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SPECIAL FEATURES INDEX
Editorials,10th Anniversary! - Behind the Scenes 1
Site Updates - Society News
Featured Gems, Scapolite - Q & A
Show Schedules - Club Lists - Gem News
Still more Special Features in our Archives
EDITORIAL
10th Anniversary!
By Donald Clark CSM IMG
President
The International Gem Society was founded in the summer of 1998. It was a daring move, but one that seemed appropriate. Time has validated this move, as the IGS is now one of the most popular gemological organizations in the world. If you Google terms like "gemology course," "gem identification," or "gem grading" IGS pages will appear in the first three listings. That is a good indication of how popular you have made us!
While high listings are nice, what is most satisfying is the mail I receive. I hear "thank you" every day from people we have helped. We have found our niche and people appreciate it. They use our site regularly and many have contributed to our content.
The IGS is dedicated to making gemological information affordable and easily available. However, we also wanted to expand and improve gemological methodology. We have taken advantage of computers and the Internet's potential to make information easier to find and easier to keep up to date. New information is constantly coming available and with web page formatting it is easy to update.
The Internet also makes communications faster and easier. Through email, most people's questions are quickly and easily answered. For those particularly difficult questions, we ask the membership through our weekly newsletter. From the thousands of people reading it, we reach a knowledge base that covers every subtle aspect of our industry. From jewelry to optic design and everything in between, we have experts ready to help. This is the power of the Internet and the blessing of our membership.
On our anniversary, I want to thank everyone who has made the IGS what it is. Not just the authors of specialized information, but to the thousands of everyday people who have learned from our site, helped refine it and sent in their questions and comments. I thank you for making the International Gem Society the most popular and most used gemological site in the world.
History
For those of you who are new to gemology, here is a brief background of how things used to be and how they have changed.
Affordable Education
Prior to the establishment of the IGS, a gemological education was very expensive. It cost over $3,000, and required that one devoted a lot of time to their study. Excellent courses were available through the GIA in North America, the FGA in Europe and others, but only for those with the necessary resources.
As with any subject that interested me, I began my study in the local library. I was soon disappointed at the information available. I could look up terms like refractive index and dichroism and I could also look up the properties of minerals. However, I could not find an adequate explanation of what instruments were necessary or how to use them, nor could I find a systematic method of identification.
Beyond the library, I began buying instruments and books from stores and the trade magazines. I absorbed as much information as possible and was still a just a mediocre gemologist. In most cases I could tell people what a stone was not, but rarely could I make a positive identification.
During a period of disability, I was able to take the GIA's Colored Stone course. For the first time, I was able to put all I had learned into perspective. It contained detailed information on how to use the instruments and how to proceed with an identification. However, once getting back to work, with lingering health problems, completing the course became impossible.
It didn't seem right, that this information should be reserved just for those few who had the time and the money to take one of these courses. I was both shocked and humbled that it should fall on me to create an affordable gemological education, but that was my fate. Today, anyone can learn gemology, regardless of their time and financial budgets.
New Methodology
That was just a beginning. Thanks to writings by Dr. Hanneman, I knew that there were many more gems than were covered in the GIA material. Where the GIA, and most other organizations, focus on the hundred or so stones "most likely to appear in jewelry," Dr. Hanneman listed the data of 3,000 minerals.
That led me to a new method of gem identification that proved to be practical and valuable. A classic example was when a customer came into my store wanting to know what her purple gem was. She explained that she had inherited the stone from her grandmother. She had taken it to several different gemologists and had been given several answers, ranging from amethyst to sapphire.
She didn't want to pay for another examination, so I took an RI reading and did a quick search for possible gems. After reviewing the data compiled for all 3,000 minerals, the most likely possibility was sapphirine. That encouraged her to allow a complete examination, which verified that it was indeed a sapphirine.
The lady was delighted! After years of wondering, she finally knew what it was her grandmother had left her. Where her other gemologists had failed, was that sapphirine was not in their reference materials. They were not incompetent, they simply didn't have the information to look up.
