Sunny Tucson

[Sagebrush]

Hello All,

Arrived in sunny Tucson night before last. Will be here for two weeks. Spent the first day at the Ole Pueblo, my favorite show.

Will report on any new gem fines. Hear good things about the new Oyo red tourmaline from NW Nigeria.

Any PScopers here say hello.


Best,

 

[RockHugger]

Im jealous!!!!! I wanted to go soooo bad. Dave agreed we can go next year though.

 

[Lovebaubles]

Sounds like fun, wish I was there

 

[innerkitten]

Please keep us posted. It''s always exciting to hear stories about what''s new at the Tucson gem show.

 

[Fly Girl]

I''ll be thinking of you down there in sunny Tucson, Richard. Love your eye for fine gems. Excited to see what you find and looking forward to your reports. Red tourmaline sounds lovely.

BTW, I''m still working on "The French Blue". Husband wants to read it next, so I better hurry along.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Definitely jealous. Thanks for keeping us posted!

 

[RevolutionGems]

Richard,

I just sent a note to my contact in Nigeria to see if he can give me any info on that material. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE keep us posted.

Are the Oyo mines still producing any of the Paraiba-type material?

 

[Largosmom]

Hello back from snowy southern Virginia and thanks for letting us know what is up!

 

[Sagebrush]

Rebekah and I spent the day at Centurion. That's the ultra-luxury show that actually pays a retailer's way in Tucson, food and lodging. It is located at Westin La Paloma. Great view of the mountains.

Being from New England, I don't take them up on it. If you pay my way I feel obligated to buy your product, so I prefer going as a day tripper---nice lunch though!

Pleased to report, this year things have changed. There is a new optimism and people are buying! I think the recovery may be catching on!

 

[Sal from Cal]

Glad to hear that things maybe looking up Richard. Looking forward to your reports....

 

[StonieGrl]

Richard, all good to know, thank you for the update. I''ll be there February 11-13.

Rain predicted middle of this week and early next week. Cold for us Arizonans but not you easterners, LOL.

Glad to hear people are buying, I was told that last year there was very little buying going on.

 

[Sagebrush]

Well, yes there is some buying going on though it is slow. The mood, however, despite the constant drumbeat of bad economic news is hopeful!

I have been mostly searching for stones for clients and have found prices fairly firm, no sign of the big discounts I have heard about from some quarters.

The AGTA show is visibly smaller but seems well attended as is GJX. Very few fine unenhanced rubies to be found. Yesterday I saw a few exceptional sapphires both heated and not. Found a wonderful padparadscha and a fabulous 1 carat gem pigeon blood Burma ruby, perhaps the best I have ever seen.

The weather today is lovely. Rose early and watched the magic of the sunrise over the desert. The false dawn is the time of mystery. The saguaro like stick men or sentinels outlined against a milk-gray sky. The clouds brushed like a watercolor with broad strokes of gray. As the sun rises over the hills it uplights the clouds and with a lining of orange, pink and umba!

Best to you all,

 

[marcy]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I so wish I was there.

 

[Sagebrush]

All,

Home again, next stop Bangkok. Doing a lecture at GIA on the 24th, if you are in Bangkok please come by.

Will have an update on the new demantoid from Madagascar as well as Ethiopian opal, will post it here.

Best,

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 2/17/2010 2:15:01 PM
Author: Richard W. Wise
All,

Home again, next stop Bangkok. Doing a lecture at GIA on the 24th, if you are in Bangkok please come by.

Will have an update on the new demantoid from Madagascar as well as Ethiopian opal, will post it here.

Best,

Very interested to hear about the Madagascan demantoid.

So... when are you coming to lecture at Gem-A?

 

[Sagebrush]

Pandora,


Well, just had a brief interview with Gem-A CEO Dr. Jack Ogden. As you know Jack is a noted historian and it was really a pleasure talking with someone so well versed in the history of the trade.

Hoping to see a short review of The French Blue in the Gem-A newsletter then who knows, Rebekah loves London and of course, it would be an honor to give a talk at Gem-A.

Best,