|
| Emerald Polishing | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I am starting to polish a Hydrothermal Emerald with a Ceramic Lap & 100,000 Diamond spray. I ...
A: Yes there is. You need to buy some cerium oxide ultralaps and some high quality cerium oxide ...
|
| HELP | 7/24/2009 |
Q: i recently got engadged to my boyfriend for 5 years, he got me the most beautiful ring but its an N ...
A: That is a good question. Is the ring to small or too large? If it is too large there is a device ...
|
| Opal bracelet | 7/22/2009 |
Q: I recently ordered a 10K gold bracelet for my daughter, but when my package arrived, it was a ...
A: I do not know what the V stands for. As far as the opal, if the opal pattern is very uniform ...
|
| Dark Brown Quartz | 7/22/2009 |
Q: Here is another picture of the Dark Brown Quartz-like rock in question. I can see fractures similar ...
A: It does look to be of the quartz family, but not smokey quartz. Smokey is nomally clear like glass. ...
|
| identifying real diamonds, rubies | 7/19/2009 |
Q: i have alot of old rings ,earrings that were my grandparents i would like to know if it is real?
A: High grade jewelry will be at least 14k gold and will be marked (stamped) on the jewelry. 18k is ...
|
| Sapphire or Topaz ? | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I bought this ring second hand and it was sold as a sapphire surrounded by small diamonds but to me ...
A: I believe I answered this already. According to the color in the picture it could go either way. ...
|
| drilling gemstones | 7/14/2009 |
Q: I want to drill through a gemstone lengthwise, that length being approximately two inches. I am ...
A: That is a very large undertaking. Unless the stone is really soft and easy to drill. Even then it ...
|
| value of emerald cut ruby ring | 7/13/2009 |
Q: I inherited my grandmothers emerald cut ruby ring. Her son had gotten it for her when he was in the ...
A: I am sorry to say, it sounds to be a synthetic ruby. 10K gold is less than 50% gold and is a lower ...
|
| polishing emeralds | 7/10/2009 |
Q: I have gone and bought a good rock tumbler/polisher. I have about a half a pound turning as we ...
A: The thing about just about all rough is this. What you see is pretty much what you get. Emerald ...
|
| green striped stone carving | 7/8/2009 |
Q: Can you please tell me specifically what rock this coyote was carved from? ...
A: I usually go with first impressions, my first was tiger eye, which is normally yellow to brown in ...
|
| Coating for agates | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I am wondering where I can get the "clear coating" used to bring out the pattern on agates, as in ...
A: This is not something I do, however if you went to Lowes or Home Depot to there paint department, ...
|
| gem polishing | 6/26/2009 |
Q: I have a star ruby approx. 1/2" in diameter. It has lost its polish. It is quite dull and even has ...
A: No not really, Ruby is very hard to polish if you are not set up for it. You need a flat lap I use ...
|
| Ruby value | 6/21/2009 |
Q: Steven, I am in the automotive industry and a member of AllExperts. I get questions all the time ...
A: My first question is, is it natural? There are a lot of synthetic rubies out there dating back the ...
|
| Rings i have dont know what value they have | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I have three rings i got from family but not sure what the makings on them stand for , Got a large ...
A: 10 k means 41 percent gold. It also mean that the stones are not expensive. So the most value is ...
|
| Info | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I purchased this set at a rummage sale and I would like to know info about the set. I found one ...
A: The diamond looks like just for design affect. Is it marked 10k, 14k or 18k? That would mean it is ...
|
| 6 Loose Gemstones...need help for my household insurance | 6/3/2009 |
Q: I've 6 gemstones, loose ones which were given to us by a Jeweler in Oman whom my husband was friends ...
A: I am so sorry, grading gem stones without seeing them live is near impossible. You are right ...
|
| Resizing a tanzanite ring | 5/18/2009 |
Q: I have a 14K gold men's tanzanite ring, the cushion cut tanzanite measures 12mm x 12mm. The ring ...
A: Yes tanzanite is very heat sensitive. They are also soft. So be careful, just wearing it. I would ...
|
| core drills | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I am planning on setting semi stones on top of one another or recessing tube sets in a larger stone ...
A: Here is a website to get your diamond core drills. http://www.lopacki.com/coredrills/ You need the ...
|
| Are these real? | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I have a butterfly brooch my grandmother gave me. I cannot tell if it is costume jewelry or if they ...
A: I can not tell from this picture. It is too small to see. To really know I would have to see it ...
|
| mexican opal | 4/28/2009 |
Q: My mother gave me a ring which she thought was a topaz. However, a jeweler said it was a mexican ...
A: The red type of mexican opal if nice is around 100 to 250.00 range depending on size. The clear ...
|
| cleaning cabs | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I just recieved a bucketful of beautifully cut cabochons. However, they are very old and were ...
