Gem Cutters/Carvers at the Carnegie Museum!

Michael Dyber: Master of Optical Illusion
May 31–August 31, 2014Michael Dyber is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost lapidary artists in the world today. He has won 23 national and international awards for his unique gem carvings. Using his own trademarked cutting techniques, Dyber creates stunning artworks that appear to bend light while interacting with each gemstone’s natural colors. Michael Dyber: Master of Optical Illusion is the artist’s first solo show at a major museum.

Deborah Wilson, Slava Tulupav and Helen Serras-Herman 

Member Show of the Gem Artists of North America
Fall/Winter 2014Founded in 1995, Gem Artists of North America (GANA) is an association of artists and professionals of the gemstone art industry. GANA counts among its members some of the world’s foremost lapidary artists, with works appearing in museums, exhibitions, and private collections worldwide. The juried member show highlights artworks inspired by the beauty of the precious materials themselves.


Wertz Gallery at the Carnegie MuseumWertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry is a 2,000-square-foot addition to Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems dedicated to gems, the crystals from which they come, and jewelry comprised of these precious stones. Wertz Gallery is named in honor of Ronald W. Wertz, longtime president of the Hillman Foundation. Wertz Gallery opened in 2007 as part of a year-long expansion and renovation of Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, which first opened in 1980. Hillman Hall exhibits minerals in the manner of sculpture, showing them for their beauty as well as discussing their physical properties and industrial uses. Extensive displays include amber, birthstones, and lapidary art, and major exhibitions are also hosted.

3 DAYS LEFT - Sharing The Rough - Crowd Funding Opportunity!

How many times have you, as a Jeweler or Lapidary said that it would be so great if the consumers truly understood just how difficult and time consuming the process is of getting a piece of Jewelry from the Mine to the piece of Jewelry in your store...

"Sharing the Rough" is a documentary that aims to do just that!   ...and YOU can assure that it happens!!!!

The project will document the process of mining a gem - cutting a gem - designing a piece of jewelry to present that gem to the market - and the actual production of the piece of jewelry. 

YOUR Donation on their Indiegogo Funding Page is crucial to seeing this project happen...and you have several funding options with some really great PERKS!   

BUT - if you do nothing more than coming in at the $30 or $50 level - insuring that you will get a copy of this film when it is produced...PLEASE - do just THAT! 

Imagine the value! If you are  hosting a "Colored Gem Roundtable" at your Jewelry Store or Lapidary Club and could include a private viewing of this dramatic film documenting the journey of a gem to its final destination as a piece of jewelry.  Click thru the icon below

This is the story of "Sharing the Rough":

The world of colored gemstones is still dominated by individual miners and artisans; and each has a powerful and extremely unique story to tell. 

"Sharing the Rough" is an endeavor that will capture the realism and appreciation of this world.  We will follow it through the hands of the East African Miners who bring these treasures to the surface, to The Gemcutter who breathes life into the gems that make them radiate with brilliance, and finally to The Jewelry Designer who creates a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art that will accentuate the beauty of the gem. 

Never before has a film documented this process from start to finish! Our story will be conveyed in both an educational and informational way, while also using a style of filming that will create a visual force that will be dramatic and stimulating.

From "The Miners" - This will be the first film of its kind that documents the true story of the East African Miner, without self-interest, and how they make it possible for precious gemstones to be part of our lives.  The intention of this film with respect to the miner is to serve as a documented piece of history, and bring the world an understanding of their lives.

To Roger Dery, "The Gem Cutter":

We will document his real life experience as a world-renowned faceter. His ability to take a rough gemstone and see the final cut is that of a visionary that molds something rough into something beautiful. Our gifts of precious gems come from our Earth, but it's the human element that enables it to shine. 

Included in this section will also be the art of gem cutting in Roger’s studio, showing his precision, and how he literally breathes light into a gem.  His knowledge and expertise will serve as a true testament to the craft of gem cutting that will be both fantastic and entertaining.

