Tucson Panel Report – Friends of DDI

Posted on February 29, 2012 by dcgiaorg

Patricia Syvrud founder and president of Joia Consulting, LLC, was also in Tucson heading up program development for the Friends of The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI).

She provided the chapter members with an introduction to Artisanal Mining and Friends of DDI.

Artisanal Mining is small-scale mining involving the extraction of minerals with the simplest of tools, on a subsistence level. More than a million African artisanal diamond diggers and their families live and work in absolute poverty, outside the formal economy, in countries struggling to recover from the ravages of war.

DDI aims to replicate the success of the Kimberley Process, in the cause to eliminate conflict diamonds. Where Kimberley is a regulatory system, DDI will be a comprehensive, long-term partnership for development.

DDI promotes environmentally sustainable mining practices and seeks to rehabilitate exhausted diamond fields.

DDI is piloting a system to register artisanal diamond miners and track their production up to the point of export. The system meets KPCS standards.

DDI is field testing an ethical certification system for diamonds that originate from artisanal mining areas. The overarching objective is to develop a system that actually works in the vastly informal context of artisanal diamond mining; can be independently verified; and results in meaningful benefits for artisanal miners as well as consumers.

Visit the project website at: http://www.ddidrc.org/eng/index.php

The Friends of DDI program will allow jewelry retailers, designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to support DDI’s work on the ground in mining communities, and demonstrate to their customers that the industry is making a positive impact on the lives of the people who mine diamonds by artisanal methods.

To learn more and get involved visit http://www.ddiglobal.org/pages/friends-of-ddii.php

Summary by Charles Marts

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged diamonds, Tucson Gem Show | Leave a comment

Tucson Panel Report

Posted on February 28, 2012 by dcgiaorg

Since the Tucson Gem show is a “must-view” event, DCGIA devotes each February meeting to a “Tucson Report” where Chapter members who attended could exhibit items they purchased for “show and tell” and discuss prices, new trends, and impressions with everyone at the meeting. A BIG Thank You to All the Members for sharing with us!

Tucson Panel - Kusam, Courtland, Lynn & Lois

Bobby Mann DCGIA President opened the panel by providing a Handout – The Tucson Experience a history of the Tucson Gem Show and what you can expect to see there.

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Lois Berger GG, NAJA, DCGIA’s resident pearl expert discussed all things “Cultured Pearls”.

Lois’ pearl report provides indepth wholesale pricing and pearl industry news each year.

Lois provided a Power Point presentation AGTA Show Pearl Report 2012 along with a PDF document Tucson Pearl Report 2012 covering the Highlights of what she saw and prices for the wholesale market place.

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Kusam Malhotra Owner of K & K International in Vienna, VA. was a vendor at the 2012 Tucson International Gemshow. Displaying Wholesale Natural Colored Gemstones:
Alexandrite, Colored Diamonds, Aquamarine, Beryl, Red Beryl, Chrysoberyl, Kunzite, Diamond, Garnet, , Morganite, Turquoise, Zircon and Extra Fine Gem Quality Rubies.
Real Fine sapphires of All Colors. Real and Exotic Stones from A – Z.
Tourmalines of all Colors and from All Regions of the Globe.
Kusam shared some beautiful Gems from the show. Although there is a lot of treated colored stones out there, Natural “untreated” stones are available. Always get a certificate from a LAB.

Because of the HIGH Prices current in the market, a lot of retail establishments are selling Old Inventory. There is still a market for FINE Gemstones, as people are still willing to pay the price for quality and beauty.

Some of Kusam’s AWE Insiring Gems will be provided below: SOON

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Lynn Karson a self proclaimed NOVICE working towards her GG, provided her first impressions of Tucson on her maiden trip.

Lynn has family in Tucson in the jewelry design business so was able to visit both the show and her family. She was at the show for 4 days with her 2 brothers, and had the opportunity to meet up with other DCGIA Associates while there.

