Discover Precious Metal Clay – Jewelry Artist Carrie Story Offering Classes at #TucsonGemShow

October 21, 2012

When you have most major Designers and Makers in one place at one time you would be nuts not to check into classes and seminars.  Some of the most talented and brightest minds in the field will be teaching in Tucson during the Tucson Gem Shows…we will be highlighting some here!

Jewelry Artist Brings Metal Clay Excitement 
to Tucson Design Students

North Carolina Artisan, Carrie Story will be teaching Jewelry Design classes using Metal Clay at the JOGS Show and The Tucson Bead Show, February 3rd through February 10th, 2013.  

Fine silver metal clay, is a versatile, easy-to-use material that allows just about anyone to make their own beautiful, real silver jewelry in a matter of hours.

Metal clay is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze, or copper mixed with an organic binder and water for use in making jewelry, beads and small sculptures. 

Originating in Japan in 1990, metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, the clay can be fired in a variety of ways such as in a kiln, with a handheld gas torch, or on a gas stove. The binder burns away, leaving the pure sintered metal.

Since its introduction to the US in late 1995, metal clay has found enthusiastic users among jewelers, polymer clay artists, bead makers, hobbyists and enamellists.

Throughout her career, Carrie ‘s design expertise has been apparent, today she is an  accomplished jewelry maker and highly sought after, enthusiastic instructor.

From an early age, Carrie exhibited an interest in the creative arts and garnered recognition in college, winning a state award in graphic design for four custom pieces showcased in area museums. In 2005, Carrie began creating beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings and soon after established her own business, Divine Ornaments.

Carrie quickly developed a passion for metal clay after taking several classes, which fueled her desire to share her vast knowledge with students. Known for her approachable and dynamic teaching style, Carrie maintains an enjoyable atmosphere where students feel free to express their own gifts and talents while encouraging individuals’ creativity, curiosity and appreciation for art; Carrie’s dedication to teaching is obvious to her students.

Carrie, gains creative inspiration from nature and the animals around her.  She currently serves as a Contributing Artist for Metal Clay Today and has had her work in Metal Clay Artist Magazine.  Carrie is a Certified PMC Instructor and holds membership with The Creative Center. Carrie is committed to her own professional development and continuously seeks out opportunities to improve her skills so that she can best serve her students.

Carrie will be offering a variety of classes in Tucson – from Beginners Metal Clay, Building Rings and Setting Cabochons to UV Resin.

For more information about classes, times and dates or to Register please visit Carrie’s Website Divine Ornaments:  http://www.divineornaments.net/

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Weekend Vendor Spotlight – Wolfe Lapidary!

October 6, 2012

We have grown accustomed to seeing Tom Wolfe Minerals & Petrified Wood at most of the major Gem & Mineral Shows. Cases of SPECIAL & RARE GOODS at the 2012 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show!….but do you know about their latest e…

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AGTA Announces Tools, Technology & Services Pavilion at GemFair™ Tucson

August 19, 2012

New Tools, Technology & Services Pavilion 
at 2013 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is pleased to announce the new Tools, Technology and Services Pavilion at the 2013 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson Show.

After conducting an extensive survey of show attendees the number one thing the buyers asked for was more tools, technology and services! This is an important category for many buyers and the expanded pavilion adds a lot of value for those buyers who are interested in the many products that will be offered. The synergy of the exhibitors in the pavilion makes it easier for buyers to focus on this category when shopping at GemFair.


GemFair is one of the few shows to offer this specialized pavilion in Tucson. Product and educational demonstrations will be offered in the pavilion through out the show in order to increase traffic. With all of the new excitement and build-up around the pavilion AGTA will dedicate additional resources to marketing its fabulous new location and amenities!

If you have a manufacturing component in your business, the Tools, Technology and Services Pavilion is a destination you must see in 2013!

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What Would Winning An AGTA Spectrum Award Mean To You?

August 18, 2012

If you get a moment go over to YouTube and watch the new videos from the AGTA…they are interviewing winners of the Spectrum Award. They each answer Two questions…1. Tell us about your winning entry.2. What did winning an AGTA Spectrum Award me…

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Collector Day At The Westward Look Fine Mineral Show 2012

July 15, 2012

This is just Part One of my coverage of this show that has, due to the gorgeous minerals, fabulous exhibitors and collectors, captured my heart.  Collectors Day is a celebration and a fixed date on my Tucson Calendar because I meet up with a brill…

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AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards

July 10, 2012

One of the most prestigious competition in the Gem & Jewelry Industry is the American Gem Trade Association’s AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards…



These stunners make their world debut at the AGTA GemFair in Tucson and at all of the Spring Red Carpet Events…





Exposure – YES?  Worth Entering –  I think SO!!!



