AZGem Gems
July, 2008
 
The World's Most Useful
Gem & Jewelry Monthly Newsletter
Written by Carolyn Doyle for customers of
The Dorado Company
and other visitors to the
azgem.com website who subscribe.
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Usable Gems... and a little opinion.
Topaz Gems In Jewelry
Topaz gems in jewelry is the subject suggested by the
questions "Is topaz a good jewel for a ring?". and "Is it as good
as my sapphire from Africa?"
The quick answers are... yes, and... we'll discuss African
sapphires next month.
Topaz gems in jewelry look great because topaz is a
bright, lively gem.
Topaz gems in jewelry wear well because topaz is hard
(rated 8 on the Moh's scale). Topaz is the hardest of the silicate gemstones.
Topaz is available in many colors, both natural and
enhanced. Some of the rare, natural colored gems are very expensive and in
demand by collectors. Natural red topaz is one of those rare and expensive
varieties.
Imperial topaz (see photos above and right) is a peachy,
toasty, pinkish-orange color. Some people refer to this color as precious
topaz... and others refer to yellow topaz as precious topaz.
Topaz is the birthstone for November. Generally this
brings to mind the imperial and yellow colors, but a November baby has my
permission to use any other colors they wish.
Blue topaz is also recognized as a December birthstone.
There are many shades of blue topaz, and almost every stone is enhanced to
achieve that color.
 The
most popular shades are (left) Swiss Blue and London Blue, which is a darker and
more steely color to my eye.
The first enhanced blue on the market was Sky Blue, which
looks similar to aquamarine. This color is popular as well.
Pink topaz and white (colorless) are not seen as often as
blues, but they make beautiful jewelry as well. (Photos near the end of this
article.)
Diffusion treatment offers a host of colors. Several years
ago, we participated in diffusion treatment research with another company. We
have a modest inventory of these stones that I
have never offered to
customers. A mentor counseled me on several occasions to "not fall in love
with your merchandise," so they are now available to you. Send me an email
for details.
Mystic topaz is the rainbow effect stones. The metallic
display of multiple colors is achieved by a microscopic coating of titanium. I
do not have any mystic topaz.
 Topaz
gems in jewelry is a good thing:
Topaz
gems in jewelry is an excellent choice.
I keep topaz gems in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes
available because of their popularity. Send me an email and tell me what you
want.
Do you want a great deal on topaz gems? We mine topaz in
Tanzania and buy finished pink and imperial topaz from Brazil. My prices are the
best around.
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Click on the box...
and have Google start putting money in your bank account! |
imperial topaz or blue topaz or similar search
terms return a number of
internet listings and ads for your information and convenience. Enter a search phrase in the Google search box below
Gem Industry News...
Paraiba, The Place and/or The Color
In the March issue http://www.azgem.com/newsletters/newsletter-03-08.html
of this newsletter, I mentioned that many gemstone vendors at
the 2008 Tucson Gem Shows were using the word paraiba to
describe color.
Now the owner of a Paraiba, Brazil, mine that
produces copper bearing tourmaline is involved in a legal tussle with the
American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) over the use of the word.
Can copper-bearing tourmaline gems from Nigeria
and Mozambique be described as "paraiba tourmaline?"
Can other varieties of gemstones with blue or
green color similar to copper-bearing tourmaline from Paraiba, Brazil, be
described as "paraiba tourmaline?"
Letters, threats, charges and counter-charges
seem to be flying between attorneys.
You can find links to news accounts covering the different stages of this
cat fight by performing a Google search using the keyword phrase paraiba
lawsuit.
Jewelry
Dealers
A recent article in a JCK
newsletter focused on the importance of keeping your customers.
The article made the point that you can reduce expenses
by selling (again) to those you have done business with
before.
To quote a snippet from the
article...
"Keeping your best customers
loyal to your store can be a cost-effective way to increase
business when compared with the expense and effort of
attracting new customers, said Kirsten Darrow, marketing
director of Fred Meyer Jewelers."
The point is just as valid for dealers that do not operate a
brick-and-mortar store.
While many of you develop new customers and thereby grow
your business through referrals from existing customers, other
methods that entail more out-of-pocket expense are used by many.
Jewelry parties, exhibiting at flea markets, and traditional
advertising can be effective ways to recruit new customers, but
they all carry a cost.
New sales to your existing customers can sustain you in
business... and provide the funds needed to recruit new
customers and grow your business.
Jewelry
Dealers Program
Do you enjoy jewelry and gems?
Do you enjoy talking with friends and co-workers?
Could you use an extra income source?
Take a look at our great
Jewelry
Dealers Program.
Carolyn Doyle
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