#TucsonGemShow - Spotlight on Award Winning Designer, Erica Courtney

Erica Courtney - Booth 1606

http://www.ericacourtney.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EricaCourtneyJewelry/

Even the most powerful woman in Washington, Olivia Pope wore Erica Courtney, even if it was only in her dreams...

....and my favorite - always!

#TucsonGemShow - Meet The Authors at the Tucson Shows, Part Two

The first part of this post was about the authors signing at the "Author's Table" booth at the AGTA Gemfair....in this part we feature one author that, while signing at the AGTA Gemfair, is signing at a vendor's booth and another that is signing at his company booth at GJX.

First up Renee Newman --- this is a name known by most of our Industry as her books are used as textbooks in some Gemology Courses...and her prolific texts and updates keep the information current.

Ms. Newman will be a presenter, along with Jeff Mason for a Seminar titled "Detecting Jade Imitations and Treatments", Feb. 2nd at 9am in the Maricopa Room at the Tucson Convention Center.

Detecting Jade Imitations and Treatments
MARICOPA ROOM	9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Jeff Mason, G.G., Mason-Kay, Inc., www.masonkay.com Renée Newman GG, Author: Exotic Gems, Vol 4: How to Identify, Evaluate & Select Jade & Abalone Pearls
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Basic and advanced techniques for detecting jadeite and nephrite treatments, imitations & look-a-likes, including visual, tactile and audible methods.

You can meet Renee Newman and have her sign a book for you following the presentation, or a little after 10am, in the NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) Booth on the Galleria Level at the Tucson Convention Center.

She will have the latest updates to two of her books.  The new 6th Edition of her "Pearl Buying Guide", which will be make its debut in Tucson and of the new 3rd Edition of the "Gemstone Buying Guide", which is a new book for Tucson, but was released last July. 

..and as always she will also offer a wide selection of her other books.

The Second Author has become well known for stunning coffee table books filled with photos of gems and the countries they come from....Vladyslav Yavorskyy.

In his latest tomb, Gemstones, Terra Connoisseur,  Yavorskyy takes on the entire field and what a masterful job he does of it!

The author of the groundbreaking Terra Spinel in 2010 and Terra Garnet in 2014 has revealed a new statement on the world of Gems and Art. Terra Connoisseur is a sensational experience – celebrating the most beautiful, durable and valuable natural creations on the planet.

Over 2000 original photographs, of both faceted and rough gems, the colors and sparkle of the gems strikingly natural and tangible.   Then to add over 50 mineral specimens, jewelry and historical artifacts makes this book a visual Tour de Force!


He will be signing at his booth (# 417 & 517) at the 
GJX - Gem & Jewelry Exchange  411 W Congress St, Tucson 
from January 31st through February 5th 

...but get there early - if these sell out as quickly as his other books it will be gone soon!

#TucsonGemShow - Meet The Authors at AGTA GemFair, Part One

Each year authors come to Tucson to debut their new books and  the latest editions of familiar favorites.  This year features a little of both and so many that I will be presenting them in two posts...

A new feature at the AGTA Gemfair this year is an Author's Booth (#59)on the Galleria Level at the entrance to the  Galleria / Tools, Technology & Supplies / Ballroom

There are three authors scheduled in the booth at this time...

First up:   "Secrets of the Gem Trade" Second Edition by Richard W. Wise

Richard W. Wise is a Graduate Gemologist and began his career as a goldsmith and jewelry retailer.  His R.W.W. Goldsmiths shop was a local favorite in his Lenox, Mass community.

His early interest in gemstone connoisseurship led him to travel extensively and he subsequently began putting his experiences on paper.  Since then he has written articles for Gems & Gemology, Jeweler’s Quarterly, Colored Stone and many other publications. But he is probably best known for his Gem-Wise Columnist for National Jeweler. 

This new edition of his popular Secrets of the Gem Trade is completely revised and expanded with 11 new chapters: Jade / Demantoid Garnet / Natural Nacreous Pearls / Conch Pearls / Sunstone / Moonstone / Peridot / Cobalt Blue Spinel / Red -Pink Spinel / Golconda (Type IIa) Diamonds. 

Five new introductory essay: Blue-white diamonds / Jadeite / Natural Pearls / Spinel / Feldspars. Plus 278 color photographs (171 additional) which include exclusive images from major museum collections and the latest auction market icons.

