Aussie Sapphire

You only need a few gems before you need to consider how best to store and display them.  There are a multitude of options out there but as always, some products are better than others.  After many years working with gems, we can give you a few tips on what to look out for.

Gem Boxes
We strongly recommend using boxes with glass lids.  Plastic lid boxes or round pods might be cheaper but they will scratch and become unusable very quickly.  Glass lids are far superior – anything less is false economy.

Labelling
It is critical to identify your gems clearly and if you can add the important details such as weight and dimensions, it will make life much easier later.  There are many ways to do this but if you are using gem boxes such as ours, we find it easiest to write the details on the bottom or side of the box iusing a fine permanent marker.  This is easily removed with acetone (or nail polish remover) when required but is a quick and convenient way of labelling gems.  You can use sticky labels but these tend to leave a sticky residue upon removal and is just an unnecessary hassle.

Inserts
Inserts generally come in black or white and may be reversible.  We generally use white inserts which are suitable for almost all coloured gemstones but stock some black insert boxes for our opal customers where the play of colour seems to show up better on black. 

Display Cases
Once you accumulate a few gems, display cases are a great way to show off your collection.   We believe that the cases holding individual gem boxes are the best option as these hold your gems securely and allow you to label them clearly to avoid confusion.  These are available in a range of sizes so choose the one which suits you best.

Some people prefer cases which can hold a number of gems without individual boxes.  These usually come in two styles – the traditional “dimple” case and the newer style “ridged” case.  The “dimple” case generally has a felt pad indented with rows of holes where the gems sit.  This case is traditionally used by gem faceters but has a number of serious problems – mainly that the gems are prone to falling out and there is no way of labelling individual gems.  The newer style “ridged” case has a leatherette interior formed into rows where the gems sit much more securely and you can label the gems more easily if required.

We’ve all had the experience of slightly tilting one of the old “dimple” cases and then spending the next hour on the floor searching for lost gems.  This just does not happen with the new “ridged” cases – just take a look at this demonstration on the video:

Aussie Sapphire stocks these cases in 3 sizes as well as the gem box display cases in a range of sizes.  Take a look at our gem display category for more information.

Plastic Bags or Diamond Paper?
Once you start getting into commercial quantities of gems, space becomes an issue and some need to move to plastic bag or diamond paper storage.  I have to admit, we prefer plastic bags simply because it is easier to see what is inside at a glance.  Buy good quality plastic (not the thin flimsy ones) with white strips for writing details on them but this is a cheap and convenient option.  Diamond or gem papers are available in a range of colours to best display your chosen gems – there is a knack to folding them correctly and you should practice this so it becomes second nature.  Both plastic bags or papers can be compactly stored in boxes in a secure location.

It is not recommended to store more than one gem at a time inside a bag or paper – softer gems may chip or wear if continually jostled against each other inside a bag. 

Take-home message is simply this – gems are beautiful so dont hide them away in a cupboard!!  Display them properly so you can enjoy them and show them off proudly.

cheers for now from Andrew and Leah (Aussie Sapphire)

Despite the challenging economic times, we have actually had a few really good weeks in sales with excellent interest in machinery in particular.

Within the last 3 weeks, have sold two brand new Gemmasta faceting machines and two Indian double-plate machines.  We have a replacement Gemmasta arriving in the next few days and a new Facetron in stock as well as one second hand GF4 Gemmasta.  Remember, we aim to keep machines in stock ready for immediate delivery as we dont like waiting lists either. 

Long waiting times for faceting machine delivery seems to be common in the industry but you wont have this problem with Gemmasta or Facetron.  Think of it this way:  if you have to wait 6 weeks or more just to get the machine, what will happen if you need repairs, spare parts or factory support.  We prefer to deal with companies who take customer support seriously.

We have new stock of tumblers now – Lortone (3A and 33B) and Raytech (Tumble-Vibe 5) with some new mini-sonics arriving soon.  We have some new trim saws in stock and some new products being worked on right now.  Response from the website has been fantastic and is getting better and better so our ultimate aim is to become the one-stop online shop for lapidary equipment and supplies.

One exciting new product line to be added to the website soon is a selection of books on gems and faceting – these are expected to arrive any day now and will be listed as soon as possible.  Check here for an announcement on this.  We hope this will be well-supported by our customers as we have had a number of enquiries for these.

