I know of only a couple of places (two or three), online and here in the city (NYC), but I see amazing stones in some of your works that I have not seen anywhere. What's your source or sources for [very] high quality gemstones? I would love to see responses from Magdalena and Iza since they use many different kinds gemstones in their artworks. Of course, everyone's response is equally welcome! It would also be helpful to know of all the sources you know of and maybe a little review about their offerings. I'm sure other people (newbies) are wondering... Many, many thanks!!

while I use very few genstones, I use a huge amount of pearls. the only place I will buy them is at the Gem Faire  show. the quality and prices can not compare to anything I've seen online.

I would also like to know if i am missing some good suppliers. I live in a smaller town I have one bead store that isn't that great and although I am only a few hours away from NYC or Philly, I can not really afford to drive there on a whim when i need a specific type of bead. I have been shopping on Etsy lately online. Does anyone want to share there favorite online spots?

I am in the process of searching out places to purchase gems as well.  I am considering oredering the Rio Grande catalogue, just to see what they offer.  The only place I have ever ordered from was Fire Mountain.  I was happy with the order.  The gems may not the type you were referring to.

I am interested to hear what some of the veteransa have to say :)

I go with a friend to the Tucson show and I also go to a wholesale store to buy my stones. I have gone to local gem and mineral sales from lapidary clubs for cabs and such. Some of these old guys have wonderful stuff for sale at reasonable prices.

 I have to toot my own horn here because gemstone beads are a specialty at Rings & Things.

We work directly with cutters in China and India. We carry a variety of shapes and stones, mostly in good quality (very few super quality/expensive) at reasonable prices. Most are on line and in our catalog. At our trunk shows you can find a lot of less common shapes and stones and smaller hanks of one time buys - all for cash and carry so you can hand select your strands.

 Other gemstone suppliers I can suggest  include Rio Grande, Joseph P. Stachura Co, Earthstone.com, Wondersource in NYC, Phoenix in NYC and Jewelweaver.

 

If you like opals (I think they're the most beautiful gemstone) then I'd have to suggest my website: http://www.blackopalworld.com/

 You can find beautiful top quality black opals from $50 to $4000

It's worth having a look.

 

Miklos
 

 Opals are beautiful but too pricey for me does any one have a good distributor for quality gemstone cabs

I can suggest a bit pricy way to find your stone dealer - go to Tucson Gem Show, you'll me many dealers, compare prices, see what is out there. According to many jewelers it is an amazing experience.

Cath, I know there are some links over at the network forum...

What are you looking for? Designer cut? Generic shapes? Calibrated or not?

I am presuming you are looking for non-faceted cabs......yes?

(Cath - here is one thread there that is stickied - its a list of suppliers: http://www.doxallo.com/forum/index.php?topic=572.msg5052#msg5052)

Hi :) I buy beads on Etsy and Ebay. There also some nice online shops here in Poland, one of them is run by a friend of mine and when she orders some beads from all around the world I sometimes ask her to get something for me. I don't like buying whole strands of beads unless these are some tiny faceted rondelles or rounds. This is why I often buy on Etsy - some Etsians have really gorgeous gemstones and often sell half of a strand of something they did not use in their works.

I recommend Rings and Things to my students and consistently get rave reviews. Check out their trunk shows!  Also, check out bead shows -- you can look at the beads, hold them in your hand, and ask the vendors plenty of questions. 

Ditto to all the other links....maybe this would be helpful to you also

http://www.guidetobeadwork.com/localstores/states/NY.cty.html