Turquoise Gemstones are one of my favorites. The gorgeous blue/green hues blend well with silver and copper metals. How much do you really know about this gem? Over the next several weeks I plan to stimulate your senses with everything turquoise! First a few facts: The name turquoise comes from the French words 'Pierre Turquoise', meaning literally 'Turkish Stone' You … [Read more...]
Forget the Ruby Slippers Dorothy…
Wear the ruby jewelry instead! OK, I know that technically Dorothy needed the slippers to get her out of OZ, but none of us have that excuse do we? A couple of years ago a customer asked me to design a ring using a ruby gemstone. I had not worked with rubies before so was excited for the challenge. When researching the options we ultimately chose a lab grown gemstone. … [Read more...]
Gem Shows Mania
Yep. it's the only way to describe a trip to Tucson for the once a year Gem Shows event. I use the plural for shows because there are virtually 43 different shows during this 3 week time frame (late January through mid February) Each show highlights different products. Some specialize in tools and equipment, while others are known for their precious gems. Even more feature … [Read more...]
Polychrome Jasper. My New Find.
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...]
Romancing the Ring
Wearing rings of any size or shape is so much fun, don't you agree? Rings have been found in tombs dating back to 2500 BC. Many cultures fashioned their rings from stone. Others used metal and added gemstones. Sound familiar? One of the favorite designs for the Ancient Romans was a thick hoop that had an gemstone embedded right into the metal. This flush design is still … [Read more...]
