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This talk was the part of a speech about the history of the Ganoksin Project Website and its growth. The presentation was given in March 2004 to the SNAG conference in St. Petersburg, Florida.... (2004) Complete Story
Long associated with Spring and birth, gloriously green emeralds have an extensive history of healing and supernatural powers. Green is Nature's most soothing color, and early physicians instructed their patients to look through pieces of emerald to ease fatigue and treat eye diseases.... (2001) Complete Story
Shaping a bezel on stakes is a process of forming the metal by stretching. First the metal is bent with pliers to fit the gem, forming a shape smaller than the stone while following its contour. The gauge of the sheet metal chosen is slightly thicker than the final result. As the process unfolds, the metal is plannished (hammered) on small stakes, causing the metal to conform to the stake as it stretches. If the gemstone and the shape of the stake are the same, a very accurate bezel can be made with a minimum of time. The advantages of this technique become obvious to the craftsperson that uses creatively shaped stones or gems that do not conform to the bezel mandrels on hand.... (2008) Complete Story
"My birthstone is emerald," a potential customer recently told me. "But I don't like green," she continued, "so I never buy gemstones." Do we, and our customers, have choices when it comes to selecting a birthstone? What can we do when we don't like or can't afford the gemstone assigned to our month of birth? What should we suggest to our customers when they ask for help in selecting the "right" birthstone?.... (1996) Complete Story
Many gemstone owners enjoy wearing their treasures. Few things can ruin that enjoyment faster than the discovery of damage such as scratches, chips, or discoloration. Unfortunately, some damage is permanent. The good news is that proper cleaning and care prevents most gemstone damage.... (2001) Complete Story
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