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The Eclectic Lapidary is currently undergoing renovation. We'll have new issues soon!
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THE ECLECTIC LAPIDARY ARCHIVES
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| December 1, 1996 |
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The McCondra Report |
Barbara McCondra explores the world of opals in The McCondra Report, the first of a series of informative articles.
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Fischerstone |
Vince King shares his experiences and techniques for creating dendritic inclusions in agate to yield exotic and fascinating Fischerstone.
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Three Days At Elmwood |
Scott Kleine spent Three Days at Elmwood, and shares his memorable experience with us, and displays some of his gargantuan finds!
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African Greetings |
Justice Malanot offers a chilling reminder that the price of a gemstone is not always measured in currency. African Greetings is sure to provoke thought and controversy.
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Flame Broiled Spam |
Then, Jan Noble explains the frustrations of finding Flame Broiled Spam in your mailbox, and what to do about it.
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Coming Attractions |
Finally, visit our Coming Attractions page and get a sneak preview of next month's articles, as well as a tour of upcoming features like the Eclectic Lexicon!
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African Greetings |
Justice Malanot offers a chilling reminder that the price of a gemstone is not always measured in currency. African Greetings is sure to provoke thought and controversy.
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| January 1, 1997 |
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From The Editor |
Editor Carol Bova shares her views on the proposed military base expansion in the Mojave Desert. The draft environmental impact statement is now available, as well as a special discussion forum for all Eclectic
Lapidary subscribers. You can reach the DEIS and its bulletin board by clicking on the Fort Irwin icon on the left side of the screen.
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My Saw Doesn't Cut! |
Bill Ritter cuts to the heart of saw blade problems, and offers advice on how to renew a diamond blade, what coolants to use, and special blades for different materials. A must read for everyone who uses a saw.
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The Low Budget Lapidary |
Cate Harrison shows us how to build an inexpensive cabbing unit in the first of a three-part series.
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Designing Inclusions |
Continuing his series on Fischerstone, Vince King delves deeper into the art and science of designer inclusions.
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Researching Mineral Locations |
John Veevaert explains the ins and outs of researching mineral locations.
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An Introduction To The Tourmaline Group
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Tim Jokela presents an excellent technical reference on the tourmaline family.
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Reflections of a Rockhound |
Reflections of a Rockhound is a sensitive story of a little girl with a lot of determination and a father's insightful influence.
(Cartoon copyright 1996 Dianne Karg)
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An Award-Winning Design: Hand-Engraved Oak Leaf Clusters With Opal |
Dave Jones was kind enough to share images of his prize-winning opal necklace, as well as information on how he created it.
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Mineral Collector Jargon |
Tim Jokela, Jr. sheds light on some of the more perplexing jargon to be found in the word of minerals.
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THE McCONDRA REPORT |
Barbara McCondra explores Australian opals in The McCondra Report, a regular feature of the Eclectic Lapidary.
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Smugglers, Missionaries and the Way Things Are |
Justice Malanot returns with more tales of Africa.
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| February 1, 1997 |
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From The Editor |
Editor Carol Bova introduces the new features of the Eclectic Lapidary, and presents some of the questions posed by its readers. Please take a moment to read the bulletin attached to this section!
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The McCondra Report: Fire in a Plain Brown Wrapper
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Barbara McCondra returns to explore Yowah rough and provides valuable information on evaluating it.
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Starting a Newsgroup is No Easy Job! |
George Walters explains the epic difficulties involved in starting your own newsgroup!
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Introduction to Cabochon Cutting and the Lapidary Hobby |
Dick Friesen provides a beginner's guide to cabbing technique, and explores the steps in the cutting, sanding, and polishing process. A second article by Dick goes into further detail, providing numerous diagrams and
explanations later in this issue!
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Internet Resources |
The first of an ongoing Eclectic Lapidary feature, Internet Resources announces events and resources of interest to Eclectic readers!
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The Colors of Heaven |
David Burton shows the beauty of a Contraluz opal in "The Colors of Heaven"!
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Beautiful Yowah: The Peter Brusaschi Collection |
Some of the magnificent pieces in Peter Brusaschi's private collection are put on display for Eclectic Lapidary readers!
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Smugglers, Missionaries and the Way Things Are |
Justice Malanot is back, with the continuation of Smugglers, Missionaries, and the Way Things Are. For convenience, we are presenting the text in its entirety.
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Introduction to Cabochon Cutting (continued) |
Dick Friesen's introduction to cabbing continues with clear diagrams to help you visualize the process.
