The Inside Scoop

AUCTION HOUSE GRAND OPENING!!!
AUCTION HOUSE GRAND OPENING!!!
INTRODUCING THE AUCTION HOUSE!    Welcome to our newest innovation: The Auction House – an exciting way to buy and collect.  I didn’t realize this until Facebook showed a memory but... Read More
WE BUY FACET ROUGH COLLECTIONS!
WE BUY FACET ROUGH COLLECTIONS!
Everything from exceptional singles to entire collections.  Since no expensive international travel is required, we are able to pay top dollar. We of course need to inspect items in-hand, so... Read More
Just Say: Start A Box!
Just Say: Start A Box!
Did you know that folks who have boxes with us receive their own personalized promo code so that they get free shipping after their first order from our website?⁠⁠Well, it's... Read More
Giving Back - How We Are Helping In Myanmar
Giving Back - How We Are Helping In Myanmar
      The donation has been made from our last auction to benefit the surviving families of the Hpakant jade mine disaster of July 2, 2020 in which 174... Read More
Alluvial vs. Primary
Alluvial vs. Primary
If you're new to buying rough-like we all were at some point- then it's important to know the difference between "primary" and "alluvial." The mineral solutions that come together and produce... Read More
The Inside Scoop
The Inside Scoop
This pile of stones is affectionately called "Tunduru Mix" because this is how they come when mined in the Tunduru area of Tanzania. They are literally all found together in... Read More
Managing an inventory in the age of Covid ……it’s a challenge. ⁠
Managing an inventory in the age of Covid ……it’s a challenge. ⁠
Our customers know that we offer a diverse and affordable selection of rough.  I love nothing more than diving head first into our inventory and arranging a palette of gems... Read More
The Heating Process of Cambodian Zircon
The Heating Process of Cambodian Zircon
⁠⠀ Here's something interesting!⁠⠀⁠⠀These 3 stones are all the same thing- Cambodian Zircon⁠⠀The stone on the left is how they look out of the ground - a dark coffee color... Read More
Major Discovery!
Major Discovery!
Becoming a sudden millionaire. Just this week, these 2 gigantic pieces of Tanzanite were found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in a mine owned by the Maasai (Pictured). They... Read More
New Arrival - Top Color London Blue!
New Arrival - Top Color London Blue!
It seems like we've been waiting forever to restock our most popular color of Topaz- Top color London Blue!⁠⠀⁠⠀Why is this so hard to source? One reason is the time... Read More
Moving Forward!
Moving Forward!
It’s been almost five years since I decided to sell my first piece of rough. Moving from the couch to the kitchen table to an unfinished garage to a remodeled... Read More
Introducing Sara Trotman Assistant Extraordinaire
Introducing Sara Trotman Assistant Extraordinaire
Sara is our newest and most valuable gem. She is a gem cutter and rough enthusiast and we are lucky to have her on our team. She is mostly working... Read More