Lynn’s 1st time was awe inspiring since she saw both Lois Berger and Kusam Malhotra at the show. In addition to seeing some beautiful black cats eye and other gems, she saw all the amazing Spectrum Award winning Jewelry Designs and the Cutting Edge Gem Cutting Award winners up close and personal.

Lynn was amazed by all the unconventional items available at the show, meteorites, fossils stingray leather jewelry with silver and gemstones, and faceted cultured pearls. Lois Berger stated that facet pearls is not a new thing, they just are not widely available.

Lynn enjoyed the wide variety of seminars that were available for learning from gems to business, she found Social Media for Jewelers informative as 90% of Brides use Facebook and leave comments, which can bring more customers into your store.

Lynn also enjoyed watching and listening to the other people attending the show as they moved from booth to booth.

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Courtland Lee is DCGIA’s resident Geologist and Miner, a gemologist with a MS in Economic Geology from the University of Arizona (1967). After early work in western metals exploration, and a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, Courtland went to work in Washington, D.C. on Federal Mineral programs. While there he worked on Capitol Hill for the Mines and Mining Committee. Courtland was instrumental in getting petrified dinosaur bone designated as the official Maryland state gemstone. Courtland Lee was a vendor at the 2012 Tucson International Gemshow.

Courtland displayed beads made from the Maryland State Gemstone, the Patuxent River Stone. He also had beads from petrified dinosaur teeth. Courtland’s main focus is Mineral Specimens, he shared a few items:

Turquoise necklace purchased in Tucson 2012 Hubei Province of china called Zhu Shau Turquoise. Like old Arizona spider web variety once considered the best. Note turquoise fills dissolved pyrite in copper deposits.

Pennsylvania williamsite { George F Kunz} carved mountain in mainland China. Sinkankas valued this material more valuable than many jades.

More spider web turquoise Zhu Shu. Good value this year. Natural from repudiable dealer.

is old Maryland/Penna native copper mined pre civil war and again by the Confederates up until Antietam . Bright native copper against a white guartz and calcite background is a classic Mid Atlantic gem. See appalachian gem trails.

The Tuscon Gem Report meeting is always well attended by those of us that missed actually being there!

DCGIA Associates

Summary By Charlie Marts

Pictures By Melanie Marts GG

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged Gemstones, Pearls, Tucson Gem Show | 1 Comment

In Memory of John Stephen Weschler, SR.

Posted on February 2, 2012 by dcgiaorg

John Stephen Weschler, SR. of Weschler’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, died On Sunday, December 11, 2011.
Beloved husband of Jill Weschler; father of Johnny, Jr., Tiffany, and Jennie Weschler.
Also survived by his siblings, Janet, Billy, Jimmy, Lisa, and Joey.

Posted in Announcements | Tagged Appraisers, Auctioneers, Weschler | Leave a comment

Beyond Newark: Jewelry That Inspired America’s Manufacturers – Ulysses Grant Dietz

Posted on January 25, 2012 by dcgiaorg

Mr. Ulysses Grant Dietz is a specialist in American material culture and decorative arts, covering the 1600s through the present. Mr. Dietz does not let an object’s superficial qualities obscure its significance. Jewelry for instance is most important for its art form or its place in a design movement. Not for its being drowned out by stones that practically scream and sparkle their magnificence.

The Glitter & The Gold: Fashioning America’s Jewelry by Ulysses Grant Dietz
This book is an exploration of jewelry produced in Newark, New Jersey – America’s fine jewelry capital – from 1850 to 1950. The book contains never before published documents concerning this little known jewelry empire.

If you made it to this lecture Mr. Dietz was most informative in sharing Newark as a Jewelry Mecca. If you missed it, buy the book or visit Newark and see what is left!

Mr. Dietz provided a PowerPoint presentation showing high end jewelry pieces and the Newark version created for mass consumption. While the high end piece might be large in size the Newark piece was always on the order of a 1/4 scale version. The pictures show the high end piece and then the Newark version inset to give perspective between the two pieces. The high end piece selling at thousands of dollars, compared to the Newark version
often at $75 to $100.

