Downturn may lend fuel to art of sustainable fashion Jun 4, 2009
Among the 10 participating designers are fashion bon vivant Isaac Mizrahi, who stitches up a dress of dried salmon skins, handbag magnate Kate Spade collaborating with Bolivian weavers, and jewelry designer Ted Muehling, who trades diamonds and gemstones to work with sustainably harvested pearls and vegetable ivory, which is a seed with a color and texture that resembles elephant tusk. In many ways, the Cooper-Hewitt exhibition, which is presented in partnership with the Nature Conservancy,... (Boston Globe)
Tan-tastic bikini to make tan lines history May 31, 2009
Tan-tastic bikini to hide tan lines - Trends - Lifestyle - The Times of India. Tan-tastic bikini to hide tan lines. (India Times, India)
Alaska bladesmith crafts weapons to slay dragons May 26, 2009
For the sculptural handles, spikes, claws and other adornments, the list is long and exotic, including python, ostrich and stingray skin, fossilized sea cow bone, woolly mammoth ivory and cape buffalo horn, as well as bronze, silver, gold, emeralds, rubies and pallasite meteorite with naturally occurring gemstones in the nickel-iron matrix. These are real weapons, not props, fully capable of disembowelment, lopping off heads and pulverizing bones. (Anchorage Daily News)
The Rise of the Glass Industry May 25, 2009
Additionally, the Chinese used glass to resemble jade and replace gemstones, although the glass pieces were just as highly valued. Islamic and Venetian Influences on Decorative Glass. (Suite101.com)
Fear in Rangoon May 19, 2009
Page last updated at 20:24 GMT, Monday, 18 May 2009 21:24 UK. Burma tense as Suu Kyi is tried. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
USA's Yesterdays: Louis Comfort Tiffany: Jack of all trades, masterfully done May 16, 2009
The finished room, a kaleidoscopic tour de force in colored glass, mosaics, gilt metal, marble, gemstones and mother-of pearl, garnered 54 medals from the exposition jury. Elsewhere, the Tiffany company produced furniture, rugs, metalwork, fabrics, draperies and garden marbles. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Arts: Contemporary jewellery May 14, 2009
If they include precious metals and gemstones, these rarely appear in conventional forms ... Karl Fritsch ground gemstones into powder and reassembled them with glue ... Gijs Bakker, co-founder of Droog, a design company, combines gemstones with costume pieces. (The Economist)
Statue of Liberty crown to re-open July 4 May 10, 2009
The 25 windows in the crown symbolize gemstones and the heaven's rays shining over the world. The seven rays of the crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. (CNN -- Travel)
Council on Aging Notes May 8, 2009
The museum also includes a dizzying array of animals, dinosaurs, gemstones, minerals and meteorites including a 40 foot long Kronosaurus. In the mineral department you will see an amethyst weighing 1,642 pounds. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Happenings at the library May 8, 2009
Two very interesting collections will be on display in the glass cases in the entry and exit lobbies of the building as well: local resident Mary-Alice Perdichizzi will showcase her extensive collections of gemstones and shells, collected over the years in her travels. Evening Book Group. (Burlington Union, MA)
SDPD Trying To Return $500K In Stolen Goods May 6, 2009
Items recovered include loose gemstones; military pins and medals; vintage, handmade matchbooks; men's and women's watches; tennis bracelets and coins, Munoz said. People who believe their belongings may be included among the stolen items and who have receipts, a police report or other documentation pertaining to the missing objects can contact police at (858) 495-7900 or (858) 538-8000. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Feng Shui Charms and Gods for the W... May 6, 2009
The best option is a sailing vessel loaded with treasures: gold, jewelry, coins, and gemstones. If possible, locate it close to the door, so that the bow is directed into the room. (Suite101.com)
Resourceful Taliban milk the land May 6, 2009
According to one report, the gemstones are sold quickly at below market prices and smuggled to the Indian city of Jaipur (capital of Rajasthan) and thereafter transported to Bangkok, Switzerland and Israel ... Emerald mining and the international sale of gemstones through various channels provides much needed capital for the Taliban to capture other natural resources in the region ... It is feared that the Taliban will use the money made from the excavation and sale of gemstones to finance more... (Asia Times Online)
Video: Jewelry Television(R) Introduces DermaGem(TM) May 5, 2009
DermaGem(TM) is the first line of luxury skin care products utilizing the breakthrough technology of GemPlex 5(TM), a proprietary ingredient blending the anti-aging benefits of gemstones with 21st century technology ... Jewelry Television is a 24/7 broadcast network focusing exclusively on the sale of fine jewelry, gemstones and gemstone-based skin care ... offers live streaming video of Jewelry Television's programming, fast-paced auctions and access to more loose gemstones than any other... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Africans have world's greatest genetic variation May 4, 2009
