# Need supplier for large costume gemstones.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 18, 2010, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575 "2010-10-18T18:17:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2010, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/1 "2010-10-18T18:17:42Z")

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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.

Any suggestions.

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**Author:** ![Meme\_Chose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@Meme\_Chose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meme_Chose)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2010, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/2 "2010-10-18T18:36:22Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2010, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/3 "2010-10-18T18:48:41Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> Target sells jars of acrylic crystals that are up to about 1.5 inches.

I’ll look tonight after work.

> [@](#):
>
> 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.

Already tried - no joy.

> [@](#):
>
> Maybe you could find a translucent soap in an appropriate shape, or carve one up.

I may take a crack at this but I’m not optimistic about my carving skills.

> [@](#):
>
> Or, check an architectural salvage place for chandelier parts.

I never even thought about this. Time to hit the yellow pages!

Many thanks!

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**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\
**Post date:** [October 18, 2010, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/4 "2010-10-18T19:00:45Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Sandra\_Battye](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sandra_battye/32/552_2.png) [@Sandra\_Battye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sandra_Battye)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/5 "2010-10-19T04:39:11Z")

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It may be more than you’re willing to pay, but try the [Bead Factory](http://www.beadsfactory.com/products/?sfID1=252&sfID2=254) for crystals of various sizes, shapes and quality.

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**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2010, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/6 "2010-10-19T14:34:39Z")

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> [@Sandra\_Battye](#):
>
> It may be more than you’re willing to pay, but try the [Bead Factory](http://www.beadsfactory.com/products/?sfID1=252&sfID2=254) for crystals of various sizes, shapes and quality.

That’s perfect, exactly what I was looking for. Sincere thanks!

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**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2010, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/7 "2010-10-19T22:00:50Z")

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Check these out!

[http://www.amazon.com/20mm-Crystal-Ball-Prisms-701-20/dp/B000EN2TRU/ref=pd\_rhf\_shvl\_30](http://www.amazon.com/20mm-Crystal-Ball-Prisms-701-20/dp/B000EN2TRU/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_30)

> **[Amazon.com: Leegoal 30mm Vintage Crystal Pink Feng Shui Ball : Patio, Lawn &amp;...](https://www.amazon.com/Leegoal-30mm-Vintage-Crystal-Pink/dp/B000F1N6G4)**
>
> YOU BIDDING ON A FENG SHUI CRYSTAL BALL. , BRAND NEW HAND CUT CRYSTAL SPHERE. THERE IS A HOLE ON THE TOP. , ACCORDING TO FENG SHUI IT BRINGS ENERGY, HARMONY AND FORTUNE. , IT CAN BE USED TO DRESS YOUR CHANDELIER AS WELL. , Usage: suncather pendant ,...

> **[Amazon.com: 30mm Green Crystal Ball Prisms #1701-30 : Patio, Lawn &amp; Garden](https://www.amazon.com/30mm-Green-Crystal-Prisms-1701-30/dp/B000F0Y9RA)**
>
> Hung in windows, crystals can bring chi energy from the outside into dark areas of your home or office.A crystal placed in the south-east, north-west, or center of a room can aid in stimulating prosperity.

> **[Amazon.com: M.V. Trading 30mm Crystal Ball Prisms Pendant Feng Shui Suncatcher...](https://www.amazon.com/M-V-Trading-Crystal-Suncatcher-Decorating/dp/B000I65736)**
>
> Each is made with a hole for attaching to projects, or for hanging in your window. They make great gifts! The quality is excellent. These are great chandelier parts and perfect as Christmas tree decorations or any time of the year.

[http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Amber-Crystal-Prisms-1701-40/dp/B000F1N8CQ/ref=pd\_sim\_k\_14](http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Amber-Crystal-Prisms-1701-40/dp/B000F1N8CQ/ref=pd_sim_k_14)

> **[Amazon.com: 76mm Teardrop Crystal Prisms #873-76 : Patio, Lawn &amp; Garden](https://www.amazon.com/ASFOUR-CRYSTAL-Teardrop-Suncatcher-Crystal/dp/B00ESBD2VG)**
>
> Hung in windows, crystals can bring chi energy from the outside into dark areas of your home or office.A crystal placed in the south-east, north-west, or center of a room can aid in stimulating prosperity.

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**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2010, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-supplier-for-large-costume-gemstones/557575/8 "2010-10-19T22:27:40Z")

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If you need volume, you might check the floral section of your craft store. They sell acrylic gem ["vase fillers](http://www.save-on-crafts.com/pinkdiamonds2.html)."
