Monday, April 13, 2005

Our original Tucson panel meeting and discussion (held annually in February) was snowed out this year and finally convened among the cherry blossoms on April 13th. The Tucson panel is an annual event of the DCGIA chapter to inform and educate the members about what was new, special, unique, provocative and stimulating at the gem and jewelry super market called the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows.

This year’s PowerPoint presentation led off with Lois Berger, our resident pearl expert, discussing pearl trends from a variety of pearl types, their environmental issues, sources, grades, availability of such pearls, and wholesale costs. Examples of numerous pearl types were on hand examination.

Following this we were shown spectacular opal photographs by Fred Ward. They were reminiscent of kaleideoscopes with brilliant color and flash.

As a finale to the evening, Vice President Bill Scherlag summarized our Tucson overview and was followed by Denise Nelson, who concentrated on the human aspect of the shows with buyers, dealers, onlookers, and gems mixed into one grand memory.

After the presentation various DCGIA members showed and discussed many pieces from of their own finds. As usual, the annual Tucson Panel is one of our most popular yearly events.

Opening day at the AGTA exhibit.

Fred Ward received two awards from GIA President Bill Boyajian: Member of the Year and he accepted our DCGIA award for Chapter of the Year.

Fred photographing opals in Tucson.

Chapter president Toby Fitzkee with Hap Williams.

Pearl specialist Lois Berger with Courtland Lee.

Andy and Helen Herman’s farewell cake as they move to Arizona.

Lois Berger’s pearl presentation.

Denise Nelson speaking about the human side of Tucson.

Text by Lisa Carp

Photographs by Bill Scherlag and Fred Ward