Mining is becoming ever more challenging with the high cost of fuel just about making it impossible to break even on the job – not really sure what the future holds here but we’ll hang in there as long as we can.  Andrew will be overseas for the next couple of weeks checking on market conditions – selling some sapphire and hopefully buying some interesting new things for the website so make sure you take a look when he gets back.  If you have any special request, email us now so he can keep an eye out.

Cheers for now from Andrew and Leah Lane (www.aussiesapphire.com.au)

Have just received a new parcel of tourmaline facet rough and have spent the last couple of days listing some of the better pieces.  Some excellent intense pinks and other colours so make sure you check these out now.  We will be progressively listing more of this material – much of the remaining lot will be more affordable so there will be something for every budget.  Colour is great in this lot!!

See our imported facet rough catalogue for more details.

Cheers from Andrew and Leah Lane (www.aussiesapphire.com.au

We know it’s been a while but we finally managed to find time to list a few new pieces of sapphire rough.  Just goes to show you’ve got to be quick though as one of our regulars snapped up two nice bits literally only minutes after they went live.  Didnt even have a chance to get this post up first so dont wait too long and check out our rough sapphire catalogue. 

Note that we are noticing a general shortage of rough in the marketplace.  Unfortunately, this has not yet translated into higher prices for cut gems probably due to challenging economic conditions faced by USA.  However we do not see any likelihood that prices for rough will decrease given the difficult times faced by miners worldwide.  Our cost of mining has skyrocketed in the past year with onerous government regulation making things extremely difficult – we are seeing these trends elsewhere also so gem cutters should be prepared to pay more for facet rough into the future.

On a more positive note, we have just sourced a new parcel of tourmaline rough at reasonable prices.  We have graded this up today and will be listing some as soon as possible ranging in price from $6 to $20 per carat. 

cheers for now from Aussie Sapphire

Buying a faceting machine is a significant investment for most people and deciding which machine to choose can be very confusing.

At Aussie Sapphire, we pride ourselves on providing information and service to support the products we sell so we have just started on a new section to help people with this choice.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FACETING MACHINE
FACETING MACHINE REVIEWS & CONTACTS

Our recommendation is based on our opinion and experience with machines we stock and others we have seen and worked with.  Reviews from other people are also included where available to give you other points of view.

One important issue is availability of stock and we make no apology for recommending against machines that are difficult to buy due to lengthy waiting lists.  On the other hand, if you are very patient and dont mind waiting, this particular issue may not be important for you.  You should know about it before making your decision though.

We are happy to include opinions and experience from all users so please feel free to contribute to this information resource.

 Cheers from Andrew and Leah Lane (Aussie Sapphire)

A while back, we received an order to provide a sapphire for an engagement ring – this is one of our favourite jobs and we are always pleased to try and find something suitable for the project.  Hans Meevis, the goldsmith is an extremely talented guy and the result is fantastic as you can see below:

He has written about the project on his blog: Lil’Ol’Sis’ Engagement Ring.  His stuff is amazing and readers are encouraged to see more of his work at his main website www.meevis.com - his work with unusual metals such as purple gold and titanium is particularly interesting.

So this well travelled sapphire has gone from our mine in northern NSW, over to Perth, sent on to St Maarten (Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean) and is just about to be sent back to Australia to the “husband to be”.  Congratulations to the happy couple on your engagement and thank you for choosing an Aussie Sapphire (thanks also to Hans for doing such a great job with it).

Cheers from Andrew and Leah (www.aussiesapphire.com.au)

While sorting some small sapphire mine run recently, came across this strange piece of sapphire. Only a small piece and very flat so not cuttable but interesting to collectors who like gems that are a little unusual. Three very distinct patches of colour – blue, red and almost clear (slightly yellowish).

Click on the images to see a larger version of the photos – the lower one shows how thin and flat this piece is but the colours are very unusual – a definite tricolor sapphire.

Cheers for now from Andrew and Leah (Aussie Sapphire - remember to check the website for lots of great Christmas gift ideas - courier delivery is available so you can be sure your parcel will arrive in time)

Found this very interesting slideshow on sapphire mining in Madagascar recently – by Lihee Avidan and Mat Heywood for the BBC. 

