Financier, Boucher Seeks Guiness Certification for Largest Paraiba Tourmaline

Montreal financier Vincent Boucher wants his Billionaire Business Inc. to become as known for coloured gemstones as De Beers Diamond Jewellers Ltd. is for clear precious stones.

Boucher is off to a good start as owner of the largest cut Paraiba tourmaline, which, at nearly 192 carats, shatters the Guinness World Records holder with its mass of just under 52 carats.

He expects his tourmaline to soon be certified by Guinness and included in the 2011 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records (the 2010 version is already out).

Although valued at between $25 million and $125 million, what the 36-year-old company CEO called a "perfect and flawless stone" isn't for sale - yet.

In presenting what he has named the Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba to The Gazette at the Kaufmann de Suisse exclusive jewellery boutique on Crescent St. yesterday, Boucher said he will tour the globe with the oval-shaped clear turquoise gem once it's officially recognized as the biggest.

It was already certified in June by the Gemological Institute of America, the foremost authority in gemology.

The Ethereal Carolina is part of the Planetary Collection held by Billionaire Business, the firm the former Canadian Space Agency employee founded in 2000 with his own money.

The holder of degrees in physics, political science and aerospace engineering spent the first seven years researching the $200-billion international precious stones market and began acquiring gems two years ago.

He has had the Ethereal Carolina for six months and declined to say how much he paid for it.

On the Web: www.vincent boucher.com

Story via the Montreal Gazette

Alan Revere Inducted into Nat'l Metalsmith's Hall of Fame

Alan Revere Inducted into National Metalsmiths Hall of Fame

The Florida Society of Goldsmiths is very pleased to announce that Alan Revere of San Francisco has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the National Metalsmiths Hall of Fame Award in the category of Artist/Arts Educator. The award recognizes outstanding contributions and consistent support of the metalsmithing arts. Jean Marie DeSpiegler, FSG's Executive Director stated, "We are very excited to add Mr. Revere to the list of distinguished recipients." The National Metalsmiths Hall of Fame began in 1999. Here is a list of individuals who have been inducted to date: Kurt Matzdorf in 1999, Phil London in 2000, Ramona Solberg in 2001, Mary Ann Scherr and Jack Prip in 2002, John Paul Miller in 2003, Bob Ebendorf and Helen Drutt English in 2004, John Cogswell in 2006, Jean Stark in 2007 and Mary Lee Hu in 2008. The Hall of Fame is housed at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. One wall of the metals studio/classroom is dedicated to this and includes photos of each recipient and an example of his or her work. The award itself was a group effort. It was designed by Phil London along with Julia Woodman, who constructed the silver tessellated piece. Ken Wynsma, a woodworker and metalsmith, constructed the base. The Florida Society of Goldsmiths has over 400 members in several chapters around the state. Mr. Revere is widely known and respected as a leader in the jewelry industry, as an award-winning designer and as an educator and author. He has taught over 10,000 students in all aspects of jewelry making, mostly at his school, the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, in San Francisco, California. Upon receiving the award, Alan acknowledged all of the goldsmiths who went before him throughout history, and who through their efforts paved the way for today's craftsmen and women. The members of FSG are excited to give this award to one of the most important individuals in our field today. Above: Alan Revere holding the 2009 National Metalsmith's Hall of Fame Award in the category of Artist/Arts Educator Photo by Christine Dhein Article via the October 2009 Revere News

Lapidary Journal or Jewelry Artist? BOTH!

In the latest "Flashcard" newsletter, Helen Driggs, Managing Editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine reports:

You may have noticed we bumped up the Lapidary Journal part of our logo

on the cover of the October issue. I say it’s about time. To me, the publication I work for is, was, and always will be Lapidary Journal, regardless of the Jewelry Artist part of the equation. We’ve taken a good look at ourselves since the 2007 name change and have decided to kick things up a notch, mostly because we get the sense that’s what you want, too.

First, I have to say that up to and even after the Jewelry Artist name change, our content has been steadfast -- the best information about metal and stone jewelry making -- since the 1940s, when we began publication. It’s really just the package we put Jewelry Artist in that was a little too tight, constricted, and dry, kind of like a dress that didn’t fit.

So, we’ve been gently making backstage alterations, and will begin to roll out a fresher look with your December issue. We’ll still have jewelry and gem projects, our usual departments, features, and all the great stuff we’ve always had. It will just get easier and easier for you to find it. We hope you’ll experience a publication that’s a pleasure to read, browse, use, and love. You’ll definitely find more on stone, more on design, clearer sources for tools and materials, and more useful tips, tricks, and information on the latest jewelry techniques than anywhere else -- same as always, only better.

Do me a favor -- e-mail me when you get your copy, and let me know what you think. And, if, like me, you've been a long-time reader and have been calling the magazine Lapidary Journal all along, feel free to leave it at that. (You can even "forget" the second half of our name. You know you want to.)

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As one of the subscribers that was very sad to see the Lapidary Journal become Jewelry Artist - I have to say that the content has always been top notch and I am now a huge fan of the latest incarnation of the magazine. I will however be very pleased to see more lapidary and gem info - you produce an incredible product! Keep up the good work!

GIA Announces Free Trial - Online Edition of Gems & Gemology

Gems & Gemology Launches New Electronic Newsletter: G&G eBrief

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Oct. 8, 2009 – Gems & Gemology (G&G), the award-winning quarterly

journal of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), introduced a new monthly electronic newsletter, the G&G eBrief, on Oct. 5

G&G eBrief delivers the latest research updates to professional gemologists worldwide, who want brief articles on topics that have immediate, practical application.

