Wholesale Gemstones
Wholesale Gemstones that I usually have for sale are shown here as an example. You will see these and many others on our tour.
Click on the links to learn more about each gem.
Aquamarine
Some of the best coloured Aquamarine comes from Vietnam and again large gems can be found.
It is very hard to find eye clean gems larger than 5cts, but the inclusions often add to the character of the gem and always let you know that they are real. Particularly good buying in Than Hoa
Heliodor
This is the lesser known sister of Aquamarine and Emerald, but every bit as beautiful.
The colour is a beautiful deep yellow and larger gems up to 15cts are available. They make stunning pendants.
Here are some we purchased in Than Hoa Vietnam
Diamonds
I usually have a few small Diamonds up to about 0.5cts. Diamonds really are a specialist field, so I only keep a few on hand. When I need larger or better quality diamonds, I use a really good Broker based in Bangkok. Because Diamonds can be described EXACTLY, it is easier to buy them than a harder to describe gemstone like a Sapphire. Colour Grading of Diamonds is definitely a skill and I use a Brisbane based Valuer who is very experienced and can Certify your Diamond.
Emerald
I prefer Emeralds from Russia, even though these days people may find it politically on the nose. I bought Russian because they have beautiful coloured, quite clear gemstones. Columbian Emeralds of the same quality cost thousands of dollars per carat, instead of hundreds per carat. This means you can buy a larger, more beautiful gemstone.
The Ural Mountains in Russia have been a significant source of emeralds since the early 19th century. One of the most famous deposits in the region is the Malysheva mine, which was the largest emerald deposit in the world. Russian emeralds are known for their beautiful green color, transparency, and brilliance.
The emerald-alexandrite-phenakite deposits in the Tokovaya River area of Russia played a crucial role in establishing Russia as an important source of emeralds. These deposits were discovered in 1830 and led to a significant increase in emerald production in the country. Russian emeralds often exhibit a watery green hue and possess a captivating glow.
Russian emeralds are considered rare and unique. They are highly valued for their quality and distinctive characteristics. The pricing of Russian emeralds can vary depending on factors such as color, clarity, carat weight, and overall quality. Genuine Russian emeralds are sought after by gemstone enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Mali Garnet
The yellow coloured garnets sparkle almost like diamonds. They are becoming more difficult to obtain as the supply from Africa is drying up. If you asked me what gem to buy for investment I would say either Mali Garnet or Argyle Pink Dimaond. If you can find a good yellow over 3cts my advice to me would be to buy it.
Spessartine Garnet
Spessartines come in yellows, through orange to red. Be careful though as some of the gems have a ‘brown’ undertone that deflates the colour. ‘Fanta’ orange is the colour most sought after however the reds have a fire and passion to them. Both can be found in Chanthaburi Market
Peridot
Pakistan is known for its Peridot, but Vietnam has larger and better coloured gems.
Gems up to 20cts are not uncommon and they also find beautiful crystals in the original Basalt.
Particularly good buying in Than Hoa and of course Chanthaburi
Red Amber
Amber is fossilised tree resin.
Most people are familiar with Baltic Amber from Europe, but fine red Amber is found in Burma.
Many of the pieces from Burma contain fossils, mainly ants and small flying insects.
This material is available in Mae Sot
Ruby
I have Vietnamese Ruby as these are more reasonably priced than Burmese gems. They tend to be more pinkish than their Vietnamese cousins.
I can source any size and colour Ruby that you want.
Currently a good quality Burmese Ruby of 1ct will cost about $12 500.
Thailand has some spectacular pink Sapphires with great depth of colour and very reasonable price.
Spinel
This and Zircon are the two most underrated gemstones. We think of Spinel (aka black jack) as a black waste product of Sapphire mining. For many years in Thailand this was also the case. Thai Black Spinel can be as large as your fist. It takes a beautiful polish and well cut makes spectacular men and womens rings.
Spinel also comes in all colours with the exception of pure yellow or green. Red from Burma are highly prized and priced accordingly. However the most rare and prized is the Cobalt Blue. Found only in Tanzania and Luc Yen in Vietnam it is really a collectors gem. Gems over 1ct are super rare and command tens of thousands of dollars US per ct. Can be found at good prices in Chanthaburi Market and Mae Sai
Zultanite
This is a ‘rare’ gemstone found in Turkey.
A similar gemstone is found in Russia, known as Alexandrite.
The difference is price! Alexandrite costs thousands of dollars per carat, whereas Zultanite costs hundreds.
Incandescent light shows the gem change colour from green to red and the greater the change, the more valuable the gem.
Zultanite is a gemstone that belongs to the mineral diaspore. It is primarily mined in the İlbir Mountains of southwest Turkey at an elevation of over 4,000 feet. One of the remarkable features of Zultanite is its ability to change color in different lighting conditions. It exhibits color variations ranging from yellow, cognac, and pink to red. This color-changing property makes Zultanite a unique and highly desirable gemstone.
The name Zultanite is inspired by the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, and it is associated with confidence, creativity, transformation, and rebirth. It has gained popularity in the world of fine jewelry due to its rarity and exquisite beauty. Zultanite is transparent and can be faceted to create stunning gemstone jewelry pieces.
In terms of availability, Zultanite is considered extremely rare. Its scarcity contributes to its value in the market. The gemstone was first faceted in the late seventies, but it gained recognition and popularity in recent years. Zultanite has become a sought-after gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts who appreciate its color-changing nature and unique characteristics.