This Limited Collectors Edition may not be available in Tucson due to its popularity

Books by Richard W. Wise:

     Secrets of the Gem Trade

     The French Blue

Mr. Wise will have copies of his books at the Author's Booth at the AGTA Gemfair

....for the latest updates, follow the event page on Facebook.

His first book Ruby & Sapphire is a technical work that elicits anything other than yawns is always a scarce item. But Ruby & Sapphire is just such a book--a rare combination of fact and fun, the pertinent and the peculiar.

The product of over 15 years of firsthand experience, it covers every facet of the subject from A-Z. Sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, Ruby & Sapphire is a virtual encyclopedia of the subject.

Open Ruby & Sapphire and you step into a secret world where, with each page turned, a new adventure awaits. Journey to Burma's Mogok Stone Tract, where pigeon's blood rubies are pried from both soil and central government control. Marvel over India's maharajahs, the world's greatest gem collectors, for whom no price was too great. Explore the legendary Valley of Serpents, into which pieces of meat were cast to trap rubies. And ascend to the lofty snows of Kashmir, home of storied blue-velvet sapphires. These are but a few of the amazing and colorful tales in the original Ruby & Sapphire.

...and now, the new, Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist's Guide. Based on Richard W. Hughes' 1997 classic, Ruby & Sapphire, this edition is fully updated. The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience and research, it covers every aspect of the subject from A–Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here! 

Richard Hughes in his own words..."The seeds of my life in precious stones were sown at age 17, with a classmate's invitation to visit Europe upon graduation from high school. "Let's go! University can wait," Seth teased. "What better way to learn than to drink directly from the Fountain of Life? Just imagine, we'll run with Hemingway's bulls, explore life's meaning with Sartre on the banks of the Seine, discover love to a symphony of Crete sunsets. And have a damned good time, to boot. Whaddya say?"

I was captive – swallowing hook, line, sinker and angler's elbow. Two weeks after graduation, we found ourselves aboard Icelandic Airways. Europe and the world lay below. We were all aboard for the first of life's great adventures."

"Late in 2004, a dear friend of mine, Ken Scarratt, contacted me. We had known each other since he took over AIGS following my departure, and had become blood brothers during the beryllium wars of the new millennium. Following the Asia economic crisis of 1997, he had moved on to New York, founding the AGTA Gemological Testing Center, which quickly established itself as the premier colored stone lab in the US.

Ken was looking to hire experienced people. With his sweet British accent, he managed not only to lure me away from Pala, but to get John Koivula from the GIA. Together John and I opened a Left Coast branch of the AGTA-GTC. Along with the addition of Lore Kiefert (formerly of SSEF) and the rest of the NYC staff, AGTA-GTC built a "dream team" of the finest gemologists in the world."

For the complete "autobiography" of Richard W. Hughes CLICK HERE  

Mr. Hughes will have copies of his books at the Author's Booth at the AGTA Gemfair

....for the latest updates, follow the event page on Facebook.

From the JCK 360 Blog by Jennifer Heebner:

"Tanzanite: Born From Lightning is a two-year labor of love from longtime journalist Didier Brodbeck and former Tanzanite Foundation executive director Hayley Henning, featuring 208 pages of stunning, one-of-a-kind tanzanite jewels from brands like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels as well as respected independent artists like Lorenz Bäumer, Stephen Webster, Wallace Chan, and Erica Courtney. The book’s design and layout is the handiwork of Brazilian designer Ícaro Carlos, who helms The Luxury Studio and has experience working for high-profile brands in Europe and South America."

Hayley in her own words...."Tanzanite has been such a large part of my life for over 15 years—seven with TanzaniteOne in Johannesburg and eight running the Tanzanite Foundation in New York City—so helping to make this book completed the circle. It was a team effort, with longtime journalist and author Didier Brodbeck, and our Brazilian designer and art director Ícaro Carlos; my contribution was my experience in the industry, knowledge of tanzanite—some of the sources from which we acquired stories, and many of the designers working with it. A lot of what I did was to connect designers and brands to the dealers, encouraging the use of tanzanite to build their collections and grow their businesses."

From International Jewelry Reporter, Katerina Perez

"What do you know about the precious stone tanzanite? Many respond to that question saying that they know basically nothing. In fact, this relatively new precious stone was only discovered in 1967. It has been found and mined in only one place on the planet: in the African nation of Tanzania, which gave the stone its name. This isolated concentration of a particular mineral has made the stone unusually rare and valuable, so it’s worth getting on familiar terms with it. All the useful information you need to know can be found in the newly published Tanzanite: Born from Lightning, written by the journalist and author of multiple books Didier Brodbeck together with the founder of The Tanzanite Foundation Hayley Henning."    