At that point, identifying gems required knowing the refractive index and specific gravity before beginning a search. While measuring the RI is fairly straight forward, determining specific gravity is not. The process is time consuming and errors are common. Once having that information, the next requirement was to reviewing long lists of data. It was easy to get confused, or miss important information.
A few years ago, I was asked to review a new software program called Gemology Tools Pro. I told the author, in private, that it was a good product, but lacked information on thousands of gemstones and therefore I could not give it a high recommendation. To my surprise, he asked where to find the missing information. It was an enormous project, but he referenced several books and added every material ever used as a gemstone.
Gemology Tools Pro revolutionized the way we reference data. Being in a searchable database, it reduced the tedium and the errors associated with reviewing long lists of data. However, I soon discovered that its properties were much more valuable than just that. It used to be that one had to know the RI and SG of a gem to do a search. That is because they are the two properties least shared, the ones best suited to making a separation. With Gemology Tools Pro, one can easily search for any combination of properties.
This led me to an entirely new method of gem identification that is based on the information that is easiest to obtain. With a visual inspection, an RI reading and a quick polariscope test, one can identify most gems. Even when this is not enough information to make a positive identification, the search results are short enough, and the data easy enough to obtain, that the final separation is quick and easy.
Determinative Gemology is an outline of the new procedure. It has greatly simplified the methodology of gem identification as well as reducing the errors.
In addition to the new search methods, several other steps have been taken to simplify gemological education and practice. We have comparison charts that put all relevant information in one place. Good examples are our Diamond Look Alike Comparison Chart and Identifying Garnets Simplified.
We have also received several compliments for the way we have presented things like Appraising Opals and Corundum Treatments. Again, all relevant information has been put in one place to make it easier for you to reference.
Behind the Scenes 1
Running an e-business is interesting because you rarely get to meet the people you correspond with. Through emails, I get to know some people to varying extents, but rarely very well. I just get clues, like one member devotes her summers to studying wild flowers and studies gemology in the winter. That makes me think fondly of her, although I do not know her well.
Occasionally someone will put their picture on a web site so I get to see what they look like. It is rarely what I had imagined. One person reminded me of a timid little bookkeeper. He turned out to be a close resemblance to Paul Bunyon! I will never know what most of our members look like, but I do enjoy it when I meet them or see their picture.
Names can be fun. While it is in bad taste to make a joke about someone's name, or where they live, I can still have a quiet laugh. Like when Elvis became a member, I had to ask myself, "Are you the REAL Elvis?" Part of why I found that humorous, is that he joined the same day as Carol King.
Typographical errors and misspellings are common, but I don't dare correct someone's name or address. I have had Yreka turned into Eureka by a clerk. Eureka is another town a hundred miles away. It is very annoying that someone should think they know how to spell my address better than I do.
Still, when someone spells their name Georg, I have to wonder if their fingers weren't a bit lazy. I also get a chuckle when they give me an address like Paris, Texas or Moscow, Idaho. It makes me realize how much I do not know!
Email addresses bring up an even wider area of interest. Some of the more memorable are, 1 Lucky Texan, Strawberries Rock My Socks, U B Wise, Niffy Pom, Myself, and Stinky Pig. People also refer to themselves as Silver Fox and Rainbow Lady, Twist of Fate, Wrinkles, Splendid Lady, Blue Whale, Perfect Angel, Puddles, Astro Smurf, Giddy Yuppy, Gypsy Dreams, Spook Diesel, Stormy Dawn, Rain Crow, Shark Chaser, White Tornado and Blue Frog. Not to mention Hands of Time, Shrink To Go and Horse Folks. I could go on, but you get the idea.
The only thing I enjoy more than gemology are people. They enrich our lives in innumerable ways. So here are to all the characters out there, thank you for being who you are.
Site Updates
Specific Gravity Testing
We have updated our lesson on Specific Gravity Testing. You will now find all the information on a single page, plus there is new information that was not previously available.
