AFlyOnTheWall Views & Reviews

The-Vug.com Quarterly Magazine: Director's Cut - Pre-Order NOW!

2012-01-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

"The-Vug.com Quarterly Magazine: Director's Cut" is an artfully designed, hardcover book measuring a generous 12 x 9 inches, with 324 full color pages reprinting the complete 16 issue print run of The-Vug.com Quarterly Magazine. It also boasts bonus features, new photos and content, and insightful commentary detailing the creation of this popular mineral digest.

Large page format allows for beautiful, uninterrupted graphics, two pages from the magazine per page. All sixteen issues of the magazine are reprinted, re-edited, along with issue by issue commentary, behind the scenes information and additional content, complementing the original articles.

The book contains several articles by Editor Justin Zzyzx, along with the following authors:

Jolyon Ralph, Alfredo Petrov, John Cornish, Joe Dorris, Marcus Origlieri, Chris Tucker, Peter Modreski, Frank Daniels,Glenn Worthington, Mike Streeter, Franklin Roberts, Jeff Scovil, Chris Wright, Wendell Wilson, Scott Kleine, Si and Ann Frazier, Stretch Young, Frank de Wit, Yinan Wang, Stephen Anderson, Mike Walter, Chris Stefano, Gary Maddox, Vandall King, Rick Kennedy, Tomasz Praszkier, Len Pisciotta, Jake Slagle, Mark Mauthner, Blake Barnett, Ray Hill and Ernst Schnaitmann.

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER!! >>>
Reserve your copy before February 5th and receive $10.00 off shipping

(Free Priority shipping for USA customers, $10.00 off International)

http://www.the-vug.com/TheVugQuarterly/article290.html

PRE-ORDERS END FEBRUARY 5TH FOR THIS BOOK!!! (Due to the high demand and limited print run, we anticipate selling out during the 2012 Tucson Gem Show event season. So those of you at home, who do not travel to Arizona in February, please make sure to reserve your copy online, before FEBRUARY 5TH!)

Books available for in person pickup Feb 6th-12th

Shipping will take place February 13th & 14th.

from the back the back cover...

"By popular demand, here is your chance to own the entire four year print run of this beloved mineral show publication. Every issue is reprinted in its entirety, maintaining the original format and integrity of the magazine. Additionally, BRAND NEW notes and commentary have been added, giving readers an insight into both the inspiration and personalities behind the making of a quarterly trade digest."

Don't miss this one time opportunity to complete your collection of

The-Vug.com's Quarterly Magazine.... Even the hard to find issues like "Mineral Locations of the South Central United States," "Tourmaline & friends," and "A Guide to Common Mineral Fakes"

Reserve your copy at: http://www.the-vug.com/TheVugQuarterly/article290.html

West Coast Gem & Mineral Show - the Fall Edition!

2011-11-16T11:54:00.001-08:00

So - just as I was getting excited about attending the Fall edition of the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show, I took a fall and was unable to attend! However, I couldn't let you down - so I got this quick report from Regina Aumente, Assistant Show Manager at Martin Zinn Expositions...Thank You Regina!

Fall West Coast Gem & Mineral Show!

The first fall West Coast Gem & Mineral Show held at the Holiday Inn-Orange County Airport attracted 67 vendors from California and across the country.

Attendance figures are hard to calculate, as there are multiple entrances to the hotel, and no entrance fee or registration required.

However judging by the full parking lot and crowded halls and ballrooms, the show was well attended. Many dealers reported record sales.

Items offered for sale included a wide array of minerals, fossils, gems, finished jewelry, beads, and findings. First-time mineral dealers included Capistrano Mining, Elemental Creations, and African Arts & Minerals. Terrific bargains were to be found in Kristalle's wholesale "blowout" area.

Unique gift items were available from many dealers. Mike Woodward Photography, offered fine art-quality photos of minerals and fossils. Carroll Originals sold hand-made gem trees, as well as gem cactus, flowers, and creations on glass and pottery. JK Stone featured marble bowls and vases from China. Empire Gems International displayed a 6-foot tall obelisk of lapis, and several dealers offered impressive quartz crystals from Brazil.

The West Coast Gem & Mineral Show will be back in Santa Ana this Spring - May 11-13, 2012 with even more vendors. Mark your calendar now!!!

About MZExpos:
Martin Zinn Expositions, LLC operates Trade Shows designed to provide selling opportunities to dealers selling mineral specimens, fossil specimens, lapidary material, gemstones, jewelry, and other nature related materials.
http://www.mzexpos.com

If you are on Facebook - stop by and support the Martin Zinn Expositions Facebook page!

New "Simply" Series from Lark Crafts! ...and Giveaway!

2011-09-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have to say I am "charmed" to review this fabulous group of fun, classy and economically priced books from Lark Crafts new "Simply" series...

Each book (or pamphlet as Lark describes them) holds 20 jewelry making projects and the really nce thing is they won't break the bank!!! at $9.95 each they are money well spent!

Learn a new technique - these are geared to Beginning and Intermediate Beaders - but with the assistance of the "Basic Techniques" anyone will be able to use and enjoy these books!

See the end of this post for a GIVEAWAY Announcement!!!!!

Publisher's Description:
Charm jewelry is the hottest accessory! Whether your style is vintage or hip, you'll find a lot to love in this great collection of 20 relatively easy projects selected from the popular book Beading with Charms for a fantastic price in this format. From small photos encased in glass to flashy trinkets with Swarovski crystals to playful dice, dominoes, or jacks, every project here is charmed (!), and the book includes instructions in basic bead and wire techniques and clear directions for beaders, crafters, and anyone looking to have a good time enhancing their jewelry collection!

Publisher's Description:
These 20 attractive necklaces, selected from the popular book Bead Love for this pamphlet at a great price, are perfect for bead aficionados and general crafters! Easy to make and versatile, they showcase beads ranging from glistening cut gemstones to flameworked glass orbs. Create a beaded lariat, a wrapped loop with a bead suspended between lengths of chain, and more. Detailed instructions are, of course, included!

Publisher's Description:
This pamphlet of 20 great beading projects selected from the popular books Beading with Crystals and Beading with Gemstones contains a fabulous collection of earrings adorned with crystal beads and beautiful gemstones, all glittering, precious, and colorful. It teaches basic techniques, including stringing and simple wirework, and contains a range of relatively simple projects, from elegant and feminine to playful and contemporary. All of these projects will provide great fun for beaders and general crafters.

Publisher's Description:
This pamphlet of 20 great projects selected from the popular book Contemporary Bead & Wire Jewelry is a gem at a great price. Comprehensive and easy to follow, it teaches all the basic techniques and provides a rich collection of projects for aspiring bead-and-wire jewelers to dive into. From gold filigree earrings with carnelian beads to a pearl-accented pendant of gleaming amber, each piece of jewelry is both stunning and easy to make.

Source Disclaimer:
Lark Craft supplied a set of these books for review purposes...

Beading Book GIVEAWAY!!!
I am giving away copies of the Charms, Necklaces and Bead & Wire books...sorry the Earring Book is staying with me....

How do you enter?

One entry for your comment below

One entry for Following my blog (either through Blogger or Google Follow)

One entry for either adding me on Twitter or Tweeting about the Giveaway on Twitter

One entry for following my Facebook page

Get your entries in soon - Deadline: October 10th
Let me know in the comments what you do and the winner will be chosen using Random.org with the books going out to the first three names chosen.

Downey, CA: 2011 Delvers Gem & Mineral Show

2011-09-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Delvers Gem & Mineral Society has been a constant in the Downey community for decades and the annual show has grown by leaps and bounds!

I was especially excited to see a cool spot with my friend
the Plant Lady - Nancy Bird

This year the club added vendors outside providing
so many more opportunities for shopping & learning

This shows offers a wide range from flats of minerals...

to new and rare stones, rough, slabs and cabs fromvendors
like Distinctions of Nature

Have you seen this Velvet Obsidian?
It has been showing up everywhere!

Distinctions of Nature calls it Royal Velvet Obsidian,
the colors are truly amazng...

Tom Wolfe Minerals had a great assortment of Jasper slabs
outside and their cabs and pet wood inside!

Orbicular Jaspers from Tom Wolfe Minerals

One of the things that differentiate a Gem & Mineral Society show from a commercial show is the people - they work to get you excited and involved in some aspect of their passion. It is hard to walk away from interesting Demonstrations...haven't you ever wondered how they make those gemstone orbs or crystal balls? Check out the guy demonstrating his Sphere Maker...

Ariana Gems offers an assortment of gems from Afghanistan
Lapis Lazuli - Kunzite - Tourmaline - Aquamarine

Are you looking for something to get the kids interested in the Earth Sciences? Most Gem & Mineral Societies have a Jr. Rockhound Program. Here are a couple of the Juniors from the Downey program demonstrating how to cut a gemstone cabochon.

....and then there are the cases. Cases are not there to sell to you, Cases are a proud collector showing off a collection they are passionate about and while they are beautiful they are also a learning experience...

The case above is jewelry made from Fire Agate....the case to the right is sliced Geodes.....and the case below is Rhodocrosite an explosion of PINK!!!

Wild specimen from Cam's Crystals

Better Know Your Hammer...Wendy Edsall-Kerwin

2011-08-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

If you have been involved in the Metals scene, you have undoubtedly seen or heard of Wendy Edsall-Kerwin and her Hammermarks blog.

"Wendy Edsall-Kerwin's journey to become a full-time jewelry and metals artist. Here you can find my inspirations, motivations, frustrations, and business advice that I have found through hard work and lot's of great contacts"

On her Website you may choose to purchase her work or learn to work in metal yourself - Wendy is one of the most generous artists I know...

She has recently published the coolest little book and I was the lucky recipient of a copy in a recent Giveaway! So first thank you Wendy for you generous gift...and now a little bit about the book!

Better Know Your Hammer: A Guide for jewelers, silversmiths, and anyone who has ever asked, "What The Heck Is A Pein?"

I have been working in metal for over a decade and hammering on a piece of metal is one of my all time joys!

In reading this book however I realized just how little I actually know about the tools I was utilizing.

Funny story - my boyfriend has been in Construction his entire life and when he saw this book he grabbed it and read it to me! He was cracking me up! every page he would be reading along and suddenly felt the need to share the informatiion ;-)

At 31 pages this isn't a tell everything book - it is a quick rundown on some of the most common hammers and what they do.

Who do I see this book being helpful for? A new metals student, a wire wrapper who has discovered hammering their wire...the ideal use of this book? Give it along with a goldsmith's hammer or a chasing hammer as a birthday or holiday gift!

From the Author

Ever wonder why metalsmiths have so many hammers?

Is it because we’re obsessed with tools? OK, maybe that’s part of the reason. There are so many because each hammer a metalsmith or jeweler uses is shaped (sometimes bizarrely) to perform a specific task.

This book is an introduction to the many different kinds of hammers and what each is used for. Whether you’re interested in chasing, sinking, or forging, this book will help you find the right tool for the job.

Let’s Get Hammered!

Beading: 20 Great Weekend Projects & GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

I recently received a really fun group of Lark Books - first up a re-release.

The Weekend Crafter was a series that included everything from mosaics to basketry to stained glass the issue that we are looking at today is Beading: 20 Great Weekend Projects.

When you consider today's economic climate, buying another beading book may seem extravagant - but Lark has brought this one back at just over what a magazine might cost! ....you could get it for free - see the giveaway info at the bottom of this post!

Starting with the basics the book opens with some of the tools and techniques necessary for the projects in this book - and no this is not just jewelry...the beaded votive candle holder from the cover is both easy and adorable!

Crafters and Beaders alike will love this book!

From The Publisher:
With more than 100,000 copies sold, this incredibly popular entry in Lark's Weekend Crafter series is now available with a redesigned cover at a great lower price! Beads are an irresistible decorating device. This book gives beginning beaders and general crafters 20 easy and creative projects to make, including jewelry of every kind, accessories, household décor, and more. A gallery of beaded objects provides wonderful creative inspiration!

GIVEAWAY!
Get a copy of this Fabulous re-release it is EASY!

1 Entry - leave a comment
1 Entry - follow this blog
1 Entry - Tweet the Contest!
1 Entry - Post the contest on Facebook!
DEADLINE: Sept 1st!
Let me know which you do and leave links to your posts! The winner will be randomly chosen! Sorry - due to postage costs I will have to limit this to US only!

In My Mailbox: Jackpot or CraftPot!!!!

2011-07-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox is a book blog meme that was started a couple years ago by The Story Siren's blog. In her words:
" What it all came down to was this: I get books to read and then ultimately share my thoughts about with my readers. As much as I want to, I can’t possibly read every book I receive. Yet, I still wanted a way to feature those books on the blog, even though it might not be in the form of a review. Problem solved!

Every week I'd share the books I received that week... ones I'd bought, or gotten at the library, and ones that I'd receive to review on the blog. That way I could mention titles that might not otherwise get some face-time on The Story Siren."

In the past I have posted IMM on my Book Review Blog (if YA, fantasy, mystery or crafts are your thing feel free to join me over there) and I thought I would apply it to this blog on maybe a monthly basis!
As the title suggests, I received a bumper crop of books (and DVD's) for review!

I have to tell you, I'm in a quandary as to where to start...the bulk of the books came from Lark/Sterling...

...the DVDs are from Bluecap Productions and I WON the "Better Know Your Hammer" book from Wendy Edsall-Kerwin's blog Hammermarks (where I have watched Wendy go from beginner Metals skills to the consummate professional she is today).

So - be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for great reviews and a couple of exciting giveaway announcements!

Best Show of the Season: West Coast Gem & Mineral Show

2011-05-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Just got home from the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show - WOW!!!

It is so good to see this show in SoCal again - thriving!

This show has always been one of the most popular shows in SoCal. The last couple years have seen it change locations, cancel dates...but judging from the turn out at today's show, the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show has found a new home!!!

One of the crowded ballrooms

Housed in two floors of the Lobby Wing of the Holiday Inn - Orange County Airport the show literally has everything!

Evan Jones had a gorgeous Fossil Opal Pineapple Rm. 139

If you are a serious Mineral Collector some of the finest dealers can be found from Evan Jones, Alfredo Petrov, New Era, Mineral Treasure-Madagascar Gems to Dave Bunk, Kristalle and Earth Treasures.

Gemstone Beads from MajestaM, Ariana Gems & Minerals, and Zeolites India...

Jewelry Designers favorites Donald Olson and Tom Wolfe have an amazing selection of cabs, just waiting to be set!

Stunning micro faceted bead strands from Tanzanite, Apatite,
Tsavorite and Multicolored Tourmaline Rm. 154

There is an entire room of Wholesale Only Vendors that run the gambit from Minerals, Gems, Cabs and Pieces large enough for Home Decor.

...and facet rough - WOW - John Garsow always brings the goods and today I found Prentiss Campbell who is selling of the rough and gems he inherited from his faceting father!

Stunning Facet Grade Rough from Prentiss Campbell Rm. 220

Contact info for all of the vendors featured is below. Be sure to make it out for the last day of the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show - some of these vendors don't have a website so your only chance to see their goods in person is HERE!!!

Dave Bunk, Lithographie and Kristalle in the Inrvine Ballroom

Fossil Bamboo from New Era Gems Rm. 143/145

Earth Treasures with gemmy Benitoite Rm 133

If you are on Facebook look for more photos on: http://www.facebook.com/RockGemMineralClubs

Evan A. Jones
Fine Mineral Specimens
(480) 216 - 2684

Zeolites India
US Contact: Sonali Zaveri-Franke
(608) 338 - 5694

Earth's Treasures
http://earthstreas.com/
Prentiss Campbell
(760) 868 - 5896

New Era Gems
http://neweragems.com/

Ariana Gems & Minerals
(949) 357 - 9553

Exotic Gems, Volume 2: 400+ Photos of Gems!

2011-05-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Exotic Gems, Volume 2:

How to Identify and Buy Alexandrite, Andalusite, Chrysoberyl Cat’s-eye, Kyanite, Common Opal, Fire Opal, Dinosaur Gembone, Tsavorite, Rhodolite & Other Garnets

by Renee Newman, GG

These Exotic Gems book are fast becoming my favorite series from the large library of reference and consumer books by Gemologist, Renee Newman.

Jewelry Designers are using more and more of these unusual, rare and exotic gems to set their work apart...and Jewelers are hesitant to stock them because their customer doesn't know what they are or are reticent to believe it is a natural gem.

Solution! Exotic Gems Volumes One and Two! Jewelers should not only buy a copy for the shop so their employees are informed, but should stock these in a little reference area for customers to buy! We are dealing with a customer today that is not only researching prices - but also information on the internet - why not support those efforts and offer them a small reference library to purchase?

The best thing about this series is the focus - Newman manages to include enough information and photographs from the likes of John Koivula (of the Gemological Institute of America) interspersed with fun facts, metaphysical properties, history and ancient lore and so many photos that everyone from Gemologists to Jewelry Lovers will relate, understand and treasure these books.

One really outstanding feature of these books is the Master Cuts pictorial. In Volume One Newman looked at Zultanite and in Volume Two it is a gemmy Almandine Garnet, from a piece of rough gem/mineral to the final faceted gem, in the hands of Master Gem Cutter, Clay Zava. I think that professionals and consumers alike will gain a new respect for the amount of man hours and knowledge that goes into the cutting of one faceted gem!

My favorite thing about these books is that Newman is not afraid to cover many of the opaque gems that have so long been overlooked as well as sourcing the latest, newest, and the sometimes controversial, gems in the field.

Thanks for another winner Renee!

American Opal Society Welcomes Meg Berry

2011-05-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

The other night I was lucky enough to be able to catch Meg Berry as she addressed the American Opal Society in Orange County, CA.

"Meg Berry has been a lapidary artist working in the gem and jewelry industry since 1974 and has earned over a dozen AGTA Cutting Edge Awards. In 1992, the late treasure hunter, Mel Fisher, commissioned Meg to facet the largest of the rough emerald crystals recovered from the Spanish galleon "Atocha," which sank in 1622 in the Florida straits. Since then, Meg has cut more than one hundred of these "old mine" emerald crystals. During the construction of the GIA campus in Carlsbad, California, the late Vince Manson commissioned Meg to cut and polish the concept pieces of rocks and slabs placed as name plates outside each door.
Meg currently produces one-of-a-kind extraordinary gemstone creations using a combination of techniques that may include faceting, carving, frosting and piercing—sometimes all on the same stone! Her work is thematic, designed to elicit an emotional response and an appreciation for the beauty of Nature."

Meg was fresh off the experience of meeting and speaking for Industry professionals at the 9th Annual Sinkankis Symposium. The topic this year was Diamonds and for a taste of what the day included you can see the list of professional white papers from the program at: http://www.sinkankassymposium.net/

Recognized specialists in fields ranging from geology and mineralogy to history, treatment, cutting, collecting and selling will wrote presentations on Diamond. This year there were so many submissions that the program is in two volumes. Some of the abstracts are available online - a full program can be purchased at: http://www.sinkankassymposium.net/order-pubs/

OK - back to the Opal Society Meeting...Meg was originally booked to do a talk on "Cutting Phenomenal Gems" - but as usually happens in a room of like minded enthusiasts, she talked on "Cutting the Atocha Emeralds" - what an interesting presentation...and then went on to cover a fabulous talk on "Beryls"

One of the HUGE Aquamarines that she had discussed during her presentation was in the set of fabulous gems she brought for Show & Tell!

Meg stayed until way into the night talking gem cutting and carving.

Do you know where your local Gem or Mineral Club meets? Do you know who they have coming to speak? If they do special "Silent Auction" nights (AOS Silent Auction is at their June meeting)? Or when their Annual Gem Show is?

