Hey Folks,  the world of gemstones is pretty much broken up into 3 categories 1) diamonds 2) colored stones (ruby, sapphire, emerald, opals, topaz, etc. formerly called "precious stones") and 3) EVERYTHING ELSE (formerly semi-precious like turquoise & lapis, but including agates & jaspers)!  I've certainly never cut diamonds and most all of my work has always been in category #3, of everything else.   I do occassionally dabble in "specimen grade" colored and precious stones.   A lot of times these "lesser quality" stones will still have unusual features or stellar optical qualities that make them stand out.  While they may not be considered "gem" quality, they are still genuine gemstones and lend the color, the look, cache', and the metaphysical properties of the higher quality gems. 

A stone like this kyanite has incredible schiller and irridescent optical phenomena that make up for the fact that it's included.  Moving it around in the light it flashes like a cats eye or labradorite (although those are caused by other optical phenomena) I used some rough kyanite from Tanzania for this piece, weight is 323 cts   When I was in Tucson this year I also got some "specimen grade" crystals of genuine emerald.  I'm not sure if they were from Brazil or Colombia, but it's nice to be able to cut a 100ct solid emerald bead.  Emerald is the birthstone for May  

I was also able to get just TWO pieces of specimen grade Tanzanite that I was able to cut centerpiece beads out of.  This 67 ct tanzanite shows the classic blue color of the famous gem and the iris inclusions in the stone create a rainbow effect and schiller, or play of light, in the stone when it is moved around.  Certainly not "gem" quality, but still a lovely and big tanzanite.  Nearly ALL tanzanite is heat treated to enhance the color.  I can't get larger pieces of this rough anymore because it virtually all goes from Tanzania to the gem carvers in Idar Oberstein, Germany.   

I've ALWAYS had a soft spot for opals, but it's nearly impossible to get a reasonable price on rough that makes it worthwhile to cut.  Lots of cutters specialize in opals, so I just dabble and tend to make beads out of mine.   This is a simple Australian opal that is basically a low domed cab on both sides with a 1.5mm drill hole.  Lovely green, pink, and yellow pin fire and flash is very hard to photograph.... and finally there's this sweet little Mexican opal bead that I made and listed as a no reserve, 99 cent auction closing on Sunday...

So while many jewelers wouldn't consider these stones gem quality, they are gemmier gems than what I usually cut and great opportunities for the gem collector on a budget to own a piece of the "real" thing!