#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 - Fireside Chats Announced at JCK Tucson

For me, one of the best events at 2016 Tucson was the Fireside Chat at JCK Tucson. It featured Todd Reed & Sarah Graham answering questions from Victoria Gomelsky and was standing room only!

I have to take my hat off to JCK's planners - this pairing was brilliant. Both Todd & Sarah have experience with designing and marketing a unique look and a style that was their's alone (Todd - Raw Diamonds; Sarah - Blackened Gold) and I wish they had discussed that process more.

So, this year JCK is offering three Fireside Chats....

Learn and be inspired through these can't-miss informal talks that offer insight into the inspiring careers of these industry icons.

All chats will take place in the Arizona Ballroom at the Marriott Star Pass.

• Wednesday, February 1 at 2:00 PM – Teresa Frye (TechForm Labs) and John Atencio (John Atencio Designs) will be discussing the successes and possibilities of jewelry design through machines and manufacturing.
• Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 AM – Marylouise Sirignano Lugosch (Director of CJDG) will be interviewing CJDG Designers, discussing what retailers need to know about designers and how they stay on trend.
• Friday, February 3 at 2:00 PM – Patricia Faber (Aaron Faber Galleries) will discuss with the legendary Peter Schmid (Atelier Zobel) his history as an iconic designer, what inspires him and the intricacies of the designer/retailer relationship.

Find out more about our Fireside Chat speakers here »

#TucsonGemShow - CSARITE® to Debut New Gem & Designer Collections in Tucson - #NEWInTucson

CSARITE® Introduces New Cuts and Designer Collections in Tucson

Conditions in world’s only active mining site more challenging than ever,            

 likely leading to price increases in 2017

Milenyum Mining Limited announces, in advance of the 2017 annual Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show, that CSARITE® gems are rarer than ever, with production in the world’s only active mine becoming more difficult and costly every day, despite continued investments in equipment, infra-structure and recent doubling of labor force.    Bauxite production target for 2017 is estimated at 166,000 metric tons, compared to 54,000 in 2016, but despite such extraordinary mining growth, extraction of quality CSARITE® gems now requires more experienced personnel, technology and deeper exploration. Based on expert assessments, a raise of carat-prices seems unavoidable, likely by second half of 2017. 

The rarity and natural color-changing beauty of the gem, however, continue to inspire fine jewelry designers to work with the unique Turkish gem, many of whom create one-of-a-kind pieces featuring custom CSARITE® cuts of extraordinary quality.

From January 31st to February 5^th, 2017, Milenyum Mining will be exhibiting at the GJX Gem and Jewelry Show, booth 2510.  Among the highlights of the latest phase of production will be new jewelry designs by red-carpet veterans Graziela Gems and Erica Courtney, new sustainable creations by Jennifer Dawes, and one of a kind designs by Alex Soldier, Ana-Katarina Dervisevic, Malak Atut of Zaiken Jewelry, Katie Diamond and Karin Jamieson.  Soon to launch are collections by Bijules, Nak Armstrong and Parulina.  The company will also bring back the largest-in-the-world polished CSARITE® gem, a 121.65 carat pear shaped rarity cut by Master Cutter Rudi Wobito, from a rough of approximately 430 grams.  Mr. Wobito has also been working for months on new fancy cuts for recently discovered CSARITE® rough, which will be unveiled for the first time in Tucson.

A new addition to the CSARITE® Designer Program, Ana-Katarina Dervisevic speaks passionately of her creative process with Csarites: “Each gem tells a unique story, and expressing that story in a three-dimensional form is my challenge as a designer. In creating my new Sumerian ring, I worked with a large, 8-carat oval Csarite®. This design speaks of a 1940's movie legend adorned in beautiful statement jewels. As a natural color changing stone, however, Csarites tell me more than one story. The second is of an iconoclastic modern woman. This two-finger ring design had to express both stories, so whoever chooses to wear it can rotate the Csarite® gem vertically or horizontally, for a classic, or a more contemporary expression of herself.  Designed to allow the Csarite® to float above the hand in ethereal suspension; it took months of work to perfect the balance of form and technical precision, with a custom spring rotation mechanism, and 2.24 ct of inverted-set multi-colored sapphires, chosen to celebrate the many colors seen inside this beautiful Csarite®”.

Also in Tucson, at the JCK Jewelry Show, designer Pamela Froman will be unveiling her first collection featuring custom CSARITE® gems, designed and cut exclusively for her.

"After having some Csarite® gemstones cut specifically for me, I am now excited more than ever, to design a collection that will be debuting at the JCK Tucson show! I am inspired by Csarite’s unique color-change and set them in my signature Ombre Collection, which is my custom blend of 18k pink and yellow golds. I am looking forward to unveiling this unique collection to selected retail stores and press!"  said Pamela Froman, at her atelier in Los Angeles.  Pamela Froman will be exhibiting in salon 415, Arizona Ballroom, from February 1^st to 4^th.

