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A batch of Lapis
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19 pound "gem grade" boulder
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Hello everyone!
I consider myself the "Ma & Pa of the Lapis market. Why? Well, I do not have more than two to three items end in a day. I do this so I can personalize each item and give them the care that they need. I always try to contact the buyer with the delivery confirmation number and allow the buyer to let me know of any problems so I can resolve-
Also, many of the Lapis sellers sell many types of stones not really specializing in any one and usually it's strictly for profit! I on the other hand have a passion for the stone for both its history and beauty and is pretty much all I've been dealing with since 2003. I work with lapis and over the years have made it a quest to try and obtain the best that I can. I always request "gem" grade and I do pay quite a bit more for this request. I also request large pieces which again are much harder to obtain and again cost more. I also order in bulk and pass the savings down to the buyer that may not need 2, 3 or 5++ kilos. As seen in the picture behind me, the smallest stone is 13+ pounds and the largest is 34 pounds. You can many times find really nice lapis in the 100-200 gram range but the cutter wastes so much of it just trying to get a good cut or two out of such a small piece. Also, most of the large lapis boulders have "layers" in it of calcite/lapis. Pieces like this are considered carving grade or "C" grade. That stuff is VERY inexpensive and quite common. Prices for "carving" grade is around $25 or less a kilo in the rough. To give you an idea, my stuff I pay more than 6 times that in BULK!!! Small orders would easily be $250 a kilo!! and at gem shows or web sites this material easily fetches a dollar a gram. I have been offered that "C" grade MANY times, but I strictly refuse, because if you are like me and actually work with lapis that low grade just doesn't make the cut. Now, remember that ALL lapis does have calcite, but at least the better grade material you can cut around the veins or blotches, where as the lower grade material it is "flecked" with calcite making it virtually impossible to cut around.
So, to wrap this up:
I give personal attention to each piece and buyer and if something does go wrong, I do my best to make it right!! In the end it’s NOT about profit, but rather to make a fair sale to you the smaller buyer and maybe even make some friends along the way-
If you have any questions about Lapis, please email me(you do not have to be a customer, or even prospective customer). I will try to answer all questions accurately. I will also be unbiased!! So if you just want to know more, please email me as I want to help any way I can. I know from personal experience what a difficult road it was (and expensive) to learn the ropes of lapis!!
My suggestion to you is shop around, as there are many nice pieces out there from other sellers, Many that may have that awesome piece we're all looking for!!!!
One last foot note: With all stones and lapis included, "you do get what you pay for".....
Thank you!!
Joe
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