Keeping with St. Patrick's Day.....the world of peridot!

I do love the color green, maybe because it's one of the colors of the Italian flag and it is the birthstone for August. Yes, I am Italian and my birthday is in August. Peridot has a fascinting history both in nature and culture. It is one of the oldest gemstones, ancient records document the mining of this beautiful gemstone as early as 1500 B.C. This gem is especially connected with ancient Egypt, some actually believe the famous emeralds of Cleopatra's were actually peridot, not emeralds. Most gems are formed in the earth's crust, yet the two exceptions are peridot and diamonds. Peridot forms in magma, which is approximately 20 to 55 miles deeper than the earth's crust. Then, brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity. I think the entire gemstone growth process is absolutely fascinating.

Also, another thing that sets this gemstone apart from others is it's one of the few gemstones that forms in only one color an olive-green. The intensity and tint of the green, is determined by the amount of iron that is contained in the crystal structure. So, the color of individual peridot gems can differ from yellow, to olive, to brownish-green. In rare cases, peridot can occur in medium-dark tones, visually pure green with a secondary yellow hue or brown mask.

Truly a lovely stone for those who fancy the color green. Some yummy jewelry below; what is your favorite piece?

18K White Gold Round Martini Studs With 48 Diamonds=.18ctw GH-VS2/SI1 and Two 6.5mm Peridot=2.00ctw

"HENRY DUNAY" List price ~$32K D~4CTS 2P~6CTS

18K White Gold Ring with a Burmese Peridot=16.71ct and 68 Diamonds=.58ctw G-H/VS2-SI1

18k Yellow Gold Agate, Peridot & Diamond Pendant

* This is a pendant that I designed, thought you might like to see some of my work!

Aquamarine, the transparent and versatile gemstone.....

The beryl species is one of the most notable gemstone families. Many people are only acquainted with the most famous beryl - emerald. But the family includes several important gemstones, including; aquamarine, morganite; in honor of the American banker and gem collector J.P. Morgan. Morganite is usually a soft pink to violet, yet a salmon-color is also known, helidor; also known as golden beryl and maxixe, least common and least known of the variety that is dark, sapphire blue in color. The different varieties of beryl are distinguished by their color, significant transparency and color. Deeper color blues command higher price per carat.

The traditional source for aquamarine is Brazil, yet recently some very fine Mozambique material has made it to the market for sale. Aquamarine ranges in color from a faint light blue to blue and bluish-green, with lighter colored stones being the most common type. Light green beryl can be transformed into aquamarine if heated. The green hues in most aquamarine can also be removed through heat treatment.

Aquamarine is the second most popular of the beryl, named for it’s seawater-like color. The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin words: aqua meaning “water” and marina meaning “of the sea”. It is the birthstone for March.

On the Mohs hardness scale they have a hardness of 7.5 - 8. Compared to a diamond, which is the hardest at 10 on the scale. A stone that is hard enough to wear often because it is durable, yet it may develop internal cracks if banged hard against something. Aquamarine is often completely flawless, unlike emerald. Aquamarine with visible flaws are rarely seen.

Aquamarine crystals range from very small to very large and can be up to 100 lbs. in some cases. Large stones are available, yet it is difficult to use very large stones in jewelry.


Princess Diana famously wore a large aquamarine ring during her visit to Sydney, Australia. The stone was emerald cut, flanked by diamonds and set in yellow gold. The Princess had commissioned the ring herself and would often wear it together with a diamond bracelet.


The below photos; several aquamarine specimens, stunning aquamarine and diamond briolette drop earrings.

18K White Gold Earrings with Aquamarines wit a total weight of 92.57 carats and Round Brilliant Diamonds with a total weight of 2.28 carats G in color and VS in clarity. 

We have these earrings in our stock today, please contact me more information. Thank you for reading and I love hearing your comments.

In the final days.....

It’s hard to believe the end of this five month journey is in site. All twenty members of class #207 are preparing, imagining, fearing, sweating and feeling a sense of hope they will soon complete this rigorous yet empowering Graduate Gemologist course. In the first several weeks of the course our professor told us stories of well educated people who never completed the course. They were not prepared for how intense the course was, nor were they willing to do the amount of work in a lab setting to complete the requirements for the degree. Don’t get me wrong, everyone has their own level of resilience and desire. If we didn’t know prior to attending the GIA course, we definitely know now how resilient we truly are.

