Ruby single strand smooth rondelle

Estate Bracelet multi-stone silver

Rhea, do you ever carry bracelets?

Sure, there is a collection in this display case right here.

Those are Son muy bonitos, ¿son caros?

Rhea got up, went into the back, and came back with a canvas role. Jose', when I can, I pick up carefully chosen estate pieces. I can't vouch for the stone, but people don't usually lie about amethyst, though that is a good story, garnet, citrine etc. I can test the metal, so when we say it is sterling silver, that is what it is.

I think they are all beautiful, and since I can sell them as estate, (the code word for used), I can wear them and I do. I think you made a fine choice for your lady and at a reasonable estate.

So  what is the amethyst story?

They used to think it was very rare and valuable. Then they discovered Brazil had it by the cargo ship full. Betting on rare jewels is only slightly safer than BitCoin.

Sapphire multi strand blue dye

Hey Rhea, I bought this string of sapphires on eBay for my girlfriend, what do you think?

Charlie, do the words, "cheap date" mean anything to you? What did you pay, $10.00?

No, it was $12.50, do you think I got gypped?

Nah, you paid $12.50, you got $12.50 worth of jewelry.

OK, OK, but how do you know it isn't worth much?

Well for starters the color of the sapphire's is an unearthly blue and that coupled with the fact they are all exactly the same shade means they are dyed. Perfect matches do not occur in nature. Don't get me wrong, I love blue sapphires, the real ones. Also, look at the stringing. I am guessing this is a trainee piece.  They had to do something with it, put it on an eBay auction and hoped they would get lucky.

And I just happened to come along. What do you suggest I do with it?

Mardi Gras beads?

Seriously, if you are going to give it to her, I would start by laying it on a wet paper towel for ten minutes to see if the dye comes off easily. She will probably scalp you if you turn her blue, ruin her clothes, or give her cancer. Would you like to see the real thing?

Sure.

Here is a multi-strand of blue sapphires,  let's look at it outdoors.

Oh my!

Exactly.

Sapphire multi-color

Rhea, I guess you heard about Mike and the cancer.

Yes, I pray for him and his family every day, family too. I know you must be concerned about your sister Carolyn.

Thank you Rhea. I would like to get her something to cheer her up, to let her know we are rooting for her.

Bubba, you remember that time you bought your wife a chainsaw for Christmas and you were in the doghouse for a month? There is such a thing as an inappropriate gift. Right now she is cataloging her black A line dresses and I already know she has pearls; I helped Mike pick the strand two years ago.

I know Rhea, but I want something cheerful, quality, it says I care, but happy.

Against my better judgement Bubba, for what you want, the is the happiest and least inappropriate item I am stocking.

You know there was a time when only the blue gemstone form of corundum was considered worthy of the name, "sapphire". I really do appreciate the various forms that it comes in. There is a story behind every color. See these red ones? You aren't supposed to call them sapphires, purists say rubies. When they are in a multi-color string like this, I call them sapphires, when they are by themselves, I go with the flow and call them rubies.

Mix micro trio topaz chalcedony moonstone

Rhea, my daughter is getting her yearbook picture taken and I would like to get something for her, said Chester.

I see you and your family in church every Sunday, what about that gold cross she wears?

Rhea, I am very thankful to have a believing child, but I would like to get her something different, something new, a yearbook picture is a rite of passage don't you think.

Chester, do you have any idea what she is going to be wearing? Jewelry is supposed to be an accessory to the person and their outfit, it is not the main event.

Yes, Rhea, I have a picture right here.

Black undershirt eh, well that gives us lots of room to work with. Are you thinking something metal, stone, or a combination?

Well, Bestow is well known for unique gem stone pieces, what about that.

OK, the rule in this case it that it can't take away from the person, something small, but not too small. I have this trio, three different stones all light blue. What do you think? Rhea smiled, topaz chalcedony moonstone, I’m amazed how well they play together. Shall I wrap it?

Sunstone double strand

Rhea, what is your opinion about sunstone?

I don't have one Mercy, there are many grades of sunstone, they are mining gem quality faceted ones in Oregon. That said, most of it runs in the moonstone, labradorite, quality and price. Why do you ask?

I bought a strand of sunstones. I liked them because they are so warm. But they seem to disappear when I wear them, said Mercy.

I get that. Only a tiny fraction of all the sunstone mined exhibits aventurescence, or schiller, that unique glow caused by inclusions in the gem to a large degree. With the more common sunstone, sometimes you can find some large ones 9 mm or so, or randomly shaped large nuggets. Even with less of the schiller effect, the larger pieces often carry the day. Do you have your necklace?

Rhea handled the necklace carefully, watching it in both natural and artificial light. My best suggestion is to consider getting a second strand just like the first and wearing both of them. It will blend in, but not so much that it disappears. I can show you a few samples if you like?

Thank you. You said true gem quality exists...

Yes, I have one in the safe, hand selected the loose rock rock at a gem show, poured the setting myself, it is definitely not for sale.

What I look for at Bestow, are pieces that are good enough quality that you get the glittery, spangled metallic reflections, but I don't try to stock the high end product.

Apatite Bottle Green rondelles

Rhea, my wife's birthday is in August, but she doesn't like peridot, but I would still like to get her something, any suggestions?

Been thinking about: “GREAT ACTORS ALWAYS DEVELOP EVERY POSSIBLE RESOURCE, PERFECTLY SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES TO TRIUMPH" have you?

They say that sardonyx is an alternative to peridot, but I'm guessing you are looking for something green. Jade is very nice.

I was hoping for something that let's more light through, for a glow.

There aren't that many Apatite necklaces made and the beads tend to be smaller, but let me show you what I have. It's what we call bottle green, a lot of Apatite is a turquoise color that I do not personally favor, but I have one of those too; see what you think.

Interesting, I have never heard of  Apatite.

This is another example of a common stone, though gem quality is a bit more rare. It is easily confused with a number of other stones. I don't recommend buying it for collector value, but if you like the piece, or think your lady will, because it is a more palatable shade of green than peridot, then it could be a good purchase.