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A way to display my loose gems?

rparker1998

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
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433
I'd think one with a glass top would remain in better condition longer than acrylic.
 
Acrylic gem jars in foam holders are a pretty standard display option. The case you choose to put that insert in is up to you. :)
 
Where could I find one with a glass top that isn't going to be super expensive and or heavy? I'm thinking of making a trio of wall mountings displaying the different stones.....
 
I've ordered a few things from Rio Grande and been satisfied. They're pretty quick to ship things too.
 
rparker, how many gems do you want to display? For something wall mounted, I don't think a glass-topped box would be too heavy - certainly no more than a standard picture frame. I've seen people use Riker mount display boxes on their wall - they don't have individual gem boxes, but they're available in a variety of sizes. My only concern is that if you display them vertically, the gems might slip - you may have to add a layer of cardboard under the cotton batting for a tighter fit. You can use the included pins or purchase C-clamps to secure the lids.

Here's a link to those boxes at RioGrande - sorry I couldn't save and post the pic: http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... 3539=riker

I've purchased from Rio Grande several times - not the fastest shipping (I'm nearly cross-country from them), but I've been pleased with their service.

However, if you decide to go with those boxes, jemco has them for a little cheaper: http://www.jemcousa.com/10Browse.asp?Ca ... ne%20cases

I'd love to see your finished display - hope you post pics!
 
I've used Rio Grande before. I prefer the glass topped lids. Those plastic ones are good for softer gems though.
 
Where are you going to keep it. I take my 'precious' to faceting club meetings and around. So I went with the black cardboard top as it masks what I have during transport. Security through obsurity is not security, but it is better than nothing.

I would also buy some individual black jars. While the break the 'look', you will have gems eventually that show better on black. I have at least 3 novelty cuts that show better on black (a cat, a ribbon, and a really small cat on spinel.)
 
I don't like those round plastic gem jars. The top clear lid gets scratched easily, and many of them one you open them a few times, the tops never stay on. I much prefer the square white jars with the glass on the lid. They only cost a bit more, you can buy them the same place, and they tops are much more secure, the stones look better in them, and they don't scratch all up.
 
If you have loose diamonds in there, they will scratch the glass lid. I do agree that they are harder to scratch than the plastic jars. For gems that are under 7 on the Moh's scale, I would be concerned about using a glass lid. Sphene, tanzanite, apatite, and other gems that are very soft, would be best kept in plastic containers IMO. I know one guy that only keeps his collection of cuprite in plastic gem jars. I use both.
 
I have that exact case, but in black. I am not too impressed, as the cardboard just feels flimsy and I prefer the glass top square jars I used before. So I am still looking for the perfect solution, as having a lot of loose boxes was not nice either.
 
The Gembox posted http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... 3539=riker is exactly what I was thinking, but it seems like it's not a very good option, as it appears to be poorly constructed based on reviews.

I have about 50+ stones I'd like to display, and I'd like to be able to put name tags under them - think like you see in a science project almost. LOL.....

If I come up with a viable solution, i'll be sure to post pictures and will continue to follow this thread.

I too have trouble with the all clear gemcases, that have the little plastic in the center so the stones appear to float - they never stay closed after opening them a couple of times...
 
Wall mountings - sounds pretty but I'd be too afraid if I ever got my house broken into all those stones that took years of looking and searching - poof, too easily gone.
 
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