Garnet Question

Artgems (artgemsinc.com) frequently has high quality garnets, but generally at a high quality price. Look for beads processed in Hong Kong, avoid the Indian ones.

KarenK

Karen,

Thanks!

How do I find out where they were processed? Most places don't say.

Also, I notice that some dealers state that garnets are dyed. Others don't. If they don't state this, can I assume that they are not dyed?

marisa2

Karen_AZ wrote:

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from Marisa Exter :

]Am I the only person who has had this experience?

nope. try DaBeadBabe.com?

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

newest creations: ----------- I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, and to the republic which it established, one nation from many peoples, promising liberty and justice for all.

Halsey Trading, our own Marjean. I've bought garnets from her and never had a problem with them.

Linda2

On Thu, 29 Apr 2004 15:09:59 -0400, Marisa Exter wrote (in message ):

Garnets are almost invariably dyed. No matter how much I've spent, I have always had to wash garnets before using them. It's the nature of the beast - manufacturers know we expect that deep red color, and by gum, we're getting it.

That being said, I would avoid faceted garnets, unless I was willing to spend tons of money. Indian faceted garnets (read affordable ones) are crummy. The sizes are usually off, the faceting stinks, and the holes are often too small for even the smallest sizes of Softflex. I've had a lot better luck with the non faceted beads, simple rounds and the like. Even then, I still have to cull out chipped and weird beads, but nothing like the faceted stuff.

I just go ahead and buy the cheap stuff, knowing I'll have to wash it, and planning to buy enough extra that the culling process won't leave me short of material.

Kathy N-V

Perfect. I was about to order some more glass and Hill Tribe Silver from her :)

Thanks!

marisa2

L>

Hmm... I can't find garnets there.

Mj, do you still carry them?

Marisa2

L>

I've had good luck with round garnet beads from the ebay seller Beadaholique. They're not perfect, but better than others I've seen. I think they're user name is cup of tea or something like that. I am always pleased with the quality for the price, plus, they mail quickly.

mjoann

Green ones too? ~~ Sooz

------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links

I love Beadaholique.

~~ Sooz

------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links

On Thu, 29 Apr 2004 16:14:14 -0400, Dr. Sooz wrote (in message ):

That I dont know, because I've never bought green garnets. However, it wouldn't surprise me if the sellers "beefed up" the color a little (or a lot) to make the garnets more saleable.

Kathy N-V

Me neither, as most semiprecious beads are dyed. ~~ Sooz

------- "Those in the cheaper seats clap. The rest of you rattle your jewelry." John Lennon (1940 - 1980) Royal Varieties Performance ~ Dr. Sooz's Bead Links

As with alot of the Gemstones these days... They are dyed or enhanced most of the part. Garnet is NOTORIOUS for being dyed.

Nicole

********************************** ********************************** ICQ# 78285557 Yahoo IM: blackcatbeads

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows