Tucson: 15th Annual Orchid Dinner

WOW - what a great group of people showed up for the 15th Annual Orchid Dinner at TGIFriday's!


A big thanks go out the our wonderful host Dave Arens for setting everything up ahead of time and keeping the action rolling all night, what a charmer!  


The anticipation was palpable when Maureen BZap stealthily announced that it was raffle time and everyone should get their tickets out!  Why?  What were we raffling off?


From the generous Kevin Potter:
5 pancake dies (various patterns)
5 blanking dies (various patterns)
...and he brought in one of his Hydraulic Jewelry Presses for show & tell!


From the always supportive Charles Lewton Brain:
Lost Books: Chasing and Repoussé - Lewton-Brain Just Published CD!
Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop -- Lewton-Brain
Gold Surface Applications: A Technology Review -- Lewton-Brain 
Making a Chain Tool for Chasing - Lewton-Brain 
Build Your Own Draw Bench Instructions -- Lewton-Brain 

...and from the "The Saw Guy"  Lee Marshall:
5" Knew Concept Saw with a brand new "Quick Release" lever (not yet on the market)
(for those of you who aren't familiar with the evolution of the "red saws" - Cynthia Eid tells the story on her Orchid Blog )
...Lee we love that you trust us with your latest and greatest inventions and updates ♥

The room hummed all night, people getting to finally put a face with the name they have seen forever...and some that have never posted but will probably be more involved as a result.



Thanks to everyone who attended and made it a special night - I really enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you...and checking out your jewelry as you signed in ;)

Inside the Designer Pavilion with Galatea!

As I mentioned in my previous post - photos aren't allowed at AGTA Gemfair - unless a Designer gives permission and so here you go...an exclusive look at what's new from one of my favorites...Galatea!




"Galatea: Jewelry by Artist is the creation of Chi Galatea Huynh. Known for its hand-sculpted pearls, Diamond In a Pearl and gem-enucleated Galatea Pearl jewelry."

You may all know Galatea as the "Diamond In A Pearl" people and don't worry there are still producing these beauties, along with various gemstone bead nucleated pearls...but here in Tucson they are introducing several new designs and unique new ideas in pearls and beyond!

People who aren't familiar with the product assume these pearlescent beauties are laser carved - but each one of the pearls are hand carved to reveal the unexpected burst of color provided by the gemstone nucleated pearl.

One new twist on the hand carved pearls are what I am referring to as hand etched pearls (sorry for taking liberties Barbara).  Luscious  Black Tahitian Pearls with an undulating wave pattern hand etched into the surface of the pearl.  Why do I describe these as etched rather than carved?  the cut doesn't go through to the nucleation layer, only through a few layers of nacre.  This gives you the peacock surface of each pearl juxtaposed against a solid black layer causing an almost glittering effect...these HAVE to be seen in person!




The next new item that caught my eye was this ring that featured Abalone!   Clean, sculptural lines made simply elegant with the added punch of color from the mother of pearl - this may be my new favorite!

Also just introduced - 3DGaletea!  "3D Galatea turns any jewelry sketch into a stunning 3D rendering within 3 business days for the lowest price--guaranteed."

I am not going into detail here - but keep an eye on The Daily Jewel blog for a feature on the new designs and  their new division 3DGalatea!

* Just as an aside - I am not picking on AGTA for their no cameras policy - I totally understand the need for security measures and would in no way publish a photo that would endanger someone - I try shoot photographs without faces.  I am just a smarty pants by nature ;)

MJSA: At The Bench Live! at AGTA GemFair

MJSA partners with Southestern Findings for one of the most educational concepts at the show...from their website:

MJSA’s At the Bench Live

There’s nothing like learning from the masters—and jewelers who attend MJSA’s At the Bench Live seminars do just that. Featuring the industry’s most renowned experts, At the Bench Live offers a blend of best practices and innovative ideas. It creates an atmosphere in which questions can be posed, solutions offered, and problems solved. And it ensures that attendees can walk way with a bit more technical mastery at their command.

I stopped in yesterday to catch this one:

February 2
Black and Back: Finishing and Detailing Sterling Jewelry
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz
With gold at record-high prices, sterling silver is becoming the favored alloy among both professional jewelry designers and consumers-which means more bench jewelers will have to deal with the alloy’s natural tendency to tarnish and oxidize. Learn how to both bring back silver’s shine and strategically use oxidation as a decorative element.




Arthur Skuratowicz is exactly what I love in an educator - he doesn't talk over your head and he encourages you to think for yourself,  all with a laid back and very personable attitude.

Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, GJG (GIA), is Director of Education at the Jewelry Training Centerin Colorado Spring, Colorado, and a Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press).






He addressed a standing room only crowd  and with the large screen and great camera placement, everyone could view the demo like you were looking over his shoulder.



Once again - BRAVO to MJSA & Southeastern Findings for this great series...for details about these demonstrations and other opportunities to catch the series at future events check the MJSA website!

At The Bench Live Schedule:  the week finishes off with the following:
February 3

In the Loop: Textile Techniques in Jewelry Making
Presenter: Michael David Sturlin

By applying textile techniques such as crocheting and weaving to the art of jewelry making, artists can create intricate pieces that are both flexible and lightweight. In this seminar, Michael David Sturlin demonstrates his own crocheting technique, and also offers examples of and insights into other artists’ textile applications.

February 4
Treat or Trick: 
Identifying and Working with Treated Gems at the Bench
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Most gem-set jewelry that crosses a jeweler’s bench contains treated stones. Sometimes, such as with the recent rash of lead-glass-filled rubies, these treatments aren’t known until the stone fractures or discolors once the job is underway. Learn how to spot common treatments, as well as how to handle a variety of commonly treated stones.

February 5
Filigree Face-off, Part 1: Creating an Edwardian-Style Pendant by Hand
Presenter: Lee Krombholz

In the first session of this two-part seminar, Lee Krombholz hand-fabricates a modern filigree-style disc pendant from sheet stock—dapping the contours, sketching the design, piercing the metal, adding bezels, setting repurposed diamonds, and doing the finishing and millgraining—in an attempt to create the lightest-weight pendant possible (a necessity in an age of sky-high gold prices).

February 6
Filigree Face-off, Part 2: Creating an Edwardian-Style Pendant with CAD
Presenter: Lee Krombholz

In the second session of this two-part seminar, Krombholz creates the same filigree pendant as in the first session, only this time in CAD—experimenting with casting tolerances, re-piercing the design, setting the diamonds, and doing a final finish. The time needed to complete the CAD project, along with any inherent challenges, will then be compared to the hand-fabrication process, and the two pendants will be evaluated to see which process produced the lightest-weight piece. (The presenter thanks caster Tom Primavera, whose predilection for hand-fabrication techniques inspired this "face-off.")

AGTA - Photos of the Floor

Cameras aren't allowed at AGTA so...I got some shots of the Education & Information Aisle at the top of the show venue and some overhead photos of the show floor.

From the signage you see immediately that there is a lot to see at the AGTA GemFair!!!

From check - in the first thing you see and probably my favorite area of the show is the Grand Ballroom.  This houses the Spectrum of Design Jewelry Pavilion, Antique & Estate Jewelry Pavilion and the Tools & Equipment Pavilion.

You can see all those amazing Spectrum Award winning Jewelry Designs and the Cutting Edge Gem Cutting Award winners up close and personal.

Spectrum of Design Jewelry Pavilion:
The Designers featured in this area are true trendsetters in the Industry, and one thing I wasn't aware of they are all doing business in North America.  Here you will find gorgeous work by Designers like;  Mark Schneider, Todd Reed, Sarah Graham and Alishan to name a few.

Antique & Estate Jewelry Pavilion
This area is filled with fabulous one of a kind pieces, antique gem and pearl jewelry from a variety of vendors. Be sure to stop in a see eFiligree - aside from their stunning displays of Cameo Habilles & more traditional Cameos - they feature a great array of authentic fully restored filigree mountings for engagement rings.

