WILDACRES an inspiring mountain retreat for artisans!

Indulge your passion for minerals, gems, jewelry, and craft.

Participate in entry level as well as intermediate level 2-day & 4-day classes.
Enjoy programs from great Speakers-in-Residence.
Form new friendships and deepen old ones.

Do it all at Wildacres, a beautiful retreat center atop the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For 42 years, Wildacres has welcomed artisans to retreat to its beautiful North Carolina mountains to hone their craft. Members of GLMSDC participate as teachers as well as students, immersing ourselves in silversmithing, beading, lapidary arts, and more. We dine on delicious food, listen to expert speakers, sleep in comfortable lodging, explore trails, and make lifelong friends.

$390 for a week of relaxation and artistic inspiration is a gift! Come learn, network and support Wildacres. Register NOW for the fall session, September 1–7, visit Wildacres

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The Art of Gemstone Carvings – Denise Nelson GG (GIA)

Denise NelsonDenise Nelson DCGIA Chapter’s Globe Trotter and Ambassador to GIA, was insightful and informative in her sharing pictures from her visit to various Museums.

Denise walked our members through a look at carvings and the many materials used from around the world.

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Providing a wealth of knowledge on the background history about the various cultures and creative people who depend on this industry for their livelihood. From common tribal art to intricate modern designs, from ancient days to today, carving and sculpturing natural materials has evolved and changed dramatically and is admired because if it’s durability and beauty.

Here is a short topic introduction video:

We Thank Denise for sharing her adventure with us.

Meeting Summary: Charlie Marts
Pictures provided by: Denise Nelson GG (GIA)
Video File by: Melanie Marts GG (GIA)

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Digital Microscope for sale

Dino-Lite AM 413ZT

http://www.dino-lite.com/products_list_minute.php?product_number_abridge=AM4013MZTL

It is made for viewing gems and coins. It works on any pc except Mac. Paid $450, offered for sale for $300. No stand or tray (sold separately), does have a flexible clip arm.

If interested please contact Elizabeth Lay at lizorlean@yahoo.com.

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Tucson Gem Show Pearls – LoisBerger

Lois Berger GG, NAJA, DCGIA’s resident pearl expert discussed all things “Cultured Pearls”. Lois provided a brief discussion of the history of the Chinese Pearl Production industry along with numerous pearl strings of the many types of pearls being cultured by the Chinese as well as other countries.

Lois Berger GG, NAJA, DCGIA’s resident pearl expert discussed all things “Cultured Pearls”. Lois provided a brief discussion of the history of the Chinese Pearl Production industry along with numerous pearl strings of the many types of pearls being cultured by the Chinese as well as other countries.

Lois’ provided an in-depth wholesale pricing pearl report to attendees, and pearl industry news. The information contained in this report is intended to provide a cross section of what is available in the current pearl market at the whole sale level. The tables, listings, sizes and prices are not intended for grading purposes. All pictures were taken by Lois. H. Berger, G.G.  Here is 2014 Lois Berger Pearl report  covering the Highlights of what she saw and prices for the wholesale market place.

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Bobby Mann provide information on his NEW Ivory Identification workshop, which will introduce a NEW Power Point Presentation and workbook, no more slides required.

Ivory Identification

Saturday, May 31, 2014 – Ivory Identification Workshop – 10AM to 4PM

Bobby Mann Bobby Mann G.G. (GIA), PG and co-founder of the International Ivory Society will present an All Day, Hands-On Workshop featuring an extensive slide program and each student will be provided with a copy his book “Ivory Identification a Photographic Reference Guide” and a workbook to follow along and take notes in. Signup with this form Ivory Identification Workshop

 

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Majorie Merriweather Post’s Dazzling Gems

Cartier Landing Page Banner

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens – Majorie Merriweather Post’s Dazzling Gems

Exhibition opens from June 7th 2014 to December 31st 2014

http://www.hillwoodmuseum.org/whats/exhibitions/cartier-marjorie-merriweather-posts-dazzling-gems

Marjorie Merriweather Post commissioned some of the most exquisite jewelry of any American collector. Don’t miss this opportunity to see it!