Beyond Newark – Jewelry that Inspired America’s Manufacturers

Prior to the 1800s and the rise of Newark Jewelry Manufacturing, Jewelry was for Aristocrats and Millionaires. Newark’s rise in jewelry manufacturing made jewelry available to the middle class housewife.

German jewelry artisans from 1840 to 1920 immigrated to the US and settled in Newark, they became the dominant manufacturers. Most Newark manufacturers cranked out pieces for retailers. The first Newark manufacturer’s Hallmark does not appear until 1896.

In the 1900s Tiffany & Company made all their silver in a Newark manufacturing plant. T&C (along with many other high end retailers) purchased many low cost pieces of jewelry from other Newark manufacturers to supplement their high end designs.

The idea was that a $2K – $3K designer piece brings traffic into the store, but the hope was to have middle class buyers leave with a $200 or $300 item.

This Newark jewelry often had a Tiffany & Company hallmark, but would sometimes have only the Newark manufacturer’s hallmark or both hallmarks stamped. Skinner’s Auction Guide will often provide a good history on a piece, providing both the retail sellers and manufacturers pedigree. While the high end retailers would rather not mention it.

Newark jewelry was known for platinum, gold and colored stones during the 1900s, but manufacturing came to an end in 1997, due to economic and over seas pressure.

Visit the Newark Museum Website: http://www.newarkmuseum.org

The DCGIA Chapter thanks Mr. Dietz for a wonderful lecture that started our year with great attendance and enjoyment for everyone present.

Bobby Mann & Ulysses Grant Dietz

Meeting Summary by Charlie Marts

Pictures by Melanie Marts – GG

PowerPoint Presentation provided by Mr. Dietz

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged Jewelry Manufacturing, Newark Jewelry, Ulysses Grant Dietz | 2 Comments

DCGIA MENTORING PROGRAM

Posted on January 1, 2012 by dcgiaorg

Mission: The Program is designed to help current and recent graduates of GIA strengthen and refine the vital and highly specialized skills they need to succeed in the gem & jewelry industry. DCGIA Mentoring Program Outline

Every DCGIA Mentee is partnered with a professional who makes themselves’ available to answer questions, lend support, and see you through your studies. DCGIA MENTEE PROFILE FORM You can meet, call or email, knowing help is available when you need it. The program encourages lifelong relationships, provides opportunities for continuing education and fosters networking with other gem and jewelry professionals.

Any of DCGIA’s learned professionals interested in becoming a Mentor and sharing their passion for the trade are welcome to volunteer. DCGIA Mentor Sign Up Form

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged dcgia, Gem and jewelry, gemology, gia, jewelry, mentor, mentoring, NAJA | Leave a comment

2011 in review

Posted on January 1, 2012 by dcgiaorg

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous 2012!

Thanks to all of you that helped make the 2011 Holiday Party & Auction successful. This allows us to keep the meeting fees low again for 2012. A special thanks to all of the donors, attendees, bidders and especially all of the volunteers that helped before, during and after the auction.

There is still time to support your chapter. Come early to the January meeting and bid in the silent auction. Items will be displayed on tables for bidding at 6:30 PM . Bobby Mann – DCGIA President

Here is the 2011 DCGAI.org Blog activity in Review:

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,500 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged dcgia, gemology, happy new year best wishes, jewelry | Leave a comment

DCGIA Chapter 2011 Holiday Auction and Party

Posted on December 17, 2011 by dcgiaorg

Here is the DCGIA Chapter 2011 Holiday Auction & Party Honor Roll and some of the Pictures taken during the event.