What are you waiting for...find out!

Book Review: Creating Glass Beads: A New Workshop to Expand Your Beginner Skills and Develop Your Artistic Voice

2011-05-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Creating Glass Beads:
A New Workshop to Expand Your Beginner Skills and Develop Your Artistic Voice
by Jeri Warhaftig

Let me start off with - this is a Lark Jewelry & Beading Book from the folks at Lark Crafts! Why is that statement so important? ...Lark has a reputation for producing some of the best books in the Crafts field. It means that you will get amazingly crisp, macro photography resplendent in full color. This may not be that important in other books but in the Bead, Gems and Jewelry area it is everything!

Jeri Warhaftig's first book for Lark Glass Bead Workshop: Building Skills, Exploring Techniques, Finding Inspiration
was geared to the person who had been working in glass long enough to want to put together a workshop...more of an intermediate Lampwork/Glass Worker.

In her latest book she talks to the Beginners...in Creating Glass Beads: A New Workshop to Expand Your Beginner Skills and Develop Your Artistic Voice
she doesn't just give you the how-to's, she gives you the confidence to find your voice - to make a basic piece but in a "Style" that can become yours.

Have you taken a basic Lampworking class? this book was written for you - Jeri will walk you through new techniques and help you make this art your own.

The ten "Workshop" style Step - By - Step Projects are easy to follow, well illustrated and unique because of Warhaftig's introduction of a team of "project testers".

You will fell like you are taking a live workshop - not like you are following a book in a vacuum. These student collaborators talk about each step and the challenges they encountered while trying to complete the project - complete with photos of mistakes. Isn't that why we take workshops? we bounce ideas off each other, assist each other through tough spots...this is such a great concept and it brings this book to life!

This will be the future of Craft How To Books - Well Done - Jeri Warhaftig and Lark Crafts!

Disclaimer: This Book was provided by Lark Craft for review purposes.

Book Description from Amazon:
This technique-driven book propels beginning beaders many strides forward, introducing new skills and materials, encouraging aesthetic exploration, and giving specific instructions for creating 10 gorgeous flameworked glass beads. It's aimed at the ambitious novice who seeks to go past the basics and explore techniques that will serve as building blocks to developing an individual style.

"All That Glitters"...Have You Booked Your Trip To San Diego Yet?

2011-05-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

San Diego Museum of Natural History

I have always been a big fan of Rough and Cut Displays - this is where my camera battery died - so I switched to video...if it goes by to fast, hit pause!

Some amazing Opals in the exhibit:

More From "All That Glitters"...

2011-05-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

Highlights - because you REALLY want to attend this exhibit!!!

Gem specimens from around the world, and jewelry by famous designers such asTiffany & Co., Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are on loan from private collectors, andHarvard University, the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the Newark Museum.

Gem carvings and jewelry with natural history themes include a Fabergé grey chalcedony pig with diamond eyes, a jellyfish opal brooch by Mauboussin, and a never-before-seen collection of 12 butterfly brooches set with rare gems.

Butterfly Brooch Collection:

Created by Buzz Gray and Bernadine Johnston, 13 butterfly brooches set with rare gems such as alexandrite, Mexican fire opal, pearls from Baja California, topaz, rainbow moonstone, sapphire, and more.

Peridot Butterfly is one of 13 designs on exhibit

Explore the Fantasy Gem Pocket, a cave-like space embedded with gems native to San Diego County, including quartz, tourmaline, blue topaz, pink kunzite, and orange garnet.

You MUST get to this Exhibit! ...It All Glitters!

2011-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I think what I loved most about the "All That Glitters" exhibit at the Natural History Museum is that everyone will find an aspect of this exhibit to identify with.

Beauty?

...if you are all about the beauty of gorgeous jewels this show has jaw dropping pieces in spades!

Earth Sciences?

...if you have an interest in Mineralogy or just admire Mother Nature's gems the way they come out of the ground - they've got them!

Gemology?

...there is the coolest visual that shows the nature of crystalography (is that a word?)

...and an interactive display that shows chemical content.

Unfortunately my camera decided to quit working half way through the day...so these are the last of the photos I got ...there are a couple short videos...will upload later.

This stunner is a giant sheet of Pallasite!

In California all exhibits include Native Gold (left)

...of course this is the Museum so we have to feature the obligatory Dinosaur photo!

ONE YEAR LEFT: All That Glitters at San Diego Museum

2011-04-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2010 – April 8, 2012

1788 El Prado Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619.232.3821

Did you know that every glittering ruby, sapphire, diamond, and opal has a history as old as the Earth itself? Discover how the same Earth processes that build landscapes produce dazzling gemstones and precious metals—even right here in San Diego County, one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the world.

Witness a stunning selection of spectacular natural mineral crystals, exquisite jewelry, andworks of art. See objects on display for the first time ever. Discover “first finds” in the world, found right here in California: benitoite, gold, kunzite and morganite. View stunning objects on loan from private collectors and major U.S. institutions including the American Museum of Natural History, Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Harvard University Mineralogical Museum, Newark Museum and National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.

AVAILABLE TODAY! Vintage Jewelry Design: Classics to Collect & Wear

2011-04-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Vintage Jewelry Design:

Classics to Collect & Wear

Caroline Cox (Author)
Gerda Flockinger (Foreword)

What a way to start the day...got a package of Lark Books in the mail - for review purposes - but you know me - you can count on an honest review, I am never short of opinions ;-p

First let me say that this volume takes everything you already expect from Lark Books and bumps it up 10 fold.

Gorgeous photos - check
Brilliant information - check
Strategically Assembled - check

...but this is where it gets great - all of this is in a hard cover, coffee table sized package for a paperbound price!!! NO KIDDING!

OK - my thoughts on the book...

Vintage Jewelry Design: Classics to Collect & Wear is the brainchild of an amazing woman, Caroline Cox who is a professor of cultural history at the University of the Arts, London, a world renown speaker on the relationship between fashion, beauty and culture and the author of Lingerie: A Lexicon of Style (2000) and Hair and Fashion (2005), which had an accompanying catwalk show at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The author and her background are part of what keeps this book from being just a coffee table book - looking at the impact of current events on the Jewelry of the day. I think we can all think of examples of this in our lifetime...the laid back hippie era that lead to a more straight laced preppy culture (or vice versa - depending on which end of the hippie movement you landed in).

Cox talks about wildly erotic fashion and hairstyles of the Art Deco Age that followed the high necked collars of the Victorians - so I guess rebellion is nothing new!

This book will find its way to your reference shelf - it talks in detail about each decade and trend. The smooth undulating lines and soft colors of the Art Nouveau Era; The fine detail and white on white (diamonds in platinum) trend of Edwardian jewels; The clean almost architectural lines and black & white of the Art Deco Era; To the fabulousness of the "fake" gems and almost gaudy costume jewels of the 40's...the difference is that this book talks about the jewelry in context with the fashion and politics of the times.

My favorite feature of this jewel filled tome is the Grid Pages. These double page spreads look at the "Key looks of the decade!", with glamour shots of stars, key fashion trends and jewelry - jewelry - jewelry!

One thing that is included in this book that is missing from most guides is that Cox tries to cover any prominent "Art" Jewelers of the era she is looking at - this is a nod that most artisans would love to see become the norm in Jewelry Design books. Thanks to the amazing 500 and Masters series from Lark Crafts this era is WELL REPRESENTED!

If I were going to suggest anything that might make the book better? is that more attention be paid to the more recent decades...there are so many trends and cultural changes that have affected the 90's and the 00's...oh and I didn't see enough about the Punk movement which was actually a more important era in London (where the author is from) than in the US.

Product Description from Amazon:

This gorgeous coffee-table book, with a foreword by influential jeweler Gerda Flöckinger, showcases classic vintage jewelry from the past 100 years. Featuring examples that epitomize the iconic styles of each decade, it offers an overview of the most influential designers (including Tiffany, Cartier, Fabergé, and Chanel), their sources of inspiration, and materials of choice. Photos display a selection of rare and remarkable pieces from museums and private owners, and a vintage shopping guide gives tips on spotting fakes, caring for purchases, and other important facts collectors should know.

Distinguished Lecture: John Koivula of GIA at Bowers Museum

2011-03-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 19, 2011, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Internationally-Acclaimed Scientist & Award-Winning Author

Chief Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America

John Koivula

Macro & Micro:
Inclusions and Gem Formations

Saturday, March 19 (1:30 PM)

Members $12 / Non-member $15

John Koivula, Chief Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America (GIA),
named one of the most influential people in the jewelry industry by
“Jewelers’ Circular Keystone Magazine,” illuminates the internal world of
gemstones in a fascinating and alluring presentation. Whether natural or
synthetic, precious stones have come to mean great beauty, enormous
wealth and enduring mystery for many cultures throughout the world. Held
in conjunction with our extraordinary exhibition, Gemstone Carvings:
Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt, Koivula reveals that the micro-world of
gems is not only big business for jewelry collectors, but an extraordinary
window to our planet's past, as time capsules of natural history.

Learn More | Purchase Tickets

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America & Gem and Mineral Council,
The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.

Copyright ©2011 Bowers Museum All Rights Reserved
2002 North Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706Visit www.Bowers.Org714.567.3600

GIA's 9th ANNUAL SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – DIAMOND

2011-03-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

INVITATION TO REGISTER FOR
THE NINTH ANNUAL SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – DIAMOND

Named for one of the most distinguished and influential figures in gemology and mineralogy, the Sinkankas Symposium is an annual one-day event featuring presentations by noted specialists working in diverse gem-related disciplines or occupations. The theme of the Ninth Annual Sinkankas Symposium is Diamond. As a previous Sinkankas Symposium participant or Mailing List subscriber, you are invited to apply early for registration to this year's event. You may print the registration form at the bottom of this message or download a print-friendly Registration Form (PDF) from the web site atwww.sinkankassymposium.net

Sinkankas Symposium Registration

Registration Fee: $85.00 (USD)

Attendance: Limited to 150. Space is limited and participation is available by invitation to previous years' attendees on a first-come, first-served basis until March 15, when registration will be open to all. A sell-out is anticipated, so please register promptly, if you are interested in attending.