Audio Slideshow – BBC – Sapphire Miners

Highlighting the dangers of mining and the struggle faced by many miners to make a decent living, both the photographs and audio tell a fascinating story.  This image from the slide show (source at above link) is an example of a family group operating a small mine (a dangerous single shaft with inadequate ventilation or safety supports).  The Ministry of Energy & Mining representative notes the high death rates on the mining fields as a major problem. The accompanying article “Madagascar’s Sapphire Rush” by Jonny Hogg for the BBC is also well worth reading.   Some difficult issues that should be considered the next time you see that beautiful Ceylon sapphire in the jewellers shop – a stone which most likely came from Madagascar.

 cheer for now from Andrew and Leah Lane (www.aussiesapphire.com.au)

The recent unrest in Burma has again highlighted the problems in that country.  The gem trade has been implicated in this by financially supporting the military junta’s repressive regime leading to calls for boycotts on rubies in particular from Burma.

• Spiegel Online – Blood Stained Rubies fund Burmese Regime 
• The Scotsman – Rubies are red with the blood of Burma’s young
• Times Online – “Blood” rubies bankroll Burmese Junta
• National Jeweler Network – JA call to Congress

Of course, these things are never black and white.  Calls for a boycott on goods (including gems) from Burma may hurt those in power but inevitable hurt the people more where an already difficult life is made more difficult from loss of income and work. 

Newspaper articles are useful for raising awareness but to read an interesting discussion on the subject by those who have extensive knowledge of the gem trade in Burma, we recommend this Gemology Online thread.  It does bring a little balance back into the topic.

Richard Hughes and Brian Leber wrote an article which pre-dates the current crisis but is still extremely relevant – Banned! Burmese Gems in the Crossfire.

Of course, the long-term human rights abuses in Burma are condemned by concerned people everywhere.  While monks and protestors for democracy are being arrested or shot, other issues are of lower priority.  It should be mentioned though that serious environmental damage is being caused by uncontrolled mining and logging for timber.  A little difficult to bring this to the top of the priority list while people are suffering but those taking a long term view would appreciate that an environment damaged beyond repair will seriously affect the future of the Burmese people.

An article highlighting this issue can be read at the Birma News website – In Myanmar, Rivers, Forest Suffer.   I recommend this blog for those wishing to learn more about the struggle for democracy in Burma/Myanmar from those directly involved.

One thing from all the reading is while there is no easy answer to any of these problems, consistent consumer pressure will help to slowly clean up the gem trade.  Our aim is to see miners who operate responsibly be rewarded for their efforts by being able to compete on a more level footing with higher prices also assisting those miners struggling for survival in countries such as Burma.  Consumers who buy on price alone dont help anyone in the industry but just encourage the status quo.

Leah and Andrew Lane (www.aussiesapphire.com.au)

The Emmaville Gemfest and Swap Meet is coming up soon.  Run as a fundraiser for the Emmaville Mining Museum, this is a great little show for people who like to mix their gem shows with a bit of hands-on fossicking.

Emmaville Mining Museum Gemfest
at the Emmaville Caravan Park
1st, 2nd and 3rd September 2007

Field trips will be run for tin, topaz, flourite, quartz, silver, tourmaline and copper.  Field trips cost $5 for half days or $10 for full days and leave from the Caravan Park.

Barbeque will be run at the caravan park for the 3 days and there will be market stalls and tailgaters present offering some great gems and minerals.  You might even catch Aussie Sapphire there on Saturday and/or Sunday.

For more information, contact the Emmaville Mining Museum on (02) 6734 7025, Ron Jillett on (02) 6734 7210 or Kay Schroder on (02) 6734 7281.  Accommodation is available at the Emmaville Caravan Park (phone Trevor & Debbie Lowe on 0429 333122), the Tatts Hotel (02 6734 7309) or the Club Hotel (02 6734 7304.

This is a great time of year to be visiting the area and the Emmaville locals will make you feel right at home.  The Emmaville Mining Museum is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in rocks, gems and mining history so please support Gemfest which helps keep the museum operating.

cheers for now from Andrew and Leah Lane (Aussie Sapphire)