A: I would soak them in acetone. Just make sure to seal the acetone and stones in a bottle with a air ...
|
| Earrings | 4/13/2009 |
Q: I recently came into possession of my grandmothers earrings. I am unsure of what kind of gems they ...
A: Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. From these pictures I guess it is possible to be opal but ...
|
| Ruby ring | 4/1/2009 |
Q: I recently inherited a 3 stone ruby ring from my grandmother. I don't have a firm age on it, but it ...
A: From the pictures I would say they are garnets not rubies. Yes I can re-polish them but would cost ...
|
| is green andesine rare? | 3/31/2009 |
Q: i purchased andesine from jtv in 05 & 06. i am sending most of my red stones back. my question- is ...
A: To be honest I have not had much to do with those stones. I have the red. As you know they are ...
|
| cutting gems/minerals | 3/31/2009 |
Q: I'm trying to find out the relative ease/difficulty of cutting various gems/minerals. I will be ...
A: If the taurus ring is a diamond blade you will have no problem. If it is not I would sugguest you ...
|
| sapphire stone quality | 3/29/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased online a 1.11 CT medium blue sapphire ring for my mother. When I received the ...
A: This is not uncommon, sapphire can have bands of color with clear zones. It is not always noticeable ...
|
| Gemstone Rough | 3/8/2009 |
Q: How do you clean gemstone rough? Also, I have some very nice translucent emerald and ruby and would ...
A: I clean it up on a diamond lap 180 mesh. Translucent stones should be buff top cut or cabbed, ...
|
| Damaged stone by jeweller mounting? | 3/7/2009 |
Q: http://en.allexperts.com/just/Jewelry-Gems-Minerals-689/Help-Sapphire-damage-mounting.htm Apologies ...
A: Yes it is possible but hard to prove. Sounds like they re-tipped the prongs with the stone in place. ...
|
| Please help me? What stone is this? | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I have just received this beautiful ring. It was given to me by my fiance and it had belonged to his ...
A: Yes you are right it could be any one of those stones, to know for sure you will have to have a ...
|
| dull lapis | 2/22/2009 |
Q: I have a beautiful lapis and diamond ring that my husband gave to me 25 years ago. I love it and ...
A: You need to have it polished by a lapidary like myself, unless you have gem polishing equipment. I ...
|
| older lapis | 2/18/2009 |
Q: I have found some older lapis jewelry that I want to "recycle",but a couple of the lapis stones are ...
A: Judy, Lapis is a little tricky. You need a flat lap charged with 14000 diamond powder and some ...
|
| Valuation information | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I have the following valuation information in regard to my diamond ring. Ring: Single stone modern ...
A: That is a tough question. It depends on how it is sold. If you retail sell it to someone to buy it ...
|
| superglue on my stone | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I took my ring to be repaired as the stone had come out, and when i got it back it had been ...
A: You need to go to your local hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot and buy some acetone solvent. ...
|
| Glass or Some Kind of Crystal?? | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I have what I believe is an antique jewelry set, possibly of some sort of crystal. It is still in ...
A: It really is impossible to tell you what kind of stone it is from here even with a picture. If they ...
|
| Cleaning uncut gemstones | 1/30/2009 |
Q: We went to one of those mining for gemstones places in North Georgia. We had some time and thought ...
A: The way I do it is with a diamond lap 180 mesh or 100 if there is a lot of matrix to grind off. ...
|
| COLLECTING GEMSTONES | 1/16/2009 |
Q: I KNOW YOUR TIME IS VALUABLE,Thank you for taking some of it to answer my question. I am a novice at ...
A: I would buy a refractometer. Because with a list of the refractive indexes of stones you could do ...
|
| Gemstones in Jewellery | 1/10/2009 |
Q: I have several pendants and others accessories that I purchased from a garage sale a while back and ...
A: They look better than costume jewelry and most are probably natural stones. But to know for sure a ...
|
| Gems | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I am glad i found this site and felt a sigh of relief i live in Kenya and got in the minerals ...
A: I would contact New Era Gems to begin. Here is there website. http://www.neweragems.com/ I would ...
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| Gems | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I am glad i found this site and felt a sigh of relief i live in Kenya and got in the minerals ...
A: Do you have good pictures of the rough? This is the key to selling on line. Maybe you need a ...
|
| enamal on silver | 1/1/2009 |
Q: Please kindly advise some information for the silver enamal technique, thx..
A: While this subject is not my expertise, I am familiar with it. I would suggest you buy a good book ...
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| Ruby ring | 12/30/2008 |
Q: I noticed a scratch on the main stone of my ruby ring. If I take it to a jeweler, can it be buffed ...
A: Your Ruby can be re-polished but not by a jeweler. It need to be taken out of the mounting by a ...
|
| fine scratches on faceted garnet beads | 12/28/2008 |
Q: I'm hoping that there is some way to bring a deeper shine to some rough cut faceted garnet beads ...
