Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 3:29 pm Posts: 35 Location: United Kingdom
Hello all.
I thought I would introduce myself, as this will probably be the first forum in my entire internet fed life that I will consistently post on.
I won't bore you with too many details, but I would like to say a few things about myself. I don't really know why, but I have followed this forum for a while, and have to say that I am thoroughly impressed at such an emporium of knowledge.
I am starting the Gem-A foundation course for coloured stones in March, distance learning as I have bills to pay. I live close to london, near a town called Cambridge. For the past year I have struggled to supply gemstones bought from Sri Lanka. I have made a few sales here and there, Hatton Garden, and a few local jewellers. Also have had made, in Sri Lanka, a couple of rings and sold them. And my fiancée's engagment ring, Oval Sapphire in a simple claw setting and 18ct gold. And a 6.5 ct jungle green zircon necklace, with what I have been told is 22ct gold. Must have been good, took it to R Holts and they offered me 50% profit straight up for it, but obviously can't sell. Will post pictures for those interested.
Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:24 am Posts: 7523 Location: Rome, Italy
Hi Kaltgoulash and WELCOME to the forum!!!! best wishes for your Gem-A course, i'm pretty sure you could find Gemologyonline VERY useful!! ciao alberto
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 3:29 pm Posts: 35 Location: United Kingdom
Thankyou very much. Its nice to see such active admins on board also.
I do have a question. Does anyone know of any auctions that I would be able to sell, in one lot, about 35 gems and around 100 pieces of opal?
I searched on the web and found nothing really, just Bonhams. So called them, one lady told me they sell loose stones all the time, but when put through to the jewellery department, and asked to arrange a valuation, they told me they don't really deal in this kind of thing as there is no market. Really! Only the odd diamond or two.
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
If you look at the past catalogs for Bonham's Natural History Auctions, you will see that they feature high end curiosities. Without knowing specifically what you have to sell it is impossible to speculate on the reaction. Perhaps you got the wrong department...you want Natural History, not jewellery.
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:06 am Posts: 418 Location: uk
Hi Kaltgoulash Welcome Seems like you you are doing OK Best of luck with Gem A Bonhams is the only auction i can think of,they do lots of specialized auctions, as Barbra says look at the past catalogs
Joined: Sat Feb 16, 2008 8:11 pm Posts: 43 Location: Portland, Oregon
Hi Kaltgoulash,
Regarding auctions- they're probably not the right area to sell gemstones at unless you have something truly unique and world class. In order to be successful at an auction, you need at least two bidders to get into a bidding war over something they really want- I think the chances of two gem-crazed jewelers or educated gem-consumers at any auction is slim... Chances are that if the jewelers you sell to don't want it- neither will the auctions want it.
If you have something rare, e-bay is about as good as you can get from an auction. Here in the states, they take about 15% from the sale... the auction houses (in the US) often take 30%.
Anyway, all this is on the assumption that you have nice gems but not truly unique and rare gems. Maybe I'm wrong? good luck and welcome to the forum:-)
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:06 am Posts: 418 Location: uk
Hi I agree with Empyrean. The auction houses are not the place to sell loose gem stones. Not unless they have some kind of history or pedigree, and they would need to be in the right specialized acution There is e-bay You are in a good part of the UK and close to London, you need to get connections with designer Jewellers. As I said you seem to be doing ok, made a good start And You have the connection to Gem-A Best of luck
Your best bet according to me is Hatton Garden and then Birmingham Jewellery industry. Go to Hatton Garden for a couple days, call and take appointments from jewellers there in advance. There are many designers in London, search the lists on internet, call them and take appointments from them too. It'll work, atleast you can give it a try
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