small stones

[lavatea]

I am considering doing a stacking ring project for my pinky finger, so I'm wanting tiny stones. I'd like them to be in the 3-5 mm range. I'm looking for different varieties and shapes.

Do any of our favorite PS vendors carry smaller stones? I know most of them won't custom cut stones in this size range. I want color first (and since we're talking teeny stones, the more saturated the better) but am somewhat picky about cut. I do realize in smaller sizes cut and clarity aren't as big of an issue.

Bob Kast seems to have good prices and smaller stones. What is the opinion about his stones/cutting? I'm open to buying from Tan, but I feel like I have a hard time finding good stones from him. Some of you have had great luck, but when I browse through I get really nervous. I guess because I'm still working on my "eye".

This is an ongoing, long-term type project so I can take my time, but I am getting antsy to start.

Stones I'm looking for (all untreated):
ruby
peridot
citrine
aquamarine
alexandrite

 

[chrono]

Yes, most vendors do, so you only need to ask; many stones are not listed on their websites. Unfortunately, the smaller the stone, the more difficult it is to find very saturated stones because the light path is much shorter. Bob cuts very well and carries both good and not so nice stones so you’ll have to weed them out yourself. On the plus side, his pricing is very competitive.

 

[ooo~Shiney!]

Yes, most vendors do, so you only need to ask; many stones are not listed on their websites. Unfortunately, the smaller the stone, the more difficult it is to find very saturated stones because the light path is much shorter. Bob cuts very well and carries both good and not so nice stones so you’ll have to weed them out yourself. On the plus side, his pricing is very competitive.

On the minus side, hope you hear back from him sooner than I did, nuff said....

 

[chrono]

True, he’s one of the slowest communicators I’ve come across.

 

[cemrn]

I browse Dan Stairs site and he seems to have some 5mm stones but I haven't seen any 3mm

 

[Lady_Disdain]

The Gem Trader has all sorts of tiny, unusual and gorgeous stones (but check if the more unusual aren´t just collector´s stobes)

Multicolour has a good selection of small stones, but the cutting sometimes leaves something to be desired.

Osiris has a lot of small stones on auction right now and some are very nice.

Dana often has small lots, as does Litnon.

 

[lavatea]

Thanks for the tip on Osiris. I just spent a lot of time going through the ebay listings, lol.

 

[jstarfireb]

I am a huge fan of small stones and have gotten 3-5mm stones from the following vendors:

The Gem Trader
Dutton's Diamonds (diamondexpert.com)
Barry Bridgestock
Dan Stair
D&J Rare Gems