My trip began last Saturday with the flight to Houston and then on to Tucson. Sunday the fun began with the beginning of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) conference. The topics included Fair Market Value in appraisals, Treasure Hunting in the UK, Using Optic Filters in Gemstone Identification, Lead Glass Filled Rubies and Distinguishing Fake Rolex and Other Fine Watches.
I skipped one of the presentations that I had previously seen to go next door to the ICA Conference to see my old friend Ted Themelis who now lives in Bangkok. Ted is the most recognized authority in the world on heat treatments on gemstones. It has long been an industry accepted practice to heat treat rubies and sapphires to improve their color. Ted has been experimenting with the effects of heat treating other types of gemstones including spinel, garnet and tourmaline to improve their color. It is safe to assume that 95% of all gemstones on the market today have been subjected to a stable and possibly undetectable color enhancement process.
In between sessions I managed to see another show that specializes in beads and minerals mounted in jewelry and un-mounted. The trip would not be complete if I didn’t bring a few baubles back for Donna. I found her a lovely pair of turquoise earrings mounted in silver to match her necklace that we found for her in New York.
Another thing that I found that I am really excited about is a watch that has interchangeable bands and mineral bezels. I picked out a wide pink band with a free formed pink rose quartz heart. The watch is set with a double row of round brilliant cut crystals for the necessary added bling that she loves. We will be offering a selection of these watches in the shop.
Here a look at some turquoise, coral, and pearls at the show.
Watch for Part 3 in the next couple of days and more video from the show over the next week or two.
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