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News — gem buying

What is the Difference Between Australian and Ethiopian Opals?

Karin Jacobson gem buying gem news opals

What is the Difference Between Australian and Ethiopian Opals?

Opals, known for their mesmerizing play of color, are mined in various parts of the world, but Australian and Ethiopian opals stand out for their unique qualities. If you’re an opal enthusiast or a potential buyer, understanding the differences between these two types of opals can help you make an informed choice.   Australian opals above. Ethiopian opals above. *Note the honeycomb pattern on the top opal in the lower right photo. Origin and Formation Australian Opals: Australia has been the world’s largest supplier of opals for over a century, with iconic mining areas such as Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and...

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Raw Inspiration: Buying Gems in Tucson

Karin Jacobson gem buying gem news travel

Raw Inspiration: Buying Gems in Tucson

There’s nothing like a gem-buying excursion to get a jewelry designer’s heart thumping! I just got back from the Tucson Gem Show and my head is still spinning from all the gorgeous cut gemstones and mineral specimens I saw there. Read about my trip and see a preview of some of my buys here....

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How I Source Fair Trade Gems (and Why They're Important)

Karin Jacobson design process gem buying

How I Source Fair Trade Gems (and Why They're Important)

Remember how I broke the “what happens in Vegas …” rule by telling you all about my recent trip to the JCK and AGTA shows? Well, today I’m digging deeper into that well of memories! I mentioned that I hit up AGTA to learn more about Columbia Gem House (CGH) and I want to share my findings since they underscore several of my core values as an artisan. Namely that jewelry should be made from dazzling materials that have been responsibly sourced, and that gorgeous adornments needn’t be created at the expense of human welfare. Columbia Gem House: Fair Trade...

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Scouting for Sparkles: How I Buy Gems for My Jewelry Designs

Karin Jacobson design process gem buying

Scouting for Sparkles: How I Buy Gems for My Jewelry Designs

Sometimes I’m surprised that the more technical aspects of my design process are interesting to … well, anyone! But I really shouldn’t be; I absolutely adore peeking behind the curtain at the creative practices of other designers and artisans. Learning about their techniques feels intimate and compelling, and makes their finished products feel even more meaningful. So with that in mind, I’m launching a blog series on my OWN processes! We’ll kick things off with something super important to me as a designer who uses fair trade materials: Gem buying. Gems in Vegas Hello, Las Vegas! I recently went to...

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