Find the full review on Katerina's Website

HAYLEY HENNING IS CURRENTLY VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT FOR TRUE NORTH GEMS
Ms. Henning has twenty years of marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) experience in the gemstone and jewellery industry. Her career highlights include her role for the last several years as Executive Director of the Tanzanite Foundation, the marketing division of TanzaniteOne Mining Ltd.

Ms. Henning will have copies of her books at the Author's Booth at the AGTA Gemfair

....for the latest updates, follow the event page on Facebook.

#TucsonGemShow - The Seminars - YIKES!!!!

I tell everyone who is looking at their first visit to the Tucson Gem Shows to check out the learning opportunities....we have already discussed the Mineral Lecture Series at the Pueblo Show, but there are is so much more!

At the AGTA GemFair you have two opportunities to learn - first the MJSA's "At The Bench Live" - which offers demos that any Maker will apreciate.  For Example this is the offering for Tuesday, January 31st:

Red Flags for Repairs - MJSA's At the Bench Live and Beyond (www.mjsa.org)
GALLERIA / TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & SUPPLIES / BALLROOM	11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Skuratowicz
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Some repair jobs are simple, and some only seem simple: Many times, one repair is a signal that other problems lurk below the surface. In this session, Arthur Skuratowciz offers some common "red flags" to help you uncover all of the problem areas in a piece of jewelry. He'll also suggest some handy tips to ensure those repairs go as smoothly as possible.
Hold It! Creating Your Own Fixtures for Holding and Positioning - MJSA's At the Bench Live and Beyond (www.mjsa.org)
GALLERIA / TOOLS, TECHNOLOGY & SUPPLIES / BALLROOM	3:30 - 5 p.m
Presenter: Arthur Skuratowicz
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Whether you're assembling components, repairing or modifying a piece of jewelry, or simply trying to see whether the parts of a design will fit together, you need a workpiece to hold steady. In this session, Arthur Skuratowicz will take a page from woodworkers and luthiers to demonstrate how to make your own positioning fixtures for complex fabrication or repetitive assembly. Ensure that even the most hard-to-hold shapes remain still for greater accuracy and ease.

The second offering is the AGTA Seminar Program will offerings that will halp you improve sales, teach you to be more social, to educating you about gems and where they come from.  This example is just Wednesday, Feb. 1st:

Roundtable • Live! Hands on & Interactive
GRAHAM ROOM	9:05 - 10:05 a.m.
Betty Sue King, Pearl Goddess, King's Ransom, www.pearlgoddess.com
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Claim a seat at this Roundtable. Live in the moment through the eyes of your clients and feel the exhilaration of indulging passions for things unique and precious. Experience getting first dibs on remarkable pearls. Through this unique intimate setting you will sell more gems, attract new clients, and build custom designs as well as develop collectors and repeat buyers. Engage in a step-bystep guide to plan your own Roundtable. See invitations, place settings & guest interactions. You will be inspired to formulate your own Roundtable and drive your business to greater heights.
Intellectual Property Law for Jewelers
COCONINO ROOM	9:05 - 10:05 a.m.
Sara Yood, Senior Counsel, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, www.jvclegal.org
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Intellectual property - copyright, trademark, patent, and other areas of intellectual property law - is an important part of any business, and understanding how to use it to protect and promote your work can give you a leg up. In this seminar, we'll learn the difference between copyright, trademark and patent, what can qualify for protection, how to protect it, and the practical applications in the jewelry industry. This presentation will cover trade secrets and the right of publicity, which can affect how you advertise your products to the public. Come armed with questions - our expert is ready to offer guidance and education on protecting yourself and your IP.
Sourcing Colored Gemstones in Afghanistan and Central Asia.
MARICOPA ROOM	9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Gary W. Bowersox, G.G., Geovision, Inc., www.gems-afghan.com
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
This lecture is an update on mine to market gems from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries. Details on sourcing gems in this part of the world will be discussed in the light of the latest political situations, Global Witness, and other reports. Gary W. Bowersox has been exploring and purchasing gems in this area for over forty-five years. He is a member of AGTA, ICA, GIA Alumni and President of Geovision, Inc.
Appraisal Essentials - Increasing sales, service, and appraisals
MOHAVE ROOM	9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Cos Altobelli, Altobelli Jewelers and Appraisals, www.altobelli.com
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
This presentation will cover the appraisal essentials including increasing sales, service, and appraisals; pricing colored gemstones and diamonds; stone setting; Rapaport subscription changes; Synthetic and treated diamonds waiver; grading diamond melee; appraisal software; U.S.P.A.P. update; American Gem Society independent appraiser availability; an advanced personal property appraiser program; color vision testing changes, and advertising and publicity.

