[Source] White Aquamarine

Some of you folks may wish to re-phrase the term “Mall” jeweler to
perhaps “mass merchandiser or chain store”. Some people may take
offense. I, as one of many small independant guild jewelers are
situated in a mall location and am happy to be. At least I’m not
selling out of my car trunk…

Jeff Kaiser, CGA

Hey all of you,

Talking about prices for stones,I buy my stones from a lady who lives
in Germany but her roots are in Brazil.Now the funny part is,If I
purchase those stones from the local dealer in Brazil,I have to pay
more then I would pay to the lady here in Germany. I looked for a fair
explanation and guess what …she is an insider and I’m not.That’s
how funny bussiness can be.

Regards Pedro
Palonso@t-online.de

I am confused. I thought the red beryl was called simply “red
tabular beryl” after its’ form. The black cubes from the area are
called bixbyite. I collected there more than 20 years ago and my
remembered names may be wrong. Steve Ramsdell

Hi Group,

Although I would never call it White Aquamarine, we have a very good
stock of bright, well cut goshenite. These range from 2 mm accent
stones to VERY large ovals. Prices are good and the checkerboard-cut
adds considerable brilliance.

TOM (OWL1)
owl1@postoffice.ptd.net
http://www.owlservices.com

m, I buy most of my stones from Stuller and their prices are
certainly not the lowest in the industry. However, I’ve always
received very good quality stones from them with excellent color.
Checking their Aquamarine prices for the size stones you specified,
you could have saved about 25% through Stuller. On the other hand,
maybe the stones you bought were of exceptional color and worth every
penny you paid. It would be hard to say without a direct comparison.
I know for myself, it’s difficult and time consuming to pick and
choose from different vendors trying to find the best price. How
much time are you expected to waste shopping around and dealing in the
unknown? Am I failing to acknowledge my responsibility to the customer
here? Therefore, I have been staying with a vender I trust and who
are consistent in their quality. I know we all should have second and
third sources. I also would like to hear from others who found
reliable dealers in faceted gemstones that are consistent in their
quality and offer fair prices. Anyone?

Charles Heick

Jeff, I agree,I work in a chain store and I do custom work out of my
location I have met many talented artists that have decided to work
in a mall environment.I have chosen that path because I like to feed
my family and pay the bills.There are good and bad in every working
situation.Jeweler to auto mechanics.Generalizing is never good. J Morley Coyote Ridge Studio

Steve, there is Bixbite and there is Bixbyite, not to be confused
with each other. Yes, Bixbyite is a black, metallic luster Manganese
Iron Oxide with a cubic crystal structure found in Utah.

Bixbite is an old, unflattering name for Red Beryl which is also
found in Utah in the Wah Wah Mountains. Beryl is Beryllium Aluminum
Silicate with a hexagonal crystal structure. And yes, both Bixbyite
and Bixbite occur together, both are rare and both are found in Utah.

As in chemistry, one additional letter in a name can make a big
difference with the substance you are dealing with. I find it most
difficult to remember such subtle differences in spelling. But then,
that’s why we have reference books to make life easier.

Charles Heick