Chapter Notes

Compiled by Larne Boyles

The Golden Gate Chapter invited Richard Von Sternberg, owner of Eight Star Diamond Company, to present “The Future of Diamond Cut: Performance Based Diamond Grading”

Jan. 22. Members took a visual-based analysis of brilliance, fire and optical symmetry to learn about the many cut parameters available to achieve maximum brightness in a stone.

“It caused a lot of people to pause for thought and just look at the visual appeal of the stone to determine if it is properly cut as apposed to looking at the statistics of the stone – a good thought-provoking lecture,” said Starla Turner, G.G., chapter co-president.

The chapter also welcomed fellow member Ron Ringsrud, G.G., president of Ronald Ringsrud Co., to present “Emerald Gemology – Emerald Marketing: How to Profit from the Public’s Love of Emerald’s Green” Nov. 20. More than 30 members got an insider’s view of the Colombian emerald industry and mining geopolitics from Ringsrud’s many years of experience. He also shared a sneak preview of his interview for an upcoming Discovery Channel special on Colombian emeralds.

Contact: Chapter Co-President Starla Turner, G.G., at (650) 599-9471 or teefam@ix.netcom.com

Members of the Illinois-Wisconsin Chapter met with Chicago area jewelry associations for a holiday party Dec. 11. In addition to networking, members collected canned food, mittens and hats for charity and made a cash donation to a local food pantry.

“It was really wonderful to have all of the Chicago associations come together for a fun and successful event,” said chapter President Jodie Diegel, G.G.

Contact: Chapter President Jodie Diegel, G.G., at (847) 858-4421 or jdiegel3@comcast.net

The Inland Empire Chapter heard a presentation on “Mining for Beryl and Topaz” from Ronald L. Base Jan. 18. During the slide show presentation, he discussed his experiences from traveling and mining in the pegmatite regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The chapter took a field trip to the Stewart Lithia Mine in Pala, California, Sept. 21. Mine owner and operator Blue Sheppard shared details of the mine’s history before members went underground to get an inside view of pegmatite.

“Members gained new insight into nature’s handiwork and man’s ingenuity as Sheppard unearthed the tourmaline mine’s dramatic history during the group’s extended tour,” said Chapter Member Matilde Parente, G.G. “As members dug for specimens from the mine’s tailings, Sheppard availed himself to an endless stream of questions about his experiences. Mojave-based graduate Dean Westman doesn’t believe he’ll ever ‘look at tourmaline quite the same way again’.”

Contact: Chapter President Rosemarie E. Evans, G.G., at (909) 864-2607.

Members of the Las Vegas Chapter welcomed John Koivula, chief research gemologist at GIA, to present “Diagnostic and Characteristic Inclusions” Feb. 24. Members were able to brush up on their skills with the hands-on, gem identification laboratory.

Contact: Chapter President Cindy L. Ramsey, C.G., at (702) 255-6500, ext. 1044.

The Long Island Chapter held a holiday networking meeting at the Governor’s Comedy Cabaret and Restaurant Nov. 20. The event allowed members to take a break from the upcoming holiday rush and get together for a fun-filled evening.

Contact: Chapter President Barry Block, G.G., at (516) 248-8130 or bblock@jewelryjudge.net

The Manhattan Chapter welcomed Catherine Russo Epstein, G.G., who presented “Gems and Crystals in the New Age” Jan. 13. She spoke about the folklore behind the healing properties of gems and crystals.

Serge Boro, vice president of Lazare Kaplan International, Inc., spoke to members about “Ideal Cut” Dec. 3. He shared the different definitions of an ideal cut diamond and discussed proportions vs. performance and how they affect marketing and branding.

“Mr. Boro is a great speaker, with a down-to-earth attitude seldom found with people having his credentials,” said Irma Davidson-Gomez, vice president of the chapter. “I especially enjoyed the ‘proportion scope’ demonstration, which I found to be an amazing tool for the trade.”

Chapter members invited Rob Bates, senior editor at JCK magazine, to present “The Buzz on Diamonds” Nov. 19. He explained recent developments on the Kimberley Process, Supplier of Choice and other pertinent issues facing the diamond industry.

Contact: Chapter President Merle Koblenz, G.G., at (860) 927-0179 or merle@koblenzestatejewelry.com

The New England Chapter invited Gloria Lieberman, vice president and director of Fine jewelry at Skinner Auctions, to present “Setting Values” Nov. 18. Members learned how to place a value on rare gemstones and jewelry items.

Contact: Chapter President John A. Caruso, G.G., at (617) 529-4367 or Jcgems@surfree.com

The Utah Chapter welcomed bench jeweler Kevin Wood who presented “Pavé Setting” Nov. 21. He took members through the different steps involved in custom pavé diamond setting. He also gave a live demonstration of popular setting techniques.

Contact: Chapter President Elizabeth Lane at (801) 463-2791 mail4ann@yahoo.com

The Washington D.C. Chapter announced their new officers in January: Toby Fitzkee, president; Bill Scherlag, vice president; Etta Saunders, secretary; and Michele Zabel, treasurer. The new members-at-large are Fred Ward, Bobby Mann, Carolyn Chappell and Davia Kramer.

The chapter invited Camilla Dietz Bergeron, frequent instructor at the “Jewelry Camp,” to share her knowledge and samples of “Fabulous Forties” jewelry in January. Her lecture wove a rich tapestry of socio-economic factors that contributed to the creation of this unique period in jewelry design.

December’s Annual Holiday Party and Auction was one of the best attended in the chapter’s history and set a record in the bid totals. Proceeds from the auction provide the operating funds for the next year’s chapter meetings and speakers.

“The lively evening was organized by the indispensable and incomparable Bobby Mann,” said Chapter Secretary Etta Saunders. “He and fellow auctioneers Carolyn Chappell, Bruce Gaber and Martin Fuller kept the bidders entertained and on their toes.”

Dr. John Emmett spoke to the chapter about the lattice diffusion of sapphires to create padparadscha colors in November. His lecture with its multitude of PowerPoint images provided a clear understanding of the treatment method and how to determine its presence.

Contact: Chapter Secretary Etta Saunders at (301) 990-0901 or ettasaunders@yahoo.com