Navigating Rough Diamond "C's" - Diamonds of color is the hottest trend
GRAHAM ROOM	1:05 - 2:05 P.m.
Chandra Horn, G.G., F.G.A., École De Gemmologie De Montreal, Montreal, Canada
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Color is the hottest trend in diamonds and can also be the hardest to predict when looking at rough. What causes color in diamonds and how do buyers and cutters approach these rare beauties in the hopes of coaxing out the best results. How do the 4 C's apply to rough diamonds and how do sorters and buyers predict the quality of the final cut diamond? This talk will look at how rough diamonds are sorted and the unique challenges faced when grading and valuing rough diamonds.
Sustainable Gemstones
COCONINO ROOM	1:05 - 2:05 p.m.
Sheahan Stephen, Sheahan Stephen Sapphires, www.sssapphires.com
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Sheahan Stephen, will cover the importance of sustainable gemstones in today's marketplace. He will define what sustainability is and give specific (pictorial) examples of the process that a sustainable gemstone company would follow in order to offer you a sustainable gemstone. He discuss who the current buyers of sustainable gemstones are and why they are specifically asking for gemstones sourced through this method, also discuss and answer if this is just a trend or if there will be longevity in this specific sector of our industry. Lastly, Sheahan will cover which countries have a sustainable gemstone mining model in place currently and what questions to ask your suppliers when looking for sustainable gemstones.
Proof of Provenance
MARICOPA ROOM	1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Klemens Link, Director of Development, Gübelin Gem Lab, New York
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
Consumers request more transparency on the provenance of the goods and services they purchase, and also applies to luxury products including gemstones. In stark contrast to this demand, the gemstone trade has a reputation of being opaque. No proper solutions are in place today that truly close this gap: the classical, gemology-based origin determination offered by gem labs merely states the country of origin, and cannot distinguish different producers mining the same geologic unit. Some mining companies have started to issue certificates of provenance, offering information such as the name of the mine, the mining company, and the mining period. The information provided in these documents, however, is largely based on self-declaration, i.e. is not an independent proof of provenance.
Rediscovering the Chivor Emerald Mine - In the Footsteps of Peter W. Rainier
MOHAVE ROOM	1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Robert Weldon, G.G., Manager of Photography and Visual Communications. Gemological Institute of America
Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced
An epic story of triumph over adversity, Peter W. Rainier, a South African, ran Colombia's Chivor emerald mine in the 1920s. He fought bandits, chased elusive emerald veins, and rode across the Andes. His story, revealed in his memoir Green Fire, was licensed by MGM for a movie starring Grace Kelly and Stuart Grainger. Rainer brought Chivor into peak production, extracting the finest emeralds the world had seen. He fought in both World Wars, and helped defeat Rommel's troops at El Alamein. The rediscovery of a lost album of historic photos sparked the idea for a journey to retrace his path.

As you can see the offerings are amazing!  Get the complete listing at www.mjsa.org or http://www.agta.org/tradeshows/gft-seminars.html

#TucsonGemShow - MJSA "At the Bench Live" Seminars for 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson

MJSA Announces Popular  "At the Bench Live" Seminars for 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson

MJSA, the trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, will again present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson. The sessions—which will cover topics ranging from working with currently fashionable gems and metals to new setting techniques—will run twice daily Feb. 4-7 in GemFair’s Tools, Technology, and Supplies Pavilion. In addition, related articles from MJSA Journal, the association’s flagship monthly magazine, will be distributed at each session.

The sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association, and the Bench and Tool Sponsor is the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

February 4
Mixing and Matching Gemstones with Fashionable Colors:
What Bench Jewelers Need to Know
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Placid Blue, Violet Tulip, Cayenne… The Pantone colors announced for 2014 offer a mix of soft pastels and vivid brights—but how will that translate to gemstones? Learn which gems will complement the year’s hot colors, how to pair multiple stones for maximum effect, and—just as important—how to best work with them to avoid breakage, chipping, and other shop disasters.
Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.

