#TucsonGemShow - Jeffrey Bergman Brings a Rare Treat To Tucson, Burmese Trapiche Sapphire

Jeffrey Bergman has been collecting trapiche sapphires for over a decade and has assembled the largest collection known, rivaling the quality of pieces in the finest museum collections.

While the vast majority of trapiche sapphires are either opaque blackish blue with gray spokes or translucent dark gray on light gray, very occasionally, he would acquire a translucent gemmy vivid blue on snow white trapiche sapphire.  

The collection  on display at the Gem & Jewelry Exchange (GJX) in Tucson this year was made up of  is comprised of several dozen of the typical opaque or gray type trapiche sapphires...but then there were three of gem quality; a 3.90ct and an 8.70 carat gem with GIA reports, and an extraordinary 36.16 carat gem with GRS and Gubelin lab reports.  

His collection was on display at GJX in booth 106 with Mauro Panto of "The Beauty In The Rocks". With price points ranging from a few hundred dollars per piece to many thousands per carat I am sure that he was quite successful.

GRS gave a special comment “unusual translucent vivid blue color zoning” and Gubelin wrote one of their coveted full page appendixes where they call it an “extremely rare” and remarkable gemstone”.

The Gubelin lab report and appendix:

“The Spanish word trapiche, cogwheel in English, designates the agricultural tool which in former days was used to crush sugarcane. In the world of gems the same term is used for gemstones which show a characteristic six-rayed star pattern in cross-section. 

For a long time this peculiar appearance was only known from emerald, and is due to bands of dark inclusions which radiate from the center of the crystal – the optic axis – to the crystal faces. Only in the past twenty years other trapiche gemstones have been discovered, namely trapiche ruby, trapiche tourmaline, and trapiche sapphire. 

While the trapiche affect of tourmaline and ruby is caused by similar inclusions as in the trapiche emeralds, the trapiche effect in sapphires is due to a strong color banding parallel to the hexagonal growth zoning. The blue color is mostly concentrated along the angles of the crystal forming a blue star, while white zones are found between the star segments. Such trapiche sapphires are only known from Burma and are extremely rare.

This 36.16 natural sapphire described in the above mentioned Gubelin Gem Lab Report displays a distinct and well centered star. In addition, this remarkable gemstone has been spared thermal treatment. Such a combination of characteristics is very rare in Burmese sapphires of this size.”

This stunning example was featured in the Las Vegas Show report by Gary Roskin in the Summer/Fall edition of the 2013 Prism magazine (a production of AGTA).  The extra fine  trapiche sapphire is 12.29 carats, set in white gold  and flanked with asteraited diamonds.

Find the article at:
http://www.agta.org/pressroom/newsletters/prismnl2013volume3/index.html#/24/

You can find Jeffery Bergman at:

jeffery@primagem.com

http://www.primagem.com/

#TucsonGemShow - AGTA's 2014 Spectrum Awards™ - View Winners at AGTA GemFair Tucson

Winners Announced for 
AGTA's 2014 Spectrum Awards™ Competition

Winners have been named in the 2014 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition.

The competition was judged October 19-20 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2014 competition were retailer, Jennifer McCurry from Marissa Collections, fashion and beauty editor, Jennie Ma from The Knot, jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich from Barbara Heinrich Studio, lapidarist John Hatleberg, and manufacturer Jose Hess.

SPECTRUM AWARDS - Best of Category Winners: Best of Show!
James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).



Best Use of Color!

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring boulder Opals (22.84 ctw.) and fire Opals (2.62 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphires (1.75 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.70 ctw.).



Best Use of Platinum and Color!

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Coleman's Smokey Blues" earrings featuring cushion-cut blue Spinels (3.86 ctw.) and lavender Spinels (4.02 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires, Garnets, Tourmalines and Diamonds.

Best Use of Pearls!
Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).


