Glendo Tube Agate 70.63 ct
Fancy Cabochon 62.10 x 40.50 x 73.30
max10785

Our agates are not only cut and polished, they are polished to such perfection that we polish the back, front, as well as the edge. If you purchase agates from India, they are not polished, they are tumbled. They do not polish the backs of the stones nor the edges. They are cheap and cheerful.  They also sell agates that have been dyed to make them look beautiful. When investing in fine agates you can pay anywhere from $200 - $1200 to get a super fine agate or what we call museum quality. Our stones range up to 5-6 inches in length.
When someone gets a large slab of agate, it can only be cut by someone who has a gigantic saw blade.
The center of the diamond blade has a hole in it and the blade is anchored into a cutting machine.
This is why most dealers are selling sliced agates that only show pieces 2 – 3 inches  in length. 
Their blades are so small that they cannot cut larger pieces.  There are very few sellers that are selling large, good quality agate slabs. 

Max Davis’ journey in the gemstone industry is a tale of passion, expertise, and globetrotting adventure, worthy of a cinematic retelling. His story begins in 1954, a young 15-year-old joining Ernest Jones Jewelry, sparking a lifelong love for precious stones. By 1956, Max was already managing his father’s jewelry and silverware shop in Harrow On The Hill, London, England.

In 1959, Max’s path took him to Michael Davis & Sons, a prestigious jeweler on Oxford Street in London. But it wasn’t just about selling jewels; Max was a learner at heart. He studied Gemology under the tutelage of experts like Robert Webster and Dr. Rutland, alongside his wife Margo, a shining talent who clinched the Rayner prize in1963 in the FGA examinations.

Max’s career then blossomed into a remarkable adventure. He formed “Max Davis Rare Stones,” and his business acumen took him across the globe. He was part of a British Trade Group to Japan, learned stone cutting in Idar Oberstein with the renowned Hanz Lorenz, and in 1967, became one of the first dealers to introduce Zoisite from Tanzania.

His reputation grew as he brokered stones for none other than Harry Winston, a titan in the gemstone world. Max’s expertise wasn’t just limited to the trade; he became a revered figure among museums and collectors worldwide, contributing to prestigious institutions like the Ecole de Mines in Paris, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Natural History Museum in London.

His personal highlights in rare stones are nothing short of extraordinary. From his first purchase of a quartz crystal for a mere seven and a half shillings, to presenting a 214 ct Spinel to Queen Elizabeth II, his life reads like a treasure map. His dealings included remarkable pieces like Dr. Herman Bank’s collection of pink Burmese Cats Eyes and the sale of a 4.10ct Demantoid Garnet & 110 carat intense Cyclamen Morganite to Edward Gubelin.

The 1970s saw Max expanding his empire to New York, dealing in commercial stones. His quest for the finest gems led him to Hong Kong, Thailand, Brazil, and even to opening a cutting factory in South Korea. A founding member of the AGTA, Max’s influence was felt at major trade shows across Tucson, Hong Kong, Texas, Las Vegas, New York, and Goldsmith’s Hall in London.

Max’s story isn’t just about stones; it’s about a relentless pursuit of beauty and excellence. His life’s work, celebrated by the National Jeweler in 1979, inspired gem enthusiasts worldwide. He created the Rare Gem Club of America which is no longer in existence. Max Davis is a treasure hunter who turned his passion into a legacy.

Building a rare gemstone collection is an exciting pursuit that offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery. Whether you choose to collect by color, shape, country of origin, type, or historical significance, each theme offers a unique way to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of gemstones. By educating yourself, setting a budget, and sourcing from reputable dealers, you can build a collection that not only brings you joy but also becomes a valuable and cherished legacy.