Optima Gem is a U.S.A. business established over 25 years ago and has a reputation for accurate gem grading and old-fashioned honest customer service. My wife Debbie and I bought this business from some lifetime friends that ran the business with honesty and integrity for many years prior. We buy rough worldwide, sort it and grade it ourselves. We cut this material in our own cutting facility where we maintain complete quality control. We have fantastic experienced cutters that have been with us for many years. We pay them well for this loyalty because this is what "sets us apart" from our competition. Debbie and I do all the sorting and grading of the finished gems and we hand select every gem for you before it is shipped. This is time consuming, but it is the only way we can be assured that every gem that leaves our office is exactly (or better than) the quality we have promised. Optima Gem has a focused product line of fine quality colored gems. We offer them faceted, in cabochon, rough and specimen. We also provide faceting services and custom cutting. If you want unusual and rare gems or unique cuts, Optima Gem is a fantastic source for you. We don't carry settings, supplies, CZ, or rhinestones. We have very few beads and limited Diamonds. Although you may occasionally find lower prices, you'll never find a better value.