1st Place Fashion Forward

Katey Brunini, K. Brunini Jewels - Sterling and 18K yellow gold "Robot Heart" necklace featuring a 1363.96 ct. Opal heart accented with Diamonds (1.53 ctw.). The heart lights up in several patterns.

2nd Place Fashion Forward 

Lydia Courteille, Meridian Jewelers - 18K oxidized white gold Seahorse cocktail ring featuring an Opal accented with Garnets, Sapphires and Amethysts.

3rd Place Fashion Forward

Lauren Harper, Lauren Harper Collection - 18K yellow gold "Kryptonite Pyramid" 

necklace featuring Chrysoprase and Diamonds.

Category Winners
Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot:
Bridal Wear - 1st Place

Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - 18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 2nd Place

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold "Something Blue" earrings featuring blue Opal drops (29.99 ctw.) accented with Aquamarines (5.03 ctw.), grey Sapphires (.43 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.10 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 3rd Place

Caysie van Bebber, CvB Inspired Design - Platinum "Aurora" ring featuring a 5.40 ct. unheated lavender Sapphire accented with Diamond melee (.80 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors

Bella Campbell, Campbellian - Platinum earrings featuring Rubies (6.00 ctw.) 

accented with Diamonds (1.05 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Innovation

William Travis, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum ring featuring a 

1.38 ct. cushion-cut yellow Sapphire.

Bridal Wear - Gem Diva Award

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Eternity" earrings 

featuring Moonstones (6.33 ctw.) accented with brilliant-cut Diamonds (5.76 ctw.) 

and gray Tahitian Pearls.

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith - Platinum "Halo" ring featuring a 1.87 ct. Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.35 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Honorable Mention

Cynthia Bach, Cynthia Bach, Inc. - Platinum drop earrings featuring blue marquise, double-faceted Aquamarines (113.23 ctw.) accented with seed Pearls and Diamonds.

Business/ Day Wear

Business/Day Wear - 1st Place

Jonathan Lee Rutledge, Jonathan Lee Rutledge, Inc. - 22K and 18K yellow gold "Blue Waters" necklace featuring Opal doublets and Diamonds (1.86 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 2nd Place

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold earrings featuring boulder Opals (22.84 ctw.) and fire Opals (2.62 ctw.) accented with orange Sapphires (1.75 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (.70 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 3rd Place

Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K white gold "Spring Time" earrings featuring Jade (24.20 ctw.), carved lemon Chrysoprase (17.80 ctw.) and Diamonds (.32 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry - Platinum "Venus" ring featuring a 9.35 ct. rainbow Moonstone cabochon accented with Diamonds (.26 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Entry Platinum Innovation

William Travis, William Travis Jewelry - Platinum earrings featuring Agate (9.56 ctw.) drops accented with blue Sapphire briolettes (4.83 ctw.) and Lapis Lazuli beads (1.18 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Gem Diva Award

Annie Fensterstock, Annie Fensterstock - 22K yellow gold and 18K white,  pink, & yellow gold locket with a boulder Opal accented with white, pink and yellow Diamonds (2.55 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg, Inc. - 18K rose and yellow gold ring with honeycomb ajour pierced out detail featuring round brilliant Rubies (3.97 ctw.) in a star-point setting.

Business/Day Wear - Honorable Mention

Marina Mellinas, Metal Kinetics - 18K yellow and white gold "Swirling" ring featuring a carved 41.18 ct. white Jade, accented with Peridots (3.94 ctw.), Aquamarines (1.61 ctw), brown and white Diamonds (.52 ctw.).

Classical:
Classical - 1st Place

James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc. - Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).

Classical - 2nd Place

Maurice Di Biaggio, Di Biaggio LLC - Sterling silver with 24K and 18K plated gold "Butterfly" brooch featuring Agate accented with Tourmalines, Citrines and cubic zirconias.

Classical - 3rd Place

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Coleman's Smokey Blues" earrings featuring cushion-cut blue Spinels (3.86 ctw.) and lavender Spinels (4.02 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires, Garnets, Tourmalines and Diamonds.