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To Your Health |
Jan Noble brings us a few traditional "wilderness skills", and an arsenal of home remedies for use in the outdoors.
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Looking for Opal People |
If opals have tickled your fancy and left you hungering for more, read about an exciting new discovery in Indiana! There's also membership information for those who would like to join the American Opal Society, a most
useful and informative organization.
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| April 1, 1997 |
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The Kitchen-Table Opal Triplet |
A practical how-to instruction on how to use thin seam opal to make a brilliant flashing stone, accompanied by some down-to-earth lapidary philosophy.
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Semana Santa en Mexico |
Explore the unique cultural experience of collecting minerals in Mexico through Walt Bowser's story, "Semana Santa en Mexico," where we get a glimpse of life and special times in a small Mexican pueblo.
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Malawi, Moneysweet, and Me |
Last month, we left Mr. Phiri wondering what had happened to make his dogs act so strangely, and how he was going to catch Justice in some misdeed. He wasn't counting on running into the Zambian smugglers, and Justice
wasn't counting on becoming a godfather to a young fellow named Moneysweet. (The beginning of the story may be found in the archives.) The saga continues in "Malawi, Moneysweet, and Me."
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Gemstones Through the Ages |
Leanne Ware surveys the fascination, legends and lore of gemstones in Part I of "Gemstones Through the Ages"
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Rocks, Kids, and Duct Tape
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In "Rocks, Kids, and Duct Tape," Jan Noble describes how to make rockhounding and traveling a family affair without being tempted to take home the rocks and leave the kids.
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Opal Necklace with Hand Engraved Scroll |
Dave Jones outlines the steps in creating another award winning design in "Opal Necklace with Hand Engraved Scroll"
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Introduction to Cabochon Cutting and the Lapidary Hobby (Final Installment)
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This is the final installment of Dick Friesen's Introduction to Cabochon Cutting and the Lapidary Hobby and reviews stone setting, materials and some general background information. (If you missed the earlier portions,
they are still available in the archives.)
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Internet Resources |
Internet Resources announces events and resources of interest to Eclectic readers.
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Looking for Opal People |
Here you'll find membership information for the American Opal Society, a most useful and informative organization.
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| May 1, 1997 |
The Return of
The Low Budget Lapidary
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Cate Harrison returns with the next eagerly awaited installment of The Low Budget Lapidary!
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Abraham Gesner -
A Father of Petroleum
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Hans Durstling provides insights into a fascinating figure in the history of geology.
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The McCondra Report: Yowah Day |
The McCondra report follows a day in the life of a Yowah nut cracker!
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Gemstones Through the Ages
Part II |
Leanne Ware continues her survey of the fascination, legends and lore of gemstones in Part II of "Gemstones Through the Ages".
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Critters at Camp |
Jellyfish, squirrels, and bears, oh my! Jan Noble points out a few of the hazards of camping in the wilds, and provides a wealth of good advice for dealing with them.
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My First Faceted Stone |
Dixie Thomas Reale explains the challenges of faceting, and how she rose to meet them.
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Malawi, Moneysweet and Me: Part Three
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Justice Malanot's gripping tale continues in this third installment of Malawi, Moneysweet, and Me.
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Internet Resources |
Internet Resources announces events and resources of interest to Eclectic readers.
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Looking for Opal People |
Here you'll find membership information for the American Opal Society, a most useful and informative organization.
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| July 1, 1997 |
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Opal Prospecting the Easy Way: At Gem Shows |
Now, you know that opals are out there, but need to do some "opal prospecting" of your own before you find that "just right" gemstone for you. In the 14 years I spent prospecting for opal in Lightning Ridge, Australia,
I operated under a friend's instruction (passed on to him by an Aboriginal) to "just look."
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Building Jon Rolfe's Homebrew Faceting Machine |
The Low Budget Lapidary joins forces this month to take on the pinnacle of lapidary self-sufficiency, building a faceting machine!
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How To Make Your Campsite A Castle |
"Usually a trip starts with the idea filtering out of your sub-conscience into the real world. It can happen like this: 'I can't stand it any longer! I have to get away! I'm going to go camping at ACME National Park
and Reserve for Wackos right now.' This happens to me a lot. You now have motive and destination. A cup of tea and a scone will help." Recipe included.
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A Review of
"Suiseki: The Japanese Art of Miniature Landscape Stones"
by Felix G. Rivera, Stone Bridge Press, 1997
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Suiseki is an art form that will be readily understood by the mineralist and the rockhound alike.