2011 Honor Roll of Donors

Bob Davis (RIP)
Bruce Gaber
Andy & Helen Serras-Herman
L. Courtland Lee
Laura McCloud
Lois Berger
Mason Kay
Richard Drucker Gemworld Int.
Josh Hall – Pala International
Weschler’s Auctioneers & Appraisers
Tim Roark Inc.
GIA Alumni Association
Adel Cramer
Mangan Jewelers
John & Alice Lees
Traci Solovey – Solovey Jewelers
Jeff & Sharon Allinson
RosaShearin
John Henderson
Sherlene & Rob Bradbury
Gail Brett Levine
Lisa Carp
Steve Clark
Anonymous
Bobby Mann & Theresa McGowan
Brenda Forman
Skinners Auctioneers & Appraisers
Tom Terpilak
Carolyn Chappell
Achikian Goldsmiths-Vienna VA
Pam Stair
Charlie & Melanie Marts
David Sanford
Denise & Dennis Nelson
Kusam & Kiran Malhotra
John & Dorothy Foellmer
Tim Morgan
Michele McMurtry
Donna Sibley & Tony Conway
Kathy Bonnell
Christine O C Miller
Martin & Colette Fuller

Bobby Mann - Going Going Gone!

Just some of the items up for grabs!

Thanks for supporting the Club!

The gang is all here, how about a bottle of wine?

And you let these go to a low bidder?

Thanks to you all for making the night memorable.

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged Auction, dcgia, gems, gia, jewelry, party | 3 Comments

Ms. Gail Brett Levine, GG – Appraisals..The Right Way

Posted on November 21, 2011 by dcgiaorg

Gail Brett Levine

Gail provided an insightful discussion exploring the issues surrounding:
The way appraisals used to be
The way appraisals developed
Appraising according to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
and
Where appraising is going

Still doing one page appraisals?
Still have the disclaimer that you are not responsible?
You would not have learned how to appraise in this 1.5 Hour presentation, but you would
have identified current trends and requirements as well as being pointed to the right sources to get your appraisals right!

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the only appraisal association in the U.S. that devotes itself solely to the appraisal of gems and jewelry.

Headed to Tucson for the Gem Show?

Don’t miss NAJA’s 37th ACE It Educational Conference, January 29-30, 2012. The perfect opportunity to increase your skills, learn new information and experience a peerless networking opportunity.

Auction Market Resource Whether you appraise, buy or sell, this is the comprehensive database for antique to contemporary jewelry sold at auction Over 22000 previously sold items inspected by gemologist appraisers. Suitable for comparables research for estate departments and fair market value appraisals. New Feature: over 370 hallmarks, trademarks and signatures available for verification of authenticity.

If you missed this meeting, you missed more than just FREE cake and coffee, you missed important information on the state of appraisals, and you missed receiving a multi-purpose screw driver set from Gail & NAJA.

Those of us who attended, can now fix almost anything, should the economy force us to a second job, and for that we THANK Gail Levine!

Meeting Summary by Charlie Marts

Pictures by Bobby Mann

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged appraisal, Auction, full disclosure, Gem and jewelry, Market, NAJA, Resource | Leave a comment

Rubies Untreated and Treated – Christopher Smith

Posted on October 31, 2011 by dcgiaorg

Chris Smith, President of the American Gem Laboratory in New York spoke to the DCGIA Chapter about all things ruby from natural through the various types of treatments.

It was a guided, historical tour complete with excellent photos to support his talk.

Chris shared that very few stones are completely untreated, that many are oiled! A stone may be untreated with heat but still may have oiling so it is important to examine for fissures reaching the surface. One particular photo series showed a wonderful-looking stone with the oil present and a dramatically different-looking stone after the oil had been leached.

Most are familiar with the more common treatments of heat which include flux healing and beryllium and chromium diffusion. He also cautioned against assuming that the presence of needles is proof of “no heat” Not true! The needles melt at 1300C. The stone may still have had low heat treatment. Heating of stones began in the 1970’s and continues to day in various forms and is done to improve colour. The 1980’s brought flux-assisted heating and this was to improve clarity and stability.

2003 began the latest gemological and ethical challenges with the advent of the glass filled and “composite” stones. Some stones are simply glass-filled while others are composed of ruby gravel and fused together with glass and then fashioned into stones. These particular stones have inherent durability problems and require very special care when setting, cleaning and with daily use.

