What's Hot In Tucson: 2009 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

The results are in. What's Hot In Tucson: 2009 is the best WHIT ever!!

With orders streaming in every day, we're getting some outstanding feedback from viewers of the latest What's Hot In Tucson.

Here's what one customer said:

"Bryan, as I am typing this I am watching WHIT '09. It just gets better every year. The photography and sound quality are superb....I can see where every year you are raising the bar. This year with the labels on each mineral shown is another milestone."

What he's referring to is a new feature we added to the 2009 program - on-screen labels to just about every mineral specimen we review. That's HUNDREDS of labels showing the proper spelling of each specimen as well as information on its locale - all cross-checked with information on the mindat.org online database.

Creating these labels was a monumental task but once we started looking at the results, we knew we had to have this feature on this, and future, What's Hot In Tucson programs. Now What's Hot In Tucson can be a fantastic reference guide AND it can also help teach new collectors about the huge variety of minerals. Huge thanks to all our Featured Dealers and Collectors who showed endless patience helping out.

Also added to the 2009 program is our new segment where Dave Wilber creates a mineral collection of specimens costing $99 or less!!! We created this to help illustrate that, despite the rising cost of minerals, there are still great deals to be found if you invest the time and energy to find those hidden deals.

And returning from last year is Jeff Scovil's mini segment - Scovil's Top Ten Tucson Photos - updated to reflect Scovil's favorite photos from the 2009 show. Not only do you have close-up pans and scans direct from Scovil's digital files, you also have Scovil narrating the entire program explaining exactly what he likes about each photo.

This year's interview with the Westward Mineral Show's Featured Collectors is with Jim & Gail Spann who had their mouth-watering collection on display in the lobby of the Westward Look Resort. Listen to Jim and Gail share their thoughts on the hobby of mineral collecting as your eyes feast on close-up shots of each one of their specimens on display.

And just when you finally get through all of this mind-blowing content, keep your eyes peeled for even more segments as we bring back What's Hot In Tucson: ONLINE. This is where we take the segments that couldn't fit on the DVDs and post them online for everyone to watch for FREE!

So start your mineral fix right here with What's Hot In Tucson: 2009 - the best What's Hot In Tucson yet. Still two DVDs, still only $29.99.

Click here to place your order today!!

Thank you for your time and I hope you continue to enjoy BlueCap Productions' products. Sincerely, Bryan Swoboda BlueCap Productions

All DVDs will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail. This allows us to track the package and provide a free replacement if you do not receive your DVD.

AGTA Changes GemFair Day Pattern for 2010

May 15, 2009 – DALLAS, TX: The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced today that it is changing its day pattern for the 2010 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson. The GemFair has traditionally started on Wednesday and closed on Monday. It will now start on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 and close on Sunday, February 7, 2010.

“We have had many requests over the years from exhibitors and buyers alike to move our show dates back one day,” stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “With the support and cooperation of the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society and the Tucson Convention Center, we were finally able to make it happen.”

The AGTA Spectrum Awards Gala is still planned for Saturday night, its traditional night. Other events may or may not change depending on the individual groups involved.

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The AGTA is an Association of natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry professionals, dedicated to promoting the natural colored gemstone trade. The Association pursues this mission through the combined use of educational programs, industry events and publicity to both the trade and consumer. We are The Authority in Color.

Hackmanite

One of the stones on my wish list from Tucson this year was Hackmanite, however the only stones I saw were translucent at best - so imagine my surprise when Pala International posted this beauty for sale!


The May Gem News from Pala International reports that:

Hackmanite is a phenomenal variety of sodalite and a member of the feldspathoid group, hackmanite is mostly found in a translucent cabochon form. This month we feature a transparent faceted hackmanite from Afghanistan. This gem is near-flawless and exhibits all the unusual optical characteristics associated with hackmanite.

Hackmanite is known for its unique color-shift phenomenon when subjected to warm white light or daylight. The phenomenon is known as tenebrescence. Hackmanite will often increase in saturation when allowed to be “charged up” in daylight and sometimes shifts between lavender and magenta hues. Long-wave ultraviolet light also brings out an amazing fluorescence, as seen directly below; in this case we see a glowing orange/yellow hue. The distinctive color phenomena are derived from the sulphur component in hackmanite’s chemistry. Light can polymerize the sulphur into different-length molecules and ions that, in turn, have different colors. (Thanks to Dr. George R. Rossman for clarification of the color phenomena science. See this Caltech webpage for more on the sodalite group.)

This stone is the May Featured Stone: Lavender hackmanite from Afghanistan, 7.87 carats, 16.28 x 11.08 x 8.64 mm. Inventory #17382. (Photo: Mia Dixon)

Twitter Feed - Colored Stones in Antique Jewelry

"Colored Gemstones in Antique Jewelry" with Diana Jarrett, G.G., RMV.