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ASSISTANT MANAGER – FINE JEWELRY GALLERY

ASSISTANT MANAGER – FINE JEWELRY GALLERY

Mia Gemma is an exquisite boutique designed for the sophisticated and discerning woman. We offer one-of-a-kind and limited edition fine jewelry that is hand crafted by up-and-coming artists from across the U.S. and Europe. We specialize in unique wedding rings for men and women. Mia Gemma has been featured in fashion magazines, the Washington Post and other publications. We are located in the exciting Penn Quarter area of Washington DC. We are seeking an experienced Manager to work full-time in our Washington DC location.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as primary keyholder for the Gallery;
  • Ensures all products and displays are merchandised effectively to maximize sales and profitability;
  • Plans and implements the day-to-day operations of the Gallery.
  • Develops strategies to improve customer service, drive store sales, and increase profitability;
  • Implementation and execution of sales initiatives including special events;
  • Assists customers with determining jewelry design options;
  • Ensures customer needs are met and services are efficient;
  • Interfaces with jewelry artists to determine design options and create special order pieces;
  • Assists with management of inventory;
  • Assists with merchandising and acquisition of new product lines.

Skills/Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent; at least 3 years of experience in luxury retail sales;
  • Experience in Fine Jewelry sales a big plus;
  • Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals;
  • Excellent understanding and appreciation of the luxury goods customer, and working knowledge of gemstones, diamonds, and precious metals;
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written to people of varying levels and cultures;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate good working relations;
  • Highly creative, out-of-the-box thinker;
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills;
  • Excellent attention to detail.

Selling Skills:

  • A positive professional attitude and presentation;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

Computer Skills:

  • Microsoft Windows, register and internet applications.

Mia Gemma offers a collegial working environment, competitive salary and bonus, paid vacation and holidays, gym membership, health insurance and generous employee discount.

If interested, please contact: Irene Barbieri – Owner Mia Gemma – (202) 393-4367  ibarbieri@msn.com

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Part time Sales/Administrative position at estate jewelry store in downtown Washington DC

Part time Sales/Administrative position at estate jewelry store in downtown Washington DC – been in business for over 40 years.

Computer, website, online sales, minor repairs and polishing experience helpful and needed.
Hourly salary – commissions on sales possible.
2 blocks from Farragut North red line metro.

Contact Brian Diener
Diener Jewelers
1133 19th St NW
Washington DC 20036
202-872-1710
http://www.dienerjewelers.com
Email: brian@dienerjewelers.com

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Tucson Gem Show – Kusam Malhotra

Kusam Malhotra Owner of K & K International in Vienna, VA. a vendor at the 2014 Tucson International Gem Show. Discussed Wholesale Natural Colored Gemstones:Gemstones

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Alexandrite, Colored Diamonds, Aquamarine, Beryl, Red Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Kunzite, Diamond, Garnet,, Morganite, Turquoise, Zircon and Extra Fine Gem Quality Rubies.

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Additionally; Courtland Lee, DCGIA’s resident Geologist and Miner, was a vendor at the 2014 Tucson International Gem Show.

Courtland displayed a number of items, beads and Mineral Specimens made from the Maryland State Gemstone, the Patuxent River Stone as well as petrified dinosaur teeth.

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2013 in review

DCGIA 2013 in review:

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 12,000 times in 2013. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

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DCGIA Second Chance Social & Auction

Start off the year with a bang & a buck for the chapter, at the DCGIA Social & Auction on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 Ft. Meyer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209, at the Virginia end of Key Bridge.

Second Chance Auction Catalog – Just added to the List of auction items

Item:  310 Necklace & Earrings – by Helen Serras-Herman – Copper, Black, Onyx, Turquoise & Pearls

This is a FREE event and you are encouraged to bring your favorite finger food type pot luck dish to share. Food, beverages and a LIVE Auction will start at Noon and last until 4:00 PM.

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There are many fun, interesting and must have items still available. We hope you can come out and support the chapter; all proceeds are used throughout the year to support our educational efforts.

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