Rivets, Screws, & Cold Connections, Oh My
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

When assembling jewelry parts, solder is not your only option: Wire rivets, tubes, screws, and other “cold” connectors can not only safely secure parts, but also serve as creative embellishments in their own right. Learn how to make the needed tools and supplies—from decorative screws and rivets to inconspicuous shims—and then use them to connect parts efficiently.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.



February 5

Sizing Up and Down: How to Shorten Times and Improve Quality
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Sizing a ring is one of the most common requests of a bench jeweler—and, if done efficiently, can also become one of the most profitable. Learn how to sequence jobs, join many types of metals cleanly and securely, and finish each joint to achieve a strong, secure bond with minimum time and effort.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.

The Pros and Cons of Dovetail Joints When Sizing a Ring
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

While butt joints may be most frequently used in ring sizing, dovetail joints have their place—and, in some cases, may be preferable, given the added support they provide. Learn the instances when a dovetail should and shouldn’t be used, its various forms (not all dovetails are the same), and the various techniques that will save time and produce a superior joint.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.


February 6
New Techniques for Setting Princess-Cut Diamonds
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Joel McFadden

Princess-cut diamonds are among the most popular styles favored by consumers, but their sharp edges must be protected: Too much stress from the setting, and they could easily become damaged. Joel McFadden will demonstrate a new technique he developed that simplifies the setting process and ensures the stone’s points remain unharmed.

Joel McFadden, an award-winning designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs, a custom design jewelry boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey. A third-generation jeweler,he is one of the most experienced diamond setters in the United States, and has given training courses to other jewelers throughout the country. His work is frequently featured in trade journals (including MJSA Journal). For more about Joel, go to http://www.jmdjewelry.com.

Belly Busters: Strategies for Setting Colored Stones
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Joel McFadden

When setting colored stones, jewelers have many factors to consider: The stone’s specific hardness, its durability, and—perhaps most important—its shape: Most colored stones tend to have heavy pavilions (i.e., they’re belly bottomed), and their seats need to reflect that. Learn different strategies for evaluating colored gemstones, as well as techniques for setting a bellied stone in either prongs or bezels, to ensure a tight, secure fit.
Joel McFadden, an award-winning designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs, a custom design jewelry boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey. A third-generation jeweler,he is one of the most experienced diamond setters in the United States, and has given training courses to other jewelers throughout the country. His work is frequently featured in trade journals (including MJSA Journal). For more about Joel, go to http://www.jmdjewelry.com.

February 7
The “Other” White Metals: Palladium & Tarnish-Resistant Silvers
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Jim Dailing

The high costs of precious metals have led jewelers to find new, lower-cost options—and, in the case of white metals, there are several. This presentation will discuss the fabrication and casting characteristics of palladium and the new tarnish-resistant silvers, show how to best work with them, and examine long-term wear and care issues.

Jim Dailing, a graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, who began his career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend in college cut an opal. He now operates Jim Dailing Designs in Portland, Oregon, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry and wedding rings. He also teaches workshops and private classes, and consults with jewelry makers and designers on production issues. For more about Jim, go to http://www.jimdailing.com.

Achieving the Perfect Polish
2:30 to 4 p.m.P
resenter: Jim Dailing
Small scratches and surface irregularities can ruin even the most beautifully designed piece of jewelry. See which polishing compounds and wheels will provide the best polish for various metals and surfaces, and learn techniques that will ensure your finished pieces have a shine and finish that sets them apart.

Jim Dailing, a graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, who began his career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend in college cut an opal. He now operates Jim Dailing Designs in Portland, Oregon, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry and wedding rings. He also teaches workshops and private classes, and consults with jewelry makers and designers on production issues. For more about Jim, go to http://www.jimdailing.com.

Meet The Author - Book Signings at the Tucson Gem Show

NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers), 

Booth #11 in the Galleria

at the AGTA Gemfair, 

will host three "Meet The Author" opportunities:

Feburary 6th - 11AM
PEARLS
Elisabeth Strack, FGA

February 8th - 2 PM

World Hallmark Vol. I
Danusia Niklewicz & Lindy Matula

February 8th - 10:30am Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Silver and other Jewelry Metals

Renee Newman will be signing books following her AGTA presentation.

Her Exotic Gems Series will be available along with most of her library.

DEBUT!  Her newest book "Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Silver & Other Jewelry Metals" will be introduced at the Tucson Gem Show.