Absolute Deadline: April 8, 2011. (For inquiries about space/availability, please contact Anne Schafer at annes@san.rr.com or 858-586-1637)

Registration for the one-day event includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch and a copy of the 2011 Sinkankas Symposium proceedings, which features selected papers on Diamond.

Sinkankas Symposium Details, Date and Venue

Date: April 16, 2011

Time: Badging, coffee and donuts, 7:30 – 9:00 AM. Symposium begins at 9:00 AM sharp.

Place: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
World Headquarters and The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
S. Tasaki Student Lecture and Graduation Hall

Sinkankas Symposium Program*

A full day of presentations will cover a wide range of topics suitable for novices and experts alike, plus displays, refreshments, and a box lunch at noon.

Meg Berry – Uses of Diamond in the Lapidary Arts

Dr. Mike Breeding – Diamond Treatments and How Treatment Affects Color in Diamond

Al Gilbertson, GG – Evolution of Diamond Cuts

John Koivula – The MicroWorld of Diamond

Dr. Sally Eaton-Magana – Synthetic Diamond Production

Dr. George Rossman – Color in Natural Diamond

Dr. Skip Simmons – Structure of Diamonds

Dr. James Shigley – Diamond Deposits

* speakers or topics subject to change without notice

REGISTRATION FORM FOR PREVIOUS ATTENDEES
NINTH ANNUAL SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM – DIAMOND

1.) Please print this message
2.) Fill out the form completely
3.) Enclose a check for $85.00 (USD) per person payable to S.D.M.G.
4.) Mail to: Anne Schafer, 8473 Hydra Ln., San Diego, CA 92126-1854

Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis
and will be open to all after March 15, 2011

Name/s:

Address:

Phone:

e-Mail:

For inquiries please contact Anne Schafer at annes@san.rr.com or 858-586-1637

for more details about the Ninth Annual Sinkankas Symposium www.sinkankassymposium.net

Bowers Museum Hosts Erica Van Pelt Lecture

2010-11-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

Calling my SoCal Rock Folks...Have you made it over to the Bowers Museum for the fabulous display of Gemstone Carvings by Master Gem Carver Harold Van Pelt?
Well the museum just sweetened the deal...this Saturday there will be a special lecture by Erica Van Pelt (Award Winning Gem Photographer and wife to the Artist).
That's all it took for me --- see you at the Bowers!
From the Museum website:
Saturday, November 20, 2010, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

The Fine Art of Gem Carving

Erica Van Pelt, world renowned professional gem photographer, presents a visually stunning lecture describing the progression of steps in collecting gems and minerals at mines in Brazil and around the globe for carving from the rough to the finished piece. Works on display in the current exhibit, Gemstone Carvings: Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt, will be featured. Origins of gem carving will also be discussed. Deepen your understanding and appreciation of the time-consuming but rewarding process of creating magnificent pieces of art from gems and minerals.

Member $7 / Non-member $10/ Parking $2

For more information, please e-mail education@bowers.org or call the Education Department at 714.567.3677.

For over 35 years Harold Van Pelt has perfected the art of carving quartz and agate stones. The Bowers Museum is proud to be the first to assemble a body of Van Pelt`s work in an exhibition that highlights the remarkable beauty and extraordinary skill of gemstone carving.

GEMSTONE CARVINGS: THE MASTERWORKS OF HAROLD VAN PELTSATURDAY, JULY 17 - SUNDAY, MAY 01, 2011

Thousands have admired the work of Harold Van Pelt who, along with his wife Erica, are considered the best gem and mineral photographers in the world. Few know of Van Pelt’s extraordinary ability as a fine art gemstone carver, and nobody has ever seen his entire body of work assembled in one place. Bowers Museum is proud to present the first comprehensive exhibition of the extraordinary artworks of Harold Van Pelt.

For over 35 years Van Pelt has quietly been perfecting the art of carving quartz, rock crystal and agate gemstones. Hundreds of hours go into each multi-faceted, fluted, and textured vase, hollow container, sculpture and vessel, many of which are accented with gold and semi-precious stones. Working the stone down to paper-thin walls brings out the gorgeous natural quality and colors of the agate and gives quartz the transparency of glass. Transformed by one man’s vision and skill from a solid stone to an incredibly delicate work of art, the gemstone carvings of Harold Van Pelt have to be seen to be believed.

Photo Credit: Bowers Website and Kristalle Events

Reviews: Gemology and beyond

2010-09-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This post is from a review of Gem Education Opportunities posted by Robert James of the International School of Gemology.

Important education opportunities to take you into the future....

With the fast paced changes taking place in the jewelry industry it is clear that ongoing education will be the key factor in deciding who thrives in this market and who does not. Fortunately, it is no longer required to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a proper education. There are many high quality, cost effective educational opportunities available to everyone that we thought we would share with you today. We highly recommend the following for continuing education throughout the jewelry and gemstone industry. And no....these folks did not pay us to say this. In fact, they have no idea we are presenting these recommendations. We provide them based on quality only.

Diamond Council of America

I had the opportunity to review the program courses of the DCA, and it is one of the few programs that I would like to start for myself for the excellent level of knowledge that it provides.

The Diamonds Course takes the student through all of the steps of how diamonds get from the mines to the retail jewelry stores. It then goes on to provide everything the retail jewelry professional needs to know to provide world class service to the diamond buying consumer.

The Colored Gemstone Course gives a complete overview to the world of colored gemstones in such a manner that it allows the retail jeweler to offer a professional and knowledgeable presentation to consumers, while at the same time keeping it on a consumer friendly level of knowledge and understanding.

With the addition of their Advanced Jewelry Sales course, the DCA offers the finest total program of retail jewelry education on the market, and at a price that makes quality education affordable for everyone....particularly in this rough economy.

If I ever again own a retail jewelry store, the Diamond Council of America Program is going to be required of every employee.

Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology

I can remember the Dallas Jewelry Show in 1980 when I saw a table of TIJT students offering to do free gem identifications for the show guests. "Who are these people to compete with the GIA?"...is what everyone thought. What everyone did not know is that the gemological teaching of the late Orlando Paddock had created a high quality, cost effective gemology program that was the first to provide a viable alternative to the much more expensive GIA. Why? Because these TIJT folks at the Dallas Show table knew their stuff! As do all graduates of the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology.

Today, Tony Underwood and the rest of the excellent staff of the TIJT provide high quality training in jewelry manufacturing arts, design, horology, and gemology that has earned a world wide reputation for quality education at an affordable price. TIJT graduates can be found throughout the industry holding some of the top positions in many fields.

A world class education in all phases of the industry, provided at an affordable price, and offered by down home good people. One cannot ask for more than what you will find at the TIJT.

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

As a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Adjuster (TDI#1300433) actively involved in the claims process of jewelry insurance, I can personally attest that anyone doing jewelry appraisals needs to attain membership in the NAJA in order to maintain professional education and support. The NAJA is the only membership organization that offers the high level of education and support required to keep appraisers abreast of the latest developments on the market.

One of the biggest problems facing the insurance industry today is the lack of enough qualified, trained appraisers who specialize in jewelry and gemstones. While we at the ISG offer the only complete education program in gemology and appraisal, the NAJA provides the ongoing professional education and support needed to sustain the quality of services for appraisers on a career long basis. We recommend that all of our ISG Registered Gemologist Appraiser graduates to join the NAJA for their ongoing professional support, and we urge everyone out there doing appraisals to get a proper education and support offered by the NAJA.

In addition to the above, we also recommend the following educational organizations for "in-residence" opportunities to those located in other parts of the world jewelry industry. Available space here limits our coverage but we did not want to leave these good folks out:

Canadian Institute of Gemmology: Outstanding opportunity to study gemology with a world renowned gemologist, Wolf Kuehn. The CIG is a world leader in developing new gemology tools and technology, as well as gemstone research and education. A long standing reputation for ethics and quality in education is why we have always recommended the CIG.

Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences: Perhaps the premier source for the study of colored gemstones from the Asian markets. The AIGS provides a truly world class education in gemology by offering an opportunity to study in one of the world's most important gem market areas.

And of course, we at the International School of Gemology provide what we believe to be the finest in distance education in gemology and jewelry appraisal. No other school offers jewelry appraisal training designed by licensed jewelry insurance professionals. But the study of gemology is a life long endeavor, and one that is best done by studying with as many different educational opportunities as possible.

For that reason we have compiled the above list of those we recommend to you.

Robert James

Property and Casualty Adjuster, Texas Department of Insurance #1300433

Lavic Siding Trip Report 2010

2010-08-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Blogger's note: When I posted the trip on the various forums and blogs, I kept getting response to the wording "we will meet at the hotel in Ludlow"...people kept asking "which hotel in Ludlow"? Well those of you who went on the trip can tesitify that I wasn't being evasive...there is only one hotel in Ludlow ;-)

...and "why would you classify this as a >more strenuous<>

Followng is a trip report from Jay Valle the trip leader for this field trip for the AFMS/CFMS Show.

Thursday, June 24, 2010: Lavic Siding Trip

Lavic Siding is a classic jasper and agate location which has been visited by rockhounds since at least the 1940s. There is no way anyone can NOT find jasper here. Some truly spectacular pieces of lapidary material can and are found every time we come to collect. It is a beautiful location with a fine view of the Southern Cadys and Sleeping Beauty Mountain.

Ten rockhounds came out for this adventure, mostly from Southern California rock clubs. We met up at the restaurant on the south side of I-40 at the Ludlow exit.

Our first stop was the “bowl”, an amphitheater-like area from which literally tons of agate and jasper have been picked up. After explaining what to collect and showing some samples of local rock, the group fanned out and got to it.

Next we caravanned out to the flats on the south side of the railroad tracks near the black basaltic flows around Pisgah Crater. We collected here until around lunch time then off for an agate and sagenite location along the power line road fronting the Southern Cadys.