Diana Jarrett has written articles for most of the trade publications and is a respected gemologist and appraiser. She recently updated the book "Cameos: Old & New" byAnna Miller, G.G. RMV. Following the recent passing of Ms. Miller the publisher sought to update the information in this popular reasource guide. Diana took on the task of updating info, adding new photos and general revisions in this 4th Edition. She was available to talk to and signing copies of her book at the AGTA show.
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This is my "live" Twitter feed from the Seminar - as you can see - while I was posting, people who follow me on Twitter were commenting and asking questions. This is done "on the fly" while the seminar is presented - please excuse spelling errors and disjointed comments.
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"Colored Gemstones in Antique Jewelry" by Diane Jarrett starts in 15 minutes! #TGS

We are getting ready to start - "Colored Gemstones in Antique Jewelry" - we are in the Graham Room at the Tucson Convention Center #TGS

#TGS Not many colored gemstones were available for jewelry - political unrest! Distance...slow transport

Jewelry became part of search for beauty as opposed to just Religious adornment #TGS

Pearls used were natural - sapphire and amethyst were used - mountings were more sculptural - cuts simple #TGS

#TGS - new colors of spinel, pink topaz, pearls, rock crystal, emerald , sapphire and hair were all used in Georgian Jewelry

Louis XIV "Sun King" 1643 - 1715 - it was said that he glimmered from head to toe with Diamonds #TGS

Must have - 4th Edition of Cameos - Old & New - Ultimate Cameo and Carved Gem Reference Guide #TGS

#TGS Victorian - during the reign of Queen Victoria sample shown Victorian Mourning Earrings in Onyx - dark ruled after death of the king

Travernier was the most famous of the jewel providers to the king - famous for the French Blue and the Hortensia Pink Diamonds #TGS

Interested - in Antique Jewelry? Seminar - Gemstone Editor for Rappaport talk about Colored Stones in Antique Jewelry! #TGS

#TGS 18th Century - Georgian Era - Age of Innovation in jewelry - great experimentation - created jewelry for the rising middle class

#TGS each era seemed to be a complete switch from the previous

Diamonds in that day came from the Golconda Mines in India - 5 years to get to the mines and bring them back to your king! #TGS

#TGS - Paste (imitation stones) with pinchbeck (a golden metal), foil and the foundations of synthetic gems.

#TGS Modern Antiquity - Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco
Rubies and large Baroque Pearls were common - in Royalty the men wore more jewelry #TGS

#TGS European Renassance 14-17th Century - we have to rely on paintings from the master painters

#TGS Early Victorian - 18-22kt gold and romantic designs - birds, hands, flowers lots of diamonds.

Mid Victorian Era - Coral, Ivory, Miniature Mosaic, colorful stones #TGS

Jewelry - used topaz, zircon and Turquoise with gold and diamonds in the Victorian Era #TGS

GIA - ICA - AGTA - AGS - there are a number of trade organizations so we are protected when we buy colored stones today. #TGS

Various forms of enamel were preferred to replicate naturals forms and objects #TGS

if you are replying to my posts from the Tucson Gem Show - remember to add the #TGS - then everyone can find the messages.

Art Deco 1920-1935 linear shapes andlines - geometrical and architectural lines in jewelry - alot of black & white #TGS

Effect of globalization of the trade in Colored Stones - info exchange about availability & access to Colored Stones and Organizations #TGS

What you WON"T see in Antique Jewelry - modern cuts - Demantoid, Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Kunzite and Morganite - cultured pearls #TGS

Know when colored stones were discovered - know when pearl culturing was invented #TGS

Platinum and colored diamonds - fine lacey looking metalwork with a "knife edging" technique - flat culet on the stones #TGS

Queen Elizabeth had a square cut diamond and platinum ring made for her during this period and the rage became white metals #TGS

Edwardian 1901-1910 Edward wanted a new wave - a more hopeful era - lighter colors in jewels and clothes #TGS

@mikekirkwood - thanks Mike - do you know that I am posting from the Tucson Gem Show? #TGS

@Thyme2dream - right - Diana covered the black stones in the Victorian Era - but it was also very common in the Deco era. #TGS

Square and baguette cut were designed in this period by Cartier #TGS

#TGS late Victorian Era - Jet, Bog, Hair, Marcasite, Hematite

Art Nouveau 1895 - 1912 nature subject was leaves the human form and even bugs - natural pearls colored feathers pale variety of beryl #TGS

Lalique 1904 To Have & To Hold Engagement Ring - must see!!! #TGS

Art Nouveau concentration on pastel colored stones mimicking nature and natural pearls #TGS

If you weren't able to go to the Tucson Gem Show this year - Be My Guest - Tucson Gem Show - Live! http://tucsongemshow.blogspot.com #TGS

@aprettyrock - can you imagine-diamonds & pearls sewn to your garments - she said he was known to wear up to 100 pcs of jewelry at once #TGS

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Thank you to:

@aprettyrock

@Jonara Blu

@loupey

@mikekirkwood

@Thyme2dream

...for participating in my first ever Twitter Seminar.