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Russian Diamond Grit at the German Kitchen Table |
"...wind-carried dust drifted to the white linoleum floor colouring it increasingly grey. " "Trouble was, the tiniest of sparkles still flashed amid the floor dust. Diamonds. Damn. It wasn't working. And thus ended my
first and only experiment in the purification of diamond grit by the ancient method of winnowing."
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| August 1, 1997 |
Building Jon Rolfe's Homebrew Faceting Machine
Part II. |
"In the last issue of the Eclectic Lapidary, Jon Rolfe and I provided some background on building a precision faceting machine. This month Jon and I will tell you how to construct the faceting machine reference plane
table and a wooden base to house and support the unit."
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Chat Room For Faceters |
Find out about the new Chat Room For Faceters by Charles Covill.
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How To Make Your Campsite A Castle
Part Two: Maps, Compasses, and Common Sense |
Just a little more on the subject...and a new recipe too!
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Lapidary Digest Mail List |
The Lapidary Digest Mail List is a free mail list Digest devoted solely to all the Lapidary arts except faceting. Get details on how to subscribe!
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Russian Diamond Grit at the German Kitchen Table
(continued from July) |
"Once I had encountered the Polish Market treasure trove I of course became a regular. Every Saturday morning... "
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Betty Sheffler Day
A Very Special Event |
"On September 20, 1997, geode lovers and rockhounds from Midwest rock clubs will join together to honor Betty Sheffler, a remarkable woman and rockhound role model, who has been a source of inspiration, information, and
enjoyment to
rockhounds not only in the Midwest but truly all over the world."
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| September 1, 1997 |
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Scrimshaw: An Important Facet of the Lapidary Hobby |
What do whale's teeth, South American palm nuts, and datolite all have in common? Answer: They are all materials used instead of ivory for scrimshaw. Read Read Robert K. Smith's "Scrimshaw: An Important Facet of the
Lapidary Hobby" to learn about these materials and more!
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Malawi, Moneysweet and Me.
Part Five
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Justice Malanot managed to send Part Five of "Malawi, Moneysweet and Me" between computer repairs and the lightning storms that knocked out his electricity. (The first 4 parts are still in the Archives for new
subscribers.)
"In the end I just sent Moneysweet's brother a small roundish alluvial Sapphire. It was pink, and if you did not know, you would think it the Mozambiquen or Zambian Tourmalines often found. Until you test the
hardness, and then you know it is from me. It simply meant that his Brother and Brother's keeper were in trouble, but the kind which they could handle."
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How To Make Your Campsite A Castle.
Part Three: Site selection. |
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Apache Tears
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Recently a question was asked on a mailing list: "Does anyone have the generally accepted story of how Apache Tears got their name?" Since this is one that comes up from time to time, we invited Patrick Harvey to
share his version of the legend on Apache Tears.
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Building Jon Rolfe's Home-brew Faceting Machine,
Part III: The Design of the Facet Head Assembly |
Building Jon Rolfe's Home-Brew Faceting Machine by Cate Harrison and Jon Rolfe continues with Part III and facet head design. The series is being extended to four parts. Final installment next month.
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| January 1, 1998 |
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From the Editor |
Carol J. Bova has some Eclectic Lapidary news for 1998 "From The Editor."
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The Destination |
Katherine Noble debuts as an Eclectic writer in "The Destination." Her tale begins, " Me, my
Mamma and a rock hammer," and traces her life as the daughter of a rockhound and outdoorswoman.
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New Year's Resolutions of a High Tech Rockhound
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Jan Noble starts off 1998 with " New Year's Resolutions of a High Tech Rockhound"
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How To Heat Zircon... Or, When To Avoid Sugar In NYC |
Mark Liccini has developed many gemstone treatments. He shares one on heating zircons and why the process should be sugar-free in "How To Heat Zircon."
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Turquoise
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Wes Roth takes us on a world-wide look at "Turquoise"
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Stolen Specimens - Large Reward Offered |
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Gems Polish Because.... |
The history and a new theory on gem polishing are presented in a fascinating article by Merrill O. Murphy, "Gems Polish Because....Everything A Gem Cutter Needs to Know About Polishing."
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Confessions of a First-Time Faceter |
Cate Harrison discloses how someone becomes a faceter in "Confessions of a First-Time Faceter."