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer Randolph E. Schmid, Ap Science Writer. Fri May 1, 2:18 am ET. (Yahoo News)
Hawaii Ponzi scammer allegedly boasts of hidden assets Apr 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Posted on: Wednesday, April 29, 2009. (Honolulu Advertiser)
* EU foreign ministers to renew sanctions against Myanmar Apr 28, 2009
The EU added other economic sanctions in 2007, including a ban on imports of timber, gemstones and precious metals from Myanmar. The sanctions have had little effect on the behavior of Myanmars military, which has held power since 1962. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Camelback Inn Resort and Spa Apr 20, 2009
With the signature massage, guests relax on a bed of warm stones while gemstones align the Chakras during a soothing massage. Afterwards, women can enjoy the indoor Jacuzzi, steam room, or dry sauna. (Suite101.com)
More of this story Apr 18, 2009
Responding to complaints from a couple of licensed pawn brokers, the Middletown Police Department late Thursday afternoon temporarily shut down the event, which was going on in a rented meeting room at the Hampton Inn & Suites, because the operators lacked the proper permission to purchase precious metals or gemstones. Detective Richard D. Gamache said Rhode Island law requires the state attorney general to approve any business or individual looking to buy gold, silver, platinum and gemstones,... (Newport Daily News, RI)
Croatian tragedy Apr 16, 2009
Others are sceptical, and tell a murkier tale which dates back to the Balkan wars, and involves a former general, missing gemstones, a kidnapping and a prominent mobster. I caught up with Ivana's father, Zvonimir Hodak, shortly after his client, the former general Vladimir Zagorec, was jailed for seven years for stealing gems meant to fund Croatia's war effort in the 1990s. (BBC News -- Europe)
Brookline gallery selling jewelry, raising funds for Rosies Place Apr 14, 2009
Mattei works with precious metals with gemstones to create unique pieces of contemporary and traditional jewelry. Also on display at the Galleria is work by Mattei s older brother, Guido, who creates intricate wrought-iron pieces, and her younger sister, Mary, displaying her rich encaustic paintings inspired by nature. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Brown Sugar by Justine Simmons Debuts Spring Jewelry Collection on HSN Apr 14, 2009
With cutting edge designs and use of traditional gemstones combined with non-traditional metals, SHR & Simmons Jewelry Group is where fashion meets fine jewelry. Established in 2003 by Russell Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons and businessman Scott Rauch, the company holds the licenses to Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty, Baby Phat Fashion Watches, Simmons Jewelry Co. Steel Collection, and Brown Sugar by Justine Simmons. (PR Newswire)
History of Birthstone Jewelry Apr 11, 2009
Ancient Traditions Link Gemstones with Months and Astrology Signs ... Each month has gemstones linked to it in a tradition whose origins date back to Biblical times, the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles ... The connection between gemstones and birthdays is both ancient and modern, with legends dating to Biblical times and contemporary traditions begun in the early 1900's. (Suite101.com)
When a Pet Dies - Pet Cremation Ser... Apr 11, 2009
For about $350, pet gem companies can process gemstones that integrate the pet's remains. Just a couple teaspoons of the animal's ashes are needed to create a one-of-a-kind pet gem that's as unique as the pet that is forever memorialized in the stone. (Suite101.com)
* Hard rock banquet makes your mouth water uvWb HC Apr 9, 2009
At first he collected mostly Taiwanese gemstones. Then, 13 years ago, he saw the jade cabbage, stone pork and other exhibits at the National Palace Museum. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Is spring break a pain? Apr 7, 2009
Keeping them occupied wasn t really an issue, because spring break was the time we could do all the things we couldn t fit in during the school year go to Fernbank and spend a leisurely afternoon, catch an IMAX, drive up to Dahlonega and pan for gold or gemstones, go to the zoo, rent movies and stay up late, spreading a blanket on the floor and eating popcorn, hit the High Museum if there was something interesting for the kids, go to the Atlanta History Museum, take my daughter to the Swan Coach... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
August Birthstone Peridot Apr 7, 2009
Peridot is gemstone-quality olivine, a mineral that is very abundant but not usually found in high enough quality to be used as gemstones ... When Hawaiian natives first discovered peridot in the black sands of volcanoes, they believed the clear, green gemstones were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele ... Like most gemstones, peridot has been attributed with a long list of healing and magical powers. (Suite101.com)