A: I do not think any treatment will make them look better. Only diamond polishing will do the trick, ...
|
| Large Ruby | 12/19/2008 |
Q: How can you identify a real ruby? I found a piece of very old Gold jewelry while digging in my ...
A: Yes it could be. If it is natural it should have natural flaws. You need to get a 10X powered ...
|
| What is this? | 12/14/2008 |
Q: I received this ring as a gift and I am wondering what the gemstone is. Also if you could tell me ...
A: Well if it is purple there are purplish garnets and could still be garnet. Amethyst is purple and ...
|
| What is this? | 12/14/2008 |
Q: I received this ring as a gift and I am wondering what the gemstone is. Also if you could tell me ...
A: It looks like a garnet as pictured. The diamonds look like one point stones. Which means 100 ...
|
| AMETHYST | 12/3/2008 |
Q: Do authentic Amethyst stones change colors? I have a pear shaped stone that is sometimes bright ...
A: When stones change colors it is due to the type of light. Sun light and light bulbs would create ...
|
| scratches on quartz and other stones | 11/20/2008 |
Q: i do beading as a hobby (not a business), i have many stones, clear quartz, onyx in different ...
A: If these are beads, the best thing would be to buy a rock tumbler and some polishing media. Follow ...
|
| drilling 1 mm holes | 11/17/2008 |
Q: I see that you use a dremel tool which I just bought. I am trying to even out holes in large beads ...
A: Use triple ripple daimond bits, here is a link to buy them. ...
|
| Alexandrite | 11/17/2008 |
Q: I live in Tsavo- Kenya,Africa and recently I managed to have access to alexandrite. The alexandrite ...
A: I would sell it on ebay if I were you. You will need good pictures and a GIA cert. would not be a ...
|
| price range | 11/7/2008 |
Q: my grandfather left me a 10 karat gold ring with a very large amethyst in it. its big and gaudy like ...
A: Josh, I would need to know how good the amethyst is, color and weight. Also how much the ring ...
|
| Alexandrite? | 10/28/2008 |
Q: I have a ring I purchased in Mexico, didn't know what it was when I purchased it and the jeweler ...
A: It is most likely synthetic corundum (ruby). If it is real clear with no flaws then it is most ...
|
| polishing turquoise stones | 10/22/2008 |
Q: I have recently bought a silver turquoise ring and the stone has no shine. Is it possible and how to ...
A: It is done with diamond or cerium oxide. You would need a machine to run a lap on then you would ...
|
| cabochons and gems in general | 10/17/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased the contents of a shop through the estate of a jewelry store owner. As you can ...
A: Generally painted stones are glass, much like rhinestones. To tell other stones you would need to ...
|
| Buying an engagement ring online | 10/15/2008 |
Q: Firstly, I want to commend all of the experts/volunteers on this site. The response I read are very ...
A: I do have a friend that is a diamond cutter in Los Angeles California. I know we could get you the ...
|
| Drilling into Amethyst Stalactite Sclices | 10/10/2008 |
Q: What is the best way/tool (without spending lots of money) to drill a hole in front to back into an ...
A: Yes you can use the dremel. You will need to buy some diamond bits. I would use the triple ripple ...
|
| onyx stone cutter | 10/7/2008 |
Q: my name is Manny, i have a small engraving company and recently i was approach by one of my ...
A: I would diamond bits. Maybe a sphere shaped head. I would need to know what the chuck can handle ...
|
| cabochon sapphire | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I am a stay at home mom that makes jewelry on the side. I made a cuff bracelet for a lady white gold ...
A: That is a tough call. Sapphires can take heat but there is always a risk. Most jewelers now days ...
|
| drilling large gemstone beads | 9/28/2008 |
Q: I bought some large snowflake obsidian marbles that were not drilled. How do I find someone to drill ...
A: Drilling holes is not one of my favorite things to do. I do not mind holes that are 2 or 3 mm deep. ...
|
| Define a cut | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I am looking at some tanzanite and the cut is described as a faceted flower cut. Is this a cut like ...
A: Terry, Why tanzanite? They are really soft and will scratch very easily. I am re-polishing these ...
|
| Replating black opal ring | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I bought my wife a black opal ring from Australia last year but would like to replate the ring from ...
A: Sorry for taking so long but I needed to talk to one of my jeweler clients to get there costs. It ...
|
| blue topaz question | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I really hope you can help me. I wear a blue topaz ring that belonged to my grandmother. I wore it ...
A: It sounds like there is a good chance it is ruined. Topaz is a stone that is treated to enhance the ...
|
| Hel[ | 9/5/2008 |
Q: My chemistry had to pick something we wanted to be but i had to involve chemistry. So i picked ...
A: I guess it would depend on if he were self employed in which case he could choose his own hours. Or ...
|
| rhodium plating | 8/22/2008 |
Q: Can a sterling silver bnagle bracelet be rhodium plated, and what is the average cost? My husband ...
