Colored Stone, July/August 2008

Features

• Editorial: The Missing Link- Many nomenclature scandals besetting the gem trade stem from self-serving decisions of the Lab Manual Harmonization Committee. Would testing and licensing of gemologists by professional groups with disbarment powers stop such misbehavior?
• One-of-a-Kind: Owyhee Blue Opal- Miner Steve Schultz has an amazing 30 mines to work. His favorite among them, the Owyhee Mine in Oregon, produces some spectacular blue opal.
• What?????s In: Magnificent Mandarin- The color of orange soda pop, mandarin garnet ????? AKA spessartite ????? is the current thirst-quencher from this large unwieldy gem family among gem enthusiasts.
• Fossil Jewels: Nature?????s Prehistoric Treasure Trove- Step back in time to step forward into one of today?????s hottest gem trends. Our latest photo atlas takes a look at a wide variety of fossil gems.
• Designer 911: Fossilized Creations- Colored Stone?????s panel of designers discuss the inspiration and excitement they find when working with fossil gems.
• Your New (Argentium) Silver Lining- As gold and platinum prices soar, more and more designers and retailers are finding an economical -- and beautiful ????? alternative in tarnish-free silver.
• Peridot in Hebei- The intrepid Jordan Clary ventures to Zhangbei, Hebei in China where she finds that mining some of the world?????s most amazing peridot takes a village.