A Gemstone By What Name ?

I am sure many will recognize the name of this specific gemstone from the pictures. But does everyone call it Apatite ? In today's market, the neon blue green stones are valued much more highly than greenish or yellow stones, except for the cat's-eye. The rarest of all varieties is a rich purple Apatite found only in Maine and tops the list for value. Apatite, a stone seldom found in jewelry stores and virtually unknown to the general public, is beloved by collectors for its many different colors and forms. Only with the recent availability of the neon blue-green variety from Madagascar has its jewelry use and value increased. It is now being called the 'poor man's' Paraiba Tourmaline because of the color similarity, but alas, this gem lacks the Tourmalines toughness and hardness. At 5 on the Mohs scale, Apatite must be cut, set, and worn gently. Earrings, pendants, pins and tie tacks are probably safe, but ring and bracelet use should be limited to occasional wear pieces with protective settings. Care for this stone is similar to that given Opals, it is heat and shock sensitive, so steamers and ultrasonics must be avoided.

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Now then what name do you really know this gemstone by ?

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The following are all common names for Apatite found around the world.

Apatite

Asparagus Stone

Berilo

Carbonateatite

Chlorapatite

Collophane

Fluroapatite

Francolite

Hydioxylapatite

Lazurapatite

Maganapatite

Moroxite

Trilliumite

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And I am sure there are some names I have missed.

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Fracture Filled Ruby !

In answer to several questions asked recently, YES, there is an abundance of lead-glass filled Rubies on the market being sold without disclosure that the Ruby has been fracture-filled. While the practice of filling small pits and fissures in Ruby with glass has been known for over a decade, the sudden emergence of so many Rubies in the market that are treated this way has raised concerns anew.

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A True Burma "Mogok" Ruby
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Rubies and other heat-resistant gems are sometimes treated to conceal surface-reaching fractures, fissures or pits. These pits and fissures are filled with melted flowing glass and then polished over, resulting in a stone with an even, unfractured appearance. Inexperienced buyers who are unaware of the treatment don't look for it and end up paying much more for a stone than it is really worth. Without proper disclosure of the treatment to potential buyers, the practice is considered deceptive. The current treatment seems to be a new variation on a glass theme. The new glass fillings appear to have a lower melting point, which means that natural rutile silk inclusions in Rubies remain unaffected. At higher temperatures, the silk dissolves or partially dissolves, one of the telltale signs the gem has been tampered with. The newly observed gems with glass fillings do not show these characteristics. Most of these type of Rubies are coming from new finds in Africa.

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Identification via a microscope is nevertheless straightforward for gemologists or trained eyes. Here are some of the clues to look for-----

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Surface-reaching fissures/fractures – If the stone is examined in reflected light, minute hairline fissures can be observed breaking the surface of the stone. It is through these fissures that glass fillings are introduced. Glass-filled pits may also be observed in reflected light, these areas have a different quality of polish than the surrounding gem.

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Gas bubbles – By following the path of the fissure and looking into the depths of the gem, glass fillings may be observed. These generally contain rounded gas bubble inclusions. If they are constricted to a smaller fissure, these gas bubbles can become elongated and "squashed" in appearance. As rubies do not have this kind of inclusion in nature, glass filling should be strongly suspected.

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Flash effect – While the refractive index of the glass and the host ruby may be similar, their dispersion is different. Under magnification, the point of contact of these two substances (glass and ruby) within a fissure often leads to a "flash effect," an optical phenomenon that is manifested in a variety of different colors including violet, purple, blue and green. It can be observed flashing on and off when the gem is rocked and turned under magnification.

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If any or all of these clues are observed within the stone, it should be rejected as a natural untreated gem, or sent to a laboratory for additional tests. Labs can radiograph a gem, perform sophisticated spectroscope, X-ray fluorescence analysis and other methods for positive identification of glass-filling treatment. The 'Flash effect', can many times be seen by anyone looking at the Ruby under a bright light and rocking it back and forth.