Sharpest decline in trade Apr 6, 2009
Non-oil imports include capital goods, intermediate goods, gold and unpolished gemstones among others. The softness in commodity prices continues to provide respite. (India Times)
Satellite Beach man masters mosaics Apr 4, 2009
He's also a sculptor of gemstones and recently took up acrylic painting. "The first time I touched a paintbrush was in January," he said. (Florida Today)
BOTSWANA: Less development revenue as diamonds lose their shine Apr 4, 2009
A third of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) flows from diamonds, and the gemstones account for 80 percent of all export earnings and about 39 percent of public revenue. Finance minister Baledzi Gaolathe warned in his 2009 budget speech that there "will be a slowdown in economic growth and decline in government revenues from the end of 2008/09, probably until 2010/11. Government's reserves may not be sufficient to sustain current rates of expenditure.". (AlertNet)
Avoid getting taken when selling jewelry Apr 3, 2009
He will be buying gold, coins, sterling silver, gemstones and designer costumer jewelry ... If the jewelry has gemstones, make sure there is a certified gem appraiser available, otherwise you may not get as much for the item as it's worth. (AZCentral -- Business)
Unique Spring Ostara/Easter Gifts Apr 1, 2009
The original Faberg; eggs were made with precious metals or hard stones decorated with combinations of enamel and gemstones. There are one hundred and five known Faberg; eggs. (Suite101.com)
Dig Your Own Gems and Gold in Georg... Mar 24, 2009
Take a family vacation to northern Georgia and try panning for gold or digging for gemstones. It's a great family activity that could pay off big. (Suite101.com)
My father is not a rapist: Tantrik's son Mar 23, 2009
Rajiv added that the only time he spoke to the girls' father on the phone was when the latter wanted an advice on gemstones. "My father always gave appointments and never did consultations on phone. He even charged professional fees from the girls' father, despite they being family friends,'' he said. "We have been portrayed as rich people, but we aren't. (India Times, India)
The Scramble For A Piece of Burma Mar 22, 2009
The Mosquito Coast In return for oil, natural gas, timber, hydropower, gemstones, cash crops and a periodic table's worth of minerals, countries like China, India, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea are propping up and massively enriching Burma's top brass. In the first nine months of 2008, foreign investment in Burma almost doubled year on year to nearly $1 billion, according to government figures that don't even take into account significant underground economic activity. (Time.com)
Sherry Libedinsky has jewelry-making down to a science Mar 19, 2009
"If I am inspired, I can make several pieces in an afternoon. I am proud of the fact that I can use my hands and eye," added Libedinsky, whose prices range from just $25 to $750 for pieces with more precious gemstones. Would the biologist ever evolve into a full-time designer. (Boston Globe)
Hotel Valley Ho Mar 19, 2009
Pick from the Turquoise Massage or Facial, both 50-minute treatments that incorporate turquoise gemstones touted to calm the skin and soothe the mind. Details: 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. (AZCentral -- Style)
Flower parades and Queen's Day in Holland Mar 19, 2009
Gemstones in gold settings are must-buys as are the high-quality woven crafts, available in Montego Bay's Craft Market. Buy baskets, purses, hats and the like, particularly in the three bright Rastafarian colors yellow, green, and red that just shout Jamaica. (India Times)
* COMMUNITY COMPASS: Spring Bazaar raises funds for community center Mar 17, 2009
About half of the 34 booths were manned by expatriates, eager to showcase their products, ranging from jewelry and other handicrafts to clothes and gemstones. Michele Tang, a Singaporean who grew up in the US and has lived in Taiwan for seven years, set up a booth featuring handmade essentials for children and mothers, including nursing aprons, kids clothing and other products. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Luxury's dark side: stonecutters' lung disease Mar 17, 2009
In Guangdong Province, adjacent to Hong Kong, thousands of stonecutters are dying from silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust while drilling, cutting, crushing, grinding or blasting slabs of gemstones ... " Some villages in Huizhou's administrative area are entirely devoted to processing gemstones. In a home in one village, a migrant worker from Sichuan Province and his wife work on crude machines fitted with blades that cut strips of stone into tiny cubes. Although... (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
I.M. Chait Offers Jurassic Dinosaur Skeleton Through Artfact Live! Auction Mar 15, 2009
will host I.M. Chait's "Natural History Auction" on March 21, 2009, featuring a rare Jurassic age dinosaur skeleton, a Woolly Mammoth skeleton, exotic gemstones, meteorites and unique fossils ... Newton, MA (PRWEB) March 15, 2009 -- On March 21, 2009, I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers, will present a spectacular "Natural History Auction" featuring rare and exotic dinosaur skeletons, fossils, meteorites, gemstones, and mineral specimens. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Where to find (and buy) affordable gems Mar 11, 2009