The 20 stone test seemed to be months away, then before I knew it the following Friday would my first attempt at taking the test. The school allows each student five attempts at taking the test because the diagnosis of all 20 stones needs to be 100% accurate in order to pass and receive one’s GG. I have to admit that my track record in getting a 100% on any test in school was rare. Okay, so if we were talking about art, fashion or what jewelry design house created the Macri Collection with hand engraving made in Italy and the most incredible craftsmanship going back to the early 1900’s, I could most certainly tell you it was Buccellati. But, 100% accuracy on determining 20 stones with zero errors… now that is a tall order!It’s not that I am not capable or that I can not apply myself in the way necessary to accomplish the grade. However, some of the information was so complex that I needed to break it down into small chunks so I could retain and review everything. Sometimes it took four times before I could actually retain it. The course moved so rapidly, that at times I felt I was falling behind. On weekends I would study 8 hours on both Saturday and Sunday, while other students were taking trips, playing or attending class bomb fires at the beach. Unfortunately, I did not have the luxury of playing on the weekends. I knew if I were going to pass the course and obtain the level of education I wanted, I needed to apply myself as I had never done before. I was ready and I did it. Occasionally, I broke away for an early morning hike. Enjoying the amazing area of California helped me focus and prepare for a long day of study.

I found it interesting the reasoning behind the high standard of testing is that GIA is known through out the world as having the best gemological educational facility, laboratory and research department of our time. Their reputation extends far and wide, and they want to protect both the student entering the trade as well as the general public. An error in evaluating a stone for a client or making a large purchase of Columbian emeralds, if not diagnosed correctly can be a costly mistake. The school is preparing their students to enter the trade with the necessary information they will need to succeed. I have come to respect and appreciate this high level of standard. I am very grateful I was able to accomplish it.

The past five months for me was both challenging and rewarding.  I have a better appreciation of the process now that I am on the other side. I passed the 20 stone test with 100% and was thrilled beyond measure. It felt so good to select one by one the small manila envelopes, remove the stone, test the properties and then make my calls. I had a natural ruby, that prior to my GIA education I would have called synthetic because the color was slightly pinkish with a very bright tone, but through my education and knowing what inclusions only appear in natural stones, I was able to call it correctly. Next, I had an opal triplet and at first it could have gone either way synthetic or natural. With my microscope I viewed the play of color and not seeing any snake skin effect or consistent pattern throughout the opal, I knew it had to be natural. I was delighted to get what I thought was an amber stone. Once I put it in the testing solution and it floated, I had confirmation it was a natural organic gem called amber. A beautiful blue sapphire showed up as one of my stones and because it had straight color zoning, I took the RI determining it was sapphire.  Now the call was synthetic or natural and the zoning determined the call being natural sapphire with no treatment call necessary. Another of my stones was a Jadeite and this stone through out the course had made me nervous because sometimes I could see the dye band in the spectroscope and sometimes not. Calling it Jadeite could be an incorrect call if it is dyed. I had done this several times on my practice 20 tests. In this case it showed me a dye band, and all I could think to myself was thank you, thank you, thank you! Calling it dyed Jadeite was the correct call! I felt confident as I finished the test and reviewed my calls and yet not second guessing myself or changing my call too often. Turning the test in I was hopeful yet not overly confident because one minor treatment miss, natural or synthetic, and the fun ones like Scapolite or Amethyst when the properties overlap and additional testing not easy to determine need to be done in order to call it can be the one stone that takes you down.

So, as you can see in reading my blog, gemology is no only a science but also a love of mine. I am elated because I have wanted to get my Graduate Gemologist degree for several years now.  It was a goal of mine. I feel accomplished having obtained the credentials I have always wanted. It feels good! Thank you all for your support as I walked this wonderful journey, yet I have the distinct feeling this is just the beginning of a new and tremendous journey for me. I have an appreciation for colored stones, diamonds and aggregates that is so much more in-depth than when I began the pursuit of my GG and for that I am grateful.

                                   

                                                   Diamond macle with perfectly formed Trigons  

Phenomena Gemstones

       Myself, Elizabeth Ellman, Nina Spano (GIA teacher), Julie Ewer, Sierra Petey Jones & Mengshuan Lin.