A: Judy yes I think that is do-able. They may have to plate it with another metal first I not sure on ...
|
| Care and measure of opals | 8/21/2008 |
Q: It's nice to find an expert to get the right answers from. This question consist of two parts. The ...
A: I keep my opal in water. Oil does not evaporate as easy as water and could be good. But water does ...
|
| drilling holes | 8/20/2008 |
Q: What type of equipment should I be using to drill holes into small(less than 1/2" thick) stones like ...
A: You need to get a flex shaft for your dremel. Next use a triple ripple diamond bit but use at least ...
|
| purchasing ground-up minerals | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I want to experiment with certain minerals (preferably ground-up) in chemical experiments. Where ...
A: Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. This is not an easy question to answer. I have been ...
|
| Help | 8/8/2008 |
Q: I hope you can help me. I'm looking for someone to cut a raw sapphire i have I'm not sure how to ...
A: Yes I could cut it for you. E-mail me if you want to do it. I will send you a price. The star ...
|
| value of topaz | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I recently came across a topaz stone that my grandmother left me amongst some other jewelry. It was ...
A: Teri, Placing value on stones is not one of my best things to do. Thing is it depends on several ...
|
| gold marking | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I have a brooch with an 20mm x 15 mm fire opal. The frame of the brooch looks like gold and the ...
A: If the brooch is indeed gold that would be a good bet. It must of come from Europe. Jewelers here ...
|
| gems | 7/31/2008 |
Q: How do I get super glue off of a gem
A: Almost all gems can be soaked in acetone to remove the glue. Some emeralds that have been oiled ...
|
| Cutting sea glass | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I hope you can answer my question. I am a beginner and have been collecting sea glass for years! I ...
A: I am not sure what a # 61 is. I buy them buy the millimeter size. If you are drilling holes I ...
|
| Broach identification | 7/28/2008 |
Q: Looks like the mounting reads 15CT which I assume is 15K gold. The 70 year old lady that I acquired ...
A: Jay, I am not sure what to say other than my first impression of the stone is that from these ...
|
| gem and mineral questions | 7/27/2008 |
Q: Where is rhodium mined at? What kind of price can you get for rough rubies (34 carats)?
A: Rhodium is a by product of Platinum mining mostly. Russia and Africa are two of the main sources. ...
|
| Amethyst | 7/20/2008 |
Q: I just bought an amethyst crystal.. How would I know if it's fake? Thanks..
A: It looks like the inclusions in your picture look natural. Has someone polished it or is it natural ...
|
| "Scratches" in sapphire | 7/17/2008 |
Q: My fiance has a platinum engagement ring with an 3 karat emerald cut sapphire in the center. The ...
A: I can tell you that sapphires are the hardest natural substance next to diamond. So they do not ...
|
| clear coat for gemstone | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I make jewelries as a hobby and have decided that i can probably start selling them. My problem ...
A: The only way is to polish them no coating will work. If they are rough then they need to be cut ...
|
| large cut natural topaz | 6/28/2008 |
Q: I have just inherited a 30 carat (at least) square cut (cut just like an emerald cut, only it is ...
A: This stone has more value for sentiment than dollars. I should be able to buy a stone like this for ...
|
| inlaying stones in resin | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I've cast a ring and want to use stone chips as an inlay with resin. Do you know what kind of resin ...
A: Here is a site where you can get a epoxy for that job. It is the 330 epoxy. If you still want to ...
|
| Lapis Bracelet | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I have a seven stone silver Lapis bracelet but lost a stone so now I only have 6 stones. I was ...
A: A stone can be cut to replace it. However color matching can be tricky. Is the stone just blue or ...
|
| Rubies | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I am deployed at the moment and I was approched by a man that had a ruby the size of a monkey fist. ...
A: 90 percent of the time they are not gem quality. Good Ruby rough is very rare and expensive. You ...
|
| Rubies | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I am deployed at the moment and I was approched by a man that had a ruby the size of a monkey fist. ...
A: A good ruby of that size if it was gem quality would be worth a Kings ransom. A ruby is a hexagonal ...
|
| saphires | 6/17/2008 |
Q: can you tell me the market value of a dark blue sapphire per caret at this time?
A: Kathy, That is a complex question. If the stone is too dark they are very inexpensive. If the ...
|
| Tiger Eye Cross | 6/9/2008 |
Q: My wife purchased a Tiger Eye Cross and dropped it. It broke in two and I was wondering if there is ...
A: Here is a website to order your glue try the 330 epoxy. Just make sure it is held tight while the ...
|
| 1978 Trident Technical school ring | 6/1/2008 |
Q: I have a ring from trident technical school from the class of 1978 that I am looking to sell. What ...
A: If it is a gold ring say 14K then at 900.00 gold price it would be 58 percent of that price less ...
|
| pearls | 5/31/2008 |
Q: How can you tell if pearls are real or fake, They were handed down to me. I'm not able to find any ...
A: B I thought I answered this a few days ago. Sorry if it did not reach you. Most pearls today are ...
