UK Semi precious gem (cabochon) supplier? Help Pls!

Hi,

I've recently become involved in making hand made jewellery (girlfriend
doing a course) and we're having trouble finding a reputable and
reliable supplier of semi precious gems. I'm looking for things such as
Flourite, Henakite, Lapis, Malachite, Carnelian etc.

There doesnt seem to be much of a problem if I want precious gems
(Diamonds etc) as these are in abundance on google ;-)

At the moment we have a supplier, but things often take a couple weeks
or so to arrive and are rarely the same size for two stones.

Does anyone know of a good UK supplier that they'd be willing to
share???

For an idea of the size stones I'm after see our site (
http://www.pennyserenade.com ) Basically ranging from 5mm to 50mm - as
long as they can be quick delivery, large selection and regular sizes!
Thanks,

Mal

Malcx wrote:
Hi,

I've recently become involved in making hand made jewellery (girlfriend
doing a course) and we're having trouble finding a reputable and
reliable supplier of semi precious gems. I'm looking for things such as
Flourite, Henakite, Lapis, Malachite, Carnelian etc.

There doesnt seem to be much of a problem if I want precious gems
(Diamonds etc) as these are in abundance on google ;-)

At the moment we have a supplier, but things often take a couple weeks
or so to arrive and are rarely the same size for two stones.

Does anyone know of a good UK supplier that they'd be willing to
share???

For an idea of the size stones I'm after see our site (
http://www.pennyserenade.com ) Basically ranging from 5mm to 50mm - as
long as they can be quick delivery, large selection and regular sizes!
Thanks,

Mal

This is not quite the answer you requested, but I think its the best one
in the long run. Each year in early February the Birmingham Exhibition
Centre holds a huge event called the Spring Fair. One subsection is
devoted to jewellery - tools, components, stones, finished goods etc.
There are always a number of stone dealers and you can get to know the
types and prices available.
Contact me offline if you want more details.

--

Regards, Gary Wooding
(To reply by email, change feet to foot in my address)

If you use google to search for semi-precious beads or the link you'll get
loads of hits. I know www.beads.co.uk sells lots of cabs, but I've had poor
customer service from them in the past so I'm not sure I recommend them.

Charlie.

"Malcx" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I've recently become involved in making hand made jewellery (girlfriend
doing a course) and we're having trouble finding a reputable and
reliable supplier of semi precious gems. I'm looking for things such as
Flourite, Henakite, Lapis, Malachite, Carnelian etc.

There doesnt seem to be much of a problem if I want precious gems
(Diamonds etc) as these are in abundance on google ;-)

At the moment we have a supplier, but things often take a couple weeks
or so to arrive and are rarely the same size for two stones.

Does anyone know of a good UK supplier that they'd be willing to
share???

For an idea of the size stones I'm after see our site (
http://www.pennyserenade.com ) Basically ranging from 5mm to 50mm - as
long as they can be quick delivery, large selection and regular sizes!
Thanks,

Mal

"Wooding" wrote in message
...


This is not quite the answer you requested, but I think its the best one
in the long run. Each year in early February the Birmingham Exhibition
Centre holds a huge event called the Spring Fair. One subsection is
devoted to jewellery - tools, components, stones, finished goods etc.
There are always a number of stone dealers and you can get to know the
types and prices available.
Contact me offline if you want more details.

Plus at Spring Fair you'll find a number of foreign stone dealers who sell
direct off the stand at knock down prices.

Also I have dealt with 'Thai Jems' off the net ( http://thaigem.com/ ), but
there's a time lag while the stuff is in the post.

--
William Black

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe
Barbeques on fire by chalets past the headland
I've watched the gift shops glitter in the darkness off Newborough
All this will pass like ice-cream on the beach
Time for tea

Thanks for your responses guys!

William, thaigem seem to be quite good and have a nice range at
reasonable prices - you mention the lag in delivery - how long is this
on average? Is it 3-5 days or 20-30?

Also I've found http://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk/ who seem to be
quite good - I've just ordered their catalogue - does anyone have any
experience with them?

Cheers,

Mal

Try picking up one of the trade mags, British Jeweller and Watchbuyer if it
is still published. It's over 20+ years since I worked there but a few names
came to me out of a murky pool. I don't know if they are still around but
you could look in the London yellow pages to see. Capital Gems, Wards in
Albermarle Way, Thompson Gems, Holts. I am not too sure if this will help
but you never know.
Chris

"Malcx" wrote in message
...
Thanks for your responses guys!

William, thaigem seem to be quite good and have a nice range at
reasonable prices - you mention the lag in delivery - how long is this
on average? Is it 3-5 days or 20-30?

It can be three days, it can be a couple of weeks, depends on which
shipper they use.

Also I've found http://www.manchesterminerals.co.uk/ who seem to be
quite good - I've just ordered their catalogue - does anyone have any
experience with them?

The minerals are good quality but they're really a hobbyist supplier and so
are charging retail prices. You'd be better off going to Cooksons or taking
a walk around the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and finding a trade
supplier.

In fact, a walk around the Jeweller Quarter, and a getting a copy of the
Hockley Flyer, (URL http://website.lineone.net/~thehockleyflyer/home.htm
but I think it's an old site) which is the Quarter trade mag, is something I
do every six months or so.

Oh, an outfit called 'Nexus Pearls' (also there) is good value if you want
pearls, but they don't do plastic, strictly cash or cheque.

--
William Black

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe
Barbeques on fire by chalets past the headland
I've watched the gift shops glitter in the darkness off Newborough
All this will pass like ice-cream on the beach
Time for tea

Try Burhouse in Huddersfield, trade only but good range and quality
for everyday stones. Might be www.burhouse.co.uk but don't rely on
email!

No connection etc

Andy Parker, Agate House Lapidary
Ulverston, Cumbria, England

www.agatehouse.co.uk
Tel: 01229 584023

I use them and have had good service. I sometimes get my husband to take
me over to go to the shop. Always spend too much money.
Shirley




In message , Andy Parker
writes
Try Burhouse in Huddersfield, trade only but good range and quality
for everyday stones. Might be www.burhouse.co.uk but don't rely on
email!

No connection etc

Andy Parker, Agate House Lapidary
Ulverston, Cumbria, England

www.agatehouse.co.uk
Tel: 01229 584023

--
Shirley Shone

"Andy Parker" wrote in message
...
Try Burhouse in Huddersfield, trade only but good range and quality
for everyday stones. Might be www.burhouse.co.uk but don't rely on
email!

Try www.burhouse.com

Because the URL you gave gets some sort of wood turning outfit in
Scotland...

--
William Black

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe
Barbeques on fire by chalets past the headland
I've watched the gift shops glitter in the darkness off Newborough
All this will pass like ice-cream on the beach
Time for tea