GemGeek

If you can't visit the Tucson Gem Shows, you can live vicariously through this roundup of pearls and people. You won't even need the most important accessory in Tucson -- a good pair of walking shoes!

First stop was the NAJA booth to see author Renee Newman and pick up the terrific new edition of her Pearl book. Renee's books are full of wonderful photos and her clear writing style makes gems easy to understand and appreciate. For those who want to branch out, the Exotic Gems series is...

Feeling the love that emanates from the talented heart of Hisano Shepherd!



Go to Facebook and show her some lurve by like-ing, love-ing and commenting!

https://www.facebook.com/littlehjewelry/

Blaire Beavers
Managing Editor
Pearl Guide News

For those who love gems and pearls, this book is a must-have addition to your library. The chapter on natural pearls is brand new and includes this photo of a conch pearl from a Monili bracelet that was featured in a previous Pearl Guide News article.


Photo: Blaire Beavers

I wrote a book review for the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. Having said what I felt about this book from the standpoint of a gemologist and appraiser, I then had a very hard time writing a different review...

When pearl farmers open a mollusk to culture a pearl, they sometimes discover a pearl that has occurred naturally. While some insist that any pearl found in a farming operation is cultured, natural pearls do form in mollusks before they are opened for the first time.

This is not the same as keshi, small baroque pearls that form after mollusks have been grafted. These small treasures can't be counted as natural.



This Pteria sterna, or "Rainbow Lip" oyster is held in a grafting clamp...

You may have seen some of the hyper-graduated strands of freshwater Chinese pearls that have been popular this last year. Betty Sue King of King's Ransom has an eye for choosing the most luscious pearls and these colorful metallic strands do not disappoint.



The almost drippy nacre had me fascinated and put me in mind of pastel hard candy.

Betty Sue King, The Pearl Goddess, can be seen at the AGTA trade show in Tucson the first week of February.

Learn more about Betty Sue King at...

Avi Raz has the gift of imagination and the incredible insight to see creatures in baroque pearls that few could conceive, much less conjure.

Here is a lizard with amazing details - multi-colored gold, gemstone eyes and a lovely pearl body. The lifelike texture of the skin makes you want to run your fingers over its bumps.



Front view


And a daintier cousin...


You can see past A&Z Pearls of the Week here, here and here.

Visit the website www.azpearls.com

Blaire Beavers
Managing...