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A City of Lights Under a 40 Watt Bulb - Andradite or Demantoid |
"At 30,000 feet, we find ourselves mesmerized by the lights of the city below. Reminds us of that last fabulous stone we popped off the dop the night before last. The uneasy feeling remains though, we're not on a
plane, and we're still stealing glimpses of that very same stone." Learn about some fascinating color change properties of the gem known as Andradite or Demantoid, as Vince King describes the stone he calls "A City of Lights Under a 40 Watt Bulb."
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Profile of Merrill O. Murphy |
"Profile of Merrill O. Murphy" is just a peek at the life of a man who has made enormous contributions to lapidary literature and learning, and is continuing in his research of the factors involved in gemstone
polishing. His life is a classic American story still being written, and it is our privilege to share it with you.
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| February 1, 1998 |
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From Gold Nuggets To Stardust |
Ingrid Monrad often goes rock or gold hunting with friends Jim Kriegh and John Blennert. This is her story of their amazing discovery of a 20,000 year old meteorite field in Arizona!
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Some Stones Really Are Unlucky! |
Hans Durstling writes, "This is a story about gemstones and minerals. But also, it's a story about internet serendipity, chance encounters that turn up interesting individuals and odd facts. In this case, they revolve
around radioactivity." Read about why: SOME STONES REALLY ARE UNLUCKY!
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Identifying Faceted Stones Without Costly Gear
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"Basic gemmology for facetors does not necessarily mean spending hundreds of dollars on equipment..." Peter Collins describes a system known as, "Visual Optics" and tells you how to use it in "Identifying Faceted Stones
Without Costly Gear!"
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Gems Polish Because.... |
The history and a new theory on gem polishing are presented in a fascinating article by Merrill O. Murphy, "Gems Polish Because....Everything A Gem Cutter Needs to Know About Polishing."
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Waiting for the Ferry in Africa |
Justice Malanot returns with another tale of what can happen while you're waiting for the ferry in Africa. "And so it came to be that yours truly was sitting with a few friends in the bar-cum-restaurant in this war torn
town. The ferry didn't work, so we were all waiting for spares and fuel and things that glitter in the dark. The fight came from a long way off, and I saw it coming, even before it crossed the Zambezi."
Note: This article contains adult themes. Sensitive readers should act accordingly.
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| March 1, 1998 |
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The McCondra Report
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Barbara McCondra drops by again with a report about a new opal that looks good enough to eat and a new book worth seeing, in "The McCondra Report."
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Finding and Cutting Fire Agate: Part I |
William Collins didn't know that when he posted a series of questions in the Lapidary Digest, he would be the catalyst that got me up to the Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine for a long
overdue visit! "Finding and Cutting Fire Agate" will answer some of those questions. "Crystal flowers" and a blooming mid-winter desert added to the fun of a weekend excursion to this fee dig site at the California/Arizona border. "A Fire Agate Field Trip
to the Opal Hill Fire Mine" offers an armchair excursion to a hard rock mining experience, complete with directions, photos of the mine and desert scenery. Part II will talk about cutting fire agate.
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Balance of Life - Congratulations |
We welcome two newcomers to the world, Lillie JoAnn, granddaughter of Jan and Ted Noble; and Mackensie, granddaughter of Wes and Fran Roth.
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Balance of Life - Condolences |
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Peter Collins and Dick Ludlam.
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From the Editor - A Quick Note on Tucson |
"A Quick Note on Tucson" is just that!
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Looking for Machine to Verify Contents of Jewelry |
"Looking for Machine to Verify Contents of Jewelry" was the title of a recent newsgroup posting. Lane Trubey's humorous, and too true response is reprinted by permission.
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| April 1, 1998 |
The Quartz Balls of Fundy
Part I |
With fascinating facts and stories, and fantastic photographs, Hans Durstling introduces us to the Canadian Bay of Fundy. Don't miss the story of what appears to be a unique discovery of quartz spheres that form with
no discernible point of attachment!
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Royal Sonoran Agate -- The Newest Fischerstone Creation
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This article introduces Royal Sonoran Agate, with its regal, tanzanite-purple color created from plain white agate. Vincent King has spent the past few years researching and applying the techniques published by Dr.
Fischer. He has previously written about Fischerstone, copper-in-agate: a blue-green agate with copper inclusions created from colorless or white agate, and tin-in-agate -- tin inclusions in white agate.
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Rubies Are These Girls Best Friends
Ramaura Cultured Rubies, That Is. |
Why "Rubies Are These Girls Best Friends -- Ramaura Cultured Rubies, That Is." The story of how Ramaura [tm] Cultured Rubies were developed, and how Judith Osmer and Virginia Carter formed J.O. Crystal Co. Inc.
