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.

Gem Quartz Origins - Brazil

Gem origins are of interest to many gem fanciers. This month we continue our visit in Brazil, a most important gem producing country.

Located along the eastern coast of South America, this former Portuguese colony dominates the continent in both land mass and economic strength.

As we stated in last months newsletter... Brazil may well be the most prolific gem producing country on earth.

This month we'll look at Brazil's treasure of gem quartz.

The many colors and other traits of gem quartz make it a favorite of mine.

Amethyst, the purple variety of gem quartz is a favorite of many gem stone fanciers the world over. Amethyst is among the top selling gems every year. Brazil is the world's largest producer of amethyst.

Citrine is another famous gem quartz. This yellow to orange gem occurs naturally in a variety of shades. It is also well known among Brazilian miners that gentle heating of the local amethyst can produce beautiful citrine.

Rose quartz is a favorite material for bead makers. This mostly translucent material exhibits very pleasing colors. Rose quartz is also cut in cabochon form for use as pendant and earring stones. On rare occasion, the earth yields transparent, facetable crystals.

Rutilated quartz can be striking in jewelry. Golden or black needles of rutile running through crystal clear quartz produce dramatic effects, and inspire jewelry artists.

Natural gem quartz occurs in many, many colors. Some are unique and rare.

Gem quartz makes a good jewelry stone. It's relatively hard and tough.

These stones often exhibit internal play of light, luster, pleasing color, and other fine-gem qualities. In the trade we say a stone like that is "gemmy."

One of the best features of gem quartz is it's price. It's not expensive, so you can have several jewelry pieces featuring amethyst, citrine, and fancy colored quartz gems.

The State of Minas Gerais is where much of Brazil's gem quartz is mined, usually along with other gem varieties. Many gem mines in the area produce more than one type of gem.

Brazil also produces smoky quartz, quartz crystal, and collectable quartz mineral specimens.

Next month we'll look at Brazil's fabulous tourmaline gems.

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Industry News

Early reports indicated that holiday jewelry sales were strong, including high-end pieces.

As the economy continues to strengthen, so will  gem and jewelry sales. It always has.

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Jewelry Dealers

Well ladies and guys, it was a pretty good season.

Now we can take a week or so off, recharge our batteries, and get ready for the Tucson Shows in early February.

And then it's Valentines Day, Easter, Mother's Day. Don't forget birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions.

There's always a market for gems and jewelry.

Keep talking about your jewelry business to your friends, treat the people well that they refer to you, get someone to host a jewelry party and expand your business.

There are many ways to grow your business.

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Jewelry Dealers Program

Do you enjoy jewelry and gems?

Do you enjoy talking with friends and co-workers?

Take a look at our great Jewelry Dealers Program.

Carolyn Doyle

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