Format
Rough Gemstones
Rough Gemstones — detail
Buying rough is buying a yield estimate
Rough is priced on what a cutter thinks will come out of it, which means the same parcel is worth different amounts to different buyers. If you cut in-house, your own experience of the species matters more than any description we can write.
The variables that drive yield are shape of the crystal, position of inclusions, colour zoning and how the colour behaves along the crystal axis. In strongly pleochroic species — tourmaline especially — orientation decides both the yield and the face-up colour.
What to specify
A rough requirement should state:
- Species and the colour you are cutting toward
- Size range of the pieces, and total weight
- Whether you need clean material or can work around inclusions
- The finished sizes you are cutting for
- Whether you want single pieces or a lot
Video before purchase
Rough is harder to judge from a still photograph than cut stones are, because you need to see the material with light passing through it from several directions. We send video of rough as a matter of course, and will take specific angles on request.
Buyer questions
Rough Gemstones
- Can you arrange cutting?
- Cutting is done in Bangkok as a matter of routine across the trade. Tell us what you want cut and to what specification, and we will tell you what is possible and what it involves.
- Do you sell rough by the piece or by the lot?
- Both. Single pieces are usual for larger crystals, lots for smaller material. Say which you need and the size range you are after.
Get in Touch
Tell us the stone.We’ll source to the specification.
Send the species, colour, shape, size, treatment and quantity — as much of the specification as you have.