________________________________________________

David Epstein - For those of you who want to have your copy of "The Gem Merchant" signed, there will be three signing opportunities in Tucson:

Tues. Feb. 5th 10:00-12:00International Pavilion of the GJX, Booth 3010
Friday Feb. 8th 11:00-12:00
AGTA Booth #9 Upstairs
Sat. Feb. 9th 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
JEA Reception at the DoubleTree Hotel
__________________________________________________

Antoinette Matlins has updated editions that will be available at the Tucson Shows as well as her general library:

At the AGA Tucson Conference - Wednesday, February 6, 2013
At the AGTA GemFair following each of her scheduled Seminars
...and following her seminars at the GLDA Show.

I know that I want a copy of the updated FIFTH edition of "Gem Identification Made Easy" which will be introduced in Tucson!

__________________________________________________

Dr. Marco Campos-Venuti's new volume on Agates & Jaspers will be available in the "Gems In Gems" booth at the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show in the Riverpark Inn - Room 113

"Genesis and Classification of Agates and Jaspers: 
  a New Theory"
  by Dr. Marco Campos-Venuti,
This book contains the explanation of the many questions about the formation of Agate, Jasper and Chalcedony, the formation of concentric bands in agates, the origin of connective channel, the growth of mosses and plumes, the conditions necessary for the formation of horizontal banding, the formation oforbs in jaspers, the genesis of orbicular jaspers, the thunder egg formation. The bood also explains other themes as morphology of the bands, stratigraphy of a banded agate, influence of climatic conditions, types of agate depending on host rock, chemical disequilibrium between jasper and chalcedony. 
All the subject are investigated with a great number of pictures (more than 400) and diagrams making it easy to understand.
__________________________________________________

Bob Jones' new book will be available at the Rock & Gem booth at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.

The Frugal Collector, Vol. 1
Rock & Gem senior consulting editor Bob Jones’ latest book, The Frugal Collector, Volume I, is now available for purchase. Read about a host of popular collector minerals that will fit the average collector’s budget and their classic sources, and enjoy anecdotes about Bob’s personal experiences over his 70+ years of collecting.
__________________________________________________

Announcing the first hard cover book, to cover the art of Paula Crevoshay..."Garden of Light".   A documentary of Paula's first one woman show to open at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in April 2013.  

The book will preview at the AGTA show in Tucson, booth # 1617. 
There will be signed copies available.

AGTA Special Events Announcement

As you would imagine there are several special events in Tucson during the Gem Show...AGTA recently sent out an announcement and I thought I would pass that info on to you.

These are only the events open to the Public if have affiliations with any Gem or Jewelry groups check with them there are private events almost daily...

GemFair Tucson Special Events

The AGTA GemFair™ Tucson allows buyers the opportunity to meet and greet with fellow industry professionals at the convention center or at one of the many nightly events. These events are a great place to combine business and fun in a laid-back environment. The show is open February 5 - 10, with events starting on February 3.  Don't miss out on these great opportunities!

Sunday, February 3
17th Annual Coyote Classic Charity Golf Tournament 
Sponsored by FedEx
Omni Tucson National Resort
2727 West Club Drive
Benefiting the Tucson Officer's Run for Special Olympics
Sign-up 12:00 pm
Shotgun Start 1:00 pm
Coyote Classic Reservation Form

Wednesday, February 6
AGTA Buyer Appreciation Party
Tucson Convention Center, GemHall Floor 
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
All GemFair Attendees Welcome
Get a taste of Tucson with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, libations and live mariachi music on the GemHall floor.

Thursday, February 7 

AGTA GemJammin'
New Location: Gentle Ben's Brewing Co.
7:30 pm
Join the jewelry industry's best musicians for a great night of music and fun! Tickets are $10 at the door and all proceeds go to Jewelers for Children.

Friday, February 8 

"Party at the GIA Gem Mine" Annual Dinner, Auction and Dance Party
Sponsored by the GIA Alumni Association
6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Marriott University Park Hotel
Join us for a silent and live auction, buffet dinner, awards presentation and dancing.
Attire: Casual evening or business.
Admission: $65 
All auction proceeds will benefit the GIA Alumni Endowment Fund. Shuttle service from the Convention Center to Marriott University Park Hotel will be courtesy of AGTA.

Saturday, February 9

AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala 
Sponsored by the Diamond Council of America
Marriott University Park Hotel
Grand Ballroom
7:00 pm - 12:00 am
Come celebrate the winning designs of the 2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ and enjoy a great night of dining and dancing. 
Tickets are priced at $100 per person. 
Call 800-972-1162 for more information.
AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Gala Reservation Form