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It should be noted that the typical "flash-effect" seen in glass-filled Rubies the past few years, may now not be observed in some recent Rubies placed on the market, due to different types of additives being used.

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And, as a last warning - being sold on eBay, other auction sites and TV are new lab-created Rubies out of Russia and Switzerland. Now, like Alexandrite and other sythetic man-made gems, the old argument become, 'a rose grown outside is the same as a rose grown in a greenhouse', and the same arguement can extend to these sythetic, not simulated, man-made lab-created Rubies. This may be true, but such sythetic stones should be disclosed to the potential buyer as not found naturally. The key to the synthetic Ruby is that it is too clear, to few inclusions and as with synthetic Alexandrite, under high power magnification, you may see the seed stone.

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A Swiss sythetic lab-created Ruby

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NOTE: color will vary on each type of screen these are viewed on, so do not depend on the color shown to be an accurate representation.
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Thanks to Ted Themelis and Lee Little from Thailand for information and pictures on glass-filled Rubies.
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Blue Chalcedony, a sky blue gemstone in unique jewelry !

Blue chalcedony is stealing the show among blue gemstones in designer jewelry. And among other blue gemstone dazzlers, blue Chalcedony is fairly easy to find, and is definitely easier on the pocketbook than most other of the well known blue gemstones.

A piece of natural rough blue Chalcedony

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The most common forms of blue Chalcedony are solid stones, cut first, then carved into beads with smooth, faceted, or textured surfaces in shapes of every possible variety.

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Blue Chalcedony also comes in a few other forms. Botryoidal is the bubble-like form that yields a wavy texturized surface that displays so nicely in designer jewelry. Another form is druzy, which comes from the crystalline interior of geode formations. Because it forms only on the inside surfaces of internal rock voids, druzy of any kind is not particularly abundant and is therefore pricey. The blue variety of both is also quite uncommon.

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Botryoidal and Druzy blue Chalcedony

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Blue Chalcedony comes primarily from sources in Africa, including Namibia and Malowi, in Turkey, and in the state of Washington. Most designers acquire their blue Chalcedony for their designs from a few special sources in Tucson at the annual February Gem Fair. And, while the exact source of the Gem Fair vendors is unknown, most appears to be the blue Chalcedony that matches that which that can be identified as coming from Turkey. This is not because the vendors are Turkish fellows but because of the rich blue color which is characteristic of Chalcedony from quarries in West Anatolia. The blue in blue Chalcedony from other sources tends to be lighter and from some areas the stones are more translucent.

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Cut and polished blue Chalcedony in Sterling Silver pendants.

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Blue Chalcedony is a beautiful blue stone that should not be overlooked among the dazzle of other blue gemstones like Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite, Topaz and Sapphire. And with blue Chalcedony, you’ll not only get dazzle but definitely more blue bang for your buck.

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At least for now anyway !

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Blue Chalcedony combined with White Fresh Water Pearls is a striking combination

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Is Spring here Already ?

As far as the designer world goes, yes Spring has Sprung. Now is the time for shows and displays of what the fine dressed woman will be wearing this coming Spring. Designers are bringing splashes of sunshine to the runway for Spring 2010. Vibrant brights add a sense of excitement to the color palette, while practical neutrals provide a safety net for cautious consumers. “Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Instead of reinventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.” New jewelry in the new colors is always a must, and with this years themes, it means matching the various pieces of jewelry, not a hog-pog mix.

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Spring and summer naturally evoke feelings of calm ocean waters and tranquil beach vacations in cool, vibrant, tropical Turquoise. This soothing hue from the blue-green family conjures feelings of escape, especially when paired with Amparo Blue. With more warmth than the typical spring navy, this particular shade of blue is extremely appealing because of its brighter, more energetic attitude. Like the scent of a blossoming flower, Violet lends a romantic air to the warm-weather palette. This intriguing purplish hue is a distinctive addition to any wardrobe.

