Iolite: The Vikings Compass

Have You Driven A Fjord Lately? When Leif Eriksson ventured far out into the Atlantic, away from any coastline that could help them determine their position, they had a secret gem weapon: the Ocean Sapphire, aka, Iolite. The Viking Mariners used thin pieces of it as the world's first polarized sun glasses! Crystal Magic Power. As long as the sun was visable, latitude could be determined, but in bad weather, these Norse Navigators looked through an iolite lens. So, with the sun hidden by clouds, they were  STILL able to determine the exact position of the sun, and navigate their way safely to the New World and back. The property...

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)

I stopped by Gem A in  London's historic Hatton Garden last night to have some fun looking at beautiful gemstones. Getting some refresher knowledge from the longest established gemological teaching organization in the world. Using the basic tools of the trade, and following their motto "Do every test you can on every stone you have", Gem Testing with the Spectroscope had me thinking like a proton and staying positive! Rule of Thumb: The Bigger the stone and  the darker the color, the better. Using a London Dichroscope while in London is like eating a croissant in Paris-delicious, and authentic. A vibrant royal blue sa...

Getting Stoned In Hatton Garden

Building a ring in London, Tiffany setting, Hallmarked an Assayed 18K Yellow Gold.The center stone is a stunning white emerald, considered the Mother of Genstones-known as Goshenite, as in Oh My Gosh! Actually a large deposit was discovered in Goshen Massachusetts.  It's pure Beryl. When there is blue traces it's Aquamarine;  pink and peach beryl, Morganite; Yellow Beryl Heliodore, and Red Beryl, well that is called Simply Red. Notes From The Undergroun...

Saying "I Do" To Fair Trade Gold

Sitting down with  with Britain's First Fair Trade Gold Importer, Alan Frampton The Independent has a great article about the initiative Alan Frampton is passionate about Fair Trade Gold.  I had the good fortune to speak with him yesterday in Chichester, and he really owns the story of how his jewellery is sourced, made and eventually sold at his CRED brand stores. They have many first in the business and Monica Garcia, (who won a Sales Award at The International Jewellery London Trade Show earlier this week mentioned them to me- "We have had many firsts in this business: the first jeweller to use known origin gold; the first...

IJL-International Jewellery London

Aiming  to trade in a manner which supports a sustainable global  environment and economy, fair trade gold and ethically sourced diamonds is a simple idea with profound consequences for all involved.  Knowing where you diamonds and gold come from is called provenance; and when you are wearing a piece of jewellery, wouldn't it be good to know that it was done with consciousness!  Saying I Do to Fair Trade Here I am  (Above) with Judith Lockwood, Dir of Arctic Circle, Fair Trade Gold, Ethically - Sourced Diamonds; and Gary Wroe, CEO of Hockley Mint, and President of The British Jewellers...

Story-Driven Jewellery-Baby's ECG Becomes A Bracelet

Jared, a Goldsmith From Edinburgh, Scotland  is taking the ECG from a Mothers womb of her unborn baby-and commemorating the birth of her child with this Bespoke Bracelet-Fascinatin...

JewelReif-Lets Get Stoned

Memories, Milestones and Relationships. Every stone has a past and the power of story-driven jewelry has a future- On you! As Owner of JewelReif, I have traveled the world- and found out the most amazing fact: All over this good Earth, we adorn ourselves with Mother Natures gifts and human natures designs-Diamonds and Gemstones, Shells,and Pearls, Strings and Beads, Wood and Bones. Jewelry Everywhere around the world, people make daily decisions about what to wear or how to dress. Let us help you. . ...

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