Selling a Rare Painite Gemstone: A Collector's Guide

Question
David, I have had in my gemstone collection a verified painite gemstone that is 20+ carats. I want to sell this stone in particlar and do not know how, where or how much? Can you please help me, I am not in the gem profession, just a collector on the side.... Thanks

Answer
Thank you for your question.  This is quite unusual given the rarity of painite.  There are many dealers who specialize in very rare stones, and your best bet would be to contact several of them and find out who is able to acquire such a specimen.  You might try Lembeck Gems in New York, or American Thai Trading in Bangkok.  Both are reputable dealers with a great deal of integrity.  Tell them that Dave at Tip Top Gem sent you!  Sorry, I couldn't resist that...

Good luck!

David Fortier, GG
Staff Gemologist
Tiptopgem.com