Classical - Platinum Honors

John Ford, John Ford Jewelers - Platinum ring featuring a 5.76 ct. black Opal 

accented with Diamonds (2.44 ctw.).

Classical - Entry Platinum Innovation

Richard Nobrega, Bailey's Fine Jewelry - Platinum pendant featuring a 6.80 ct. cushion, brilliant-cut Citrine accented with Diamonds (.03 ctw.).

Classical - Gem Diva Award

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 5.08 ct. Alexandrite accented with round, marquise and half-moon Diamonds (2.53 ctw.).

Classical - Manufacturing Honors

James Kaya, James Kaya - Platinum and 18K gold "Stardust" earrings featuring 14mm black Tahitian cultured Pearls, 12mm gold cultured Pearls and 10mm white cultured Pearls accented with Diamonds (1.55 ctw.).

Classical - Honorable Mention

Mark Patterson, Mark Patterson - 18K white gold "Zen Snake" earrings featuring two pear-shaped Kunzites (34.94 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.08 ctw.).

Evening Wear:
Evening Wear - 1st Place

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - Platinum and white gold "Blue Fin" ring featuring a 12.75 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline cabochon accented with Diamonds.

Evening Wear - 2nd Place

Caroline Chartuni, Caroline C - 18K white gold earrings featuring Paraiba Tourmalines (14.10 ctw.), Emeralds (13.70 ctw.), Tanzanites (4.30 ctw.) and Diamonds (6.02 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 3rd Place

Gwennie By Michael John, Michael John Jewelry - 18K white gold ring featuring a Diamond (4.12 ctw.) polar bear jumping between Opal icebergs (33.77 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors

Howard Donsky, Jeffrey Howard, Inc. - Platinum earrings featuring two pear-shaped Tanzanite slabs (48.08 ctw.), Emerald slabs (11.44 ctw.) and Moonstones (2.43 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.84 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Gem Diva Award

Jennifer Rabe Morin, Jennifer Joailliers - 18K white gold with black ruthenium plating ring with carved olive Jade and fire Agate, accented with green Garnets (1.07 ctw.), Amethysts (.33 ctw.) and Diamonds (.32 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Manufacturing Honors

Hector Hassey, Hector Hassey - 18K white gold "The Octopus" necklace featuring 12-15mm black Tahitian Pearls accented with Diamonds (11.22 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Honorable Mention

Kerri Halpern, Madstone Design - 18K white gold with black rhodium plating drop earrings featuring pear-shaped Morganites (65.77 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (4.69 ctw.).

Men’s Wear:
Men's Wear - 1st Place

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - 14K white and 18K yellow gold men's lapel pin featuring carved black Jade accented with white Diamonds (.28 ctw), Rubies (.04 ctw.), and cognac and yellow Diamonds (.99 ctw.).

Men’s Wear – 2nd Place

Llyn Strelau, Jewels by Design – 18K yellow and 19K white gold 

“HEXactly” cufflinks featuring Emerald slices (11.80 ctw.) 

accented with blue Sapphires (1.0 ctw.) and Diamonds (.25 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 3rd Place

Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney - 18K yellow gold cufflinks featuring carved Coral Buddhas (2.0 ctw.) accented with color-change Garnets (1.80 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.02 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

David Hines, Nvit Blanche - Platinum "Bloody Knuckles" ring featuring mirror-set Rubies (1.00 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Honorable Mention

Robin Rotenier, Rotenier, Ltd. - Blackened sterling silver cufflinks featuring tumbled Tanzanite pebbles (16.00 ctw.) with black (.22 ctw.) and white Diamonds (.06 ctw.).

This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards™ will be presented during the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson to be held February 4 - 9 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards™ recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 8. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged.

AGTA Spectrum Awards™ entries were judged on the basis of overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad-base consumer appeal and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones.

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.

Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot is our newest sponsor this year! Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride, herself, this category captures all looks coming down the aisle. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tiaras were considered.  