“The need for dependable gemological intelligence has never been greater,” said Tom Moses, senior vice president of the GIA Laboratory and Research. “The G&G eBrief gives readers access to timely and useful information that is based on rigorous scientific testing.”

Each G&G eBrief features the latest findings from the GIA Laboratory, global news and trade alerts, helpful tips, insight into future Gems & Gemology issues, upcoming conferences and exhibits worldwide – and even a “brainteaser.”

“The content in the G&G eBrief will go through the same editorial and production process that has made Gems & Gemology the most trusted professional publication in the field,” said

G&GEditor-in-Chief Alice Keller.

The October through December G&G eBriefs will be distributed free of charge. Beginning in January 2010, the newsletter will be available exclusively to Gems & Gemology subscribers.

Those who wish to receive the November and December newsletters can email Managing Editor Tom Overton at tom.overton@gia.edu to be added to the G&G eBrief distribution list.

To subscribe to Gems & Gemology and ensure continued receipt of the G&G eBrief, go to the G&Gorder page or contact Circulation Coordinator Martha Rivera by email atmartha.rivera@gia.edu or calling toll-free (800) 421-7250, ext. 7142.From outside the U.S. and Canada, call (760) 603-4000, ext. 7142.

Bead Dreams 2010 Calendar - Now Available!

Kalmbach announces the release of this glorious calendar - chock full of the some of the finest beadwork by an impressive list of talent.

Publisher's Description:

Each calendar month features intricate and inspiring beadwork from the first- and second-place winners of the 2008 Bead Dreams contest. Six different beading categories: crystals, handmade beads, polymer clay, seed beads, finished jewelry, and beaded objects are included with an artist showcase explaining the designer’s background and inspiration. Recognizes national holidays with ample date space to write in.

Available at the Kalmbach Store.

You can get a closer view of the front and back cover here.

Spectacular 507 ct White Diamond Recovered at Historic Cullinan Mine

29 September 2009

Petra Diamonds Limited ("Petra" or "the Company"), the international diamond mining group, announces the recovery of an important 507.55 carat white diamond at the Cullinan mine in South Africa.

This spectacular gemstone was recovered on Thursday 24 September and is currently with experts for analysis. Initial examinations indicate that it is of exceptional colour and clarity, and most likely to be a Type II diamond. Further details, including colour grading and clarity, will be released once the diamond has undergone appropriate analysis.

The diamond was recovered alongside three other special white stones of similar colour and clarity in the same production run: another very large stone of 168.00 carats and two other stones of 58.50 and 53.30 carats.

At 507 carats (just over 100 grams) the diamond, which has yet to be named, is considered to be amongst the top 20 largest high quality rough diamonds ever found worldwide and ranks alongside other illustrious diamonds recovered at the celebrated Cullinan mine. Cullinan has a special place in the history of diamonds as the source of the world’s largest gem diamond ever recovered, the ‘Cullinan’, at 3,106 carats rough. It has also produced a further two of the world’s largest diamonds, the Golden Jubilee at 755 carats rough and the Centenary at 599 carats rough, and many other famous gems including the Taylor-Burton (69 carats polished).

Johan Dippenaar, Petra’s Chief Executive Officer, commented on the find, "The Cullinan mine has again given the world a spectacularly beautiful and important diamond. Initial indications are that it is of exceptional colour and clarity, which suggest extraordinary potential for its polished yield. We now eagerly await the findings of the expert analysis."

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About Petra Diamonds

Petra Diamonds is a leading supplier of rough diamonds. A number of acquisitions have established Petra as one of the world’s largest independent diamond groups by resources, with a total resource base of 262 million carats. The Company’s objective is to continue to increase supply and develop its stature as a world-class diamond group.

Petra has acquired three of the world's most famous diamond mines – Cullinan, Koffiefontein, and Williamson – all of which are noted for the production of valuable diamonds. In addition, the Company has agreed to acquire a fourth major mine, the Kimberley Underground mines, and this acquisition is expected to complete soon. Petra is continuing the proud tradition of these celebrated diamond mines, whilst delivering true sustainable development to the benefit of the employees and the surrounding local communities. Petra conducts all its operations according to the highest ethical standards, and will only work in countries which are members of the Kimberley Process.

Paragon Lake announced 12 winners of its Inspired Design Contest

As reported by JCK Staff -- JCK Online, 9/23/2009 10:19:00 AM

Paragon Lake announced 12 winners of its Inspired Design Contest.

The contest attracted almost 200 designers who submitted designs from all over the world.

The "Inspired Design Contest" goal was to attract top jewelry designers who would inspire the jewelry design community, retailers and consumers with original earring, ring and pendant designs along with the story of their inspiration. The judging criteria included quality, creativity, manufacturability and the inspiration story behind the one of a kind design.

Judges included Jennifer Heebner, of JCK Magazine, Greg Stopka of JewelSmiths and Jose Hess, Award Winning Designer, and Tony Rodrigues, Paragon Lake.

The winners:

• First place: Jeet Palavwala for his engagement ring design. Inspired by a lotus flower.
  
  Prize: Wacom CintiQ monitor & $1,000 cash

  
• Second place: Dan Christie for his pendant design. Inspired by Brain Warp, a mind challenge game.
  
  Prize: Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera & $500 cash

  
• Randy Dixon for his ring design. Inspired by Greek/Roman architecture
  
  Prize: iPod Touch & $100 cash

  

Honorable mentions:

• Michael Devlin, Randy Dixon, Dave Dorian, Martha Gomez, Claudio Gussini, Lee Krombholz, Elena Nazarova, David Nytch and Rosendo Rosas.

The winning designs will be featured on http://www.paragonlake.com and showcased on Paragon Lake's Virtual Display Case.