By the time we finished up here it was starting to get a little warm, over 100 deg F. Feeling the need to cool off, we drove east to Crucero Road, south to Ludlow and into the Dairy Queen parking lot for ice cream and “blizzards” (it was 107 degrees F at Ludlow.)

The end of June is not the ideal time for collecting in the Mojave Desert but it was a good group that came out.

Rock was collected and we had a good time!
Jay Valle - Trip Leader
North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society

Photo Credit: Chris Lesso from his Lavic Field Trip album

2 Tourmaline Mines in 2 Days: Day Two - Himalaya Tourmaline Dig!

2010-08-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Following a colder than expected night, our little band of rock hounds broke camp and headed to the "Meet - Up" spot in the front parking lot for Day Two: Himalaya Tourmaline Dig.

People were waiting for us when we got there - we signed waivers and picked up some last minute necessities at the general store.

I really want to say a BIG THANK YOU - to the Henshaw Resort and their great staff...especially our buddy Raoul who expertly guided the first group of diggers to the dig site entrance so we could wait for late arrivals.

Bobby and I finally packed it in at 11:00am and lead the rest of the group up to the dig site.

We were greeted by the energetic and knowledgeable manager, Denise and mine owner, Chris Rose.

By the time we arrived Intros and Instructions had already been handled and folks were digging in!

Raffle Tickets were issued upon arrival and we found out quickly why...drawings were held throughout the day for a variety of great prizes! Sunstone from the Spectrum Sunstone Mine - Crystals - Faceted Gems - Gemmy Blue Chalcedony - 50lb bag of High Grade Ore and more!

Yep - that is the incredibly lucky Janine Arp!

...a quick shout out to Kim & Frank for bringing a stack of Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches that they shared with everyone!

...and to NOCGMS's own Wendy Erskine - I don't think I have ever seen a more stylish digger!

Kids, dirt and water on a warm day...how can you go wrong? ...I think that Charli would agree - this trouper dug for two days and camped out with us!

Jasmine is an aspiring lapidary and jewelry designer - her finds will be used in her jewelry!

Pat & Burel LaRue of the CFMS had a ball! Pat told me that it had been close to ten years since they had participated in a fieldtrip. You couldn't tell they were troupers and held out to the very end...and were pretty productive!

The day was very productive! I think that everyone found something that put a smile on their face!

Thank you Chris & Denise for opening the dig on what is normally your day off and for the relaxed day of fun in the sun...oh and the grasshoppers!

Of course we made another stop at the Round-Up restaurant at the Lake Henshaw Resort before heading home.

Robert & Janine enjoyed a rare opportunity to view the mine before heading home!

Re-Create this trip with your family!

Himalaya Tourmaline Dig http://highdesertgems.com

Lake Henshaw Resort http://lakehenshawresort.com

Oceanview Mine http://digforgems.com

Photos - I share credit with Robert Thirlaway and Janine Arp

Trip Report: Two Tourmaline Mines in Two Days - Day One

2010-07-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

It was a typical SoCal June day - here we call it "June Gloom" - a little overcast as we hit the road bright and early!

The drive from the OC to the Pala area is a quick (just over an hour) and really nice one - it is a good reminder of just how much open space there still is in SoCal!

By the time we got to the Oceanview Mine Dig the sun was starting to burn through and it ended up being a beautifully sunny day...and there is no better place to spend a sunny day than on the top of a rise overlooking the California Toumaline Mines (and ghosts of mines past).

With an expectation of 40 participants - the reality was that about 22 Federation participants dug next to the Oceanview's regular gem hunters...lots of sun, mud and fun!

Peter (Mine Manager) gave a great overview of the rules and techniques for finding gemstones!

Lots of big quartz crystals started showing up immediately and within just a few minutes of industriously moving dirt - some color started showing up!!!

We had people from all over the US - Utah, Idaho, Missouri, Northern California and all of us locals...and a great time was had by all.

Both Travis and Peter worked with the Washburn's from the Mid-West Federation, trying to convince Julia they were willing to help her carry buckets...yep - she insisted on pulling them on the cart!

They left happy even with their tired bones, due to a growing pile (they were looking for material for their Jr program) and some really great finds...like this sweet pink tourmaline!

The Oceanview had changed their routine from my last visit and instead of taking tours into the mine they offered us a "Tour of the Mine Area". Well as someone who is claustrophobic (I know, how ironic ;-p) this was a fabulous offering!

The knowledgable Travis loaded us into the ATV/Cart and we traveled the sides of the mountain. Aside from the glorious vistas he pointed out the various shafts of the Oceanview and in the distance the ghosts of other historic Tourmaline mines in the Pala District.

With our gem booty carefully stowed we left the Oceanview and headed to the Lake Henshaw Resort. This is about a 20 minute drive but so much fun seeing the Orange groves, Bison, Llama and Cattle grazing in lush fields.

You can't miss the Henshaw - there is the stunning Lake Henshaw on your left and the resort on your right.

So we all met up front - paid for our site (some people opted for cabins - some for camping) and caravaned up to a spot just past the trailers (on the right) that we had already scouted on an earlier visit.

I love this spot:

this site had full coverage from several giant oak trees - since it would still be daylight for 5 hours once we arrived.
restroom - yep - I am a girl! ...the restrooms have 2-3 showers, 3-4 toilet stalls and LOTS of changing room.
privacy - while I realize that this is an open campground - I loved being able to be able to have just our party on the site.

Of course there was the obligatory "Show & Tell" from the days hard work...lots of big quartz crystals - you can see green tourmaline crystals growing in the bottom of one.

There was color, some spodumene and a really clear sage green crystal that was probably my favorite of the day.

So once we were set up - there was a good hour of tent assembly and showers and introductions.

Once we rinsed half a mountain off, cabin dwellers and campers alike met for dinner at the Round-Up BBQ Restaurant on the campsite. I don't know if it is just that every time I have eaten here I am beat and hungry or if the food really is just amazingly good - either way - it never dissappoints!

Great food from local farmers and ranchers - and as you can see Charli thought dessert (Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream) was the BEST!

We all rolled down the stairs to the parking lot and headed back up to the campsite! After a brief show and tell of the days finds, the guys started a campfire just in time to ward of the evening chill.

Thanks to Nikki and Charli the marshmallows and chocolate came out and s'mores assembly started - it was the perfect end to a fun day with great company!

If you want to re-create this trip with your family these are the important links:

Oceanview Mine Dig http://digforgems.com/

Lake Henshaw Resort http://www.lakehenshawresort.com/

Himalaya Mine Dig http://highdesertgems.com/

Photo credits are shared by me, Robert Thirlaway and Janine Arp

Field Trip Report: Jalama Beach - June 23rd

2010-07-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Trip Report: Jalama Beach June 23rd

Jalama Beach, June 23rd
Got to Jalama Beach about 9:30 AM, warned the gate we were coming, and found parking near the store. Weather was clear and cool, with the June gloom hanging about a mile offshore.
There was a lot of sand in front of the parking area, and a lot on the beach too. I walked to the north to scout the area, then to the south. There was alot of sand with pockets and stretches of rock below the cliffs.
It was about 10:30, so I headed back to the car to greet my fellow boneheads:)
A carload of RockChippers met me at my vehicle, and we sat down for a quick tailgate on whalebone- what to look for, how to attempt to tell the difference between bone and leaverite, what else was there (some of the best rootbeer chert I have ever seen), and what to stay away from.
The group headed to the south and I waited for any stragglers.
I headed south about 11:30 and found a couple specimens as I was catching up with the mob. A bunch of chert, agate, and possibly moonstones were found (as informed by a local who collected there regularly). But not much bone :( The rockbeds which usually yield the best finds were under a foot or so of sand for the length of the beach. We found a couple small pieces in the surfline, and the previously mentioned pieces, but that was all. I believe each family group in the car left with a piece of bone.
All in all, it wasn’t a great day for whalebone, but I could have been at work instead :)

Jon Meredith - Trip Leader

All That Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals

2010-07-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

All That Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals takes you beyond the “bling” to see gems as very rare and ancient by-products of the forces that have created our landscape, including right here in San Diego County. It is designed to entice adults and children through beauty, science and fun. Through displays and interactive experiences, visitors will learn about the Earth processes that create gems and minerals.

The heart of the exhibition features gems and minerals of California, including theCalifornia state gemstone: Benitoite, that is extremely rare and found only in San Benito County, California—nowhere else in the world.

Explore the Fantasy Gem Pocket, a cave-like space embedded with gems native to San Diego County, including quartz, tourmaline, blue topaz, pink kunzite, and orange garnet.

Through an interactive, giant periodic table you will learn how every gem is a combination of elemental ingredients.

(Photos and above text from the museum's website.)

...if the science isn't what attracts you and you just want to see some beautiful things...you have to check out the new exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum - if only to see the Butterfly Brooches: Created by Buzz Gray and Bernadine Johnston, 13 butterfly brooches set with rare gems such as Vietnamese spinel, rhodocrosite, stibiotantilite, benitoite, alexandrite, Mexican fire opal, pearls from Baja California, topaz, rainbow moonstone, sapphire, and more.

Stay tuned to this blog for a full report on this exhibit.

West Coast Gem & Mineral Show...Pomona Auction

2010-05-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just get too busy and I end up dropping the ball...thankfully I got a reminder just in time!!!

Last weekend was CRAZY busy!!! ...Demo Day at MASSC, the Zzyzx Gallery Opening and the return of the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show!

...when I got an announcement of a Mineral auction (Trinity Minerals), by one of my favorite dealers Luciana Barbosa, a "Pomona" themed auction...I thought - ooops I need to get those pictures up!

The auction features the great range (thumbnails, petrified wood, rough & cut) that you would have found at the show, but several are so good that they are going for the "Buy Now" prices ...so enjoy the photos then get over to Luciana's auction - you only have until 6pm May 26th!!!

...and now the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show!

