Tag: jade

Posted on

32 Green Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?) from the IGS

The International Gem Society has produced another outstanding article with great writing and photographs. I’ve clipped just a little to give you a hint. The IGS is to be congratulated for producing such high quality work:

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/green-gemstones/

—-

 

by Addison Rice

SUMMARY

Since ancient times, emerald has been synonymous with “green.” However, there are so many more green gems, giving you plenty of alternatives to the classic emerald. Learn how to assess color and quality in green gemstones and which gems are best for everyday wear in an engagement ring.

READING TIME: 19 MIN

tsavorite ring

This ring features a favorite stone among jewelers and collectors, the green garnet tsavorite. © Kat Florence. Used with permission.

Table of Contents [hide]

  • Assessing Color and Quality in Green Gemstones
  • Green Gems Ideal for Everyday Use
    • Jade
    • Verdelite and Chrome Tourmaline
    • Green Garnets: Tsavorite and Demantoid
    • Bloodstone
    • Green Diamond
    • Maw Sit Sit

 

——

Follow me on Instagram: tgfarley

https://www.instagram.com/tgfarley/

Posted on

Bryan Smalley and Hidden Treasure Trading Company in Goldfield, Nevada

I visited Goldfield, Nevada twice this past week, stopping in each time to check on Bryan Smalley’s Hidden Treasure Trading Company. Byran continues to do fine things in Goldfield.

Bryan runs one of the Southwest’s most interesting rock and gift shops. His rock shop complex encompasses three buildings; don’t leave until you look into all three. Bryan carries jewelry, much of it local, much made by himself, maps, books, cabs and slabs, and some rough.

Check out this wonderful jasper he is now cutting. He has hundreds of pounds more.

Hidden Treasures Trading Company
489 Bellevue Avenue
P.O. Box 512
Goldfield, NV 89013
775-485-3761
775-485-3485

Bryan is expert on local rockhounding and accomplished at lapidary. He does knapping and can talk authoritatively on making flintlock strikers from locally collected chalcedony. Need advice on polishing? He has it.

Ask locals where Bryan is if you can’t find him. Try the Dinky Diner. Goldfield citizens won’t mind you asking, in fact, they are very friendly. You should give a wave to people as you drive by. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find his shops at first. Drive around. You’ll enjoy your time.

Bryan has a minimal web presence but he is busy with real life, finding rocks, cutting rocks, and making jewelry. When investigating the nearby Gemfield Gem claims, make plans to see him. Well worth the effort.

[email protected]

Yes, he made that door himself. And the shop.

Follow me on Instagram: tgfarley

https://www.instagram.com/tgfarley/

Posted on

Jade Piece Drilled Out

Some may remember that I took a jade carving class sometime back. That class resulted in my first rock carving, pictured here. We were asked to carve our idea of a leaf. I meant it to be a key fob.

 

Now, thanks to the talented lapidary artist and jeweler Jason Fabbi, my piece has indeed become one. Jason drilled a neat hole at the top of the carving with a drill press using a special bit and plenty of water. Unlike wood, drilling stone requires patience, as the bit must be inserted slowly, operated for a while, then backed out. The procedure repeats itself until the work is done. Thanks, Jason!

 

The result.

 

I have also commissioned Jason to do a one-of-a-kind piece for me. It will be a bolo tie with the center stone made from gold in quartz that I found years ago. More on that in future posts.