Platinum Honors were once again awarded with the support of Platinum Guild International. All entries whose primary metal was platinum were eligible in this category. 

WJA Gem Diva Awards is in it’s second year with the Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, and were presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business/Day Wear categories. All women who entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form. 

All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered for Manufacturing Honors. This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.

Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl in artful, trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition automatically qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.

For further information on the 2014 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson or the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala, please call (800) 972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org. For inquiries regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition, please contact Danielle Pelletiere at danielle@agta.org or (800) 972-1162.

The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as "The Authority In Color" and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.

#tucsongemshow - What's Hot In Tucson 2013 NOW Shipping!!!

Yes - it's TRUE - the two elder statesmen of the Mineral Industry are BACK directed and filmed by that Swoboda kid....What's Hot In Tucson is ready for distribution!!!!  if you missed any of the Mineral shows or just wish to learn more about Gems & Minerals you NEED this video!!!

Just received the following from Bryan:

The time has finally come. The 2013 edition of What's Hot In Tucson is now shipping!!!!

 

It's been a long road to get this DVD out the door - full of fun activities like moving BlueCap Productions to Hawaii - but we're proud to say it's finally finished - and not a moment too soon.

 

This two-DVD program is full of the great interviews and specimens that you've come to expect. We filmed 44 segments over five different shows during our three week stay in Tucson and put it all together for you in this four-hour mineral marathon.

 

Many of these segments are interviews with some of today'stop mineral dealers who bring the hottest new mineral finds to Tucson every year. And beyond just showing us their specimens on display, these dealers close their doors and share their bathroom rocks with us - those are the rocks that are hidden away for only their elite customers.

 

In fact, some of the specimens we film are so sensitive that we have to get approval from the dealers to show them on the DVD - even after we've filmed them.

 

This guarantees that you, our loyal viewers, really are getting to see the hottest and newest minerals brought to Tucson every year.

 

And as if that weren't enough (and by gosh shouldn't it be?) we've also included in the 2013 edition:

• Jeff Scovil's Top Ten Tucson Photos for 2013
• An exclusive interview with The Westward Look Mineral Show's Featured Collector - Kevin Brown - as he talks about his fantastic collection that was on display
• A special segment on one of the most significant changes to the mineral world in ages - The Heritage Auction - where we feature mineral prices for the first time in What's Hot history
• Many of the wonderful TGMS cases showing off the variety of the world's fluorites - the 2013 show theme
• An in-depth look at the greatest change in mineral cases the hobby has ever seen
• AND - a surprise ending that has the mineral world in stitches

This is a What's Hot In Tucson that you do not want to miss. We're taking orders NOW and have already begun shipping.

 

So a big Mahalo (Hawaiian for "thank you") to all of you for being so patient for our first official BlueCap Productions DVD to come out of our new production office.

 

Enjoy the show and keep checking back for more exciting programs.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER
YOUR COPY TODAY!!

Discover Precious Metal Clay - Jewelry Artist Carrie Story Offering Classes at #TucsonGemShow

When you have most major Designers and Makers in one place at one time you would be nuts not to check into classes and seminars.  Some of the most talented and brightest minds in the field will be teaching in Tucson during the Tucson Gem Shows...we will be highlighting some here!

Jewelry Artist Brings Metal Clay Excitement 

to Tucson Design Students

North Carolina Artisan, Carrie Story will be teaching Jewelry Design classes using Metal Clay at the JOGS Show and The Tucson Bead Show, February 3rd through February 10th, 2013.  

Fine silver metal clay, is a versatile, easy-to-use material that allows just about anyone to make their own beautiful, real silver jewelry in a matter of hours.

Metal clay is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze, or copper mixed with an organic binder and water for use in making jewelry, beads and small sculptures. 

Originating in Japan in 1990, metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, the clay can be fired in a variety of ways such as in a kiln, with a handheld gas torch, or on a gas stove. The binder burns away, leaving the pure sintered metal.

