A couple of years ago, while I was attending the JOGS Gem Show in Tucson, I happened upon a supplier from Madagascar. This supplier was showcasing primarily large raw stones. They were to be used for display in a home or office. In the corner of one of the displays were scattered some gorgeous cabochons. When I inquired I was told these were polychrome jasper gems. I love the … [Read more...]
Howlite: the great pretender.
[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img] Howlite is a beautiful white gemstone with black veins or inclusions. I call it the great pretender because some (not so reputable) dealers dye it and sell as turquoise, coral or lapis. It has also been mistakenly marketed as white turquoise. Howlite is a very porous stone. This is one reason these fakes can be created. Mostly the suppliers in … [Read more...]
The Gallery Collection by Alene Geed
Over the years I have experimented with and designed a multitude of jewelry pieces. Since I do a lot of work in copper, most of my designs fall into the 'moderately priced' category. Yet sometimes I will come across an unusual gemstone that screams.. "Mount me in something spectacular"! Not wanting to disappoint the gem... I figure out how to make it even more special and … [Read more...]