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The McCondra Report:
Opalphobia
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Barbara McCondra challenges the opal fearful to follow her easy directions and cut that opal!
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Sharing a Dream -- A New Claim for Fresnoite and Benitoite
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Scott Kleine writes, "I have always dreamt of owning a property in which I not only would have the opportunity to personally collect beautiful, museum-quality mineral specimens, but to also be able share collecting
adventures with a wide variety of fellow collectors." Read how his dream came true in San Benito County, California.
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Dealing With Dealers
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"Dealing With Dealers" is solid advice from John Betts, an award-winning writer and mineral collector who became a dealer himself.
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Reward for Information on Emerald Ring! |
Martin Haske shared this: Fred Ward has just announced a reward for information regarding the emerald ring involved in the law suit...If you are in the Washington DC to NYC corridor,
take a peek.
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| May 1, 1998 |
The Quartz Balls of Fundy
Part II |
Don't miss the conclusion of the story of what appears to be a unique discovery of quartz spheres that form with no discernible point of attachment!
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Ashwood Oregon's "Rockstock 98" |
First there was "Woodstock" and now there is "ROCKSTOCK". Can you dig it!!! Why, yes we can, as well as cut and polish it too! Well, now it is springtime and time to dust off the rockhounding tools and get ready to
turn over a little terra-firma in search of Mother Earth's hidden treasures. Sooo, where shall we go? How about Ashwood ,Oregon in the Pacific Northwest? You bet!
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OREgon ROCKhounds ONline |
"ORE-ROCK-ON" is Tim Fisher's guide to Oregon Rockhounding sites. He says, "ALL sites I have put on the WWW are ones that we have visited ourselves. Who knows, as we travel, maybe this will become the Pacific NW
Rockhounds page!" For now, take a look at the views of central Oregon and learn about the sites and materials of Oregon from someone who knows them well.
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From the Editor:
Family, Friends, and Forums |
Introducing the new Eclectic Lapidary Forums and sharing thoughts from The Editor.
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Spheres to You:
Gemmy Spheres |
Spheres are a fascinating way to view minerals and gems. Jackie Lapin introduces Spheres to You and her new monthly column in the Eclectic Lapidary with some great images of unusual and beautiful spheres in Gemmy
Spheres.
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Reward for Information on Emerald Ring! |
Before it's too late! Fred Ward needs to locate the person who soldered sizing beads into an emerald ring in order to file a court appeal by mid-June. A $2500 REWARD for information is offered! Please read the article
for full details!
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Look Before You Cut Fire Agate |
Look Before You Cut Fire Agate developed on the way to writing Part 2 of the story on fire agate from the Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine on how to cut it. Images of actual in-progress pieces illustrate the approach to
cutting each stone. And there are a few crystal flower images and a slice of sagenitic agate as well! A future article will go into the actual cutting process. The author displays her fascination with fire agate and explains its features in her
descriptions of each stone.
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Not Yet! |
Jan Noble is back! Not Yet! explores becoming a grandmother, and still being a young rockhound and camper!
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The McCondra Report |
The McCondra Report looks at collecting ... Books, gems, people and more, all from an opal viewpoint!
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| July 1, 1998 |
Spheres to You
Spheres of the Month: They Once Lived!
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Fossils as spheres? Fascinating images of dinosaur bone, coprolite, whale-bone, turitella and more captured in Jackie Lapin's Spheres of the Month: They Once Lived!
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Ric's Pic
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Agates and jaspers are the passion and specialty of Ric Otero. Photos of his favorite agates and jaspers will appear in a new Eclectic Lapidary feature called, Ric's Pic. This month, he shares images of Priday Plume
from Oregon with us.
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The McCondra Report: Outback Opal Tour |
The McCondra Report takes us along on a tour of outback Australia in the opal fields of Yowah, Queensland, and Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. Imagine meeting the same legendary opal miners whose exploits are recorded
in the pages of out of print opal books, or seeing the emu and kangaroo bounding along with the caravan. Join in the adventure that awaits you in The Outback Opal Tour!
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Turquoise Crystal Localities
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Turquoise micro crystals are difficult to find, but not impossible, as Tim Jokela Jr. explains in Turquoise Crystal Localities. From published reports of only a handful of turquoise crystal locations in 1981, Tim
Jokela Jr. lists 26 in this article!
