Sotheby's: Blue Diamond to be Featured...

The centerpiece of the forthcoming Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva is an important and rare fancy vivid blue, internally flawless, cushion-shaped diamond weighing 7.03 carats (pictured left), cut from a 26.58 carat rough discovered in 2008 at Petra Diamonds’ historic Cullinan diamond mine in South Africa.

The buyer will have the honour of naming the diamond (est. CHF 6.8-10 million / $5.8-8.5 million). At a weight of 7.03 carats, the stone ranks among the most important blue diamonds ever to be offered for sale by Sotheby’s.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has graded it as fancy vivid blue in colour and internally flawless in clarity, the highest possible grading for a blue diamond.

Blue diamonds, which are among the rarest of all gems, owe their colour to the presence of the
chemical element boron during the stone’s formation. The Cullinan mine is the world’s most consistently reliable source of blue diamonds and this stone is a perfect example of Cullinan diamonds at their best.

Source: Press Release http://sothebys.com

Green Jewelry News from Christine Dhein

Christine Dhein produces the Green Jewelry News newsletter - I have been receiving it for a while now and I keep meaning to tell you about it - this seemed the appropriate time.

While we are all celebrating Earth Day we might want to take a look at how we as jewelers can green our studios and purchase goods that are more sustainable.

Each issue looks at new topics - the Earth Day issue included:
Tips from Our Readers
Responsible Jewellery Council
Successful Students Set Green Jewelry Goals
Sustainable Jewelry Raises Funds for Charity

Feature Article in ArtJewelry Magazine: Read Christine's latest article on green studio practices, Your Studio: Making Eco-Friendly Choices, in the May, 2009 issue of Art Jewelry magazine. Download a chart of 12 less toxic chemicals you can use for making jewelry.

Christine Dhein is a jewelry designer, author, and eco-educator who has been using recycled materials for over ten years.

Christine's jewelry can be purchased online at objectfetish.com.

View more work by Christine on Flickr.com, including her Fashion, Keum-boo and Tribal Elegance collections.

Join Christine on Crafthaus, an exciting new website connecting fine artists, studio jewelers and designers.

One of my favorite parts are her Green Links:
·Association for Responsible Mining
·Ethical Metalsmiths
·Green Jewelry Networking
·Green Jewelry Tips
·Jewelry_cycle Photos
·Less-toxic Alternatives
·Madison Dialogue

To receive this monthly newsletter, send an email with "Green Jewelry News Subscribe" as the subject.

Through My Microscope: a look inside the gemstones

Through My Microscope

by Robert James FGA, GG

The world of gemstones from a unique perspective!

We are pleased to announce the publication of a very special gemstone photography book based on the work of the ISG over the past year.

The microscopic world of gemstones is rarely seen by consumers. Through My Microscope takes you on a 110 page journey into the inner world of gemstones that only a microscope can show you, and only an expert can guide you.

From up close images of ancient bugs in amber to strange inclusions that seem out of this world, this book takes you on a tour that most never get a chance to see.

Don't miss this opportunity to travel through rare and unusual gemstones from the expert perspective of Robert James, President of the International School of Gemology.

Available in soft and hard cover editions. Take a tour of the first 15 pages and order your copy by clicking here to review this new book from the ISG: Through My Microscope

JA New York - Jewelry Tradeshow

With a combined experience of over 150 years attending the JA New York shows, these jewelry retailers know which jewelry shows work best for them. From Couture retailers and Designer boutiques to non-traditional jewelry retailers, they have all come to rely on JA New York to bring them the latest jewelry designs, talents, and international offerings available.
REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Click here to accept your invitation now.