Chris believes that all of this notwithstanding, these stones do have a place in the market as long as FULL disclosure takes place. For more information on these stones, visit http://www.aglgemlab.com/

Meeting Summary by Sherlene Y. Bradbury, G.G. Senior Member NAJA
Pictures by Bobby Mann, G.G.

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged and american gem, ethical challenges, excellent photos, full disclosure, gem laboratory, Rubies Untreated and Treated | Leave a comment

Ms. Helen Serras-Herman – THE PALA TOURMALINE MINES

Posted on September 30, 2011 by dcgiaorg

Helens Serras-Herman

Helen published an article about the 2011 GIA Symposium in the Rock & Gem Magazine, which is featured in the September issue. Additionally, she has an article about the Pala Tourmaline Mines due out, in an upcoming Rock & Gem Magazine issue. Visit: Rock and Gem Magazine

Additional 2011 GIA Symposium details can still be found on the web site GIA Symposium

Other great articles from Helen Serras-Herman in Rock & Gem Magazine can be found in:
the July Issue: Central Arizona Gold Mine tours, museums and the Superstition Mountains
the August Issue: Pricing Your Gem Artwork, 20 costs to consider
Visit: Rock and Gem Magazine

Over the years, Rock&Gem magazine has published a mother lode of information and articles covering virtually every facet of the rockhounding hobby. Looking for information? This is a resource you need to subscribe to. Also visit: Bob’s Rock Shop

Helen says the San Diego Natural History Museum’s “All that Glitters” was a fabulous exhibit, which runs through April 8, 2012, featuring mineral specimens, jewelry and objects d’art, all marvelously displayed. The museum is located in Balboa Park, in San Diego. For hours, tickets and more information visit their website at San Diego Natural History Museum

Tourmalines from the Pala pegmatite district

Tourmalines from the Pala pegmatite district 2

The Pala Tourmaline Mines in Southern California are part of America’s history and are still very active today, having produced some incredible mineral specimens that take center stage at Natural History Museums across the country. Helen shared the fee-dig
day Andy & Helen spent at one of the mines, and a group field trip organized by the 2011 GIA Symposium visiting 3 underground mines.

Digging in the muck pile at the Oceanview Mine

Findings from the Fee-Dig

Kunzite from the Oceanview Mine

The above Kunzite is an example of the gem quality stones provided by the Pala District mines.

Helen provided an overview of the 2011 GIA Symposium, titled Advancing the Science and Business of Gems, which was carried out in 3 forums. The two main overlapping lecture tracks: the Research track and the Business track, and the Poster Session.

The Research session covered topics on Diamond Identification, exploration and development of new gem deposits, testing of lead-glass treated rubies and beryllium-treated Sapphires, identification of natural and treated Nephrite from China, natural color Tanzanite detection, Pearl Identification, and new technologies and instrumentation.

The Business session covered topics of “Where is Luxury in this Brave new World?” Presentations were about the luxury markets and how these companies have succeeded, where jeweler Amit Dhamani, CEO of Dhamani Jewels stated that “luxury is a symbol of indulgence”. Additional topics were the “Future of Gems and Gems of the Future” and “Everything Old is New Again”.

The Poster Session, was held on two floors, 63 researches were printed out and posted on large panel displays (44.5 “h X 91” w). The Poster session was open for viewing at all times during the Symposium, and the authors were present at specific times and during breaks between the lecture presentations. Helen had a Poster Presentation titled “Lectures- An Inspirational Way for Artists to Communicate”.

Helen's Poster Session

Additional 2011 GIA Symposium details can still be found on the web site GIA Symposium

We Thank Helen for sharing her adventures with us.

Meeting Summary: Charlie Marts

Pictures provided by: Helen Serras-Herman

Posted in Meeting Archives | Tagged balboa park in san diego, natural history museum, natural history museums, rock and gem magazine, san diego natural history museum | Leave a comment