Finding the Perfect Gemstone
with Rio Grande Gem Source
Rio Grande Gem Source is your personalized service to help you find the perfect gemstone for your customers. Our in-house gemologists can source any gemstone you're looking for—and answer any questions along the way.
Rio Grande Gem Source
Sourcing a specific precious gemstone?
Need help understanding the Mohs hardness scale or deciphering between natural and treated gems?
Talk to one of our Graduate Gemologists—we're happy to help.
From artisan cuts and specialty stones (such as Lehrer TorusRing™ stones and moissanite) to classic faceted gemstones and cabochons, look no further than the Rio Grande Gem Source. Place your order before 4:30 p.m. MT and we will ship the same day as long as we have it in stock.
Shop Loose Gemstones, Cabochons & Cameos
Learn about the symbols set by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) used to disclose any enhancements that have been applied to gemstones. Use these symbols when you buy, display and sell stone-set jewelry.
Learn MoreTraditional Birthstone Calendar
Birthstones remain as popular as ever and are a great way to customize jewelry! This chart lists the traditional birthstones and their corresponding months.
View Calendar
"The Rio Grande Gem Source team is made of friendly, able, dependable, helpful, professional experts. Shannon and Chris have always gone the extra mile, and then some, to help me find the perfect diamond for my clients. They always do an excellent job in helping me."
—Hector, Customer since 2013
Shannon Demoulin G.G., A.J.P.
Rio Grande Gemstone Department
When she joined Rio Grande in 1990, Shannon worked alongside Rio Grande's founder, Saul Bell, in Raw Materials department specializing in gold and diamonds. "I was so lucky to learn from and work with Saul Bell," she says. "He was an amazing man. He taught me how important it is to deliver exactly what the customer wants, and then some." Shannon joined Rio Grande with a BFA in Jewelry Design from NMSU and later became a Graduate Gemologist with GIA and an Accredited Jewelry Professional.
Chris Hoffman GIA, G.G., A.J.P.
Rio Grande Gemstone Department
Chris's passion for gemstones started when he was 19 and worked as a salesperson for a small jewelry store in Wilmette, Illinois. After moving to Albuquerque in 1991, Chris joined Rio Grande where he eventually received his credentials as a GIA, Graduate Gemologist. The more he learned about being a gemologist, the more curious he became. Today, Chris is an Accredited Jewelry Professional and a vital member of Rio Grande's Gemstone Department.
Feature: Oval Ethiopian Opal Cabochon
Incorporate the sought-after play of color and vivid translucence of opal into your designs at an attractive price point with these newly available Ethiopian opal cabochons. Cut with a higher dome than typical opal cabochons, these stunning stones put the ethereal beauty of opal on full display.
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Mohs Hardness Scale
Developed in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, the Mohs Hardness Scale compares the resistance of a mineral to being scratched by other minerals. This makes hardness a reliable diagnostic property when identifying gemstones.
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