In the last few years I have become increasingly aware of the difficulty people have taking accurate specific gravity readings. Thanks to IGS member, Raul Berenguel, we now have a detailed section on refining your techniques. I learned something from this and I expect you will too.
We have a new Specific Gravity application, compliments of Gemology Tools Pro author, Bill Wise. I have received a couple of complaints that some people were having trouble getting the old one to work properly. I asked Bill for help and he came up with a new version in just a few days. It is this kind of dedication that has made Gemology Tools Pro an essential piece of software for gemologists.
The new application is easier to use than the old, DOS based version. In addition, it includes correction factors for water, toluene and carbon tetrachloride. It is just 339 Kb, so everyone should be able to download it. The link is http://www.gemsociety.org/sg.exe.
Our thanks again to Bill for creating this.
Society News
Congratulations
We have two newly certified IGS Professional Gemologists; Fabien Laham and Mohammad Younis Ahmad Alzawbaii, both from Beiruit Lebanon.
We have certified several gemologists from Beiruit. This is the result of our Middle East representative, Edward Gassoub. Mr. Gassoub took it on himself to set up an IGS branch office to improve the quality of education for the area.
The gem and jewelry industries are important to Lebanon and the Middle East in general. Prior to Mr. Gassoub's efforts, people had to travel to Europe or North America for their training. Due to the cost and complexities, few were able to manage it. Today, they have the training expected of a professional and can achieve it without an extended stay in a distant country.
While we are congratulating our newest certified gemologists, we really need to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Gassoub. His work has benefited many and we compliment his accomplishments.
Buyer Beware!
There is a new auction site that I have been watching for you. This site supposedly auctions good confiscated by law enforcement agents from around the US. When they first came out, they left a lot to be desired. Prices were good, but their descriptions were so poor you had little idea of what you were bidding on. Now they have someone reviewing the jewelry items and the descriptions are much better.
One big problem the site has is an inconsistent return policy. On their Shipping Policy page, it states that returns will only be allowed for wrong item or wrong quantity shipped. In other places it states, "If you are not happy for any reason, please feel free to return the item!" They also list restocking fees from 0 to 15%.
A lot of the confusion comes from the fact that they let other merchants sell on their site. Each has their own shipping, return and restocking policies. So, as always, buyer beware! :-)
Restocking fees are becoming more popular on auction sites. When you see one it should raise a big RED FLAG!!! A restocking fee guarantees the seller will not lose money on a return and may even make a small profit.
This is deceptive, just as handling fees are. Some sellers try to justify handling fees as a legitmate operating cost. However, goods are marked up to cover overhead as well as profit. It is deceptive to offer something for one price and then add an additional fee on top of that.
If you purchase something for $100 with a $10 handling fee and a 15% restocking fee, it will cost you $25 to return it. The numbers grow as the value increases. You may pay $25 handling fee on a $2,000 item and have to pay a $300 restocking fee to return it. With those conditions, it may be worth keeping, even though it wasn't what you paid for.
Now consider all the inaccurate listings you have seen on auction sites. Do you really want to pay someone for something that is misrepresented? That is what you are leaving yourself open to when you agree to handling and restocking fees.
Traveling With Jewelry
Wall Street Journal has an article that will be of interest to many of your. It is called, The Ins and Outs of Traveling With Jewelry.
Is It Beautiful?
Art Jewelry is a broad term for those pieces that are not traditional. This link will show you one example. I think you will find it interesting, although I question how many of you will like it.
Here are a couple links to tantalize and possibly inspire: Jewelry and Makeup in Ancient Persia and a 101 Carat Diamond which is expected to go for $8 million.
The AGTA just released the results of their 2008 Spectrum and Cutting Edge contest. Click here to see the winners. And, if that wasn't isn't enough, click here to see all 597 entries!
IGS member Doreen K Sanborn had some of the finest entries, (including the one pictured here.) Doreen has a website, www.dkdesigns.com, that features very affordable jewelry.
This is what our "Is it Beautiful?" series is all about. The AGTA awards feature some of the finest examples of modern jewelry and gem cutting. You may not like them all, but they are certain to inspire and enhance your creativity.
