Friday, March 28, 2014

New Wallpaper & Print - Fluorite


New free wallpaper available here:

Prints and note cards available here: 
Sell Art Online

Monday, March 10, 2014

Watercolor: Agates and Jaspers


I really enjoyed painting this one.  Playing with all the textures and patterns was a lot of fun.

16 x 20 watercolor on Arches cold press

Prints and note cards available here:

Friday, March 07, 2014

Gem and Mineral News

 
The zircon was found in Jack Hills, Western Australia. Image courtesy of John Valley

Worlds Oldest Gem Discovered
Scientists have confirmed that a tiny zircon gemstone discovered on a remote rock outcrop in Australia is the oldest known material of any kind formed on Earth.  read more here


Dai Sun Jewellery's "The Inheritance" (pictured) is made from 
18K rose gold diamond bangle with ruby, sapphire, garnet and opal. 
It won JMA International Jewelry Design Competition's Best Craftsmanship Award last year.

2014 Hong Kong Gem and Jewelry Show Opens
Two massive international jewelry shows opened in Hong Kong this week The 31st Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opened at the Hong Kong International Convention & Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.  The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened at AsiaWorld-Expo on Monday.  read more here



Great Story about a Young Rockhound
“I’m hoping the house doesn’t sink,” quipped Tina, pointing toward not only the rocks — which weigh an estimated 10 tons and line baseboards and window sills as well as shelves — but the bulk of trophies Brian, 13, has scored by winning the junior division of the Portland regional rock and gem competition three years in a row.  Read more here


Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Monday, March 03, 2014

Faceter Spotlight: Mari Phillips

Faceter Spotlight: Mari Phillips


Mari Phillips cut the amazing 2.82ct ( 8mm x 8mm)  feldspar spectrolite!
I just love the way it softly glows and shimmers.

Mari shared her experience cutting the spectrolite:
This spectrolite actually wasn't too bad.  I was worried about the blue schiller orientation and polishing due to all the inclusions.  The spectrolite polished up nicely, thankfully, with cerium oxide on the dark side.  the orientation of the blue flashes worked out well and I am just grateful for that miracle.  I could see the flash did run pretty deep in the rough and not so shallow.  sometimes it is easy to accidentally cut the blue flash out.  Done that before!  

Spectrolite on the dop.


Sneaking this in, she also cut this wonderful sunstone!  
What a great choice for the design. It really shows off the sunstone.

Mari has been faceting about 7 years and really enjoys cutting Mexican fire opal, sunstone, and Montana Sapphire.   She can be contacted by email here: maregg07{at}hotmail.com