In this marketplace, it’s all about location, convenience and cost. JA New York Summer Show is situated in the most convenient and accessible location for domestic and international retailers.
Over 78% of Northeast retailers surveyed said they will not travel outside of the region for their buying in 2009*

Guaranteed Lower Hotel Rates - Hotel rates in NYC have dropped almost 30% compared with 2008 rates, book now
Amazing discounts in NYC - Get exclusive entertainment discount on major New York City attractions

Over 13,000 jewelry professional and retailers are expected at the JA New York Summer Show
Cutting-edge education seminars on the latest topics to help you learn about the current economic climate and how it projects to unfold in the near future

Shop from over 1,000 exhibitors including the finest designers from the Couture Pavilion, New Designer Gallery, Designer Showcase, International Pavilions, and Inner Circle
Network with leading industry professionals at the JA New York special events, numerous networking events are available to help you excel

The "all in one" easy to shop show floor let you see the best of the best without feeling overwhelmed
Visit http://nielsencomm.net/r/?ZXU=852155&ZXD=316693248 for more information

There’s no reason to go anywhere else other than the JA New York Show!
*JA New York Shows are TRADE ONLY EVENTS, please visit the registration page for complete guidelines.

Lazy Link Love - Learn About Gems

Learn about Gems:
Bob's Rock Shop http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/table.shtml
The Image - Gem Gallery http://www.theimage.com/gemstone/
Gemology Online http://gemologyonline.com/
The Gemology Project http://gemologyproject.com/wiki/index.php?title=Home
International Gem Society http://www.gemsociety.org/
The Mineralogical Record http://www.minrec.org/
Earlham College - Geology 211 http://www.earlham.edu/~griffel/web/gems.htm
American Gem Society http://www.americangemsociety.org/jewelrybuying.htm
The Quartz Page http://www.quartzpage.de/index.html
Gram Faceters http://www.faceters.com/
International School of Gemology http://www.yourgemologist.com
Gem by Gem - ICA http://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/english/
AGTA - Add More Color To Your Life http://www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com/
Mineral Galleries http://www.galleries.com/minerals/by-name.htm
Mindat -Mineralogical Database http://www.mindat.org/
JTV: Learning Library http://snipurl.com/gaqss [learning_jewelrytelevision_com]

Kazanjian Red Diamond at LA Natural History Museum

Famed Red Diamond Returns to Natural History Museum
Los Angeles’ Kazanjian Foundation Brings Storied Gemstone Back Through May 29th

The "Kazanjian Red" drew thousands of visitors when it first appeared at the Museum last October. It left four months later, stopping in Carlsbad, California where it was scrutinized by gem experts at the Gemological Institute of America. Now the diamond has returned for a second engagement in the Museum’s Gem and Mineral Hall. It will be on view from April 6 to May 29, 2009.

Though there are many diamonds with a pink hue, true blood-red diamonds are the rarest of gems — only three large stones are known to exist. And of that trio, none has as fascinating and exciting history as the Kazanjian Red.

Found around 1927 in the diamond fields of South Africa, the red diamond was a sensational discovery. During World War II, it was stolen in Arnhem during Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, and hidden in a salt mine with other looted treasures. When it was recovered by American soldiers, it was initially mistaken for a ruby.

The diamond’s original owners did not survive the war and the gem was eventually sold. It passed through several hands, including those of mining entrepreneur Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, until it was purchased by a private collector in 1970. There it remained hidden until 2007 when it was purchased by Los Angeles-based Kazanjian Bros. Inc. This is its first exhibition in the U.S.

Founded in 1918, Kazanjian Bros. Inc. is a family business that started in New York, established a Los Angeles salon in 1928, and moved to Beverly Hills in 1969. James Kazanjian's lifelong search for unusual and exquisite gems took him all over the world. During his worldwide travels, he was able to acquire jewels from the Maharajahs in India, the largest rubies and sapphires in the world, and other historical jewels from a variety of luminaries. Through the display and sale of private jewelry collections, the company’s Kazanjian Foundation raises funds for scholarship programs for underprivileged youths.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is located at 900 Exposition Boulevard. The Museum is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6.50 for students and seniors; and $2 for children 5-12. For 24-hour Museum information please call (213) 763-DINO or visit www.nhm.org.

How to make a Box Chain

While these videos from JewelrySupply.com include ordering information - it doesn't detract much from the quality of the lessons posted...this example is especially good!