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| POLISHING ROUGH SAPPHIRE | 5/29/2008 |
Q: HOW CAN I POLISH ROUGH SAPPHIRE I HAVE A SMALL TUMBLER I WOULD LIKE TO GET A SHINE ON THE STONE SO I ...
A: I polish sapphire with diamond powder. As far as tumblers I can not say for sure but sapphire which ...
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| drill pearls | 5/28/2008 |
Q: You mention that you found a divise to cut & hold a pearl while you drill it. What drill is it? Also ...
A: Here is a website for the pearl drill. ...
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| denim sapphires | 4/30/2008 |
Q: I am trying to match a stone to my husband's eyes (blue, but grey not green based), and a local ...
A: I would not use the word inferior. It may not be the preferred color, but that is a matter of ...
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| Agate and Onyx? | 4/23/2008 |
Q: What is the difference in between Dyed Agate and Onyx? (To my knowledge the agate is concentric, ...
A: I am not sure about the parallel idea but yes dyed agate is concentric. As far as the difference one ...
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| rough diamonds | 3/30/2008 |
Q: I have some lava rocks,can there be diamonds inside of them ,and if ther is, how can I tell if the ...
A: Diamonds normally are found in gravel beds and or in place in the earth. They are formed in ...
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| 'real' rubies | 3/27/2008 |
Q: Is it true that the way to tell if a ruby is real, is by putting it under a UV light - and it will ...
A: There is no way I know of to know for sure. If you had looked at a lot of natural ones and a lot ...
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| 'real' rubies | 3/26/2008 |
Q: Is it true that the way to tell if a ruby is real, is by putting it under a UV light - and it will ...
A: Not exactly, here is an artical on the subject. Distinguishing Properties RUBY * ...
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| STONES & MINERALS | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I "inherited" a collection of sorts from a previous jeweler. Most are polished stones. I am trying ...
A: A custom jeweler or gemologist could give you an idea what stones are genuine and which are ...
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| amethyst ring | 3/22/2008 |
Q: Can the color of an amethyst be enhanced? Would a jeweler be liable for cracking and coloring a ...
A: Jewelers do not have the time or knowledge generally speaking to heat treat stones. They are known ...
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| GB mean | 3/18/2008 |
Q: what does 24 K GB mean is it real or not
A: This means your jewelry has a very thin layer of 24 karat (24K means pure) gold bonded to base ...
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| Amber Stone | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I had a question on a amber stone that appears to have russian markings. I am wondering what it is ...
A: They are just called Amber. It would be hard to tell how old the ring is. I do not think that ...
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| Amber Stone | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I had a question on a amber stone that appears to have russian markings. I am wondering what it is ...
A: I guess I do not understand your question. It is amber, which is petrified tree sap. When the sap ...
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| platinum wedding band | 3/3/2008 |
Q: Can my grandmothers platinum wedding band be thickened and re-shaped to create a slightly wider ...
A: The only way you could make it thicker would be to re-cast it. It would take more metal to do that. ...
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| black onyx and white topaz | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I won a string of black onyx beads with white topaz chips for a small price on Ebay. Though ...
A: Black Onyx is abundant. Most of it is dyed agate, some is natural. The natural will have ...
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| hematite | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I have a faceted hematite stone (marquis shape) that someone special gave me. I want to have it set ...
A: You should not have any trouble. Most jewelers know about hematite. The cost would depend on where ...
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| minerals | 2/13/2008 |
Q: what is the rarest mineral?
A: John, My field is more in the gemstone world. Here is something I found in the gemstone world. ...
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| gemstone test | 2/2/2008 |
Q: plz tell me how i can check my gemstone is real or not if i have no special apratus for testing. any ...
A: Amir, What type of stone do you have? What is the history of how you got it? Is it cut or rough? ...
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| Jewelry i purchase | 1/30/2008 |
Q: i had no attention on returning it until my bestfriend said it would originally turn from its gold ...
A: Most jewelers can re-plate your necklace back to gold. It is very easy and does not take much time. ...
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| lacquer | 1/29/2008 |
Q: Recently I was attempting to remove oxidation on the silver in an abalone necklace and stripped off ...
A: I answered this a few days ago but somehow it did not make it into the system. Sorry about that. ...
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| Gemstone drilling | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if you can help me or point me in the right direction. I want to start making ...
A: I was asked this question not to long ago. I personally use both a small drill press for using ...
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| Cleaning uncut gemstones | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased some uncut emeralds and rubies. Basically they are straight out of the ground. ...
A: Normally you can see very easily what you have if they are good quality. Even if the crystals are ...
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| In Afghanistan | 12/17/2007 |
Q: Mr Covey I am in Afghanistan and want to know which stones should I buy while I am here and how do I ...
A: What are you buying? Unless you have knowledge and experience in the type of stone you are buying ...