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Yellow has made its mark on fashion and spring will further this trend with gleaming Aurora. Reminiscent of the first glimpse of yellow as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, this shimmering, slightly greenish yellow adds a bold infusion. Energy continues to surge throughout the warmer hues of spring, leading to provocative Fusion Coral. This inviting orange connects directly to tangy Tomato Purée, this season’s classic red. Pair it with Turquoise for a retro look.

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Thoughtful, cautious neutrals provide a dependable backbone to the brights of spring. Kick back and enjoy the bubbly luxury of Pink Champagne. This delicate, wispy tint is the season’s newest neutral. The melding of Pink Champagne, Tomato Purée and Amparo Blue is a refreshing take on the classic springtime combination of red, white and blue. Three additional neutrals round out the palette. Tuscany, a warm beige hue, provides the perfect backdrop and works well as a solid base color with dynamic accents like Fusion Coral or Violet. Dried Herb is the ultimate green neutral, pairing well with all other colors. Ideal for bigger ticket items, cool Eucalyptus is the eternal, practical gray. Choose this nuanced neutral and add brightly colored exclamation points in shoes, jewelry and handbags.

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Information provided by New York Fashion Weekly.

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RAFB 'ROSC Luncheon' Sep 17th !

Here are some simple pendants for placing on chains that have been made up for the ROSC Luncheon to be held at the RAFB O'Club on Thursday Sep 17th starting at 10:30.

Smoky Quartz in Silver Setting...............Lapis in a Silver Setting

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Yellow Labradorite from Mexico in a 10k Gold Setting

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TEXAS Lone Star in the center of a Swiss Blue Topaz in a Silver Setting

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For Pearl lovers, a Fresh Water Pearl in a 10k Gold Setting

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See these and other pendants on the Jewelry by CnC web-site.

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NOT "Big and Bold" !

Not everyone is comfortable wearing the "Big and Bold" look, not everyone looks as great as they should wearing the "Big and Bold", so here are a couple new designs for that "dainty" person.

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Labradorite and Mother of Pearl on a silver chain (GS247)

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Botswana Agate pendant and beads on a golden illusion chain (GS246)

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But for that person that wants the "Bold" look as well as a bit of the "Wild", here is a set made from Mahogany Lampwork beads and Black Sandstone with Silver Highlights.

(GS248)

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Check the Jewelry by CnC webiste for additional new items.

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Gemstones in the Rough !

Without going into a long explanation or discussion of where to find, how to find and what you might have to do to find gemstones lying around, or when having to dig them out of the ground, here are some pictures of some "rocks" that one might run into while "Rock Hounding", if you go to the right location.

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For many, it could be a short trip as some of the most important deposits of Amazonite are found in Colorado (since 1876). Other locations where Amazonite is found are in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia and Zimbabwe.

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Now if you want to get a sample of Ametrine, it will require a trip way back into the hills of Bolivia. This is a one source stone from the Anahi Mine.

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Although similar red rocks (Jasper) can be found in many locations, some of the best in the Big Bend Area of Texas, this particular piece that contains Red River Jasper and Red Variscite is only found in the 'Outback' of Australia.

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Sodalite can be found in many locations from Africa, to China to South America. This particular piece of blue Sodalite comes from Brazil.

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This unique find of blue Apatite came from the Diamond Mine area of Arkansas, but Apatite comes from all over -- Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the several locations in the United States.

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The name gives this unique find from the Pacific Ocean California beaches away, San Joaquin Green Jade.

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Discovered on the Island of St. Paul, near the coast of Labrador, Labradorite is a very unusual form of Opaline Felspar. Although originally found only in Labradore, it has now been discovered in Madagascar and other locations near volcanic activity.

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Spider Web Jasper can be found in many locations to include Idaho, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico to name a few. This particular piece came from Arizona.

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Fluorite is very common throughout the world. But rockhounds in Arizona have to look twice so they don't confuse this nice yellow-green Fluorite with Arizona Peridot.

