I’ve been hearing for years that artificial gems (diamonds, rubies, moissanite, etc) cost a ‘fraction’ of the real thing. Is this true? If so, where can I as a consumer buy a handful of this stuff?
Note that I don’t want jewellery-grade gems, I realise that would cost a lot simply due to rejects and labour to cut / polish. I just want stuff I can mess around with for hobbies and crafts.
Alibaba has, unsure if you could find them through a more local store. Though I’ve never come across completely uncut lab diamonds, generally you can find rejects or poorly cut small ones pretty cheap.
EDIT: did a quick search on Alibaba and there are uncut lab diamonds as well even cheaper.
Speaking of Alibaba: Tianyu Gems is a quality dealer of moissanite. I originally got the recommendation on Reddit from someone who had ordered multiple stones. We used them for the moissanite in my engagement ring.
The larger stones are obviously jewelry grade but they have some cheaper bulk options too.
Here’s one I’m tempted to get:
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Tianyu-gems-customized-design-special-cut_1600706238249.html?spm=a2700.shop_plgr.41413.26.3c024575m9Qowc
A gold ring with a pink sapphire shaped like a penis.
Ah, pink dick
The strongest shape!