I’m looking for a source for several large fake gems for use as decorations for a pirate themed birthday party. A pretty bit of cut glass that might fool a six year old into thinking he’s holding a ruby the size of a hen’s egg is the kind of thing that I’m looking for.
I’ve checked my local hobby/craft stores with no luck.
Target sells jars of acrylic crystals that are up to about 1.5 inches. If you’re thinking larger, maybe raid the toy aisle at the dollar store. Fake tiaras, magic wands, etc. often have large plastic gems in them. Maybe you could find a translucent soap in an appropriate shape, or carve one up. Or, check an architectural salvage place for chandelier parts.
Try a lighting store. They used to cell replacement “jewels” for tacky chandeliers when I worked in one. In addition to the packaged assortments, we’d save the ones from damaged or returned lights so we could replace them for customers that asked nicely.