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Lapidary Vacations in Mountain Settings
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Whether you're 19 or 90, can you imagine a full week's vacation in the Smokey Mountains, and classes in every phase of lapidary and jewelry-making for $225 a week? Read about one lapidary's experiences in the Smokey
mountains of North Carolina at "Wildacres Retreat" and about the fabled William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in Young Harris, Georgia!
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WHAT IS IT? |
Can you identify this 'Strange Rock' from China? Art Berggreen of the Santa Barbara Mineral and Gem Society has asked for suggestions to help solve a puzzle: the possible identification of a strange rock photographed
in an open air market in China. Take a look and see if you can help id this unusual item!
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| August 1, 1998 |
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We're On Vacation! |
The Eclectic Lapidary will be on vacation until the last week of September. Please join us then for new Eclectic Lapidary adventures!
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| September 1, 1998 |
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From The Editor of The Eclectic Lapidary
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The Eclectic Lapidary took an unplanned vacation this summer. Not for fun, but for friendship. This month's editorial shares a personal story and tribute to two friends.
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Fire Agate: A Cutter's Guide
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An excerpt from Rick Martin's article says: Looking back on the problems I experienced in learning to work fire agate, I decided to write this article. It certainly won't tell you all you need to know; that knowledge
comes only from experience. Besides, I don't KNOW everything there is to know. But using these methods I've cut hundreds of beautiful fire agate cabs, and you can too.
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FIRE. Part Six of How To Make Your Campsite A Castle.
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Jan Noble says, "In Part Five, we talked about various types of equipment. Let's get really basic now and go into a subject that warms my heart...and other parts. Fire. Fire is both friend and foe. You can cook a
burger or burn the house down. Your choice.
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Sphere of the Month: Spheres with Unusual Optical Phenomena
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Jackie Lapin describes some of the special optical characteristics of the spheres whose images she shares with us this month. Spheres are wonderful lapidary creations, but adding chatoyancy or asterism moves spheres
into the extraordinary!
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Replies to "What Is It?" |
As promised in June, we are printing the most reasonable suggestions...and the most interesting answers to the question, "What Is It?" -- the question was posed about a strange rock brough to Art Berggren for
identification.
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| January 1, 1999 |
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Attention Editors: Read My Rhyme!
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If you scratch the surfaceof a rockhound or mineralist, you often find a writer or poet! The editor of Inscriptions, a weekly ezine for professional writers explains how an editor handles submissions, and what
you can do to increase your chances of publication.
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If You Love Her, That Is
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Our African friend, Justice is back with a tale of a passport, border crossings, and a lady love, in the rainy season in Africa.
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The McCondra Report:
Opalfield Overdose
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Opal secrets in a castle? Underground opal mines, duststorms, mullock heaps and opal, opal and more opal! Barbara McCondra's back! Trek with her across the opal sites of Australia in her McCondra Report.
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Obsidian
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Jackie Lapin's sphere column this month is about Obsidian. She writes, "It's been admired, valued and carved for application almost since man has been on the earth. Beautiful black glass obsidian was a tool for
weaponry, carpentry, and artistic carving throughout pre-history."
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| February 1, 1999 |
Emergency Radio Use Made Easy
Radio hints and B-25 Info
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Justice Malanot's back! Ever think about how people communicate in parts of the world where electricity is not available on a regular basis? Where phone lines can be disrupted by jungle animals, or storms? What would
you do in an emergency? Easy! Use a B25 radio! Even if you're not into the technical details, skip ahead to Practical Examples of Radio Use to learn about some of the personalities you could encounter in Africa on radio!
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Ramaura Cultured Ruby Receipe
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The Eclectic Lapidary is honored to present an incredible article from J. O. Crystal: the recipe for Ramaura Cultured Ruby!! Ingredients and detailed directions are included. Check out this latest How-To!
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Spheres Worthy of Royalty!
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"It used to be only Russian royalty that could enjoy the beauty, richness and rarity of Russian minerals, but today any sphere collector with a discerning eye can build a collection worthy of a Czar." Enjoy the beauty
yourself in Jackie Lapin's article: Spheres Worthy of Royalty!
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Emerald Treatments
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"Many people tend to believe Gemstone Enhancement is something derogatory due to all the publicity of its misuse. They liken it to something synthetic. In most cases treating a Gemstone is just duplicating what occurs
in nature. Most people's objections are because they simply don't understand the nature of it. It is not the act of enhancing a gemstone that is improper -- it is failing to disclose to the buyer how it came to be and the care for it." Mark Liccini.
Mark's article, "Emerald Treatments," provides a clear, down-to-earth view of enhancing emeralds.
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