Diamond Refunds
DeBeers has lost a class action suit alleging price fixing. If you have bought a diamond, or diamond jewelry, in the last 12 years, you may be entitled to a refund.
For full details on the law suit and how to apply for a refund, see http://articles.moneycentral.msn.co...GetARefund.aspx.
Mini-Quiz
In February we ran this quiz to test your knowledge of phenomenal gems.
1) The most desired color for aventurescence in moonstone is blue.
True
False
2) What stone is known for its known for its "milk and honey" effect?
Corundum
Chrysoberyl
Garnet
3) Which of these stones is not known for their color change?
Alexandrite
Sapphire
Ruby
Spinel
Tourmaline
4) Clarity grading sunstone is done when the schiller is illuminated.
True
False
5) Rose quartz is know for its Tenebrescence.
True
False
Overall, our members did very well, which shows that you have been studying. The only question people had trouble with was number 1, "The most desired color for aventurescence in moonstone is blue." There is no aventurescence in moonstone, it is known for its adularescence, or adularia.
I usually avoid this type of tricky question, but included this one to make a point. One problem people have with our exams is not reading the questions carefully enough. I too am prone to scanning text and not reading it carefully, but when taking an exam you cannot afford to do that. You need to slow down and read the questions carefully. If not, you can make a costly error.
Our Winner:
Our Grand Prize winner was Barbara Woodling of Perryville, Missouri. She already had a copy of Gemology Tools Pro, so she chose a one year extension to her IGS membership.
You can also be a winner by ordering a copy of Gemology Tools Pro from the IGS Book Store.
Answers
1) The most desired color for aventurescence in moonstone is blue.
True
X False
2) What stone is known for its known for its "milk and honey" effect?
Corundum
X Chrysoberyl
Garnet
3) Which of these stones is not known for their color change?
Alexandrite
Sapphire
X Ruby
Spinel
Tourmaline
4) Clarity grading sunstone is done when the schiller is illuminated.
True
X False
5) Rose quartz is know for its Tenebrescence.
True
X False
If you need a review see Phenomenal Gems.
Q & A
Question
Hi Don,
I was wondering if you could help me with a possible explanation why my SG was so low on G1-3. I weighed it about 5-6 times, on different days, and it never got any higher.
I want to be able to attach reason to this so I can watch out for this in the future. When taking SG readings, what can I do to make then as accurate as possible?
Sue
Answer
Dear Sue,
Try using our specific gravity utility, (www.gemsociety.org/sg.exe if you don't already have it.) Put in small weights and vary them by a couple points. You will find the results vary considerably.
For example, if your stone weighs .66 carats in air and .45 in water, the SG is 3.14. However, if you measured .47 it would be 3.47 and if .43 it comes out as 2.87. That is a huge difference from just a couple hundredth of a carat variation. This is why you have to take your readings as an approximate. The subtlest differences can make a significant difference!
This was one of my prime motivations for doing Determinative Gemology. It takes away the need for SG readings, while speeding up the identification process.
Sincerely,
Don Clark
Question
Dear Bill,
One of our members reported this problem: "In Europe, Latin America and the majority of the countries, the decimal point is the comma, being the point an thousands separator. Well, Gemology Tools only works correctly in identification if you have the Windows Regional Settings set to US system. It is very annoying changing the settings to work with Gemology Tools and reset again the regional settings again when you leave the program."
Do you know of a simple solution?
Sincerely,
Don Clark
Answer
Dear Don,
I'm well aware of this problem. In fact, one of your members gave me a solution to it. Your members, (or anyone for that matter,) can find the download for a short program that will allow them to make a shortcut on the their desktop to start GT Pro. When they do it will automatically change their system to the American decimal. When they close GT Pro it will automatically change their system back to their country. To download:
http://www.gemologytools.com/html/faq_s.html
After the fourth FAQ you'll see the download. Read the text files and follow the instructions.
Regards,
Bill Wise
Gemology Tools Pro
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