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| Equipment for drilling gemstones | 12/15/2007 |
Q: I am just getting into drilling and need to buy equipment. Should I be looking at a dremel tool ...
A: You may want both. Also I found this drill for drilling pearls. You could use diamond bits with it ...
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| Equipment for drilling gemstones | 12/14/2007 |
Q: I am just getting into drilling and need to buy equipment. Should I be looking at a dremel tool ...
A: What type of drilling are you going to be doing? Beads? What type of stone? How many units per ...
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| Drilling holes in fragile material | 12/7/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased some antique poker chips, some are made from bone and some are made from mother ...
A: Yes diamond is recommended. Get a triple ripple type 1.8 mm Go slow and keep the drill cool in ...
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| Ring Resizing | 12/5/2007 |
Q: I just bought my girlfriend a Blue Topaz and diamond Ring set in 10k white gold. I haven't given it ...
A: Try this directory just enter your zip code. Call one or more of these independant masters. I am ...
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| Jewelry Repair | 11/29/2007 |
Q: I have a small crack in my center diamond on my engagement ring. How much does something like this ...
A: I think I already answered this but, I will answer again. The cost would depend on the repairs but ...
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| Is This Stone a Blue Sapphire? | 11/26/2007 |
Q: my team found a very big blue stone in Borneo, Indonesia recently. It is about a baby head in size ...
A: What I am saying is from a picture I can not make a good assessment. I do not see any crystaline ...
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| brooch with stones marked 800, signed | 11/14/2007 |
Q: What does the 800 mark mean and I can't make out the signing. Also the center stone is so dark and I ...
A: If the brooch is gold it could mean 800 fine. 1000 would be pure gold. This is how London gold is ...
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| Gemstone Design via Cad Design | 11/8/2007 |
Q: Do you have knowledge regarding designing gemstones using cad design? If your response is yes I ...
A: First you need to learn to operate the software. Then you can make 3D renderings of rings etc. ...
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| Serpentine | 11/7/2007 |
Q: I wonder if you could tell me how safe serpentine from Peru is. I have some jewelry from there but I ...
A: Is your stone fibrous looking? Asbestos is very fibrous, and curly in the serpentine. Chrysotile ...
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| stone replacement | 10/28/2007 |
Q: heres my story. I inherited an old filigree bracelet. Its Rhodium plated metal, but not gold or ...
A: That happens to be my specialaity. Cutting stones to match. I would need a stone to match. If you ...
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| jade | 10/13/2007 |
Q: How do I tell if jade is real? What color should jade be on the inside of a broken edge? How do I ...
A: Here is some info on the subject. Jadeite Chemistry: NaAlSi2O6 , Sodium Aluminum Silicate Class: ...
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| tanzanite | 10/13/2007 |
Q: With all the hype about tanzanite, do you think it is worth investing in and if so what size stones ...
A: Well they say the supply will run out in the future which does add to that possibility. If you do ...
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| diamonds vs. diamonds vs. ?? | 9/14/2007 |
Q: I heard that diamonds are 9 in hardness, diamonique, an 8, and another variety altogether (?) an ...
A: Actually, diamonds are 10 on the moh scale. Ruby is 9 but the space between 9 and 10 is greater than ...
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| citrine repair | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I have an 18 carat one stone citrine that has lost it's brilliance after my fiancee wore it ...
A: Yes I re-polish stones all the time. It would have to be removed from the mounting by a jeweler. ...
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| opal stone in ring | 9/2/2007 |
Q: can you tell me what i can do about an opal stone that is very dull. i brought it on e-bay for ...
A: It needs to be polished with pure high grade cerium oxide on felt pad that is spinning the felt is ...
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| hallmarks | 9/1/2007 |
Q: have the letters GLC9K stamped on the inner of my wedding band also have the normal hallmarks, what ...
A: They are probably manufacturer stamps. Is is it marked 14K or 18K? Is it gold? As you know gold ...
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| gemstone size | 8/30/2007 |
Q: I have several rings where I lost the gemstone. How can I get the correct size to fit. Is there a ...
A: Most jewelers would measure your mounting for free at least the ones I know would. They would also ...
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| Drilling Gems | 8/29/2007 |
Q: What type of Dremel Tool should I use to make holes in gems for jewelry making?
A: I use a regular dremel with a flex cable attachment. I buy diamond drill bits sizes range from 1.5 ...
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| Unknown purple stone | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I have a bracelet, belonging to my mom, that has pearly purple stones, which are carved to look ...
A: I would need to see a good digital picture. Purple could be amethyst but it is not pearly. Could ...
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| gems | 8/19/2007 |
Q: I don't much about gems but I'm here in gem country and wanted to take advantage of my opportunity ...
A: Well, if they look too good chances are they are fake. I would say just go by your instinct and as ...
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| Jewellery Repair | 8/18/2007 |
Q: Do you know of any way to convert pierced earrings into clip-ons? Clips are so much easier on my ...
A: Depending on the design of you earring it would be a matter of cutting off the post and soldering ...