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Chrysoprase is a common find in Australia, but also comes from Poland and the United States. It is considered the rarest form of Chalcedony.

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Unusual Gemstone Pendants !

Rainbow Sardonyx

I am using the word "unusual" fairly openly in these pictures of various kinds of pendants and I am saying "unusual" also from several different aspects - First, unusual stones in themselves; Second, although maybe a common stone, unusual to see in this form; and Third, an unusual size or cutting (design) of the stone.

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Unusual or non-common stones.

Septarian Concretion..............Larvikite.....................Maw Sit Sit..........

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Unusual to find in this size or form.

..........Pyrite..........................Eudialite.....................Sagenite...........

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Unusual cutting, such as faceted, or special cut to show off the stone.

...............Bronzite.......................Celestite......................Muscovite........

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Fairly well known stones with unusual cutting or left rough.

...............Coral Fossil.........Red River Jasper.....Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

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However, no matter how unusual the stone, the size or the cutting, or if it is even a well known stone like the last ones shown, how it is mounted and what it is worn with end up making what people want or like as their specific jewelry piece.
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Turquoise pendant as part of the necklace
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Wire-wrapped Pyrite pendant that is removable or can be worn as is
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Please check the web-site for many new and unusual pendants, both mounted and unmounted, that have been added recently. Select one and if interested in having it incorporated into a necklace, please see the web-sites and then contact Jewelry by CnC or if your want it wire-wrapped contact Timeless Designs Studio for assistance.
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Jadetite and Ruby Reminder when Traveling - Hong Kong Gem Show !!

In a recent reminder from the AGTA (American Gem Trade Association) and JVC (Jewelers Vigiliance Committee) any jeweler or gemstone enthuisast preparing to travel overseas, especially to the upcoming Hong Kong Gem Show and beyond, must be aware of the restrictions now in place if you are traveling with any jadeite or ruby jewelry, as specified in the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act. Rubies and jadeite of non-Burmese origin are not restricted, but questions may arise upon re-entry to the U.S. from abroad, so have proof of origin to avoid problems.

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If you do choose to travel with Burmese jadeite or ruby jewelry, please note below:

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An exception to the JADE Act allows the importation of Burmese ruby and jadeite that were in the US prior to September 27, 2008, or that are for personal use.

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The exception is applicable under the following circumstances:
1) The articles may only be re-imported into the US by the same entity that was the exporter, and
2) The articles may not have been "advanced in value" or "improved in condition" by any process or other means while outside the US.

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Parties who are exporting these articles from the US, and intend to re-import the same articles, have been advised by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to register the goods prior to export by either of these methods:

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1) Register the articles on a CBP Form 4455 (Certificate of Registration) or a CBP Form 4457 (Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad);

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2) Use a carnet issued by the U.S. Council for International Business (CIB). This is suitable for commercial samples and items for trade shows and exhibitions. A carnet is a “Merchandise Passport;” an international customs document that simplifies customs procedures for the temporary importation of various types of goods. Applications for carnets can be found at the CIB website, http://www.uscib.org/. CBP Forms are available on the U.S. Customs website.

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If you have any further questions, please call the Jewelers Vigilance Committee at 212-997-2002. But as a remeinder, when buying Jadeite or Rubies, you just might want to obtain a Certificat of Origin from the dealer or vendor

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Reprint of announcement provided by the AGTA.

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Bracelets are an "IN" fashion for Fall !

It is hard to continually keep up with all the latest fashion trends, especially as we all know there are many short lived fads and designer updates that come down the runways continually. Recently, there seems to have been a lot of hype about fashion bracelets. The range appears to flow from casual cool to chic to funky inspired baubles. However cool or uncool, bracelets are all over this coming Fall's fashion scene. Lets do a quick review of some of the most popular styles of the year. .

