the hermit
SG-Crystals & Gems--More buying online
More shopping sites have been added in other posts to this thread
Now, I'm sure there are lots of wonderful folks out there selling rocks, but the only one that I'm comfortable recommending at this time is South American Imports in San Diego, CA.
SouthAmericanImports
That's because I've visited their shop a half dozen times. These folks have been around for about 20 years now. I've always found these nice folks to be helpful and forthright about their specimens. They've been selling on-line now for about 3 years, first through ebay and now with their own website. Their prices aren't cheap, but neither are their stones. They have quality merchandise. And remember... when you're buying a crystal, cut and polished or not, the clearer the specimen, the higher the price. They have great photos on their site, plus links to the items they're auctioning on ebay.
Another thing to remember is that what a lot of "metaphysical" shops call crystal balls are leaded glass balls. Now many folks like these and use them for scrying and meditation. So as long as you understand what you're getting--and expect to pay a lot less for this type of sphere compared to rock crystal spheres of the same size--that's fine. But if someone tells you that you're looking at rock crystal, and it's really, really clear, and you can see some small bubbles (yes, as in trapped air) then they are either mis-informed themselves or ... well you get the picture.
Also be aware that rock crystal spheres (and crystal points too) will always have some flaws. Little cracks, imperfections, inclusions (looks like glass fractures inside), clouds and other "flaws" are what make each crystal and each sphere, unique. For me, I want lots of flaws. On the practical side, it means the crystal will cost less. But on the personal side, it makes the crystal far more interesting and unique to me.
One last bit of advice... if you aren't sure, take a close look at the SAI photos of spheres and look at the sizes, their prices and the various flaws that almost all rock crystal spheres have if they're affordable. If it sounds like the deal is too good to be true... it probably is!
Anyone else know of reliable online sources or local sources? Lot's of us are close to some others on the forum, so if you know a good local shop, please let us know... You never know when we might be in the area
More shopping sites have been added in other posts to this thread
Now, I'm sure there are lots of wonderful folks out there selling rocks, but the only one that I'm comfortable recommending at this time is South American Imports in San Diego, CA.
SouthAmericanImports
That's because I've visited their shop a half dozen times. These folks have been around for about 20 years now. I've always found these nice folks to be helpful and forthright about their specimens. They've been selling on-line now for about 3 years, first through ebay and now with their own website. Their prices aren't cheap, but neither are their stones. They have quality merchandise. And remember... when you're buying a crystal, cut and polished or not, the clearer the specimen, the higher the price. They have great photos on their site, plus links to the items they're auctioning on ebay.
Another thing to remember is that what a lot of "metaphysical" shops call crystal balls are leaded glass balls. Now many folks like these and use them for scrying and meditation. So as long as you understand what you're getting--and expect to pay a lot less for this type of sphere compared to rock crystal spheres of the same size--that's fine. But if someone tells you that you're looking at rock crystal, and it's really, really clear, and you can see some small bubbles (yes, as in trapped air) then they are either mis-informed themselves or ... well you get the picture.
Also be aware that rock crystal spheres (and crystal points too) will always have some flaws. Little cracks, imperfections, inclusions (looks like glass fractures inside), clouds and other "flaws" are what make each crystal and each sphere, unique. For me, I want lots of flaws. On the practical side, it means the crystal will cost less. But on the personal side, it makes the crystal far more interesting and unique to me.
One last bit of advice... if you aren't sure, take a close look at the SAI photos of spheres and look at the sizes, their prices and the various flaws that almost all rock crystal spheres have if they're affordable. If it sounds like the deal is too good to be true... it probably is!
Anyone else know of reliable online sources or local sources? Lot's of us are close to some others on the forum, so if you know a good local shop, please let us know... You never know when we might be in the area
