wargrafix
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,085
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Post by wargrafix on Sept 25, 2023 19:36:42 GMT -5
I am gearing up to make some purchases. Since the only way I can buy is online, I have been sorting through different purchasing sites. Now, I have seen a few recommendations about the Gem shop and some mixed reviews. As their stuff is not cheap, can anyone give me their frank opinions? I am looking more into geodes, but if the agates are good I would be tempted to plunk some cash down.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Sept 25, 2023 23:26:08 GMT -5
I stopped purchasing mail order materials over 30 years ago because most of what I received I didn't consider good quality. Since then I have only purchased at shows or from collections or estates where I can view the materials first. As for The Gem Shop I've only bought from them at shows and that has been several years ago. They do have some nice cutting material, especially the materials from the claims they have dug themselves. But I can't speak for how well their mail order selecting is. Another vendor that I used to buy from at shows that had some nice grade cabbing materials and will ship is Gem Center USA. But again I have only purchased from them at shows where I was able to view and select the material to purchase so don't know how their mail order selecting is either.
In looking at your first thread I see that you are in Trinidad so that will make it tough for you to purchase locally. Ebay may be the best option for you to be able to see photos of the actual pieces you can purchase. Or if possible make a pilgrimage to the shows in Quartzite, Arizona or Tuscon, Arizona held each winter and purchase enough rough to hold you over for a couple of years.
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skrapyard
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2023
Posts: 75
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Post by skrapyard on Sept 26, 2023 9:04:05 GMT -5
I purchase from The Gem Shop a lot. But I do it in person so I can pick out the pieces that I want. They do have quite a bit of great material, but I have to agree with QuailRiver that it could be a bit of a mystery what you get since you arent personally picking the pieces out yourself. When looking at a bin of material at their shop theres ok pieces, good pieces, great pieces, and awesome pieces. Who knows what they grab and pack into a box when you order online? The people that own and operate the shop are great to work with so I wouldnt be concerned about that. Its just a question of whether they cherry pick a few good pieces for your order, or if they just grab whatever they pick up first and pack up the order. I do have a quite a few geodes from them (trancas and candy) so if you want to PM me maybe I can pick some out and put together a package for you. Ive got plenty of Keokuk geodes too. |
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,085
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Post by wargrafix on Sept 26, 2023 14:30:53 GMT -5
For Christmas I will pick up some from them as a surprise for little one. I will do about 5 pounds worth of stuff as a test.
Remember, Christmas sneaks up on us before we know it.
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Post by rmf on Sept 26, 2023 15:55:22 GMT -5
30+ years ago I purchased 200 lbs of amazonite from TGS. It was suppose to be lime green. I know what a lime looks like and that description did not match what I got. It was washed out light green not lime green. Since the cost of shipping back was so expensive I chalked it up to "stupid tax" and promised myself I would only buy in person.
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,085
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Post by wargrafix on Sept 26, 2023 16:46:34 GMT -5
There is a trust relationship that's crucial for online purchases. If wet, did it appear greener?
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,085
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Post by wargrafix on Sept 26, 2023 20:20:19 GMT -5
I purchase from The Gem Shop a lot. But I do it in person so I can pick out the pieces that I want. They do have quite a bit of great material, but I have to agree with QuailRiver that it could be a bit of a mystery what you get since you arent personally picking the pieces out yourself. When looking at a bin of material at their shop theres ok pieces, good pieces, great pieces, and awesome pieces. Who knows what they grab and pack into a box when you order online? The people that own and operate the shop are great to work with so I wouldnt be concerned about that. Its just a question of whether they cherry pick a few good pieces for your order, or if they just grab whatever they pick up first and pack up the order. I do have a quite a few geodes from them (trancas and candy) so if you want to PM me maybe I can pick some out and put together a package for you. Ive got plenty of Keokuk geodes too. Sent pm |
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lapidarycentral
starting to spend too much on rocks
(Brian Rhode) LapidaryCentral.com - Fueling your Lapidary Addiction.
Member since August 2021
Posts: 218
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Post by lapidarycentral on Sept 27, 2023 17:48:52 GMT -5
We've had decent luck. We've done multiple orders from them, some larger, and only once have we been disappointed (royal imperial), and had to do a return as it was scrap junk. All of the other times, we were pretty happy; which is rare for us with material we don't sort ourselves.
I've also worked with them on the phone multiple times, and they've always been very kind and courteous, and have worked with us multiple times and gone above and beyond with custom requests.
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Post by rmf on Sept 27, 2023 19:59:10 GMT -5
There is a trust relationship that's crucial for online purchases. If wet, did it appear greener? pre world wide web. Voice over the phone. |
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Post by stardiamond on Sept 27, 2023 20:59:56 GMT -5
Buying from pictures or description is tough. I bought some Royal Imperial pieces represented as select. The pieces I received were not select and whoever packed the order would know that. I complained and they were willing to check before shipping. I never ordered from them again. I would gladly go to their shop and pick through the material.
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,085
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Post by wargrafix on Jan 9, 2024 12:18:05 GMT -5
I purchased 2 of their variety geode kits and was very pleased!
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,085
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Post by wargrafix on Jan 20, 2024 15:15:41 GMT -5
Thank you for your detailed post!
I am intrigued at the Kingsley option.
My primary interest is geodes, but been looking into other minerals. I think I will lean with Kingsley for the rough stuff. Was a bit disappointed they have only solids.
On my general rocks thread, I have been going over the stuff I cut from their geode packs (gemshop) and am very happy. On Amazon people have noted their earlier selections were better. Damn
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