Stick a stake in the ground in, say, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, and you will find gemstones, says Yaakov Almor, Joint Director of Communications at the World Jewellery Confederation, with a dash of hyperbole ... We choose mines based on new discoveries of gemstones, current market trends, or if a certain gemstone seems more popular at the time, said Barbara Wheat, Executive Director at the International Colored Gem Association. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Russia's diamondsup for grabs Mar 10, 2009
While De Beers continues to promote its brand-name gemstones as a durable store of value, the reality is that, for the time being at least, diamond value is anything but forever ... Alrosa does not release production data in carats (the unit of mass for gemstones and pearls) for its mines, but it estimates that the total accounts for at least 20% of the global supply. (Asia Times Online)
Flowering Plants of Sri Lanka Mar 6, 2009
And when Ibn Battuta, the famous medieval traveler from Tangier, Morocco, visited 14th century Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and trekked up its holy mountain, Adam's Peak, he noted the abundance of gemstones, monkeys and "flowers of diverse colours.". Results of a recent World Bank biodiversity project, on conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants in Sri Lanka, show that the country "holds more than 3,350 flowering species," of which "500 of these native flora" are utilized in traditional... (Suite101.com)
Rock, Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show starts SaturdayLocal club hosts activities and vendors at fairgrounds Mar 5, 2009
The event will also host booths for jewelry, gemstones, artwork, and supplies for shaping and polishing rocks. Silent auctions, raffles, and hourly door prizes will also be available. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Zambia: Police Caught Smuggling Ivory Mar 3, 2009
He was speaking to journalists at Zawa Chilanga head office when he inspected the confiscated ivory packed together with pieces of amethyst gemstones concealed in six trunks. For such huge ivory, Dr Saiwana said the poachers killed 36 elephants but, however, said it was suspected that the animals were killed from neighbouring countries and not in Zambia. (allAfrica.com)
Disney sets out to make 'The Passion for kids' Feb 24, 2009
The world's most valuable diamond producer today said it would shut down all its mines later this week as the global downturn wrecks demand for the gemstones. Newly-found comet visible to the naked eye over the next few days. (Yahoo News -- 'The Passion of the Christ')
The World's Biggest Movie Stars Sparkle in Platinum Jewelry at the 81st Academy Awards Feb 23, 2009
Platinum is the most favored metal on the red carpet because it's naturally white, so it maximizes the brilliance of gemstones. Following is a list of Platinum baubles that celebrities wore on the red carpet and at parties (retail prices are provided when available). (PR Newswire)
London returns to the '80s Feb 23, 2009
"Minerals and rocks" said Black to explain his inspiration from the raw gemstones in London's Natural History Museum. It explained the rock-like texture of a cocoon-shaped coat and the sense of richness in color and finish. (International Herald Tribune)
In crisis, demand for diamonds suffers Feb 21, 2009
The system worked wonders for decades but became unsustainable as competition from smaller miners increased and demand for other luxury goods replaced consumer appetite for gemstones. De Beers changed its strategy and started to sell rough diamonds at 10 annual auctions, but it was still stuck with an extra stockpile of roughly $4 billion in diamonds. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Huge Pressures Melt Diamonds On Planet Neptune Feb 20, 2009
No, they re not gemstones, says Desjarlais about the Sandia targets ... 28, 2008) Researchers have developed a new technique for improving the properties of diamonds -- not only adding sparkle to gemstones, but also simplifying the process of making high-quality diamond for. (Science Daily)
AES students become rock stars Feb 19, 2009
The third-graders selected and read books on rocks, minerals, gemstones, and the layers of the earth and became experts on their subjects. They shared their books and knowledge with their first-grade book buddies. (Amesbury News, MA)
Asia's shoppers go online as Internet barriers fall Feb 18, 2009
On eBay India, which has more than 2 million registered users, top purchases in 2008 included gemstones, mobile handsets, MP3 players, women's apparel and Indian stamps and coins, said Deepa Thomas, eBay India's senior manager of pop culture. The company's sales show that despite relatively low Internet penetration, Indians have readily embraced online shopping. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Swarovski Partners with David Rockwell to Unveil the First Glimpse of the Oscar(R) Set Design Feb 17, 2009
