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lucy81
08-11-2009, 10:10 PM
Does anyone know where you can buy rough gemstones ie not faceted?

:ta:

Di Sandland
08-11-2009, 10:20 PM
Lucy - do you mean unfaceted and unpolished (i.e. like they were dug up) or do you mean polished but not faceted?

Sorry to be so pedantic, but it makes the difference between being able to help you and not ;)

lucy81
08-11-2009, 10:32 PM
I have ideas for two different projects that would require each type

Di Sandland
08-11-2009, 10:41 PM
Okay:

The Great Big Bead Shop (http://shop.thegreatbigbeadshop.co.uk/gemstone-beads-1-c.asp)
Precious Sparkle Beads (http://www.precioussparklebeads.co.uk/)
Sandstones (http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/)
Semiprecious Beads (http://www.semipreciousbeads.co.uk/)
The Curious Gem (http://thecuriousgem.co.uk/)

All of these do polished but unfaceted beads - so nuggets, slabs, rondelles etc. I don't buy gemstones in the rough but try putting lapidiary into Google.

By the way, the links aren't in any sort of order! FWIW my faves are Semiprecious Beads and The Curious Gem.

SilverBlueberry
09-11-2009, 07:21 AM
The Curious Gem IS nice! :)

AlexandraBuckle
09-11-2009, 09:33 AM
Yep, Curious Gem is good :Y:

mizgeorge
09-11-2009, 09:39 AM
Lucy, are you after beads or undrilled stones for setting? If it's the latter, you might want to try somewhere like Manchester Minerals, or any other lapidary supplier.

Gemma
09-11-2009, 10:11 AM
Kernowcraft (http://www.kernowcraft.com/products/crystals-minerals/minerals-crystals/) have some bits.
Link for manchester minerals (http://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk/acatalog/Rough_Rock.html)

lilacmonkey
09-11-2009, 07:35 PM
i have bought rough from dare i say it.

Opal Plus - Black Opals, Boulder Opals, White Opals, Triplets and Doublets (http://www.opalplus.com/)

look for thier sister site

Gem Rock Auctions: Gemstones at Wholesale Prices (http://www.gemrockauctions.com/)

its a very very bad place.
it will make you spend loads lol.
postage seems to take less time from oz then ordering something
from the uk for some reason.

stug

Lindyloo
09-11-2009, 08:56 PM
Did someone mention boulder opals? Quick, hide my wallet!

lilacmonkey
09-11-2009, 09:04 PM
Did someone mention boulder opals? Quick, hide my wallet!

you can hide in my back pocket if you like lol

Lindyloo
09-11-2009, 09:23 PM
Yes, but will it be safe there?

lilacmonkey
10-11-2009, 04:40 PM
no not at all.:):):):D