Phenomenal Gems - The Feldspar Family

Phenomenal Gems - Labradorite Feldspar & Moonstone Labradorite Feldspar

Feldspar is most widespread mineral on the earth's crust and has some of the most diverse gemstones. I have designed jewelry using Labradorite Feldspar for years, not knowing that this gemstone was part of a large group of related species with several different varieties. The feldspar group has many members. Some are suitable for jewelry, while others are not because of either their lack in durability or availability. Members of this family vary slightly in chemical composition and sometimes crystal structure. The gemstones vary widely in appearance and it is the chemical elements that make up the appearance. Interestingly enough, some of this family has a phenomenal appearance while others do much the same way as some people in a family stand out more than others. 

Moonstone has been very popular for decades. In the 1960’s during the “flower child” movement ,it was popular for it’s exquisite beauty. In the 1990’s ,the New Age movement turned to it for it’s natural beauty while the luxury jewelry industry started designing with it in the early 2000’s. I personally became aware of the gemstone then, and have loved it ever since. Several designers, whose work I admire,  such as those from Saks to Nieman’s, who have used Moonstone in their collections. It’s a stone that catches your eye because the vivid adularescence, which is noticeably appealing. Anything sparkly interested me, which most of you know by now.

The moonstone is a variety of Orthoclase while Labradorite is it’s variety as well as species. Top quality moonstone is found in Sri Lanka while commercial grade, which is primarily most of the gemstones you and I will see, is mined from Myanmar and India. Most often you will see moonstone in as a cabochon gemstone. It is so plentiful there are calibrated sizes, meaning standard jewelry size stones available a the wholesale level.  Another labradorite variety is Sunstone that is mined in Oregon and is not treated. Some buyers search out as well as it being a gemstone from the USA.  

There is a place on the Cambria Coastline in California that is called Moonstone Beach and after a heavy storm one can find moonstone gems on the beach amongst the rocks on the shore line. During the storm the water churns up gemstones, separating them from the earth's crust while the surface to the beaches shore line. This is a place on my bucket list! If it wasn't a 5.5 hour drive from San Diego I would venture there several times a week while here in California to see what I can find. 

Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel Island one can find sharks teeth on the beach on any given day. It's amazing what mother nature provides to us that is both beautiful and fascinating to explore.

Labradorite was found on the coast of Labrador ,Canada around 1770 ,by a missionary, hence the name Labradorite. This stone is used decoratively, often as carved into designs for a richly patterned look. Fine Labradorite Feldspar shimmers with a unique iridescent phenomenon that you can see below in some of the earrings shown. 

If you have not been aware of this gorgeous gemstone family, I hope you can appreciate and find a love for this stone as I have. Thank you for reading this week's blog and until next time sparkle on…..

Designer Paula Crevoshay's blackened-gold, faceted blue moonstone, fuchsia, sapphire, and diamond cymbidium orchid brooch is part of the Garden of Light collection by Crevoshay. It is a painted jewel.  ~ Moonsonte(18)=29.24ct. Red Spinel(25)=0.78ct. This brooch is from Provident Jewelry's Collection, Naples, FL.

Kaufmann de Suisse since 1954 has designed distinctive elegant jewelry and the company has won five Diamond International Awards building a reputation as a world famous designer catering to the elite of society. This estate necklace is set in 18k white gold and the 9 moonstones have a gorgeous blue sheen with a milky or cloudy look to the cabochon. This is a necklace that can be worn for many occasions from casual to elegant, it just needs the right outfit styled correctly and the right attitude!!! This necklace is from Provident Jewelry’s Collection, Naples, FL. 

      

Maryann Scandiffio Jewelry Design - Labradorite Felspar, the earrings on the left are a greenish grey with a pink and white sheen while the x-large earrings on the right are a highly prized gemstones because of the blueish grey color and the luscious blue sheen that this gemstone is known for. Although to me, it’s a personal preference in color composition that makes you happy when selecting the perfect piece for you. At the end of the day it’s about finding what gemstone speaks to you, will make you happy when you put it on and is something that won’t sit in your jewelry box. Jewelry is meant to be worn and adorned…...

* If you have any interest in any of the items above please contact me for more details.

The road that is taking me on this journey....

The road that is taking me on this journey……

This week I would like to take the time to tell you exactly how this journey has been going thus far. When I originally arrived that Friday afternoon at the Gemological Institute of America, GIA, for my orientation in classroom #207, I was excited, anticipating a fabulous as well as relaxing shall we say, "VACATION" type summer-time in Southern California. Of course, I knew there would be work involved, but truthfully, I had not expected my days to be too rigorous. I have been in the jewelry and luxury industry for more than 20 years. I design jewelry and anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE everything about jewelry.