Photo Info: Art Nouveau Ring ( France c. 1904 )

RENE LALIQUE (1860-1945)

'The Betrothal -To Have & To Hold'
Art Nouveau Ring
Gold, enamel & peridot
Length: 1.6 cm (0.6 in) Width: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Signed: ‘LALIQUE’
French. Circa 1904
Source: http://www.bada.org/art-and-antiques/detail/38050

Manning House Bead Show 2009 Prize Winners...

The Manning House would like to thank all

exhibitors, teachers and buyers who made the

Manning House Bead Show 2009 such a

wonderful event. We hope to see all of you

again in 2010.

Our incredible and generous exhibitors

donated awesome merchandise for the

Manning House Bead Show 2009 Drawing

Extravaganza. The lucky winners of the drawing

were randomly selected from the many buyers who

registered their name in our "Pink Boxes" that were

placed throughout the Mansion during the show.

Manning House Bead Show 2009 Drawing Extravaganza winners are:

Betty Schnellinger (Ajan Art)
Susan Cassidy (Amazing Porcelain)
Cynthia Grant (Art Heaven)
Kimberly Jones (Bead Inspirations)
Sue Fulton (Bead World, Inc.)
Jana Sorensen (Burgard Studio)
Priscilla Haynes (Chelsea's Beads)

Lynda & Jack Starbird (Contemporary Prayer Beads)
Miriam Fuhrman (CraZebeads)
Stewart Norrie (Dorjee Tibet)
Jennifer O'Connor (Goddess
Kathy Campbell (Halstead Bead)
Peg Ott (George Jackson Leather)
Bethellen Roy (Jewelry By Sue)
Judy McCombs (Klew's Expressions)
Blanche Scharf (Lady Bug Beads)
Martino Designs (Lisa Kan Designs)
Phyllis Fletcher (Marsha Neal Studio)
Linda Smith (Memories of Martha Rose)
Tina Collett (Moss Hollow Pottery)

Cheryl Snachez (Ningii - Ozhitoomin Ojibwe Art Gallery)
Robyn Hawk (Strung Out On Beads) *

Dorothy Schechter (Sturee Tribal Village)
Christine Guzorek (T-Beads)
Brad Zarbock (The BeadPen Group)
Alice Shabel (The Odyssey & Bead Expression)
Suzie Huie (Turtle Moon Arts)
Jane Stern (Unbuttons)
Milly White (Unicorne Beads)

Pam Chott (Wildflower Beads)

Congratulations to all 2009 winners! We have even bigger plans for our 2010 Drawing Extravaganza! Please visit our WEBSITE often for updated information about the Manning House Bead Show 2010.

See you in Tucson February 2 - 7, 2010

Don't miss the most creative and unique Bead Show in

downtown Tucson.

* Disclaimer - this blogger was a winner - Yay Me!

New Plan for TGS Blog

In previous years I let this blog go black following the close of the gemhows. This year I am going to try something new!

I am going to be posting brief articles on the vendors that I saw at the show - some of these folks are the reason I go back every year.

Vendors come to the Tucson Gem Show from all over the world and when you find a dealer you like it is hard to keep up a relationship aside from meeting them annually in Tucson. A large number of the foreign dealers don't have a website or only one that allows contact. So this is your one opportunity a year to actually see and touch the gems and findings you want.

So in an effort to give some International attention to these vendors, I will be posting info and when possible photos of goods from a some of the outstanding vendors of the Tucson Gem Show!

Some will be mineral dealers (although my friends Justin & Brandy at The Vug have this topic covered), gem dealers, rough dealers, bead dealers, findings, home decor - so some will apply to you, some won't - but I am hoping to interest you in things you have never been exposed to before.

The format will be as follows - the photo and write up then at the bottom complete contact information for any vendors mentioned in the article. I could hyperlink throughout the piece but really want you to read the post and then check their website, info, etc.

This info will also be posted to the new Tucson Gem Show Facebook Page!

Tucson Gem Show

FaceBook Page

http://snipurl.com/eh8kc [www_facebook_com]

The Vug

http://the-vug.com/

This site is a wealth of information. With videos from the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show as well as from the other mineral shows throughout Tucson. It also features links to all the major mineral dealers and to Justin's own FakeMinerals.com.

If you are in Southern California, Justin is available for speaking engagements and offers wonderful DVD's of Rockhounding opportunities in the area.

Westward Look Show- In the room with "Heliodor"

I chose this video from all the great offerings from Justin (FustinX on YouTube) because it shows how the Tucson vendors are able to use their hotel room as a showroom - note the bed in the background.

At the Westward Look Mineral Show, Heliodor (Brad and Star Van Scriber) showes Justin from The-Vug.com all about a rare Russian Silver and a very juicy Morccan Vanadinite.

A rare look at a silver wire specimen from a Russian mine - that was rescued from the smelter.

...and a really nice Moroccan Vanadinite. According to mindat.org:
Vanadinite is a secondary lead chlorovanadate. It is almost always found in the oxidation zone of lead deposits in arid climates resulting from the alteration of vanadiferous sulphides and silicates of the gangue and wall rocks.

First discovered by Señor A.M. del Rio (1764-1849), Professor, School of Mines of Mexico, Zimapan, before the element vanadium was discovered in 1830.