Crystal/Rough Sellers?

[SouthernSunset]

I have a friend that asked my help for her own stone/shopping adventures. She really enjoys them more earthy style of jewelry. The sort of thing like rock, twine, rough sort of style. She's interested in birthstones too though, and would like to have that rock/crystal look. She does also enjoy the polished stone like turquoise/amber and the like, and if she didn't have rough/crystal like something along those lines.

Anyone know where to get that sort of thing?

If she were to buy rough for sapphire, moonstone, aquamarine, topaz and want to use the unfaceted crystal how could she go about doing that?

Would you recommend completed pieces or buying crystal separate?

Which stones would absolutely not be fit for that kind of wear?

Similar to above, which would be okay to wear but not for children/teens as she wants to get some for all her kids.

Thanks so much for any advice/help!

 

[minousbijoux]

Sellers of that sort of thing are prevalent. Facebook has tons of jewelry groups that cater to that type of thing, as does Etsy. I'm sure if your friend spent a little time web surfing she would see a lot of options and have a clear idea of what she is looking for.

 

[VapidLapid]

http://www.danweinrich.com/index.php

http://www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com/

 

[Starzin]

Good advice and links above by Minou and VL.

Another think to think about is who is going to set these, or does she want to buy them already set? To set a stone she buys she will need either a jeweller or a someone who works with wire - wireworker.

Etsy is a great place to get your (friend's) feet wet and can be very inexpensive start for either buying the rough, cabochons or completed pieces - have a look around!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RyanQuantzStudios

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparklequest?section_id=6353482&ref=shopsection_leftnav_9

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EponaJewels?ref=exp_listing

Wirework - http://www.etsy.com/search?q=wire work jewelry&view_type=gallery&ship_to=ZZ&ref=auto4

I don't know anything about this site but followed a link to the chart which might help sort the kinds of stones.
http://luzialight.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/using-crystals-for-healing-and-feeling-great/

Even pottery http://www.etsy.com/shop/elementspottery

Also check out http://www.mineralminers.com/index.htm

 

[FrekeChild]

This woman's work is very popular in New Mexico, with three retail stores. She has jewelry all over the country though, usually in boutique type stores. The Aquamarines especially, are very beautiful.

http://www.lillybarrack.com/

 

[minousbijoux]

Ooh, her stuff is pretty Freke. I was thinking the OP meant even more...organic? Like this maybe:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/167078894/wire-wrapped-pearl-and-copper-earrings?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=wire+wrapped+jewelry+handmade&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=handmade

or this:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/173304582/wire-wrapped-jewelry-handmade-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_10

http://www.etsy.com/listing/158200303/wire-wrapped-jewelry-handmade-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=wire+wrapped+jewelry+handmade&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=handmade

or this:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/176285237/blue-druzy-necklace-titanium-druzy?ref=shop_home_active_8

http://www.etsy.com/listing/175075809/wire-wrapped-earrings-silver-moonstone?ref=shop_home_active_15

OP: in case any of these are remotely what your friend seeks, they are all over etsy!