Show promoter Martin Zinn talks to vendors after opening the doors in Building 9...at this the inagural year of the West Coast Gem & Mineral Show at the Fairplex in Pomona.

You may remember this show it as the one that was housed in Holiday Inn in Costa for years...so from crowded hotel hallways to wide open exhibit halls the illusion is that there were few attendees...however if these people were all in the hallway of a hotel, you would be able to move.

With two exhibit halls (7 - with a wholesale area & 9) this show is well worth the drive to Pomona - yes even for those of you in South Orange County and San Digeo County who used to drive to Costa Mesa!

If you consider the shows in this area of Southern California, the range of goods and exhibits at this show is second only to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.

In fact this show is a great place to catch up with vendors from the Tucson shows as it attracted, for the 2010 premiere show vendors from around the world...

One of my favorites from Tucson is Alfredo Petrov out of Bolivia where he collects and sells fabulous minerals as well as making dreams come true! Mineral collecting dreams that is, Alfredo's Mineral Travels will take you to the location of your dreams. From Morocco to Japan to his home base in Bolivia!

California to Germany - Fossils from local favorite, Todd Schowalter Fossils....and from Fossilien Galerie - Bad Homburg!

There was a center area of Minerals dramatically displayed (click photos to enlarge):

Stunning Mineral displays from some of my Tucson favorites; Miner's Lunchbox, Evan Jones, Dave Bunk, Mineral Treasure - Madagascar Gemstones and Kristalle (photo).

...and the always stunning displays from another Tucson Gem Show favorite...Rhodo Co...you MUST click the photo to see the carved bowls.

One of my new local favorites is Tom Wolfe Minerals and Petrified Wood thanks to the brilliant Walt Wright for introducing me to this fine family operated business.

One of the things that I found fasinating at Wolfe Minerals was the green petrified wood! This Chromium colored wood is found in one place - Arizona. Unfortunately my photos of the green wood slabs from Tom Wolfe are horrible - so this shot is from Luciana's auction at Trinity Minerals....

Demo Day with the Metal Arts Society of So Cal!

2010-05-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Demo Day is a day of learning, exploring new techniques, and networking with other artists in your area. The MASSC website posted a thank you:

"Thanks to everyone who attended MASSC's Demo Day. We had a record crowd this year! Because of your support and interest, this event was a huge success. "

MASSC, or the Metal Arts Society of Southern California is a local Guild of Artists formed:

To serve the needs and interests of artists and designers who are engaged in making craft works by providing an exchange of information on such issues as producing, teaching, exhibiting, and marketing.

At Demo Day you are broken into 6 groups (about 20 people per group) and each group visits 6 different Demo areas. These are not workshops - you are merely introduced to a technique. Which if you are already working in metal you can pick up and incorporate into your body of work - and - if you are a beginner gives you an idea of a technique that you might wish to pursue.

2010 DEMO DAY AT EL CAMINO COLLEGE:

Ruth Shapiro: Put Your Best foot Forward
Learn how to make displays that will enhance your work.
You can see Ruth's work at: www.growingupjewish.com and www.ruthshapiro.etsy.com

Marne Ryan: Organic Metals
The opportunity to play with fire constructively while creating rich textures in sterling silver.
Check out Marne's work at: www.marneryan.com

Connie Fox: Define DesignThis demo will cover several strategies for clarifying, deepening, and expanding your awareness of your own personal jewelry design sensibility.
For more about Connie see: www.conniefox.com

Break For Lunch - this is sometimes the best class of the day as everyone gets together to chat, commune, meet and reconnect!

Melinda Alexander: - Riveted Stone Setting
Capture a stone with the simple technique of Rivets.
Connect with Melinda at: Metalsmithmelinda (at) yahoo.com

Sandra VanderMey - Coloring Titanium:
Enhance your expressions by adding the language of color
Contact Sandra at: tqween (at) roadrunner.com

I have to apologize to Sandra - I heard great things about her demo - but I had a prior commitment to cover the opening of a new Mineral Art Gallery (Zzyzx Gallery) in downtown Los Angeles...so no photos.

The Gemmy Wonderland of the GIA

2010-05-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Gemological Institute of America hosted the latest Sinkankas Symposium at their American Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA.

Feeling a little like Alice following the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole...finding herself in a wondrous world beyond imagination, I wandered the halls of the headquarters of the Gemological Institute of America.

The halls are lined with showcases filled with Gems (grouped by mineral species - beautiful and educational) - Photos of Gems and Gem Mining - Microscopic Art of Gem Inclusions - a Library and Museum and a traveling exhibit.
...on the ground floor at the entrance to the Library hangs "Bahia" - the story of this magnificent gem is in the photo - click photo for a larger image.

The Donald Millikin Collection (self-faceted) was donated to the GIA.

A close - up view of the center stones in the Milliken Collection - click the photo for an enlarged view.

The title on this showcase was "Large Gems" ummm yeah!!! really LARGE gems...

...and a close up of the "Large Gems"!!!

The halls come alive with color prints from the pages of the Bill Atkinson book "Within The Stone"

When we adjourned for lunch this is what greeted us in the cafe/library area...giant Quartz clusters!

...along one wall a great display of the "natural" gem Ammolite...a Giant Ammonite shell...

...and a showcase of some stunning gem Ammolite and a piece of Ammolite Jewelry.

This is a great example of the "educational" cases that line the halls in the classroom areas...this one concentrates on Tourmaline.

These cases are in the student lunch/break area...the first one holds two Munsteiner (tall one from Bernd and front one from Tom) carved Quartz pieces from Idar Oberstein...

....the second case holds a carved Malachite & Chrysocolla from Zaire that was donated by United States Pearl...

Of course what Gem & Jewelry collection is complete without a piece from the world class photographer Jeff Scovil.

Who wouldn't want to study on this campus?

I am leaving you with another shot of Bahia - this one shows the rutile needles better with the light behind it...

Zzyzx Gallery - Now Open!!!!

2010-05-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is a stunning space that shows no sign of the haste in which it was pulled together...they wanted to get an exhibit installed in time for the Downtown LA Gallery Artwalk.

...those of you who know Justin and Brandy know that for quite some time now they have been looking for a way to showcase Brandy's art work...and if in doing that, they could develop a place for people to learn about and appreciate minerals at the same time...even better.

Justin loves to do things in concepts which explains the name of this the first exhibit in the new space...

Paragenesis is a petrologic concept meaning an equilibrium assemblage of mineral phases...or an ordered chronological sequence of mineral formations...(thanks Wikipedia)

The Opening Featured Dealer is "The Uncarved Block". Pu Tzu's The Uncarved Block collection of minerals is the start of what will be a new Mineral Dealer each month - I can see this catching on with the LA Scene - Nature as Art!!!

There is an amazing Kunzite in this case!

So aside from the work of the lovely Brandy Naugle - the walls are filled with really gorgeous art and you have to get Justin to tour you through them...each one has a story.

From Jeff Scovil's Microscopic Photos to Bruce Gaber's complete Pyrite set (6 illustrations on canvas showing each of the 6 sides of a Pyrite crystal).

From the glorious colors in slabs of Petrified Wood courtesy of Tom Wolfe Minerals to the stark Black & White drawings of Chris Hughes...

Green Mountain Minerals' stunning Elbaite Tourmaline and Quartz from Afghanistan sits atop a display case filled with minerals, jewelry and fossils...and is all but overshadowed by a lovely bouquet from a well wisher.

...and last but not least Justin tells me about the case that holds a specimen from each of the dealers that helped them get their dream off the ground!

Grand Opening This Weekend!!!

2010-05-10T16:57:00.001-07:00

This is the Grand Opening weekend for the latest offering from Justin Zzyzx and Brandy Naugle of The-Vug.com!!!

Enjoy beautiful specimens in artistic ambiance among fabulous works of art!

Sinkankas Symposium - Feldspar

2010-04-20T20:34:00.001-07:00

THE SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM 2010 — GEM FELDSPARS

Photograph by Harold and Erica Van Pelt

Named for one of the most distinguished and influential figures in gemology and mineralogy,The Sinkankas Symposium is an annual one-day event featuring presentations by noted specialists working in diverse gem-related disciplines or occupations. The theme of the eighth annual Symposium was Gem Feldspars.

The Sinkankas Symposium has been described as the most important gemological conference in North America by respected authorities on gemstones. Organized by Roger Merk, the annual event is co-sponsored by the San Diego Mineral & Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which has provided the Symposium venue for the past eight years. Bill Larson has been a generous supporter and lively speaker at the event since its inception.

SINKANKAS SYMPOSIUM 2010 — GEM FELDSPARS

The 2010 Sinkankas Symposium on Gem Feldspars was held on April 17, 2010, at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Carlsbad, California. Ten speakers presented eleven lectures to an audience of 150 attendees. Highlights from the program included recent gemological and analytical research on Chinese andesine presented by Shane McClure, Director of the West Coast Identification Services at the GIA laboratory in Carlsbad, CA, and Dr. George Rossman, Professor of Mineralogy in the Division of Geology and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA.

Selected papers prepared for the symposium and articles on Gem Feldspars are available for purchase. For more information about the papers/To place an order »

This event was as amazing as all of the Sinkankas Symposiums have been...intelligent speakers addressing an appreciative audience...always a great combination!

The event was held on the gorgeous Robert Mouawad Campus at the Headquarters of the Gemological Institute of America - always a beautiful and gracious host!

In a follow up post I will be discussing the Speakers and the GIA Campus.

Book Signing: Renee Newman at Nevada Mineral and Books!

2010-03-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous day in the OC on Saturday and driving down to Orange for one of my favorite outings was a delight!

Nevada Mineral and Books is one of the few local venues where you can peruse a variety of gems, minerals, vintage mining ephemera and jewelry...oh and books did I mention the books? Room after room of books on everything from Geology - Jewelry Making! If you are trying to complete a magazine collection, Geologist and Owner Walt Lombardo, probably has any issues you are missing!

Today we were gathered for a book signing by the always popular Renee Newman.

