Thursday, July 5, 2012

In the finest traditions of how Chrome Tourmaline "should" look. 4.65cts in one of my favorite styles of oval.

We were continuing to find nice quality Zircons in various colors. They were not all so distinct in their colors as some were more muted, but we've done so well with the Orange's, couldn't resist another one. 4.83ct

I don't believe I still  have a photo of this rough, but the final product turned out better than I anticipated. Blue Spinel in a classic square cushion, from Tanzania.
*photographed on an off-white background, though the photo was not adjusted for color. It really was THAT blue.





Probably one of largest, and nicest selections of Rhodolite Garnet we've seen in Tanzania for a long time. They look larger, but are actually all in the 3gram to 6gram range. Some are pinker and more desirable than others, but all very sale-able items.

*and this is still from the January 2011 trip to east Africa

And there was more....
This is Merelani Mint Garnet from a small pocket located in mid-December 2010. Our team arrived only a couple of weeks after these were uncovered from a site normally producing Tanzanite. Fantastic goods.


Have been back to east Africa a few more times in late 2010 and early 2011. We found some amazing gem rough to play with during 2011. Here's a small parcel of Sapphires from Umba Valley. As you can see, they arrive in various colors ~ and these are not yet treated!