Tiffany's "No Dirty Gold"

How Much Does That Gold Ring Cost...Really?

I received this note today and felt it was prudent to post it as received...thank you Margot your info is appreciated:

I know that your blog is dedicated to sharing daily posts of jewels and gems that inspire you so I thought you might be interested in hearing about a show where tonight's topic is all about gold and how we can create more eco-friendly jewelry for our own pleasure and to keep our environment clean.

The U.S. is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of gold with our annual retail market for gold at $19 billion (most of which goes to jewelry). But did you know that the practice behind coal mining leave a mess of pollution behind?

In tonight's all new episode of Eco Trip David de Rothschild explores the lifecycle of the gold ring from the mines to the stores and finally tries his hand at making some eco-friendly jewelry.
There are some great preview clips up at SundanceChannel.com to give you a taste of the episode (including a brief look inside Tiffany's).

Acid mine drainage: http://www.sundancechannel.com/thegreen/video/?video=19411673001
Shoshone Nation: http://www.sundancechannel.com/thegreen/video/?video=19419677001
Tiffany's: http://www.sundancechannel.com/thegreen/video/?video=19411675001

And here's the promo video: http://www.sundancechannel.com/thegreen/video/?video=21671391001

The gold episode of Eco Trip airs on Tuesday 5/6 at 9pm ET on Sundance Channel followed by a new episode of Carbon Cops. Then at 10pm, catch the TV premiere of the documentary film Ice People.

Thanks,
Margot Inzetta
360i on behalf of Sundance Channel

Kreativ Blogger Award

I have, in the past received this honor (or something like it) from bloggers & friends. In the past I haven't posted a response because the request was for personal information that I wasn't comfortable sharing online. This one however from the talented Lea Avroch of LA Jewelry Designs ( http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/) is one I can do.

I read her post there and I have to post 7 of my favorite things and then give the award to 7 other blogs.

So because I like to post about things that educate I will post my 7 favorite things along with a link so that you can learn more about them - maybe they will soon be on your list!

I love learning new things - I know - I'm a geek :D

1. BenchTube - http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/

2. Ganoksin - http://www.ganoksin.com/

3. GIA - http://www.gia.edu/

4. Ethical Metalsmiths - http://www.ethicalmetalsmiths.org/

When I am blocked and need Inspiration:

5. MetalCyberSpace - http://metalcyberspace.com/

6. Flick'r - http://flickr.com/

....and last but not least...

7. Twitter - I'm hooked! follow me @GemShows or @AFlyOnTheWall

Now for the blogs - I would like to award:

1. Sherry's Jewels http://sherrysjewels.blogspot.com/

2. Jeannius Musings http://www.jeannius.com/websys/webpage.php?form_name=blog.php

3. Contrariwise Ramblings http://akacontrariwise.blogspot.com/

4. Tao Gem http://taogem.ganoksin.com/blogs/

5. Beading Gem http://www.beadinggem.com/

6. JulReDesigns http://www.julredesigns.blogspot.com/

7. Cosmic Folklore http://cosmicfolklore.ganoksin.com/blogs/

Have fun with this folks....

Lazy Link Love - Jewelry Tools & Supplies

Otto Frei http://www.ottofrei.com
Jules Borel http://www.julesborel.com/
Kassoy http://www.kassoy.com
FDJ On Time http://www.fdjtool.com/
Progress Tool http://www.progresstool.com/
Tools GS http://www.toolsgs.com/
National Jewelers Supplies http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/
Romanoff http://www.romanoff.com
The Naja, Inc. http://www.najatools.com/
Polishers & Jewelers Supply http://www.pjsupply.com/
Shor International http://www.shorinternational.com
Esslinger http://www.esslinger.com
Gesswein http://www.gesswein.com

For my friends in the UK:
Jewel-Toolcraft http://www.jewel-toolcraft.co.uk/
Cooksongold http://www.cooksongold.com/

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