Renee's fan-loyalty is based on her ability to write for everyone. Whether you are a Gemologist, Jeweler or you just love beautiful things from gems to jewelry, you will always be able to glean important and current information from Renee's books.

One of the great things about a Renee Newman signing is the prodigious number of titles available from this prolific author.

Jewelers today are finding it difficult to keep up with all the "new" stones and treatments.

Educating themselves, their staff and their customers would be easily remedied by offering Newman's "handbooks" to their customers...I have always felt that an educated customer understands quality and value.

With this newest series - the Exotic Gems Books - Renee has filled a huge gap. So many new (or new to beads and faceting) gems are available on the market and as a jewelry maker I found the information in this book to be priceless. These are NOT new minerals but it is just recently that they have seen popularity in the Colored Stone market and as beaded goods...it is always nice to know how a stone will wear before adding it to a bracelet design.

As always at Nevada Mineral and Books - there was a steady stream of people picking up books - perusing minerals and catching up on some of the latest "rock chat"!

If you haven't discovered this hidden treasure in the Southland - you owe it too yourself to check it out...lots of fun events are planned...some Jewelry Trunk Shows, Geology Speakers, and more book signings!

Nevada Mineral & Book Co.
342 S. Tustin Street • Orange, CA 92866
Ph. 714-633-1549 Website: http://minbooks.net

Michael Hendrix of Minarex

2010-03-28T00:42:00.000-07:00

I just want to take a moment to share with you a man who's work in gems is outstanding - but beyond that his support of the learning process in this industry is nothing short of phenomenal.

Michael Hendrix is Minarex and if you attend jewelry making classes or workshops in the Southwest you may be familiar with his work. He was at our class last week and I was able to shoot some photos of his stones.

In a world that seems to be outsourcing everything to foreign workers, Mike works in the US and cuts his entire inventory himself. ...and he can tell you the story of the stone...what it is, where it comes from and in some cases the exact mine.

You know the drill by now...click the photos for a larger view.

...and now just for your viewing pleasure...a little eye candy from Minarex!

Agates - Ametrines - Carnelian - Chrysoprase - Chalcedony - Psilomilene

Exotic Gems, Volume 1 by Renee Newman

2010-03-03T13:43:00.001-08:00

Professional to Layman...Newman Does It Again!, March 3, 2010

By	Reading It All "Reading It All - Robyn"

Renee Newman knocks it out of the park again!!!! In her latest book Exotic Gems: How to Identify and Buy Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodochrosite, Zultanite, Sunstone, Moonstone & Other Feldspars (Newman Exotic Gem Series) Ms. Newman opens the world of the exotic to her loyal fans.

The great thing about any Renee Newman guide is that she writes for everyone - the professional jeweler, gemologist and hobbyist will all be able to glean important information and inspiration from her books.

In the first volume of her Exotic Gems series Newman looks specifically at Tanzanite, Ammolite, Rhodocrosite, Zultanite and several of the Felspar family of gems (Moonstone, Labradorite, Spectrolite, Sunstone and more).

In words that everyone can understand she walks you through the chemical, physical and optical qualities and then she takes you to the mines, shows you what it takes to cut some of these exotics and then finishes up with some of the most gorgeous photos of faceted gems, carved gems and gems in jewelry...and she even talks about the Metaphysical Lore of the gem.

The popularity of the television shopping networks has opened up a new era in gems in jewelry - there was a day when gem Rhodocrosite was considered to soft for jewelry and it was only found in mineral collections - those days are gone and Renee Newman's book give us the information we need to make decisions about using these materials in jewelry and for those looking to purchase them.

This book is worth buying just for the "eye candy" value - delightful to see such a great range from bridge to fine jewelry - cutters to carvers. Thanks Renee - I am looking forward to volume two!

2010 Pasadena Bead and Design Show

2010-01-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the afternoon at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show at the Hilton. I went to this show the first year it went in...it was a sad - quiet event. I am glad I gave it a second look and very happy to report that the place was packed!!!

In all honesty I must admit that I went primarily to support the daughter of some friends - but - once there I really had a great time.

Gem Show Tip - Use the Valet - for $6 you get service at the door. The closest lot is $9 and street parking is hard to find.

While the majority of what I will cover is gems, beads and findings...this show is so much more than the Jewelry Making Supplies or even finished Jewelry. This is a feast for the eyes - room after room of apparel - art - glass -beads - gems- jewelry - metals - lucite - fiberart - tools - it seems endless...

Some of the vendors that caught my eye:

The lovely Chelle of TANGIBLE LIGHT STUDIO - the reason for the adventure!
Lampwork beads by Michelle Davis; capturing the color and textural properties of glass into a wearable art form. International Ballroom #I137
www.tangible-light.com

BEAD PALACE was showing some really clean and beautiful gems from a corner with $2 strands to stunning Tourmaline, chunky Peridot and darling little chains of Diamond Beads.

Direct manufactures and importers of precious and semi-precious gemstone beads, diamond beads, and sterling silver components, findings, and

beads; offering high quality at true wholesale prices to the trade. Pasadena Room #I

http://www.beadpalace.us

Some of the cleanest coin pearls (they have some sweet tiny coins too) I've seen - South Seas that GLOW from TA PEARLSTONE - An expansive selection of freshwater Pearls in shapes such as coins, rounds, squares, baroque shapes, and Keshi pearls. Pacific Ballroom #P268www.tapearlstone.com/

The work of ROD GRIFFIN runs from jewelry sized to sculpture on a grand scale!!! I first discovered this company in the Day's Inn at the Tucson Gem Show. In fact I featured one of his carved fountains in my Tucson Blog - click through for more...

Spectacular Australian opals-- beads and cabochons—wholesale direct from Australia.
rodgriffinopals@bigpond.com

Everyone knows REALM OF THE GODDESS for their dipped leaves - but this company also carries what I feel will be "the next big thing"! Electroformed Gems! Not just the rough stone varieties like druzy but finished faceted gems - even Austrian Crystals!

24kt gold dipped maple, birch, oak,

cottonwood and aspen leaves, rose petals, natural flora, and sea life, gems, and minerals trimmed in 24kt gold, sterling silver, copper and precious metals. In addition, 300 styles of chains available in 24kt gold overlay, rhodium overlay, copper finish and black finish, and over 3,000 styles of charm castings. International ballroom#I114 & 115www.realmofthegoddess.com

When you enter the California Ballroom the wall of precious stones from MINE GEMS is close to overwhelming and the lesson that I will take away from this seller is the simple yet dramatic display. Of course that would mean nothing if their gems were anything but the finest! Yummy clear Emerald, Ruby, Sapphires of all colors and Kyanite in a deep rich blue, that could step in for the finest Ceylon Sapphire.

Custom cut fine gemstones, hard-to-find minerals and natural specimens. California Ballroom #C204

The Spring Time theme shows through in the beads and focals from my friend Vlad of GOLEM DESIGNS' who's work is being represented By Allene's Beads--Dramatic, colorful stoneware beads, integrating ancient and contemporary art forms by bead makers Vladislav Ivanov and Kremena Ivanova, artist family from Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. International ballroom #I152

golem.mlhweb.us/

I made a couple purchases - first at ArtClay World USA from a very funny and frustrated Katie Baum...thanks for the "butt" card Katie! I picked up several rubber stamps - while I know that these are for imprinting clay, I plan to use them for etching on brass and copper...I picked up some single strips and one of Lisa Pavelka's sets of stamps. I will let you know if this project works out - it will hopefully be a tutorial.

I have for a long while wanted to try my hand with resin - but the smell of most products have kept me from doing this again. Today I found the coolest product from little windows - Brilliant Photo Jewelry. What makes this different is ease, it's a kit - and odor, you can do this on your kitchen counter. So my Mom and I are going to give it a go! Check out their blog for some great project ideas - http://www.little-windows.com/blog/

...and glorious fabrics interpreted in many styles, all with the ability to celebrate your body, from:

ANNA KONYA http://www.annakonyadesigns.com

URU http://www.wildsilks.com/

GRAU http://graudesign.net/

SUZY CLICK http://www.suziclick.com/

...and so I say good bye to the Pasadena Bead and Design Show - you have one more day to check out this eclectic mix of goods and vendors...Michelle's beautiful glass work is what made me leave the house ...what made me stay and enjoy the show was the total pure overload of color and texture!

New Year's Day at the Himalaya...a SoCal Tradition!

2010-01-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a special day here in Southern California - the sun was warm...I know not much different from most of the other days...and we participated in a SoCal tradition!!!

No - we didn't camp out on Colorado Blvd. or go to the Rose Bowl or even post up in front of the TV for a glut of food and football.

We joined about 50 people and dug through a pile of dirt!!!!

The New Year's Day dig at the Himalaya Mine has become an eagerly awaited event around our house!!!! Chris Rose - the mine owner started this tradition that has grown with each incarnation...bet they don't have New Year's Day Digs in many states...as you can see, in SoCal it was in the 7o's and a beautiful day!

The nice thing about the dig this year was that we had friends visiting from Australia and the Southern Rockhounds (South Adelaide that is!)! I met Raelene and Geoff when they attended a Silent Auction for the Woodland Hills Rock Chippers years ago and we have stayed in contact since.

We met early in the AM for our drive to the Pala region near San Diego...under two hours from the edge of LA and OC countries where we met up. The nice thing about an early morning event on New Years Day - no traffic!!!

Most of the mines in SoCal have adopted an off site dig policy - I am not sure why though I can think of several reasons...insurance, safety and security making the top of the list. The Himalaya dig takes place just outside the Lake Henshaw Resort. The resort is your last chance to pick up water and sunscreen - it is also where you will find my recommendation for the best burgers in SoCal!!! check my report on the Resort here.

So following a drive through the resort, an off road experience of it's own - especially in my little Saturn - and a climb up a tiny hill...you reach the dig site. Under a bright blue tent you will find some of the nicest folks with some gorgeous examples of material found at the all of the gem holdings of High Desert Gems and Minerals...and the tourmaline crystals we will be looking for today!

