Near a mine in the jungles of Sri Lanka, miners would carry heavy loads of gravel down to the river for washing. The constant rinsing of mud into the river caused the water to become thick and brown, killing life in the river for miles. Continue reading
Everyone in the gemstone and jewelry industry knows that when economic times are tough, luxury goods are first to fall off of the must have list. With consumers tightening belts worldwide, purchases are made after much forethought and research. Continue reading
When David Stanley Epstein was seven years old, he received as a gift a mineral collecting kit. This is the point at which I tell you of the instant love affair that began when he opened that kit, but I’d be lying. Continue reading
It becomes more obvious to this writer with every newsletter that the gemstone and jewelry industry is one filled with those that possess a passion for what they do, and a true love of the product they create and sell. Continue reading
The hope of many an artist is that not only will their work be appreciated for its value as art, but that it will endure, passing the test of time. Such hope is found within Christine Huber, the focus of this month’s member spotlight. Continue reading
With over twenty thousand jewelers in the United States, it may surprise some that the vast majority are small companies with one or two locations. Though most of us only see and hear advertisements from major jewelry chains, the backbone of the industry has been and is still the neighborhood jeweler. Continue reading
Dr. Barbara Smigel has lived a life inspired by the joy of teaching. Her passion for receiving and sharing the gift of knowledge has led her through natural transitions from one new discovery to the next.
If you have ever wondered how someone became a gemstone miner, the only thing you might consistently learn through their answers is that there is no one path to such a unique career. Continue reading
Lisa Krikawa knew before entering college that she would be an artist. While earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona, she was inspired by the likes of American metal sculptor Albert Paley and Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali. Continue reading
How does one become a gemstone faceter? For Marty, it began with a job as a machinist. He then found himself polishing jewelry in Syracuse for a jewelry repair and manufacturing company, and his passion for gemstones was born. Continue reading