Buying rough colombian emeralds

[dnilson]

I found an auction site for gemstones. Most of them are garbage. However, there are some good stones and good sellers. There is a lot of rough, supposedly colombian, emeralds. Total weight is over 100 carats. I tried to post a pic, but couldn't figure out how to do it. I was able to download a pic onto my computer, but I couldn't load it onto this post...yes, I tried the "upload attachment" feature. So far no one has bid on them, but they're only around $30 bucks. The lot is composed of 5 large pieces, very dark green. Also, the seller will allow extra time for returns if you want to get them looked at. I know a very good, certified gemologist appraiser (AGS member) that I could take them to. He sells only very high end emeralds, so I'm sure he would be able to evaluate them. Does anyone here buy rough? It's so little cash, that I wouldn't be out that much and they have a very good return policy and a very high rating (5 years on the auction site, with a 99.8% approval rating). However, I also know that you get what you pay for, so I'm very hesitant to buy them. Any thoughts?

 

[Roger Dery]

I found an auction site for gemstones. Most of them are garbage. However, there are some good stones and good sellers. There is a lot of rough, supposedly colombian, emeralds. Total weight is over 100 carats. I tried to post a pic, but couldn't figure out how to do it. I was able to download a pic onto my computer, but I couldn't load it onto this post...yes, I tried the "upload attachment" feature. So far no one has bid on them, but they're only around $30 bucks. The lot is composed of 5 large pieces, very dark green. Also, the seller will allow extra time for returns if you want to get them looked at. I know a very good, certified gemologist (AGI member) that I could take them to. He sells only very high end emeralds, so I'm sure he would be able to evaluate them. Does anyone here buy rough? It's so little cash, that I wouldn't be out that much and they have a very good return policy and a very high rating (5 years on the auction site, with a 99.8% approval rating). However, I also know that you get what you pay for, so I'm very hesitant to buy them. Any thoughts?

dnilson,
please pardon me for what may be the obvious..... but if they were really fine goods, why aren't all the lapidaries jumping all over this fantastic opportunity? I'm sure there is a simple answer, but I don't have it. I truly wish you success in working through what they have to offer.

 

[dnilson]

I couldn't agree more. I guess what I should have asked is, what is the going rate for high quality rough? I'm sure it's expensive to cut and polish the rough, plus all the mark ups from traders and dealers, etc. So does anyone know what the average is (price per carat - rough) for high quality emeralds?

On another topic, what's the best type of certification to have for emeralds? AGS platinum?

 

[Roger Dery]

I couldn't agree more. I guess what I should have asked is, what is the going rate for high quality rough? I'm sure it's expensive to cut and polish the rough, plus all the mark ups from traders and dealers, etc. So does anyone know what the average is (price per carat - rough) for high quality emeralds?

dnilson,
- cutting and polishing from rough [in developing nations] is not expensive at all

- cutting and polishing in north America, Europe or other developed nations could be considered expensive (depending on one's point of view)

- mark-ups vary depending on the "level" from which you are purchasing. As an example, buying in the source country, at or in the local marketplace, using known and experienced local entities as brokers, in real volume, in parcels without selecting, paying in cash, mark ups would be considered low. Of course everything else is above this level.

- as for how much does high quality rough go for.... let's choose an example. Roughs averaging over 4cts and under 5cts in weight, medium toned, rich green, no yellow, subtle blue, VS clarity (using GIA scale for a Type III gemstone) and has not been treated yet. Buying in Bogota, selecting one piece at a time, from known and experienced entities (of which you would have to be one as well), figure about $550 to $700 per carat (and this is untreated and uncut goods).

Is this what you are looking for?

 

[minousbijoux]

Roger has given you great information. In addition, you might want to do a search here for terms like "buying rough" or "cutting rough" because I know there have been several threads devoted to the topic in my relatively short time here...

 

[dnilson]

Thanks so much for the information!!! I had one other question, what's the consensus regarding an online vendor named "GemSelect"? They seem to have some great prices. They have a BEAUTIFUL 2 ctw, dark green, richly saturated, colombian pear shaped stone, that's moderately included, but brilliant, for around $1500. But I also know that you almost always get what you pay for.

