Volume 2 Issue 3
March 1, 2009

Dear Friends,

With its snow capped Catalina Mountains and desert warmth, Tucson welcomed us for our 28th trip to the world’s largest gem show.  There was a definite guarded optimism among the designers and purveyors of fine gems and mineral specimens.  If one expected “deals” there were none.  As usual, the finest gemstones, carvings and minerals command true prices, reflecting their rarity.  Again there is no limit to the obscene quantities of low quality goods.  There were fewer buyers, but the seasoned vendors know the demand will return.  The strong and resolute DO survive.

18KY Gold Amethyst and Diamond Ring

This ring features the amethyst. It is the purple variety of the mineral species quartz. Quartz is the most abundant mineral on earth and the varieties are many. Amethyst is the most costly and prized member of the quartz family. It is one of the first gemstones used by man. The ancients believed it would prevent drunkenness. Smokey topaz is a misnomer and actually the brownish variety of quartz; citrine the yellow variety. There are new colors of quartz in the market that exist only because of gem enhancements. Rock crystal quartz is my personal favorite specimen. It is transparent. An easy way to determine if a rock crystal ball or carving is genuine is by the coolness of the mineral to the touch.

Our daughter is recovering and our grandchildren are now home with her. Aman is diligently translating at a new base in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Our son and his family are moving to London. Life’s changes bring continual challenges.

Thank you again for your patronage and friendship. We appreciate all of you.

~HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY~

With love,
Lornie and Rose