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| gems | 8/18/2007 |
Q: I don't much about gems but I'm here in gem country and wanted to take advantage of my opportunity ...
A: What gem country are you taking about? What kind of gems are available? Cut stones are easier to ...
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| ring | 7/19/2007 |
Q: i have a ring with 3 amethyst. alot of detail,lots of small balls. inside of the ring there is a ...
A: Is the ring white or gold color? It sounds like a silver ring. As far as value that is in the eye ...
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| cutting amber | 6/30/2007 |
Q: i got a rough piece of amber as a gift. it's in a pretty cheesy sterling wrap. i think it has a bug ...
A: Off hand I am not sure who I could send you to. How do you want it re-cut and set in? Me and my ...
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| types of glue for stones? | 6/29/2007 |
Q: I am trying to glue various types of cabochons ex;black onyx , mother of pearl, turquoise etc...into ...
A: You could try loctite instant glue. Also there are special jewelers two part epoxies (330). Check ...
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| Measuring various gemstones | 6/25/2007 |
Q: 1) Is coral considered a gemstone? Would it be measured in carats. 2) Which of the following are ...
A: Some may consider coral as a gemstone but I do not. But it is used like gemstone materials. So I ...
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| How to?? | 6/25/2007 |
Q: I have some loose diamonds. I have a catalogue that has gold earring mountings for the round stones ...
A: I could talk to my jeweler friend whom I do gemstone cutting for and he does jewelry work on ...
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| How to?? | 6/24/2007 |
Q: I have some loose diamonds. I have a catalogue that has gold earring mountings for the round stones ...
A: To set diamonds you would need a jewelers tools. They cut seats in the gold. Then they bend the ...
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| Recutting Round Emerald | 6/22/2007 |
Q: I have a 2.89ct Round Columbian Emerald that is mounting into a ring. At the bottom of the gem, ...
A: David, I have to apologize. I answered the same day I got it. I not sure what happeded when I saw ...
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| White Sapphires | 6/1/2007 |
Q: What is the value of white sapphires that are free of inclusions, per carat? Does the country of ...
A: White sapphires can be quite inexpensive from 5.00 to 20.00 per carat. It does not matter where it ...
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| sapphire grades | 6/1/2007 |
Q: I have a 7x5mm, .90 ct. emerald cut sapphire. Color: fine- Dk. Clarity: LF-1 Price per carat at the ...
A: Who graded your sapphire with these terms? I have not seen or heard them before. What color is ...
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| ametrines and lines of demarcation | 5/30/2007 |
Q: I recently bought a ring off the internet and it was advertised as an ametrine, 5 carats in weight ...
A: Ametrine can be exactly 50/50, the gemstone cutter can make that by how he orients the rough. ...
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| sapphire polishing | 5/10/2007 |
Q: my wedding ring is a sapphire that cost my husband $4000. I can't remember the carat wt.Recently one ...
A: The jeweler would have sent your stone out to a gemcutter like myself. He would use a steel wheel ...
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| need some help | 5/9/2007 |
Q: how are gold mines are found? why gold is measure in carat? who own most of the gold ? what is ...
A: Gold mines are found by prospecting. You go into the field. Take samples then assay the samples. ...
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| Jade pendant necklace | 4/30/2007 |
Q: I have a what I believe to be jade pendant on a gold chain. The pendant is carved and I think the ...
A: Most people who work with gemstones for a living could tell you by looking at the stone if it is ...
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| Drilling Holes | 4/18/2007 |
Q: I recently bought some polished rocks at a store that was closing. They did not have holes in them ...
A: You will need to buy a dremel tool at home depot or hobby shop. You will also need to buy some ...
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| garnets | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I recently went mining and went home with some garnets,I believe almandine.They all have a multi ...
A: I believe I already wrote to you. But it was brought to my attention this question was unanswered. ...
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| AMETHYST | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I AM LOOKING FOR A 8 MM X 22 MM FACETED AMETHYST FOR A RING I HAVE. HOW CAN I FIND ONE? THANKS FOR ...
A: I need an email address to send you pictures. I will need to know more about your ring. Do you ...
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| AMETHYST | 4/10/2007 |
Q: I AM LOOKING FOR A 8 MM X 22 MM FACETED AMETHYST FOR A RING I HAVE. HOW CAN I FIND ONE? THANKS FOR ...
A: I could get you into the stone for around 35.00 to 55.00 range. A gemologist can certify the stone ...
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| AMETHYST | 4/9/2007 |
Q: I AM LOOKING FOR A 8 MM X 22 MM FACETED AMETHYST FOR A RING I HAVE. HOW CAN I FIND ONE? THANKS FOR ...
A: I could provide that service for you. I can custom cut it for you. I would charge 65.00 to cut it ...
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| Just curious about a stone I found, nothing more! | 4/6/2007 |
Q: How can I get a stone identified and be taken seriously? It's a water washed bluish green jagged ...