I still can't figure out how to load pics! I go to "upload attachment", find the file, then hit "add the file", but it never works!?!?!? Could someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong.

 

[chrono]

I couldn't agree more. I guess what I should have asked is, what is the going rate for high quality rough? I'm sure it's expensive to cut and polish the rough, plus all the mark ups from traders and dealers, etc. So does anyone know what the average is (price per carat - rough) for high quality emeralds? On another topic, what's the best type of certification to have for emeralds? AGS platinum?

The key question is this - how do YOU define high quality rough? Are you experienced enough to be able to different the good from the bad? How do you know it isn't some other rough masquerading as emerald?

To post pictures:
Post a reply, then click the tab that says "Upload Attachment" further down the page.
Where it says "Filename" click "Browse." From here, go to your own files to navigate to wherever you store your picture.
Double click on the photo you want to upload. The path should appear in the "Filename" blank.
Click "Add the file." Your photo's title will appear under the area where you write.
Click Submit when you're done writing.

Make sure the filename does not contain symbols, dashes or slashes, etc.
Make sure the file isn't over 1MB (not too large).

 

[T L]

Emerald rough is best seen in person to properly evaluate.

Ronald Ringsrud, one of the foremost authorities/dealers on emeralds, travels personally to Columbia for all his rough. You need to view it through both axes, and you can also assess if its treated as well. Most emerald rough is treated prior to cutting.

Synthetic emerald crystals can look natural to a novice, so beware of that as well.

 

[pregcurious]

- as for how much does high quality rough go for.... let's choose an example. Roughs averaging over 4cts and under 5cts in weight, medium toned, rich green, no yellow, subtle blue, VS clarity (using GIA scale for a Type III gemstone) and has not been treated yet. Buying in Bogota, selecting one piece at a time, from known and experienced entities (of which you would have to be one as well), figure about $550 to $700 per carat (and this is untreated and uncut goods).

Roger, how does the GIA scale for a Type III gemstone (VVS, VS, SI, I2, I3 http://www.jewelcutter.com/articles/gia_grading.htm) compare with AGL's scale (http://www.preciousgemstones.com/AGLCERT.HTML)? Links are provided for novices like me.

 

[Roger Dery]

Roger, how does the GIA scale for a Type III gemstone (VVS, VS, SI, I2, I3 http://www.jewelcutter.com/articles/gia_grading.htm) compare with AGL's scale (http://www.preciousgemstones.com/AGLCERT.HTML)? Links are provided for novices like me.

Thank you for writing.

I am sorry to report I don't have much experience or expertise with the AGL sytem. Even though the AGL scale may be easier on the mind, it is the GIA scale that is most readily used within the colored gem trade. And so, for me, and just about everyone that I have ever traded with in the US or CA, it is the GIA scale that is used.

I apologize to the originator, Cap Beesley, and Chris Smith for not giving their creation even footing with GIA. But traders need a common ground, and GIA provides it. That being said, if I need a detailed lab report, it is AGL I would use.

 

[dansmm]

I have come across a rough emerald specimen whilst going through my Grandmother's things who once lived in Colombia in the 50's - so guessing it is of Colombian origin. Trying to work out wether it holds much value. It is basically half a golf ball sized 'clump' of lots of gemstones with what seem to me to be of quite good clarity and colour with a handful of the stones being of a noticeable size - Just wondering if anyone is able to help? Any advice on value, getting a professional evaluation and possibly how and to who it could be sold to, would be very much appreciated. Will try to post a picture herewith...

 

[ephsea]

Dansmm, you should start a new topic for this piece. It definitely has value, whether as a specimen or cut gem - the color is amazing! The experts here (not me!) are going to want more pics of the larger crystals coming off the top of the piece.

 

[chrono]

It looks to have more value as it is (a specimen) rather than something to be faceted. I'm not sure who deals mineral evaluations but I would suggest the other gemmological forum.

 

[LoversKites]

I love the colour of the specimen.

 

[minousbijoux]

Funny how there are specimen junkies and cut stone junkies - sometimes they overlap, and sometimes (my case) they don't. While I'm sure Chrono is correct about its value as a specimen, I would love a Roger Dery, Stephen Kotlowski or "Maialetto" to get their hands on it...