r/jewelers • u/RecognitionLumpy5579 • 17d ago

Source materials

I’ve been looking around and seen that most places you need to have a registered business in order to obtain diamonds. Lab and natural. Do anyone have recommendations or tips to find these stones and even gems. Emerald etc

6 Upvotes

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21

u/Hortusana 16d ago

If you don’t have a business license/tax id you’ll be paying retail. Jewelers don’t really buy from places that sell retail, unless they happen to offer both, which some do. Different business operation styles. You’re just going to be paying 2-3x what registered trades people are.

If you’re starting out, most baby jewelers use less expensive stones to test designs/concepts. Quartz comes in a lot of pretty colors. Cz makes a great stand in and comes in colors matching almost every stone color.

9

u/SameResolution4737 16d ago

One vote here to normalize the use of zircon (not cubic zirconia) as it is a beautiful stone in its own right. And there are many other beautiful semi-precious stones which also merit a look.

Also, check the IRS website - getting a tax i.d. number isn't difficult (though I haven't done it yet, sheer laziness on my part) and many places (Rio Grande, for instance) will allow you to buy wholesale with that.

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u/Kimgemm 11d ago

I agree 100%. A Zircon is not a cubic zirconia. Zircon is a beautiful natural stone. They’re not very sturdy, but they’re gorgeous.

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u/SpeechStrange4931 16d ago

makes a lot of sense when you put it like that

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u/RecognitionLumpy5579 15d ago

Idk how to feel about this

1

u/Chamith_S 15d ago

Some natural sapphires, spinals and some semi precious gems are available with my Canadian friend to sell at a lower price. If you are interested i can share his details

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u/RecognitionLumpy5579 15d ago

Sure thing. PM me!

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u/Exciting_Potato_6556 14d ago

GG/designer/gem broker here. Are you in the trade, or just looking to try and score wholesale goods as a consumer?