About Milenyum Mining Limited:
MML is the world’s only source supply of CSARITE®, a natural, unenhanced color-change gemstone. Responsible for cutting and marketing of this phenomenal gemstone, MML’s mission is to introduce gem and jewelry connoisseurs around the globe to CSARITE®’s unique beauty and rarity. MML is a member of The International Colored Gemstone Association. Visit www.csarite.com for a list of authorized retailers.

#TucsonGemShow - Sonoran Glass School Presents 2017 Flame Off!

The Flame Off is an annual torchworking competition at the Sonoran Glass School in Tucson, Arizona where 18 glass artists compete to make the best glass art creation inspired by this year’s theme: “The Textures and Sparkle of Tucson’s Gem Show.”

Now in it’s 16th year, the Flame Off was originally founded by glass artist Tom Philabaum in 2001. The Arizona Daily Star has called the Flame Off a “Top Ten Must See Event of the Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show” and Zocalo calls it “one of Tucson’s hottest gatherings.”

Your hosts, glass artists Margaret Zinser and Bronwen Heilman invite you to join the crowd and watch as flameworkers go torch-to-torch! Grab a seat in the bleachers and watch the competition in front of you and on HD screens live streaming close ups, while enjoying entertaining and educational commentary on the progress of the artists, their pieces, and the competition.

Competing Artists - This year there will be 18 artists from around the country and one international competitor. Artists will compete in one of two competition sets (7PM or 9:30PM) and will have 90 minutes to complete their entry piece. There will be up to nine artists competing at a time.

First place prize is a A Samurai 3 Stage Torch ($4,325) from Flame Off sponsor Glass Tech Technologies. Second and third place winners receive hundreds of dollars in valuable torchworking supplies and gift certificates from our sponsors.

All competitors have agreed to donate their finished pieces to Sonoran Glass School to be bid on by attendees and the general public. Proceeds support the nonprofit Sonoran Glass School and its educational programming.

Enjoy beer, wine, and a food truck roundup. Explore the Sonoran Glass Art Show tent next door as well. ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages. This is an all ages event.

About Sonoran Glass School:
Founded in 2001, Sonoran Glass School began as the dream of a small group of local glass artists in possession of a dilapidated tire changing station in the outskirts of downtown Tucson.  Working toward their mission to inspire people of all ages to discover the wonder of glass art. The school teaches students and the general public how to create and appreciate glass as a visual arts medium through educational courses, one-on-one experiences, visiting artist seminars, and community events funded by SGS members and supporters.

https://sonoranglass.org

#TucsonGemShow - Rocksaholics at the Pueblo Show and the Main Event!

Aisha Jan & Arif Jan 

welcome you to stop by the 

Rocksaholics Showroom - Room #170 

located in the

International Fine Mineral Building 

at the 

Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show 2017 

January 27 - February 8, 2017

at the Arizona Riverpark Inn - Tucson 

and at the 

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

February 9th - 12th

at the Tucson Convention Center

Rocksaholics specializes in only 

100% Natural and Untreated 
Fine Gem Crystals and Minerals 

from Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond.

Rocksaholics also helps the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show book and organize their annual Mineral Lecture Series:

#TucsonGemShow - GIA at the Tucson Gem Show #GIATucson

GIA is pleased to announces a colorful lineup at Tucson 2017.

GIA's not-to-miss activities and services include; an out-of-this-world alumni event, show service laboratory, fascinating exhibits, expert talks and much more. The institute will have a presence at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) GemFair™, Jan. 31 - Feb. 5, 2017, and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (TGMS), Feb. 9-12, both taking place at the Tucson Convention Center.

AGTA GemFair Tucson 2017

Jan. 31 - Feb. 5, 2017
Onyx Suite, Galleria Level
Tucson Convention Center
260 South Church Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

Visit GIA on the Galleria to find out about GIA Education, Laboratory, Research and Instruments and what’s new for 2017. The GIA Show Service Laboratory will be available to submit colored stones for identification and country-of-origin lab services. Attend your choice of classes, seminars and free presentations to advance your gemological knowledge. Check out the latest issue of Gems & Gemology, or take in a demo of GIA’s gemological instruments. And don’t miss GIA’s alumni party and auction for an evening of food, fun and dancing. We look forward to seeing you there!

GIA SHOW SERVICE LABORATORY

GIA will offer quick, convenient access to gem identification and country-of-origin services during the show. Drop off your colored stones in the Onyx Suite.

The laboratory will be available:

Jan. 30 to Feb. 4 − 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (opens one day before AGTA GemFair begins)

Feb. 5 − 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come prepared and save time. Click here to plan ahead for submitting stones to the GIA Show Service Laboratory.

Note: Services will be available one day before the AGTA GemFair opens. Hours of operation differ from show hours. Temporary reports will be printed on site; permanent reports will be sent after the show.

Diamond and pearl report services will not be available.