I missed the class orientation. It was held the week before I arrived.  My schedule did not allow me to be at the school at that time. So I arranged with the administrations office for my orientation on the Friday before the Monday school start date. I walked in and met my instructor, Tim, who showed me my desk assignment. There was a stack of 3 ring binders, books, pamphlets and assorted instruments on the desk. I foolishly asked him what was all that the stuff on my desk and to my surprise, he told me it was my course curriculum.  Shock rushed through out my body. Then he informed me I had three chapters to study over the weekend before class on Monday. Alarm set in as I realized this program was going to be more serious than I had expected. In high school I rarely found the subjects interesting, and sometimes it was hard to grasp all the information coming my way. How was I going to weather this storm that was about to take place. The thought came over me, maybe this idea of getting my GG wasn't the best one I have had recently!!!

Well, here I was, hitting the books again. Being older, and I would like to think more well rounded, my approach to studying at this time was different than high school.  Age and experience of life have helped me. Today, I work to achieve improvement of one small milestone at a time. My expectations are more realistic. The last eight weeks have been challenging. I have had to work my catoocas off, but my time here so far has remarkably rewarding. When I was twenty I would have compared myself to others, today I have learned to compare myself to myself. When I have a little victory, I make a big deal about it-- for me. This has helped me to stay here, in this course and finish out what I set out to do. There were two times in the past several weeks that I thought, I can't do this. The work is too hard and I just don't have what it takes. Well, I have accepted that is not true. That thought is was an out and out lie. I DO have what it takes -- one stone at a time, one question on the test every Friday at a time.

Oh, and did I tell you that by the last week of September, I will have looked at, and graded, 1,860 stones.  When I heard that number I almost fell off my chair. Not only do I need to see that many stones, but each week there is a stone count that is required, with a test every Friday on the course work, cumulative up to the date of information given. The final kicker was when I was informed that this course work in an Ivy League college would take 2.5 years. We are doing it in less than six months. This GIA course is no joke. Boy, did I embark on some character building work, or what???

My fellow students are from all around the world.  Some of them are the most fascinating, lovely, kind in spirit people I could ask to meet. Angel, my study partner, car pool buddy and dear friend, makes me laugh so often that I remember not take myself too seriously. He truly is an angel and the smartest, most driven person that I am fortunate enough to know her at GIA. Elizabeth, a real Nicole Kidman look alike, could not be any more encouraging. She is as beautiful as she is kind and an extremely well rounded woman. Julie, a hippie girl from Berkley, is a third generation jeweler and as cool as they come. She’s an incredible sketcher and very spirited with a joy for life to that is infectious. David, second generation jeweler and race car driver is totally laid back. He really knows how to enjoy the moment. He’s a perfect example for me of someone wearing life like a loose garment. Then, we have Bruce, who surprises me more often than not, with something I do not expect. He reminds me of my brother, big heart, funnier than funny and appreciative of life. He is a veteran who has served three tours and for that alone he deserves applause as well as admiration in my book. And lastly, I can not finish without mentioning Faris.... A 6" 4 inch, smile to melt your heart, and our class president. If I was 20 years younger I would be trying to get in all sorts of trouble with him! A true gentleman and remarkable young man that his parents can be truly proud of the person they brought into this world. These people are some of the finest human beings that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I learn from them and my admiration continues to grow the more I get to know them. M xo

Course curriculum.... who knew?

Mined rough _ A Gemologists Heaven

Left to right; Faris, Julie, Andrew, Elizabeth, David, Seth, Derek & Chin

Tasteful & timeless turquoise......

Turquoise is valued for a combination of its ancient heritage and attractive color. Its finest color is an even, intense, medium blue, sometimes described as “robin egg” blue.  Although, some prefer a greenish blue as seen in some contemporary designer jewelry.  This color is anywhere from avocado to lime green turquoise. The source for top color is the Nishapur district in Iran, the country formerly known as Persia. That’s why you may have heard of “Persian turquoise” before. American & Mexican turquoise is light blue, or greenish blue to bluish green in color. While Egyptian turquoise is greenish blue to yellowish green. The bluer the shade the more copper it contains. 

The stone is often cut into cabochons, but you will see it in beaded jewelry as well as flat pieces of inlays often found in Native American jewelry. In the 1970's, this gem was extremely popular. The largest and most consistent market for this beautiful stone is the American Southwest. The Sleeping Beauty mine is in Globe, Arizona, which is the world's top turquoise producer. 