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Bangle bracelets - The Bangle bracelets have really taken off lately, with this trend spilling over from the front page of magazines to the street scene of the masses. Bangle bracelets range in size from wire thin to massive hunky plastic. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Right now the focus is on citrus colored bangles (tropicana orange, lime green and canary yellow to name a few exotic colors). These bangles do a great job at brightening up monotone outfits.
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Thinner bangles in textured and hammered metals are hot for dressing up evening dresses as well as casual daytime looks.

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Cuff bracelets - From as far back as one can date fashion, the cuff bracelet has been a hit. In some years it is much more popular than others, but for 2009 and 2010 cuff bracelets are exploding on the fashion scene and taking the world by storm. It seems like cuff bracelets are bolder, bigger and more extravagant than ever. Cuff bracelets are being worn as a statement piece, as a set with necklaces and earrings, or as a pair on both arms, or mixed with thinner metalic bangle bracelets.

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Charm bracelets – The charm bracelet is the old standby that never goes out of style, it is a fashion classic. This season it will return a little bit chunkier and a little bit funkier. Now it's perfectly okay to mix charm bracelets with other pieces from your jewelry box and create a unique look for your style and personality. Charm bracelets are not only keepsakes and mementos, they are also a personal fashion statements..

Thanks to our daughter-in-law at Timeless Designs Studio for picture and input.

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Reclaiming Gold !

Most of us have seen recently an increase on TV of sales pitches for recycling one's old gold. Even some of the TV Gem and Jewelry channels have now gotten into the scene. With gold topping $1000.00 an oz for the second time in 2 years, people are scrambling to sell off their old gold. Recycling of computers and electronics for gold, platinum and silver as well as copper, has also hit an all time high.

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Since the early Egyptians, jewelers have always recycled gold. It has a specific intrinsic value, so no one simply, unless by accident, tosses this precious metal into the trash bin. Those who wish to part with their old gold jewelry, coins, pieces of gold sell the items to local retailers or metal refiners, who weigh each item and pay cash for the percentage of pure gold present (note: pure gold is 24K, anything less, ie 9K, 10K, 14K, and 18K, is a percentage of pure gold mixed with other, less valuable metals mainly tin and copper for yellow gold and other minerals for various shades from rose, to white to green – these are all called alloy gold).
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Generally speaking, most consumers are never aware of the origin of the gold in their jewelry. However, lately media attention has been focusing on many harmful effects of the unethical mining on nearby communities and the environment in totality, and the term “dirty” gold gets its moniker from such mining practices. Critics say that a single band of gold leaves behind more than twenty tons of mine waste. Some of this is simply rock, however, mixed with the rock are other toxic metals and the acids that are used to seperate out the gold. The personnel working at the mines are also exposed and the ground is also in danger as these liquids can leach into groundwater creating a dangerous health hazard to wild as well as human life. Concerned jewelry manufacturers and designers are examining their gold sources far more closely these days, and some have joined the “No Dirty Gold” campaign founded and dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide.
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There are many who now as a marketing tool, market their use of recycled-gold as better for the environment. This permits us, as consumers, to be more responsible for and sensitive to the repercussions of our jewelry purchases. But the fact remains that the use of this recycled gold has relatively no impact on the issues surrounding the problems associated with today's gold mining techniques to find this most elusive and growing scarcer material/mineral/metal.

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No matter what ones feelings are on the subject, recycling of precious metals is here to stay. Even non-government issued Gold Coins have entered the market for use in barter.
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Tucson Fall Gem Show - 2009!

The upcoming Tucson Fall Gem Show is a smaller cousin of the large Tucson Gem Fair held each February. This years fall show will be held September 10th to 13th. .

1. A.B.C. Direct, 349 E. Ft. Lowell Rd & 3301 E. Pennsylvania St.
2. Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers, Holiday Inn/Holidome
3. Best Bead Show, Tucson Convention Center
4. Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers, Rodeway Inn.

Click on the individual show and you will be taken to that shows info. For those shows that are not an individual vendor, there will be a listing of vendors and their booth location.

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