Since its introduction to the US in late 1995, metal clay has found enthusiastic users among jewelers, polymer clay artists, bead makers, hobbyists and enamellists.

Throughout her career, Carrie 's design expertise has been apparent, today she is an  accomplished jewelry maker and highly sought after, enthusiastic instructor.

From an early age, Carrie exhibited an interest in the creative arts and garnered recognition in college, winning a state award in graphic design for four custom pieces showcased in area museums. In 2005, Carrie began creating beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings and soon after established her own business, Divine Ornaments.

Carrie quickly developed a passion for metal clay after taking several classes, which fueled her desire to share her vast knowledge with students. Known for her approachable and dynamic teaching style, Carrie maintains an enjoyable atmosphere where students feel free to express their own gifts and talents while encouraging individuals’ creativity, curiosity and appreciation for art; Carrie’s dedication to teaching is obvious to her students.

Carrie, gains creative inspiration from nature and the animals around her.  She currently serves as a Contributing Artist for Metal Clay Today and has had her work in Metal Clay Artist Magazine.  Carrie is a Certified PMC Instructor and holds membership with The Creative Center. Carrie is committed to her own professional development and continuously seeks out opportunities to improve her skills so that she can best serve her students.

Carrie will be offering a variety of classes in Tucson - from Beginners Metal Clay, Building Rings and Setting Cabochons to UV Resin.

For more information about classes, times and dates or to Register please visit Carrie's Website Divine Ornaments:  http://www.divineornaments.net/

What's Hot In Tucson 2011 - Order Now!

Well, the wait is finally over - the 2011 edition of What's Hot In Tucson is available!!!


From BlueCap CEO & Videographer, Bryan Swoboda's Announcement:

This is our fifth year covering the Tucson show and every year it gets better and better. Dave Wilber, having finally overcome many of the physical ailments that have been plaguing him, returns as our knowledgable and locquciousShow Host.Bob Jonesalso returns as our Co-Host and together we blast throughthree weeks of the biggest mineral show in the world to bring you the hottest minerals under the sun.

We start our adventure at the Hotel City Tucson Center (which we still refer to as theInnSuites) where we check in with a hand full of dealers showing off specimens ranging from the truly spectacular to the rare oddities.

Then we're off to the newly developed, and quickly growing, Pueblo Inn Gem & Mineral Show. This is their second year where they've created an International Fine Mineral Sectionand it's one of the more fun and eclectic stops in our journey.

Next, we stop off at the Fine Minerals Internationalshow where we get a sneak peek at their gallery-like showroombefore it opens to the public. One of the biggest thrills of the entire show is when masterpieceafter masterpiece comes out of the safe for our private viewing. It's almost Wonka-esque.

The next stop is up at theWestward Look Mineral Show (aka Fine Mineral Show: Tucson) filled with some of thefinest dealers on the planet. This is what I consider a mineral time machine - you arrive on a Friday and before you know it, it's Monday and you have no idea where the time has gone!!!

Our whirlwind adventure ends at the grand-daddy show of them all - TheTGMS Showat the Tucson Convention Center (or as everyone refers to it - The Main Show). This is the show that started them all and it never disappoints. Display case after display case is filled with specimens, oddities, treasures and more all interwoven among the dealer booths and ice cream stands (ok, there may be only one ice cream stand but I must have visited it a dozen times over the weekend).

In all, it'sthree long weeks in Tucson seeing and filming minerals every single day. We've taken those 504 hours of time and, for your convenience, distilled it and compressed it down to only 4 hours on 2 DVDs!!! How nice.

And last but not least, for the past five years everyone has been asking about a certain thing that we FINALLY added as a surprise ending. Want to know what it is? Buy the DVD and keep watching through the closing credits. If Dave doesn't kill me, I'm hoping to make this a new feature for all future What's Hot In Tucsonepisodes so voice your support!!!!