Comprising two major divisions, one producing and selling loose crystals, the other creating design-driven finished products, the Swarovski corporation also includes four industrial brands, Tyrolit, manufacturing grinding tools, Swareflex, for road safety reflectors, Optik, producing precision optical instruments and Signity, Swarovski's brand for genuine and created gemstones. While Swarovski crystal, known by its product brand name CRYSTALLIZED TM- Swarovski elements, has become an essential... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
India's gems, jewellery exports up by 7 pc Feb 17, 2009
April-January exports of coloured gemstones rose 13. 16 per cent to Rs 1,023 crore. (Hindu)
Harry Winston Reveals Red Carpet Collection Feb 17, 2009
When the red carpet is laid out and the flashbulbs flutter, look for this year's accessories trends to be inspired by the exotic beauty of India, bold colored gemstones, and statement diamonds that echo pure Hollywood glamour. Capturing the iconic style that has defined Harry Winston for nearly a century, each exquisite piece of jewelry celebrates the beauty of the diamonds, as well as the beauty of the accomplished actresses who wear them. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Beyond Traditional White Diamonds Feb 14, 2009
Today's gemstones can be a traditional white or add a splash of color. Whether the couple is looking for a center stone or accents, this informative piece is meant to guide the shopping process. (Suite101.com)
Senior Travel Feb 13, 2009
Oct. 10-12, Hunting for Hidden Treasures and Gemstones. Travel to upstate New York, where the world s largest garnet mines are. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Chocolate and Champagne Diamonds on the Valentine's Day Menu Feb 13, 2009
"Many people don't think beyond traditional diamonds and pearls when it comes to jewelry gifts," says Natalie Parman, vice president of merchandising at Jewelry TV. "But the options are endless, especially since colored gemstones are increasingly popular. Champagne and chocolate diamonds are gorgeous, and come in everything from crisp, light colors to earthy dark browns." ... Dark brown gemstones are offset beautifully by a white gold or platinum setting ... JTV.com to see their entire... (Pekin Times, IL)
Economy Clips Cupid's Wings? Feb 11, 2009
More affordable gemstones like citrine or peridot are doing better than diamonds or rubies. "There are many, many opportunities at finding something nice and not breaking the bank, but still expressing something. And that something's obviously love," said Dave Sisco of Designers' Circle. (WCAX.com, VT)
Collectors Universe Reports Results for Second Quarter Ended December 31, 2008 Feb 10, 2009
Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Collectors Universe, Inc. (Nasdaq: ), a leading provider of value-added authentication and grading services to dealers and collectors of high-value collectibles, diamonds and colored gemstones, today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended December 31, 2008 ... Collectors Universe, Inc. is a leading provider of value added services to the high-value collectibles and diamond and colored gemstones markets ... The Company... (PR Newswire)
NRL's Rampant Lion II survey builds on success of Rampant Lion I Feb 7, 2009
Afghanistan is a country rich in natural resources, such as copper, iron, metals, gemstones, oil, and natural gas, but without a comprehensive geological survey, these resources lie untapped. The data collected in Rampant Lion l are currently being used to help the Afghani government to exploit their substantial natural resources to build a stable economy and workforce, to build roads and develop civil infrastructure, and to sustain a prosperous economy that is a key to peace and stability in... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Thousands raised for health care scholarships at soiree Apr 1, 2008
Several in kind donations also contributed to making the evening a success, including chocolate table favors by Bidwell s Candies & More, Mattoon; hors d oeuvres by A.G. Edwards/Wachovia; and 4,000 in gemstones, diamonds and gift certificates, awarded to winners of a Diamond Hunt, by Towne Square Jewelers, Charleston. Volunteer guild members who helped coordinate the event were chairwoman Laura Severson and committee members Barbara Hoppin, Patty Hedges, Colleen Stoner, Tory Wilson, Sally Bock... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Botswana's president steps down Apr 1, 2008
3-million carats of the gemstones from its four open-cast mines in 2006. Other African countries, such as Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have also been blessed with large stocks of diamonds but they have not been able to match Botswana's achievements in keeping the benefits in-house. (iAfrica.com)
Letters to the Editor Mar 26, 2008
Readers write about Obama's speech and Burmese gemstones ... A boycott of Burmese gemstones will make a difference to those who matter most, the people of Burma. (Christian Science Monitor)
