The California-Golden Gate Chapter took a field trip to Alleghany, California, (population 62), to check out the "Sixteen to One" gold mine May 22. Members were guided through the tunnels by the mine geologist who pointed out enormous, gold-bearing, quartz intrusions.

The group donned lamps, boots and hard hats to walk through the control room, processing plant, tunnels and caverns beneath the Sierra foothills. They also ate lunch like miners, in the depths and darkness of the caves. The tour ended at the shop where gold pieces were slabbed and polished.

"We got to see a whopper-of-a-piece of gold in quartz, so heavy it helped to have two people holding it," said Starla Turner, G.G., chapter co-president. "We finished off the hot, sunny California day at the local pub looking at the fine specimens we purchased and the rocks and minerals found in the tailings of the mine. We also enjoyed the camaraderie that only a field trip can provide."

If you would like to report on the Golden Gate Chapter's future activities in Chapter Happenings, contact Turner for more information. Contact: Chapter Co-President Starla Turner, G.G., at (650) 348-4983 or e-mail: teefam@ix.netcom.com

The New York-Manhattan Chapter welcomed Don Kay of Mason-Kay to present "Appraising Jadeite Jade" April 21. He discussed specific appraisal techniques for jadeite - when to bid high, when to bid low and when to "stay away until further testing is done."

He also explained what appraisers need to consider when placing value on jadeite and shared various forms of material, including cabochons, beads, bangles and specialty items. Contact: President Merle S. Koblenz, G.G., (860) 927-0179, e-mail: merle@koblenzestatejewelry.com or go to www.manhattangiaalumni.org  

Members of the Washington D.C. Chapter met April 13 for their annual Tucson panel discussion where members shared what was new and special at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows. A presentation led by the chapter's resident pearl expert, Lois Berger, discussed pearl trends from a variety of pearl types, their environmental issues, sources, grades, availability of such pearls and wholesale costs. Examples of numerous pearl types were on-hand for examination.

Chapter member Fred Ward shared several opal photographs he'd taken "reminiscent of kaleidoscopes with brilliant color and flash." Vice President Bill Scherlag concluded the evening by summarizing the chapter's Tucson overview, while member Denise Nelson shared her views on the show, focusing on the buyers, dealers, onlookers and gems. Chapter members shared and discussed many pieces from their own finds after the presentation.

Contact: Chapter Treasurer Michele Zabel at (301) 365-0712, e-mail: RomaineAnn@aol.com or go to www.dcgia.org

California-Orange County

June 22: The new chapter held its inaugural meeting with more than 20 members in attendance.

Contact: Chapter President Ruth Fitzgerald, G.G., at (949) 495-7800 or e-mail: rcf22@cox.net

Caribbean Islands

April 21: Chapter President Ivanne Farr presented a Tucson update with members while Charles Benbow, member-at-large, shared the details of his trip to Hong Kong.

Contact: President Ivanne Farr at (340) 775-0812 or e-mail: farrlands@hotmail.com

Colorado

April 28: Award-winning jewelry designer Matthew Crawford spoke about innovative designs in unusual metals, such as niobium and stainless steel.

May 26: Coin dealer and appraiser James Bixler presented "Ancient Coins: Gold, Silver and Bronze from Alexander the Great to the end of the Roman Empire."

Contact: Vice President Merlin Beedy at (719) 347-2116 or e-mail: merlinbeedy9@msn.com

Georgia Chapter

May 10: GIA Extension Instructor Gary Megel, G.G., presented a "Pearl Grading Seminar."

Contact: President Kathryn Kinev, G.G., (404) 634-8355 or kkinev@jewelcreations.com

Illinois-Wisconsin

May 24: Robert Chodelka, Ph.D., of Gemesis, presented "Gemesis - An Industry Update on the State of Synthetic Diamonds."

Contact: President Jodie L. Diegel, G.G., at (847) 477-7825 or e-mail: jdiegel3@yahoo.com

Michigan

June 20: Richard Drucker, G.G., of Gemworld International, presented "State of the Gemstone Industry."

Contact: Vice President Orin J. Mazzoni, III, G.G., at (734) 422-7030 or e-mail orin3@orinjewelers.com

New England

June 15: Al Gilbertson, G.G., GIA research associate, presented "The GIA Cut Grading System."

Contact: President John A. Caruso, G.G., at (617) 529-4367

New York-Long Island

April 13: Lillian H. Shapiro, vice president of the New York

Diamond Dealers Club, presented "How to Sell a Diamond to an Internet Customer and How to Enhance Your Retail Store with a Web Site."

June 15: JoAnn Sperano, paralegal specialist with the JVC, presented "We Live in a Litigious Society!"

Contact: President Edward A. Lewand Jr., G.G., at (516) 429-2622 or e-mail: ealcas@msn.com

Ohio

May 1: Christie Romero, jewelry historian and noted author, presented "Gems in the Jewels: A Timeline of Discoveries and Synthesis."

Contact: President Kiran Khaitan, G.G., at (330) 630-1103 or e-mail: Kiran@gemologists.org

Pennsylvania-Delaware Valley

May 2: Gary Roskin, senior editor at JCK, presented the "Tucson 2005 Update."

June 12: The chapter took a field trip to the Smithsonian Institution to view "The Allure of Pearls" exhibit.

Contact: President John Anthony Jr., G.G., at (610) 664-8777 or e-mail: jajr@johnanthonyjewelers.com

Washington State

June 16: Tom Chatham, president of Chatham Created Gems, Inc., presented "Created Gemstones: Past, Present and Future."

Contact: President Joseph Paul, G.G., at (360) 479-2668