ART & ARTICLE BY KRISTIANA MORELL PUBLISHED: June 12, 2024
Thailand is renowned for its rich deposits of gemstones. Its bustling gemstone district is a hub for global buyers and sellers. Jeff Zimmer, the owner of Reeds, travels and handpicks only the finest gems, examining every stone thoughtfully to ensure the best quality and value for our clients. Here’s an inside look at how this process unfolds.
THE (MANY) APPOINTMENTS
Reeds has cultivated relationships with top gemstone vendors for generations, granting us access to the best gemstones. This long-standing trust and loyalty give us the opportunity to go through fresh parcels, getting the first look and choice of the stones. It also allows Jeff to handpick selections instead of buying a full parcel of gems, which would normally cost jewelers a huge premium. This leniency allows us to protect our clients by securing the very best gems at the best value.
PRE-SORTED STONES
Upon arrival, the supplier presents boxes of pre-sorted gemstones, categorized by carat size, cut, and quality.
DETAILED INSPECTION
Using tweezers and a jeweler’s loupe, Jeff meticulously inspects each stone. He checks for specific qualities that meet Reeds’ high standards, including the cut, luster, and intensity of color.
SORTING AND REJECTION
The majority of stones do not make the cut. Jeff sorts them into two piles: one for rejected stones and one for potential selections. Occasionally, an exceptional stone is placed into a third pile. Out of 80 stones, Jeff might only select three.
PRICE NEGOTIATION
Each bag of gemstones comes with a parcel price, a set price per carat if the entire bag is purchased. However, Jeff only selects the best stones. He negotiates with the supplier to determine the price for just those few gems. This negotiation is crucial to ensure Reeds offers the best value to their customers.
THE OUTCOME
The process of selection and negotiation is repeated with multiple bags over several hours. This effort ensures that only the most perfectly cut and vibrant stones are chosen. These gems are then crafted into jewelry pieces by our designers and team, either for specific custom orders or for sale in-store and online.