I found it interesting that in the Victorian era there was a surge in ornate turquoise jewelry designs. I have always associated it with the Native American culture. Fine estate pieces from the Art Deco period of the early twentieth century are often set in platinum combined with diamonds. Such vintage treasures occupy the high end of today’s turquoise market, and Provident Jewelry has a dynamite collection of turquoise time period pieces. Below are two pairs of earrings that are absolutely stunning.

Until next week, remember to sparkle on and thank you for reading!

This week’s blog is called Amazing Amethyst…..

Well, this week’s educational lecture began with Amethyst, which is in the quads family and highly prized for centuries. During the time of the ancient Greeks, this stone was thought to be magical and have medicinal properties. It was considered to be equal to ruby, emerald & sapphire. Russia was the major source of this gemstone until the 19th century, when a huge deposit was found in Brazil. The finest amethysts are strong in saturation, medium-dark to dark reddish-purple, or purple with no visible color zoning. Color zoning means uneven distribution of color throughout the gemstone’s body.

Fine and commercial-quality amethysts recently emerged from the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona. Other sources of amethyst include Canada, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, Sri Lanka & Tanzania. 

Something I found interesting was that amethyst when heat treated becomes Citrine, and with further heat treatment you will have Prasiolite.

These stunning 14k White Gold Amethyst & Diamond Earrings are a lovely color with enough pizazz to complete any outfit. You will notice the amethyst stones are accented by yellow gold to show off the color perfectly. The two center amethysts are 5.55 carats in total weight with 1.09 carats of white diamonds. Of course we have much more of a selection in fine gemstones.  These range in price, as well as style and adorn a variety of rings, bracelets, necklaces and pins.

The second photo is four 18k Roberto Coin faceted gemstone rings from top to bottom; Prasiolite, Amethyst, Citrine & Blue Topaz. All of which have diamonds surrounding the gemstone adding brilliance to the look.

What’s your favorite gemstone & why? I’d love to hear, so let me know.  Thank you for reading this week’s course of learning. Until next time, be sure to sparkle on….

Trends from Vegas

The jewelry industry’s largest trade show for finished jewelry is in Las Vegas the first week of June every year.  It just took place. I had planned to attend to cover trends, but with my school curriculum and schedule it was not possible.  I was particularly sorry to miss this year’s ART DECO offerings.  This is another trend you will be seeing a great deal of in magazines.  We buy, sell and trade a huge selection of estate jewelry at Provident. Our collection of Art Deco is timeless. Normally, the designs are very intricate, yet with simple looks; usually set in white gold or platinum with diamonds, accented by strong geometric shapes of colored gems like coral and black onyx together. Other designs use diamonds and the accenting colored gemstone would be ruby or blue sapphire. The Art Deco period was mid 1800’s to 1915, so it is jewelry that has been passed down from generation to generation. If you’re fortunate enough to have had one of these heirlooms passed down to you, I encourage you to wear it, now’s the time.  If you don’t have such a treasure or would like to own one, you know who to see for a piece that speaks to you. This time period look I love to style with my everyday wardrobe, because it’s about wearing the jewelry for me, not keeping it in the jewelry box or a safe or vault.  I can’t appreciate it there! 

Oh, how I hated to miss the show this year as it is the most exciting thing for a girl who so passionately loves the jewelry world as I do, but other things prevailed, namely, my GIA education.  In lieu of my attending the show, Scott Suchy, the GM at Provident Jewelry, 766 5th Ave., Naples’ store, and Aaron Steinberg the Managing Partner in Ft. Myers, filled me in on the scoop.  Of course, I also research the trade publications that help me stay abreast of important industry information as well as talk with my Women's Jewelry Association buddies.  I have compiled a list of things you will be seeing in the fashion magazines, on television, and in stores going forward.

The first trend is GEOMETRIC SHAPES which was seen in earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets. The fabulous Roberto Coin cuff in the photo below is a fantastic example of geometric shapes. Roberto Coin of Italy is a staple brand for us at Provident Jewelry because the product is so well made, easy to wear, and the designs speak for themselves.

