Regarding gems,pearls

Pooh;
I went to Abson inc in Rahway last weekend and purchased a few items. You can google it. It also has a branch in oaktree road.

Regarding th size of beads; you alone can be the judge as you are the only person who knows what is in your mind.
I brought a string of medium sized peridot which I think is suffice to make a chain.
I saw a couple who came back to the store as their jeweller told they need more corals to finish their chain. So;we can always come back to the store if we need more beads. Also if what we brought is excess we can add to bangles or earrings. Endless options
Regarding recognising good beads over bad; I am a novice:hide:. I am the sort of person who thinks cubic zirconia is lovlier than diamonds So my policy is, " if it look good; buy it". Guess someone else will give the tips to find good gems over fake ones.
Happy shopping
nitha

 

Pooh;
I am planning to do it in gold. Just stones in between the chain (not close). So I need just around 20-25 stones.
I depends on how close you want the stones. If you are planning more a proper set; then I guess you will need a lot. Maybe you can chck this link http://www.indusladies.com/forums/jewellery/72875-some-of-my-jewel-collections.html. You will get some idea as to the count; I guess. The store people also will help you to get a proper count.

If some Iltes has done this previously will help you.
-Nitha

 

Pooh
You are asking the wrong person
I dunno. Since some gems comes in different colours I am not sure. maybe yellow topaz or citrine or yellow sapphire.
I have seen only pink ruby so far; so it is not ruby..to best of my knowledge
-Nitha

 

.... and all other birthstones like peridots; cubic zircona; sapphire etc

 

I CharmingPooh, I responded to you thread here too:
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/shopping-restaurants-in-nj/107754-best-place-to-buy-beads.html