...and finally, "The Jewelry Designer":

Here we will document the design techniques of Jorge Adeler, from the mental imagery to the actual creation of the piece of jewelry, and how Jorge finds the vision to create the perfect design for each gemstone individually. Whether his inspiration comes from those we meet in our travels, or from the inner glow of the gemstone itself, his artistry will be nothing short of amazing to capture on film as the final piece of the puzzle.

...and as if that is not enough..."Sharing the Rough" will serve not only as an educational piece, but also as a means of support, helping to enhance the lives of the people in East Africa.  They have partnered with The Devon Foundation, founded by Nancy Schuring of Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff, New Jersey. 

Nancy began her support in Madagascar, where she helped fund scholarships for those less fortunate to attend lapidary training. This allowed them to have a career while also supporting the mining of the precious minerals in their country. She is now working in Arusha, Tanzania, and has already raised funds for four students to attend the Arusha Lapidary and Gemological School

From the Director and Screen Writer, Orin Mazzoni:

"In the spirit of true independent film, "Sharing the Rough" is meant to be a gift to the gemological community, from the miners and families in East Africa that work to bring these precious gems to the surface, to the final unique piece that is set into a stunning piece of jewelry. We will capture not only the hardships, but also the successes of the miners. We will be assisting in raising funds for lapidary schools such as scholarships, books, and equipment. This documentary will be a dramatic force for entertainment, while still serving as a means of education and awareness. 

With subtle humor and heartwarming heroism, this film will reveal a new perspective on the world of colored gemstones, and will truly make an impact around the globe."

Green Gem Foundation - This is What FAIRTrade Is About!

6.20 ct Tanzanian Chrome Tourmaline by David Dawson

Green Gem Foundation is a fledging organization composed of a group of artists and gemstone dealers making a grassroots effort and working cooperatively towards a common goal. 

The goal is defined as connecting the artists and dealers in gem producing countries with the consumer.

This sustainable model is the future of the gem trade. It is already happening.  Across Africa the values of sold stones in the West are now widely known — Internet access has provided a level playing field.

18k yellow gold, David Dawson's Chrome Tourmaline
of Tanzanian origin, unheated/untreated, 6.20 carats in
a frame of diamonds, .68 ctw - By Gordon Aatlo Designs   

The model of exporting raw materials then marking those materials up is changing, and will continue to change. At the consumer level it's the added ethical component that shows true sustainability — it is a message understood at the gut level.

The Green Gem approach is simple we are working to add value at the source. We are not concentrating on giving back programs, training, or any approach that does not support this increased added value. We are interested and will address a need if we see it, but our emphasis is to help to provide direct market access thus supporting infrastructure by bringing more cash into the country. Not through the hands of a few but through everyone's hands at all levels.  Cash provides sustainability — it comes without conditions, it arrives direct.

 Jean-Noel Soni's tribute to the Taylor-Burton
Diamond - in Kenyan Zircon 

The gemstone market is huge.  We recognize that we represent one small sphere of influence.  The traditional flow of gems will continue for some time, but with increased market access this tradition will change.  

As we continue to organize as a company, moving forward, more and more people are stepping up.  Green Gem is currently a non-profit — and while we are working toward our charitable 501(c)3 status donations to us are not yet tax-deductible.  The organization is looking for committed individuals to bring unique talents to the table.  We are past the core planning stage and the work lies ahead.

Let us know how you would like to get involved, you can reach us through our website.

Follow our blog and "Like" us on Facebook...

Source:  The Green Gem Foundation Website

Hauntingly Beautiful - Elaine Songer's "Opal Moon"

In the spirit of the season...my "Trick or Treat" from the brilliant Jeffrey Hunt (founder of One World Gemstone) was this stunning photo for use on the Facebook partner to this blog!

Did you know there was a "Daily Jewel" on Facebook? info is in the right hand column here on the blog. It is a little different - here I find you fun things that I find online or in my mailbox. On the Facebook page I have to find the daily inspiration from Facebook. When I first started using Facebook there was a general opinion that there was much there for the Jewelry and Gem Industries...the "Daily Jewel" found who was there and featured the work of gem cutters, wire wrappers, lampworkers, beaders, beadweavers, gem sellers and mineral collectors....boy - has that pool grown!!!