The mine provides everything you need - there are large wooden tables that hold your water pan - you get a bucket and a screen at check-in...and you are good to go!

The day got off to a good start when my boyfriend (Bobby) found his "Sha-BAM" piece in his first bucket full of dirt...and a few minutes later the couple from Cypress that was working beside us found it's twin! ...it was ON!

Around noon there was a raffle - we won a faceted Sunstone and Gary from the Culver City Rock Club won a $100 bag of high grade mine rough (which he worked through during the dig - providing some great ooohs and ahhhs)!

The mine operators are great at getting the kids involved in the entertainment that these raffles provide! ...and a second raffle about 2pm. where Raelene won a great specimen piece of Tourmaline in Quartz with a few slivers of Clevelandite on a bed of Feldspar...and Bobby got a BIG chunk of Puzzle Jasper (this piece is going back to Australia where Raelene does beautiful Gemstone Inlay).

Several local clubs were represented (if you read this please leave your club/meeting info in the comments so folks can find you) - a Paleontology Group, the two groups I have been a member of in the past Culver City Rock Club and the Woodland Hills Rock Chippers - there were folks from as far away as San Francisco!

At this point - I will bet you are asking - so how do I find out about the New Year's Day dig? Chris posts the info on the local Rockhound gathering spot LARocks a Yahoo Group that was set up by my friend and mentor Brad Smith...click through and join us for some great rock talk along with field trip and show announcements!!!!

A great day was had by all and we headed to the restaurant - dirty and dusty - but ready for a burger!!!! Sated and tired we drove home to do a rock trade - I am down sizing and need to move some rough...and Geoff and Raelene brought me a gorgeous Topaz that he faceted and my favorite Zircon - I love the browns that have a pink overtone! Raelene brought me some sweet Chysoprase, Black Jade and Opal...she actually brought much more but I just can't add to the stack I have!

My motto for the New Year - Everything is Good...in moderation! Moderation is the word this year - after which it will hopefully become my way of life!

Click on the Photos for a larger view!

Labor Day Trip to the Spectrum Sunstone Mine

2009-12-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

About a year ago (August 2008) my boyfriend (Bobby) and I were fortunate to be invited by our friend Shep Koss (CFMS FieldTrip Chair - SoCal) to join him for his annual trip to Oregon (Sunstone Mines) and Nevada (Virgin Valley Opal Region).

So you might ask - what took so long to post the trip? Well - we just got the stones back from the faceter and WOW! These need to be seen!!!

I am always up for a mine trip but to do it with someone who is experienced is priceless...there is no learning curve...he knows what to look for and how to get to it!

Shep works the graveyard shift so he really needed to catch a nap - so I drove - wasn't a bad drive. Just under 12 hours and since we chose to drive overnight the traffic was wonderful (Driving from the Los Angeles Area this was a great change of pace!).

Going over Donner Pass was a little trippy - especially in complete darkness! We were on a constant lookout (Bobby stayed awake to help) for critters and had to stop for a deer once. The road is wonderful almost all the way to the Sunstone mines - when you start to get close you end up on quite a long, rough dirt road.

We arrived early enough to drop a couple large items at our chosen campsite (see helpful hints) - not necessarily by choice - we had to to get to our digging equipment - and the mine hadn't opened yet.

1st Helpful Hint - OK - this is where Shep's experience and frugality really helps you make this trip happen! There is no need to pay for an expensive hotel room and drive 1/2 hour to an hour to the mine...BLM SunStone Park! This is a dry camping area next to the mines...there are covered tables and a toilet! really what more do you need?

BTW - just a side note - I was worried about the heat being close to Labor Day but the weather wasn't to bad...I couldn't have done any HARD rock mining but for our purposes it was lovely. This is important because as you can see from the photos (provided by my friend Paul over on the Cash and Treasures Wiki - if you haven't joined you should!)

We were the first guests to get to the mine and they were just setting up - Jessica came out to meet us and offer us coffee - Shep followed her to get a little coffee jolt to replace the sleep he missed and we waited at the Office door.

We were soon joined by a lovely couple that were staying in the TeePee that the mine rents out for overnights. Wouldn't that be a romantic Rock Hound Honeymoon? Out on the high desert in a teepee with a fire roaring sounds great to me!

When Jessica and Shep return we get the legalities out of the way (everyone starts at the office - you must sign a waiver to dig on the mine property). After about an hour of digging in the open pit I was starting to feel the heat (I am a big wimp when it comes to heat) - so with a little push from me - we all decided it was time to give the belt a try!

2nd Helpful Hint - Do the Conveyor Belt run! From the Spectrum website: High-Grade Conveyor Belt Run...For the ultimate mining experience, pick off our commercial screen plant conveyor belt and our crew will help you pick the gems and payer gets to keep everything that shows up in one hour of running the plant, $200 per hour, nearly 6 tons of ore is processed during the hour and many stones are found. Water is used to wash the dirt from the ore processed on the conveyor belt.

The addition of water from the belt run was a lifesaver for me - we cooled right down and got down to business - this is a BLAST! High Grade Ore is carried by Front Loader bucketfuls to a shaker machine (I know probably not the technical term) and then it is shaken in a steady stream onto a table with a small water feed - the tabletop is a belt that moves continually - are you getting flashbacks to the I Love Lucy episode with Lucy & Ethel in the Candy Factory? you should be!!!! In the interest of fairness we stopped halfway through and switched positions on the belt - the first person on the belt is at a definite advantage!

Around 3pm we were BEAT!!! we said our goodbyes - the staff at the Spectrum couldn't be nicer folks! Back at the campsite we pitched tents, setup the stove for supper and got a few minutes of discovery in.

3rd Helpful Hint: Take a walk around the BLM Grounds around Sunset or Sunrise - there is lots of Sunstone sprinkled through the grounds...you aren't going to find anything with color but the sun just sparkles off it and you can pick up several decent sized pieces.

OK - so now you know how I got the Sunstone and where I got the Sunstone...the question now is what do you do with close to 7 lbs. of Sunstone? This is where having a network of rockhounds is so important - I wanted to get some of our better pieces faceted but I couldn't afford to break the bank doing it! so the last helpful hint comes in the form of a referral.

4th Helpful Hint: Shep's favorite gem-cutter is Victor Albert of NorthWest Jewelers in Clackamas, OR - complete contact info at the end of post.

I only wish that my photography skills could do his cutting skills justice!

Contact Info:

Spectrum Mine: http://www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com

Faceter:

Victor Albert

NorthWest Jewelers, LLC.

PO Box 1866

Clackamas, OR 97015

503-722-5190

FAX: 503-210-7144

info@nwjewelers.com

http://nwjewelers.com

Within The Stone by Bill Atkinson

2009-12-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

Within The Stone

by Bill Atkinson

Rocks as ART!, December 26, 2009

If you are, like me, a rockhound or a gem and mineral lover you will love this book. Atkinson is one of the foremost artists in the genre of Rocks as Art.

More on Bill Atkinson - from the Product Description:
BILL ATKINSON completes his transition from whiz kid of Silicon Valley to high priest of Silica.

After helping to usher in the age of personal computing by designing the graphical user interface of the Macintosh computer, Atkinson turned his visual and technical talents to nature photography. While shooting in the Painted Desert, Atkinson became intrigued with the brilliant colors in the petrified wood littering the ground. He brought home some polished rock slabs, photographed them in natural color and without magnification, and was enthralled. The photographs looked more like paintings of forgotten dreams than either rocks or photographs. Atkinson went on to borrow and photograph thousands of art-quality stones at gem shows.
From these thousands of stones, Atkinson has picked for WITHIN THE STONE those seventy-two that yielded the most striking, the most poetic, and the most ineffable images. Many of the photographs suggest the styles of particular masters of modern painting: Klee, Klimt, Turner, O'Keefe.
--------------------------
This book is page after page of gorgeous abstract artworks that just happen to be a polished surface of Mother Nature's design.

Within the Stone will make a gorgeous coffee table book for gem and mineral lovers as well as abstract art followers.

To Order the Book or for more of Atkinson's photography... http://www.billatkinson.com

Ron Ringsrud and the Emeralds of Colombia...

2009-12-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the "Meet The Author" event at Nevada Mineral and Book. This is the most recent installment in a series that has included some of the finest and most well known authors in the Gem and Mineral Fields...Renee Newman, Fred Ward and now Ron Ringsrud.

Nevada Mineral & Book was a buzz of energy - it was a packed house and everyone was there to learn about the finest emeralds in the market the rare Colombian! Ron brought with him a case that was packed with some great mineral specimens from small to large cabinet size, a selection of lively gemstones and a glorious belt that was studded with emeralds that would rival some of the finest emerald pieces in the Smithsonian.

People milled through the shop having sampling yummy treats and sipping coffee and soda as the crowd swelled, we were ushered into the back room for a presentation.

To say that Ron is passionate about emerald would be an understatement - Ron is passionate about everything Colombian....

It is obvious that he has fallen hard for this beautiful country that has become a second home for him. He talked about the country, the geology that creates emerald, the miners that dig the emerald and the system that exists from the owners to the dealers in the marketplace.

Of course all of this was interspersed with stories about the people and Ron's personal experiences. His personal and easy going style made this an enjoyable evening for everyone in attendance.

The presentation ended with a drawing for a half-kilo of Colombian Coffeebeans.

Ron stayed, conversed and signed his beautiful book Emerald, A Passionate Guide until the wee hours....a great time was had by all.

You still have a chance to meet Ron Ringsrud and catch the "Colombian Fever"

Nevada Mineral & Book Company

342 S. Tustin Street, Orange, CA 92866.

Saturday, December 19: Book signing 10 a.m.–12 noon with a one-hour lecture at 11 a.m.

Keep your eyes open for more in the "Meet The Author" series and lots more activities from Nevada Mineral and Book...and you aren't limited by geographic location - Walt & Sandy are more than happy to take phone orders for this event.