Tools & Equipment Pavilion
Here you will everything you need to make and market your beautiful creations...software, display, packaging, tools, and several refiners are available to answer your need for metal!  Southeastern Findings booth is a tool geek's oasis!  and don't forget to stop in an talk to United Precious Metal Refiners about their proprietary non-tarnish silver alloy!


Also on this floor is their Education & Information aisle which features trade press publications like JCK and Southern Jewelry News & Mid-America News.  Followed by trade associations; Cultured Pearl Assoc., National Assoc. of Jewelry Appraisers, etc.  Finished the hall with Schools - Jewelry Design Schools and Gemology Schools alike...this is where you will find GIA, Canadian Institute of Gemology and the California Institute of Jewelry Training.

Downstairs in the Gem Hall is where the action is this year their is a separate Colored Diamond Pavilion on the show floor and of course my most inspiring moment was meeting Etienne Perret and his son Michael.  I have seen the designs on Facebook and in many magazine articles but if you get the opportunity, see it in person!  Michael gave us a great talk on the Gem Ceramic used in most of the designs...OK, I'm gushing - back to the AGTA.



The addition this year of an Internet area on the show floor made verifying and taking orders easier and the Lounge was a comfortable way to end a long journey across a large show floor!   ....wonder if they'd notice if  I just curl up and stay!

I Discovered the Rainforest in Tucson...

I have been chatting with Rainforest Design on Twitter (she is @RainforestDesign)  and since we are both in Tucson we decided to meet up!  I have to tell you I have a new favorite vendor for carvings.  These are cameo type carved shell but done in a whole new way!  


You won't confuse these with your grandmother's Italian cameos...these are fresh new designs of flora and fauna, and everything in between, that the indigenous people in Panama are famous for carving in tagua.  




The cameos are carved from the Queen’s Helmet shell (Cassis madagascariensis spinella) found in the waters of the Caribbean, also known as “Sardonyx”.  




Sweet butterflies and hummingbirds sit next to frogs and geckos with a sea-life assortment on the next shelf.


These are modern pieces that will become the cherished heirlooms of your grandchildren.


I snapped a few quick shots but there will be a full write up on the Daily Jewel blog soon.


You will find Rainforest Design sharing a corner of the Gem-Fare Room:
Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show
Hotel Tucson City Center - Room 153

Day Two: Opening Day - and New Finds!

It was opening day for AGTA & GJX - I stopped in but the shows are too busy (it's a good thing) to get good photos and since I will be speaking on a panel there tomorrow - I decided to take photos then.  But it was great to catch up with people and actually hold pieces in your hand that you've only seen in photos.

Etienne Perret's work with colored diamonds is spectacular and the gem ceramic pieces are lovely but the feel really great on your skin...the piece on the left - hands down winner for both me and AnnMarie (one of my roomies).  The feel of the pearl on your hand was silky smooth.

Etienne Perret
AGTA GemFair, Booth 1623

...anyway I will cover AGTA and  GJX later - I just had to gush!

More Great Vendors at the Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show

Last year the Pueblo Gem Show added a Mineral Show and some of the finest mineral dealers have been lured to this venue.  The first year they did fairly well but this year according to Pu Tzu  of The UnCarved Block he is happy with the change. Not just because the business is good but he really enjoys the vibe of this event...and we love seeing the fab specimens and carvings he brings!

The Uncarved Block
Pueblo G & M Show
Room 171








Right down the hall is Edwards Minerals - a nice with lovely pieces to show - I was drawn to this lovely Quartz on Pyrite - the light in the case loved it too.




One of my favorite finds from a couple years ago continues to top my list - the company Gems In Gems is an Italian Company headed by Volcanologist, Editor and Lapidary, Marco Campos Venuti.  Stop in to see some of the most unusual gems in gems - alongside minerals that you may never have seen faceted before ...yep they have faceted Smithsonsite!  This year he brought an amazing tray of Madagascar Ammonite formed for setting in jewelry.

It is a joy to visit this room the stones are gorgeous!  and Marco and staff always make me smile!

Gems In Gems
Marco Campos Venuti, PhD
Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show - R 113