Happy Halloween!

...from One World Gemstone & The Daily Jewel!

Elaine Songer's OPAL MOON for Robyn Hawk.
I remember last year around Halloween Robyn loved my Something Wicked Halloween photo. With that in mind, I took liberties with Elaine Songer's Opal and created this digital montage for Robyn to celebrate Halloween 2010.
The work also marks the very successful completion of eye surgery for Elaine!
Congratulations both for wonderful work in the field... And, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Jeffrey Hunt

For a larger format photo: http://customgemstonestudio.com/custom-gemstones/opal-moon-2/

...and this is the one that started it all! Something Wicked!

Halloween is almost here in the United States! This is a design called Something Wicked that I designed several years ago, the design was pubished in Jewelry Artist Magazine October 2007. This design (and others) can now be found here: http://www.gemologyproject.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hunt_-_Something_Wicked

AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™ "Cutting Edge" Winners

If you read yesterday's report on the AGTA announcement of the Winners of the 2011 Spectrum Awards™, you know that the announcement included the "Cutting Edge" Awards.

Unfortunately photos of the winners haven't been released yet - so I didn't add it to my post. Seriously - what good is a list of winners if you can't see them....

I want to give a HUGE thank you to the awesome John Dyer - Gem Artist ! We have John's winning entries! ...the Object of Art entries were announced with the Jewelry Awards.

(BTW - if you are a cutter that won an award in 2011 free to submit photos to my email at robynahawk at yahoo dot com)

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, other gem materials and objects of art. Categories included: Open Category - Classic Gemstone Division, Open Category – All Other Faceted Gemstones Division, Open Category – Phenomenal Gemstones Division, Pairs & Suites, Faceting, Carving, Combination and Objects of Art.

The 2011 Cutting Edge Awards Winners

Classic Cut Gemstones:

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone - 1st Place

Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp.: 8.04 ct. pigeon blood Ruby.

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone -2nd Place

Sailesh Lakhi, Lakhi Impex, Inc.: 43.42 ct. cushion-shape, step-cut blue Sapphire.

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone - 3rd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.: 6.66 ct. cushion-cut pink Sapphire.

A1 - Open Category Classic Gemstone - Honorable Mention

Gonen Abrahami, ABC Gems: 4.93 ct. emerald-cut Emerald.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - 1st Place

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems: 9.59 ct. trillion-cut red Spinel.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - 2nd Place

Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems: 32.58 ct. oval-shape tsavorite Garnet.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - 3rd Place

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 12.91 ct. princess-cut Rhodochrosite.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - Honorable Mention

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 15.28 ct. ct. oval-cut Imperial Topaz.

A2 - Open Category All Other Faceted - Honorable Mention

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC: 49.24 ct. Asscher-cut Aquamarine.

Phenomenal Gemstones

A3 - Open Category Phenomenal - 1st Place

Robyn Dufty, DuftyWeis Opals, Inc.: 36.73 ct. Mexican fire Opal cabochon.

A3 - Open Category Phenomenal - 2nd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.: Pair of oval Alexandrites (3.25 ctw.).

A3 - Open Category Phenomenal – 3rd Place

Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore, LLC: 15.0 ct. oval cat's eye Chrysoberyl.

Pairs & Suites

B - Pairs & Suites - 1st Place

Clay Zava, Zava Mastercuts: Suite of pastel Cuprian Tourmalines (127.40 ctw.).

B - Pairs & Suites - 2nd Place

Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co.: 15-piece round blue Sapphire necklace layout (68.75 ctw.).

B - Pairs & Suites - 3rd Place

Hemant Phophaliya, AG Color, Inc.: Pair of pear-shaped cabochon Tanzanites (41.62 ctw.).

B - Pairs & Suites - Honorable Mention

Darrell Jang, Darrell Jang: Aspen-shaped leaves cut from a 15.09 ct. Peridot and a 11.15 ct.

Heliodor

Faceting

C – Faceting - 1st Place

(Shown Left)

Jeff L. White, J.L. White Fine Gemstones:

48.83 ct. square, cushion-cut Morganite.