STATEMENT NECKLACES like this lovely Gucci 18k White & Pink gold with diamonds necklace is definitely a show stopper. All a woman needs is that simple black dress in her closet to pull this off, and trust me I know every woman out there has one in her wardrobe. The trend, from simple statement necklace, to the big and bold, is whatever you prefer.  This can be something you can incorporate into your world without a lot of effort. All price points are available. One just needs to know where to shop.  Please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to help you find your hearts’ desired statement necklace. You might do well to consider Gucci, another Italian designer who has a collection for every woman.

The last trend noticed was COINS & CAMEOS, which are always interesting items. I have always loved cameos, I guess it’s my Italian heritage. They were very popular in Ancient Rome, especially in the Augustus family circle.  Oh, how I love Italy... The creation of cameo carving goes back many generations in an Italian jeweler’s family, it is a laborious process that requires love of the art. The cameo shell bracelet is one of particular elegance and beauty, the theme is of a woman dancing and playing a musical instrument. Typically cameos are oval in shape, consisting of a portrait in profile carved in relief on a background of different colors. See below Provident's dancing ladies cameo bracelet set in 14k gold.

That wraps it up for this week. I hope you have enjoyed reading and I always love to hear your comments and feedback. Ciao' for now and make it a sparkling day......

Roberto Coin Fancy Colored Diamond Cuff

Gucci 18k White & Pink Gold "Flora Necklace"

14k Yellow Gold Ladies Dancing Cameo Bracelet

One of the "BIG THREE".....

This week we spent time learning about the “Big Three,” as they are referred to in the jewelry industry: ruby, sapphire and emerald. I would like to focus on emeralds because I feel that I have misunderstood this stone more than any other. Emeralds are a precious stone variety of beryl, and typically have natural inclusions noticeable to the unaided eye. Inclusions will decrease or increase the value of the stone depending on numerous factors; such as size of inclusions, placement in the gem and type of inclusions. Eye-clean emeralds are extremely rare and exceptionally valuable. Frankly, most of us will never see an eye-clean emerald in our life time. Trade members and some consumers accept emerald inclusions as part of its character and charm, yet others do not see inclusions this way. I myself have not liked the way inclusions look in a gemstone until I arrived at GIA and have started to learn about the complexity of them. I am acquiring an appreciation for what mother nature does in gemstones.

The emerald inclusions are sometimes described as mossy, plant roots or garden-like.  They are also referred to as “jardin," which in French, means garden. Leave it to the French to make anything sound good!!!

Most emeralds on the market today are treated with fracture filling, improving the clarity of the gemstone. Although this does not make the stone eye-clean it does enhance the color and clarity of the gemstone. Just about everything we buy today is treated. For example, the fabrics in the clothing and the furniture we buy have been treated before selling. Without treatments, supplies of many gems would decline in the jewelry world, and their prices would rise astronomically, making them unaffordable to most. Why should jewelry be any different from anything else we buy. So, all-in-all, treating gemstones sounds like a good thing to me. Would you agree?

Just a few emerald bobbles below for you to view from Provident Jewelry at 766 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102. We would love to talk to you about the variety of items we have to offer and I especially would love to talk to you about everything or anything jewelry related. Until next week and thank you for your interest! M xo

Play of Color.....

The week begins with Gem Identification basics such as most gems are minerals. Learning about everything from fine, untreated, natural gems to synthetics, imitations and treated stones. The process of gem identification involves the elimination of possibilities through general observation; being a three step process. Then a series of testing with equipment, tools and liquids to narrow the findings to a fit the gem.

It’s been a challenging yet an interesting week. Most of it was challenging, but my experience has been like my golf game. I shoot 15 mediocre holes, 2 good and 2 shots on two of the 19 holes make me think I can actually play. Those two holes give me the willingness and the hope to come back another day giving it another try!

The class consists of 75% of the students from other parts of the world, like China, Thailand, Cambodia and Mexico with the rest from other parts of the country. Majority of them are in their 20’s some in their 30’s with myself and one other woman in our 40’s. I am the oldest and find it funny because in my world in Naples, I tend to be a young person compared to those around me.

Jenny, this lovely and stylish girl from China was helpful to me during our lab this week. In order to connect with her I asked how to say, thank you in Chinese. She told me, “xie xie” her face lit up like a Christmas tree. I could tell she was touch I had made the effort to speak her language. 