A: Do you have a good digital camera? If so take some pics and send them to me. Use good light and ...
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| polishing to high gloss shine | 3/31/2007 |
Q: I have a bunch of cut rocks,petrified wood and other kinds.They range from 1 to about 6 inches round ...
A: They need to be vibro-lapped polished. It is a large oscillating machine with polishing compound. ...
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| excess glue | 12/30/2006 |
Q: I ordered a rose quartz pendant online & cannot get the seller to respond to my e-mails. The pendant ...
A: Get some Acetone and a small glass container you can seal that is large enough to hold the quartz. ...
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| difference | 12/29/2006 |
Q: My elderly mother lives in a home..she gave me a bracelet she won in Bingo...it is stamped 925 ...
A: The best way is to look carefully at the stones under a microscope. Look for bubbles they are ...
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| black diamonds | 12/11/2006 |
Q: Black diamonds intrigue me. They don't come out of the ground that color do they? Do you think ...
A: Yes they are that color out of the ground. Mostly the white stones are more valuable. However some ...
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| Price Comparison on Natural and Lab Created Emeralds | 12/9/2006 |
Q: I'm doing a report on natural and lab created emeralds for my science class, I have to find info on ...
A: The created Emerald everyone goes after is called Chathams. They are around 300.00 to 400.00 per ...
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| Minerals | 11/29/2006 |
Q: What is the melting point for the mineral APATITE!
A: The only reference I could come up with said 1300 C. As you know Apatite is mostly Calcium. Its ...
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| Jadeit ring | 11/11/2006 |
Q: I bought a jadeit ring in Bejing, from the factory, via the tour bus, for £198. I was very pleased ...
A: I would need to see the quality of your jade to determine the value. As to it breaking those things ...
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| ring with emerald and ruby | 11/11/2006 |
Q: i ve got this ring from 15 years and i D like to know its value. it has an emerald, a ruby and 10 ...
A: To determine its true value it would need to be inspected by a qualified gemologist. He would ...
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| Cutting a tourmaline | 11/8/2006 |
Q: Forgive my ignorance here, as I'm just starting to work with tourmaline. I have purchased a gorgeous ...
A: Sorry for not answering sooner. This the first chance I had to do so. I am currently on the road. ...
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| Wholesale | 10/22/2006 |
Q: I have 2 questions: 1) Approximately how much percentage lower than the rapaport do retail stores ...
A: Part one I will get back to you on. I will ask some of my clients what they pay. Part two I would ...
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| Interested Student in Geology Unit | 10/20/2006 |
Q: My name is Luana, and I'm a student at Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. I have just ...
A: 1. Gemstones are identified by, optical characteristics, color, transparancy and refractive index. ...
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| turquoise rings | 10/7/2006 |
Q: I have several sterling silver turquoise rings that do not fit a certain finger they used to. San ...
A: Yes they can be resized. However if they use their torch they have to be careful. Touquoise is very ...
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| stone to sell | 9/26/2006 |
Q: My parents have inherited a nice stone that they want me to try and sell for them. I’ve never tried ...
A: Sorry for not anwsering sooner. I just now saw your question for the first time. Somehow it got ...
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| Cracked Jade | 9/23/2006 |
Q: I am wearing a jade bracelet that has a visible crack around it. I was hoping I could treat it ...
A: Sorry to hear about your braclet. I really can not think of any thing that could prevent it from ...
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| Polishing shells | 8/23/2006 |
Q: Steven, I have some trocus shells. I have seen some available commercially that are polished to ...
A: You need to use a rough sanding wheel followed by finer and finer grit sanding. Maybe 180 mesh, ...
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| drilling stones | 8/20/2006 |
Q: Steven: I'm a fellow AllExperts member (Sleep Apnea category) who needs your help. My daughter ...
A: What you need is a diamond bit or bits. I would get a 1.8 mm bit to start the hole. If you want it ...
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| gems from Afghanistan | 8/17/2006 |
Q: My husband bought some gems and stones (rubies, emeralds, alexandrite, lapis etc...) during his tour ...
A: I would consider selling them on E-Bay or other online auctions, just set a basement price you will ...
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| Bidz.com | 8/10/2006 |
Q: My wife is excited about Bidz.com, where a person may bid for expensive jewelry and maybe get it for ...
A: I looked at the site just now. It looks on the up an up. The key to it is to be very knowledgable ...
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| How to polish gem stones? | 8/8/2006 |
Q: I went to North Carolina,and stopped by a paning for Gem Stones.I didn't get them polished,so my ...
A: You can purchase a tumbler from a rock shop. It come with instructions. You place the stones and ...
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| end cap for flat cut stone to be used as a pendant | 8/2/2006 |
Q: I did not really want to drill holes because I was afraid I would break the stones in doing so. Can ...
A: What kind of stone do you have? and what exact shape? Are they square, rectangle, round, oval? If ...
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