For more information, call +1 800 421 7250 ext 4517 or +1 760 603 4517, or email coloredstones@gia.edu

GIA EDUCATION AND SEMINARS

Registration is only available by contacting GIA Admissions at +1 800 421 7250 ext. 4001 or +1 760 603 4001.

All lab classes, seminars and presentations take place at the Tucson Convention Center.

GEM 240L Gem Identification Lab Class
Required for GIA Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Colored Stones Diplomas

Students practice the same time-tested procedures and identification skills used by the Institute's renowned gemological experts in this lab class. Tools used include a microscope, a refractometer with polarizing filter and a removable magnifying eyepiece, refractive index (RI) liquid, a polariscope with an optic figure sphere, a dichroscope, a table model prism spectroscope, a handheld spectroscope, and a loupe. Students will use these instruments to practice identifying natural gemstones, imitations, assembled stones and synthetics. Along with this hands-on training, your facilitators will carefully demonstrate key tests and coach you in quick, effective testing procedures. (Be sure to read the Student Notification of Classroom Chemical Usage in the GIA Education Catalog. Once you have completed the session, you can keep the lab manual, gem cloth and color grading card.

Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 (Mon.-Fri.) − 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Greenlee Room
Tuition: $1,600 + $125 for books + $25 materials = $1,750, plus applicable sales tax
Earn: Letter of Completion

Identifying Inclusions in Corundum and Emerald
2-Hour Lecture/Lab

Inclusions are an unending source of fascination for gem professionals. In this seminar, you'll use our lab equipment to explore the interiors of specially chosen rubies, sapphires and emeralds and gain insight into what a gem's internal characteristics can tell you about how and where it formed and whether it's treated. Through lecture and hands-on practice, you'll get an up-close look at gems from new sources, learn to recognize specific types of inclusions, and understand how they help laboratory gemologists determine geologic origin, possible country of origin and potential treatments.

Saturday, Feb. 4 − 9 to 11 a.m., Greenlee Room
Tuition: $225

Identifying Synthetic and Imitation Colored Stones
2-Hour Lecture/Lab

This new GIA seminar is designed to sharpen your gem identification skills. Through a lecture and hands-on practice with a microscope and a selection of unusual synthetics and challenging new imitations, you'll learn key identifying features to help detect these materials, gain valuable experience and test yourself. Our experienced gemologists will provide guidance and help you stay up to date with the latest developments in this area.

Saturday, Feb. 4 − 1 to 3 p.m., Greenlee Room
Tuition: $225

FREE PRESENTATIONS

Rediscovering the Chivor Emerald Mine – In the Footsteps of Peter W. Rainier

Robert Weldon, GIA GG, Manager of Photography and Visual Communications, GIA

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 1 − 1 to 2 p.m., Mohave Room


The Latest News from GIA Research

Join Dr. James Shigley, GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow and a member of GIA’s research team, as he offers insight on developments from the laboratory and research conducted at GIA. Topics of discussion may include, or be related to, colored stones, diamonds or other areas of topical interest.

Friday, Feb. 3 − 9 to 10 a.m., Mohave Room

PARTY AT THE GEM MINE – COSMIC BLAST

Blast off to the GIA Alumni Association’s annual auction and dinner dance in Tucson. Join in the fun for a stellar evening with GIA alumni, students and industry friends.

Feb. 3 − 6:30 to 11 p.m.

Marriott University Park Hotel
880 East Second Street
Tucson, AZ

Tickets are $55 if purchased before Jan. 15 and $65 if purchased Jan. 16 or after.

Purchase tickets here.

SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS EXHIBIT 

Synthetic diamonds have recently been seen more often in the trade and consumer gem and jewelry market. HPHT and CVD-grown synthetic diamonds, alongside natural diamonds, will be showcased in this informative display. Check out the samples and learn valuable facts about synthetic diamonds in the jewelry industry as you make your way to GIA’s booth on the Galleria level.

If you are still in Tucson after the AGTA GemFair, visit GIA at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, also at the Tucson Convention Center, taking place Feb. 9-12.

Tucson Lazydays KOA To Host Gem & Mineral Show and Jewelry Workshops

Tucson/Lazydays KOA 

is hosting the 

"Tucson/Lazydays Gem & Craft Fair"

Dates are Jan 29th - Feb 12th 

Sun-Thur 10am-2pm and Fri-Sat 10am-3pm.

They will be having classes on 

Dichroic Glass, Metal Clay, and Needle Felting.

Location: 5151 South Country Club Road, Tucson

For more information - call (520) 799-3701

About Tucson/LazydaysKOA:  The Tucson / Lazydays KOA is your desert oasis, with beautiful fruit tress abundant throughout the park, authentic Santa Fe - style buildings and plenty of good times to be had. The campground offers pull-thru sites with full 30/50 amp hookups. Lazy Days, a full service RV dealership is located on-site. Enjoy our restaurant with full-service bar, two pools,an event center and meeting rooms, fitness center, off-leash dog park and complimentary Wi-Fi. Come see why camping in Arizona is a breeze!