One thing discussed was that play of color, which is flashes of spectral colors produced when layers of minute spheres and voids break up white light causing a rainbow effect. It’s summer and we tend to wear bright bold and beautiful colors at this time of year. These stunning fire opal earrings with 2 carats of diamond, 5.36cts of sapphires and 2 opals totaling 7.37 carats are a perfect pair to go with a gorgeous black dress for that date night with the husband or if your a girl like me you’ll wear these with a pair of jeans, simple top and black heels. Additional jewelry wardrobe piece I would choose to add with this would be a white diamond gold bangle keeping with the glamorous look. My feeling when it comes to accessories is pick items that are bold making a statement. These two choices from Provident Jewelry will most certainly make a statement that every woman will be admiring……

The arrival to San Diego, CA, sunshine and palm trees.....

I arrived in San Diego, CA, on Friday, 13th, picked up my rental car, then immediately headed to the Carlsbad, GIA campus. Greeted at the admin’s office by a lovely young woman who had me fill out paperwork.  Just reading the orientation questions was a long laborious process, almost as lengthy as buying a home.  I met instructor, Tim, in room #207, where my class will be held Monday.  He showed me which desk would be mine. There was another student in the room at the

time, Derek, who it turns out, is also from Southwest Florida.  His family owns a jewelry store in Cape Coral.  I noticed the 3 HUGE 3 ring binders and many other spiral notebooks on my desk.  I asked Tim what these were, and to my surprise, this was the course material. Wow, I thought, they aren’t joking here. At that moment I realized I had not prepared myself for what I was actually embarking on. Truly I thought I would breeze into school, learn a little, meet new people, look at some gems and be on my merry way…..

Tim reviewed the course expectations, probation, homework for Monday & campus rules.  I realized this journey is more serious than I anticipated. Thank God I had the weekend to get myself prepared and mentally ready for the experience.

Monday morning I arrive at campus, got to class and what a lovely surprise; my instructor is Lea, who I previously had as an instructor two years ago in Pearl Grading.  At the end of my Pearl Grading course in 2014, Lea & I spoke about my getting my GG. Last I knew, she was going to the GIA Thailand campus to teach over there for several years. Lea is a dynamic woman, an amazing instructor and previously, a professional skydiver in Florida. So what a total treat to reconnect and have the opportunity to be in her class again.

At GIA, the courses are run in a methodical and structured way, easing the sometimes tedious process of learning, for a creative mind like myself.  We were informed that by the end of the 4 months we would have completed a grading for 1,860 stones. That to me sounds daunting, but I keep telling myself, “Maryann you only have to do this one day at a time”.  In the first week we completed 20 stones, learning about hue, tone & saturation.  Hue is the first impression of a gem’s body color. Tone means degree of darkness or lightness of color. Saturation is the strength or intensity of color. These are technical terms to describe a stone’s color accurately. There were many interesting colors, shapes & sizes throughout the week.  This is the part I enjoy the most, because I get to see, touch & feel the stones.

My favorite stone of the week was a rectangular step cut bi-colored tourmaline. Bi color means it has two different colors in the same stone, a technical term to describe it would be intentional color zoning. I fell in love with the stone from the moment I saw her. She was long, slender in length with a gradual color change. The body color was pure and rich in hue, a beautiful green with the perfect color pink. Her tone was medium to dark consistently distributed throughout the stone. Then finally, the saturation was just yummy, both colors being strong and intense. This is a stone I would love to have, designing with it would be a thrill.

Below is a ring from the Provident Jewelry Collection that is in the Tourmaline family that I thought you all might like to see.

This 18k yellow gold estate Tourmaline totaling 3.00 carats and Diamond weight is 2.40 carats ring. She is absolutely stunning in my book when it comes to rings. The color of this tourmaline is so vibrant and eye catching and believe me, everyone will notice this on your hand! Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this fabulous ring.

What a lovely, tiring and exciting week. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and until next week!

Heading to GIA for my Gemology Degree....

And so the journey begins in obtaining my Gemologist Degree with concentration on colored stones. The process entails leaving the quaint little town of Naples, FL,  my family, co-workers at Provident Jewelry and two decades of friendships for the next four plus months. Heading to Carlsbad, CA to attend the Gemologist Institute of America where I will be in a classroom setting Monday through Friday from 8am - 3pm learning all about colored stones, new treatments, where the stones originate from and much more. As I contemplate, I am reminded how long it has been since I attended school full time and I assure you, it's several decades.

With a Gemologist Degree I will still be buying, selling & trading jewelry plus able to do appraisals.

My coworkers Alexis, Rachel & Andrew are with me in the photograph below. Thank you all for the support and encouragement as I go out on this adventure to pursue my degree.