C – Faceting - 2nd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 14.43 ct. cushion-cut pink Tourmaline.

C – Faceting - 3rd Place

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 13.78 ct. sunburst-cut Sphalerite.

C – Faceting - Honorable Mention

Ben Kho, Kho International, Inc.: 50.20 ct. kaleidoscope-cut Kunzite.

Carving

D – Carving - 1st Place

Joseph August Voss, Joseph August Voss: 220.30 ct. crystal Quartz carving.

D – Carving - 2nd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 62.64 ct. "Golden Reflections" Beryl.

D – Carving - 3rd Place

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs: Carved white Opal sculpture (149 grams).

Combination

E – Combination - 1st Place

Thomas Trozzo, Trozzo: 66.48 ct. square, dimple, concaved, scissor-cut Aquamarine.

E – Combination - 2nd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 50.92 ct. trillion custom-cut Morganite.

E – Combination - 3rd Place

John Dyer, John Dyer & Co.: 9.50 ct. Umbalite Garnet.

Objects of Art

F - Objects of Art - 1st Place

Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers: Kokeshi Princess featuring white Opal (83.98 ctw.), Basinite (36.29 ctw.), rubellite Tourmalines (2.91 ctw.) and Diamonds (.72 ctw.) with 18K white gold and platinum on a base of silver, brass and wood.

F - Objects of Art - 2nd Place and Best Use of Pearls

Llyn L. Strelau, Jewels by Design: Sculpture titled "Who Are You" featuring two-tone gold and silver with freshwater baroque Pearls, South Sea keshi Pearls, akoya seed Pearls, demantoid Garnets (.25 ctw.), .20 ct. Ruby and cognac Diamonds (.03 ctw.) on a crystal Quartz base (242 ctw.).

F - Objects of Art - 3rd Place

Tigran Lementsyan, Repair Restoration Center: "Dandelion" featuring Quartz and Diamonds (.36 ctw.) with silver, 18K yellow gold and gold-plated leaves.

F - Objects of Art - Honorable Mention

Darryl Alexander, Alexander's Jewelers: "Got Paint?"- opalized wood with a sterling frame in a black marble base. The paint is Sugalite, Mookite, Turquoise & Onyx, with Quartz dish & sterling tube with Coral. The brushes are Onyx, Agate, Hematite, Quartz and multiple woods.

2011 AGTA Cutting Edge Awards Competition

AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards info HERE

AGTA on Facebook

AGTA on Twitter

AGTA on YouTube

Call For Entry: AGTA Cutting Edge Awards...

JUDGES SET FOR AGTA SPECTRUM AWARDS

July 8, 2009 – Dallas, TX: The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced the judges for the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition. They are:

Design consultant/writer Marlene Richey

Gem artist John Hatleburg

Jewelry designer Mish Tworkowski of Mish New York

Jewelry editor Nicole Keating of Women’s Wear Daily and W magazine

Antique jewelry expert Ben Macklowe of The Macklowe Gallery

Jewelry designer Cecelia Bauer.

"We really wanted to bring a broad range of perspectives to the judging process," stated Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. "This panel of judges brings a wealth of knowledge and keen sense of jewelry design."

The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is the premiere colored gemstone and pearl jewelry design competition in the world. The competition is in its 26th year of existence and sets the bar for jewelry designers and lapidaries. The winning designs are featured in consumer and trade press. Furthermore, all entries get tremendous exposure through the competition’s Editor’s Day in New York City, where many pieces are requested for subsequent photo shoots.

The competition judges jewelry designs in five categories: Evening, Business/Day Wear, Classical, Bridal and Men’s Wear. Once again this year, Platinum Guild International (PGI) will select a design from each category to receive Platinum Honors, with the winners receiving an incredible value-added promotional package. The Cutting Edge division judges excellence in gemstone faceting, carving and objects of art.

For more information and entry forms for the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards™, please visit www.agta.org/awards or call 1-800-972-1162. The deadline for entries is September 25, 2009.