Calendar

SEPTEMBER 2010

September 8th - The Wholesale Crew leaves for Denver!

September 15th - 19th - The Great American Gem Show, Denver, CO

September 26th - 27th - The Minneapolis Gem Show, Minneapolis, MN

September 30th - Nader leaves for Madagascar... again!

This month's Birthstone: the SAPPHIRE

Sapphires, like rubies are an aluminum oxide mineral called corundum. They have a hardness of 9, only a diamond is harder. The color, which can be blue, red yellow, pink, purple, orange, or green is determined by the amounts of iron or chromium. The red sapphire is called a ruby. They are sometimes heat treated to brighten their color. Most sapphires are mined in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Myanmar, Australia, Montana and Franklin, NC. Australia leads in production of gem quality sapphires. Some sapphires display asterism, an optical star effect. These are called star sapphires. Sapphires are the birthstone for September.

Awareness, discipline, calm, clarity.

*It is said that giving someone a piece of jewelry with their birthstone will bring them good luck and protection.