[Jewelry making - Article 00437] - [Orchid] Wholesale diamonds and gemstone treatments

[xandria]

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Hello Everyone!

    I am new to the jewelery field and am very grateful that this site
    exists! A few questions though...  

    1) I sent away for a jewelery supply catalog and noticed that many
    of the gemstones sold in it were irradiated, treated, or dyed in
    some fashion. I was recently told by an associate that this is "an
    industry-wide practice." My question is two-fold: is this really
    true, and if so, why isn't it more widely disclosed to consumers?
    Perhaps I am being old-fashioned in wanting to work only with
    *natural* stones. Isn't this kind of dishonest to not disclose to
    consumers - as I am assuming that the irradiated/treated stones are
    less expensive than the natural ones of the same quality. 

    Question 2) How as a newbie making jewelery do I buy graded diamonds
    at wholesale prices/from a manufacturer? Is it even possible or am I
    going to have to deal with a dealer who charges slightly more? It
    was my understanding that depending on the cut and specs of the
    diamond, dealers charge anywhere from 15-20% below the Rap sheet
    whereas manufacturers typically charge around 30%-35% below the Rap. 

    I would appreciate your thoughts on these topics! Thanks in advance!
    Xandr AT direcway.com 


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