I am inviting all of my gem hunting mavericks to come play and share Gem Adventure Stories from your travels.  I would love for you to share a couple memorable stories traveling hunting for a specific gemstone ie. diamonds, sapphires, pearls, emeralds, ruby, tourmaline, coral, amber, etc.  It would be a story that included helping, making a difference or positively affecting a child, person, or family in that area.  It would be great if it was a grand adventure.  This is your story and you will receive the credit by name or you may choose to be anonymous.

I will be happy to call you, record the story then send the transcript back for your approval.  These stories will appear on my website and in my new book.  

I look forward to hearing from you!  Have another miraculously adventurous day!

Deborah 

We celebrated in style with Steve Forbes, family and friends on the Highlander Yacht.  Champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowed freely as we wandered about the magnificent yacht.  I presented Steve Forbes with my 18kt yellow gold Beauty of Peace Dove Lapel pin…he loved it! 

Friends James Selwa CEO of Maserati, Glen Davis famed photographer, Jeff and Daryl Devlin CEO of Media Logic, David winner of the 2007 Le Manns and many other car races, Captain and authentic Scottish bagpiper.  The dinner was elegant and fun was had by all…the light rain did not dampen the lively entertainment and firework display - truely a magnificent evening. The Forbes certainly know how to entertain!  Thank you!

Glen Davis -Forbes     David, Jeff       Mr. Forbes, James Selwa   Sharon, Daryl     David, James

Photographer 

     The Beauty of Peace Dove Collection….

Glen Davis and James Selwa both wear the 18kt lapel pin…and as Glen shares “I wear it proudly”.        Visit Glen’s beautiful photo gallery at    www.ishootpictures.com   Enjoy!

   Celebrate Christmas at Macy’s Herald Square NYC …    Gorgeous Black Tahitian Pearls, Special Sea Shells and Gold!

    Working hard making beautiful Silk Cord Necklaces.             

Wonderful Brenda Waites Bolling!

It was very exciting venturing deep into the mountainside hunting for the blue-green, deep pink and other variations of the tourmaline gemstone! We began at Pala International and The Collector in Fallbrook with a tour by owner/gem and mineral connoisseur, Bill Larson. In 1968, Bill purchased three mines in the San Diego County area. Mining began there in the 1800’s though it was not until 1972 in the Tourmaline Queen mine that large gem crystals were unearthed.

Getting the lay of the mines by three world renowned Gemologists.

Very interesting and rare specimens of tourmaline and other gems and minerals….

Blue owner/Gemologist of the Stewart Mine gave us a personal tour of gem tourmaline deposits…what a spectacular day!

Hundreds of the worlds top gemologists, geologists, jewelers, designers, retailers, manufacturers convened at the San Diego Hyatt for the 4th Gemological Symposium…what excitement and controversary unfolded!  Symposium is a rarely held gathering of the international gem and jewelry community to debate, discuss and learn more about the latest technical, economic, and geopolitical factors affecting the industry.  The first was held in 1982 in honor of GIA’s 50th Anniversary, with subsequent Symposia held in 1991 and 1999.  The 4th is being held in conjunction with GIA’s 75th Anniversary.   The Symposium opened with former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright.  She gave a thought provoking perspective on today’s global political climate mentioning that she used her “famous” brooches as a political tool in meetings to show her current feelings of a situation.  What brilliance!  Her “brooches” book will be coming soon….   Deepak Chopra spoke about unlocking the hidden dimensions of our lives, Frank Abagnale of Catch Me If You Can fame shared amazing stories… and ways to protect our businesses and self.  There were many presentations such as mapping the future of diamonds, the great synthetic diamond debate, the changing landscape of jewelry, gemstone treatments, locality of gemstone origin, appraisal issues, ethical dilemmas and many more topics.  What I found interesting is that though some discussions became very heated, and topics were left unresolved, the feeling of unity for a greater world good was pervasive and inspiring.          This famous 4 ft, 7″ tall, 602 lb Bahia Quartz was carved by renowned gem artists Glenn Lehrer, G.G., and Lawrence Stoller and resides in the GIA Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, CA.

We celebrated the GIA’s 75th Diamond Anniversary in style on campus with live women fountains, overflowing champagne, incredible dining ala Celebrity Chef Paul Marshall and wonderful musical performances by String Theory and Chris Isaak complete with a firework extravaganza.  And, of course, the evening was not without an incredible rare gem & jewelry collection to delight our senses including the 108ct D Flawless emerald-cut diamond! 

It was a perfect week…so stimulating and creative…and of course, ending with an Italian Evening of Fashion & Jewelry.  Maurice Templesman closed our Symposium; and Ralph Destino, the former President of Cartier, replaced Bill Boyajian as President of the GIA. 

The GIA is regarded as the world’s foremost authority in gemology.  Their mission is to ensure the publics trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.