Mercury Free Mining Pilot Program
Skull Carved of Meteorite
Four-billion-year-old meteorite carved into a life-sized human skull draws attention at the 2022 AGTA show.
Stephen M. Avery: Celebrating Half a Century in Gem Cutting
Approaching his 50th anniversary in the business, Stephen M. Avery (Lakewood, Colorado) reflected on his journey to becoming an award-winning lapidary artist, detailing his signature cuts and gem sets and offering advice to up-and-coming gemstone cutters.
Tucson 2022 Overview
Sellers and buyers alike were delighted to be back at Tucson for the show season after a two-year absence.
Washington Jade Update
At the AGTA show, Rod and Nathaniel Cook of Washington Jade (Edmonds, Washington) told us about shifting their focus to cat’s-eye blue and bluish green nephrite jade.
Blue Sapphire Lord of the Rings Pendant
After 15 years in the making, Jeffrey Bilgore’s stunning blue sapphire pendant makes its debut at the AGTA show.
Conversation with True Blue Opals and Gems
At the AGTA show, we spoke with Natassa Patel, who along with her mother, Salma, owns and operates True Blue Opals and Gems.
Custom Knives by Loren Feldman
Custom knife maker Loren Feldman details his craft, including his use of rare and fascinating materials such as gem dinosaur bone and meteorites.
Fifth Annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award Winner
Meghan Simmons, a graduate of GIA’s Jewelry Design program at the Carlsbad campus, received the fifth annual Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
Market Reaction to the Pandemic: Insights from Exhibitors
A survey of Tucson exhibitors investigates the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on business and market trends.
Michael Traurig: An Opal Dealer’s Battle with COVID-19
Michael Traurig celebrates a return to Tucson after his COVID-19 recovery and recalls his family’s history in the business.
Old Techniques Reimagined: Maki-e Pearls
An ancient Japanese lacquer technique applied to cultured pearls creates unique pieces of art.
A Pink Sapphire Ring with a Message
Exquisite triple-halo pink sapphire ring commemorates breast cancer survival and raises awareness for others.
Puzzle-Like Gemstone Designs
An expansive collection of unique gemstone carvings from Steve Walters was on display at the 2022 AGTA show.
Social Media Success for Black Opal Direct
Black Opal Direct’s use of social media increases sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
18th Annual Sinkankas Symposium
The 2022 Sinkankas Symposium will cover alexandrite and other color-change gemstones.
Amber Filled with Epoxy Resin
Gulf countries experience an increase in epoxy resin filling in amber rosary beads.
Barite-Calcite Composite as Imitation “Wulanhua” Turquoise from Hubei Province, China
“Wulanhua” turquoise bracelet identified as composite material made of barite, calcite, and blue dye.
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