For more info http://agta.org/awards/index.html
For Entry Form, Rules & Regs (.pdf)  http://agta.org/awards/docs/2013-spectrum-invitation.pdf



 Launched in 1984, the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ honors, recognizes and promotes designers whose work utilizes natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design.  It has become the benchmark for jewelry designers striving to gain recognition for their work.  In 1991, the AGTA created the Cutting Edge Awards to honor creativity in lapidary arts, including faceted gems and pearls, carvings, and objects of art.  Both are a true contest of workmanship, creativity and innovation.  Winners set the standards of excellence for our entire industry.  The Spectrum Awards competition has launched trends, increased visibility for designer jewelry, and inspired great innovation in use of color and materials.

The Spectrum Awards is considered the finest jewelry and gemstone competition in the world.  The judging panel changes each year and consists of experts from different disciplines within the jewelry industry.  Each piece is examined by hand with an eye for craftsmanship and quality of the materials used.
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#WordlessWednesday – Vendor Spotlight – Tony & Dolores Worth

July 4, 2012

I will be posting a Vendor Spotlight every Wednesday. In the spirit of #WordlessWednesday – it will include only the basics – Caption and Contact Information…Enjoy!Tony & Dolores Worth at the JG&M show!One of those vendors that doesn’t h…

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Vendor Spotlight: Joe Jelks of Horizon Mineral Custom Lapidary

June 13, 2012

I will be posting a Vendor Spotlight every Wednesday. In the spirit of #WordlessWednesday – it will include only the basics – Caption and Contact Information…Enjoy!Joe Jelks of Horizon Mineral Custom LapidaryProbably the hottest find in Tucson -…

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GIA Tucson: GIA Alumni Awarded Global Honors

April 1, 2012

GIA Alumni Receive Global Honors
Leadership and achievement awards
Gail Brett Levine,
recipient of the 2012 GIA Int’l Leadership Award.
Image courtesy of Levine.
CARLSBAD, CA. – Alumni of GIA (Gemological Institute of America) were recognized for their chapter contributions during the annual GIA Alumni Association dinner, auction and dance party held on Feb. 3 at the Tucson Gem Show. Gail Brett Levine, Graduate Gemologist, of New York received the 2012 International Leadership Award; and Lanis Mosher, Accredited Jewelry Professional, of Ontario received the 2012 International Achievement Award.
The GIA Global Alumni Awards recognize members who exhibit leadership, demonstrate service to the gem and jewelry industry, and actively support the association’s growth through continuing education and innovative programs.
Lanis Mosher, recipient of the
2012 GIA Int’l Achievement Award.
Image courtesy of Mosher.
Levine, an independent personal property appraiser, has been in the jewelry trade for 40 years and an officer in the Manhattan Chapter since the inception of the GIA Alumni Association in 1982. “I am proud that the Manhattan Chapter is one of the gemstones in the GIA ‘Tiara of Chapters,’” she said. “I want to express my gratitude to my fellow officers and everyone I’ve worked with to make it a success.”
Mosher, a retailer for more than 12 years, has rarely missed an event since the Ontario Chapter was founded two years ago. “My best advice is to stay involved in your chapter as you never know what gems you will meet,” she said. “I plan to return to Tucson next year to reconnect with fellow alumni. I am refreshed and excited about where to take my career next and what additional GIA courses I want to enroll in.”

“The Institute commends Gail and Lanis for their continued dedication to the association,” said Kate Donovan, GIA Alumni Relations Manager. “The awards program was created to foster and inspire the alumni network, which includes 60 chapters worldwide. We thank these individuals for their enthusiasm and support of the organization.”

A call for 2013 nominations will be distributed to all association members in July 2012. To ensure receipt of the nomination form, GIA Alumni can register here.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.

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#TucsonGemShow – HAVE YOU SEEN MY CRYSTAL?

February 13, 2012

STOLEN from my car at Tucson Electric Park during the Gem Show.It’s a Brazilian citrine, 2 cathedral pointsThe color is a dusky yellow, but it glows beautifully in light.Weight: approx 17lb (7.7kg)Tucson Police Report number is 120204 0490 I’…

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