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Explosions of Color: The Oregon Sunstone
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Greetings!
One of the biggest highlights of the 2010 Tucson Colored Gem Show was the opportunity to meet with Oregon Sunstone Miners representing three of the Oregon Mines, High Desert (Spectrum Mine), Dust Devil and Desert Sun. We regret that Double Eagle Mining Company was not in Tucson, but we are happy that we are able to chat with them through the ISG forums board.
Oregon Sunstone is a phenomenal gemstone that glitters and glimmers like magic. The colors are unusual, dramatic and unique. Yet, that is not even the most important part of this particular gem.
The miners themselves are who make their sunstone such a special contribution to the gemstone community. They live harsh lives in an unrelenting environment but, to a person, they all love their Oregon Sunstone! These miners exhibit even more vibrancy when discussing their passion than the stones themselves display!
Sadly, for consumers, an imposter entered the market a few years ago, Andesine. Claiming to be a completely natural, untreated labradorite from a newly discovered mine in Tibet, it flooded the market at prices far lower than Oregon Sunstone. Due to relentless diligence by Robert James, FGA, GG, President of the International School of Gemology, Lisa Brooks-Pike RGA, founder of Jeweler Ethics Association and efforts of colleagues, the imposter has been exposed. The Oregon Sunstone Miners are vindicated and continue to produce their magnificent product, a completely natural and untreated gemstone.
Click here to read the full article.
All of these marvelous Oregon Sunstone Miners surpassed our expectations in the effort and energy they extended to M.K. Designs and the entire ISG community during the Tucson Colored Gem Show.
Spectrum Mines is known for its richly colored sunstones and Chris Rose and Jessica Schenk helped us choose some outstanding examples. One of these prizes, a large, color -changing stone, is truly amazing and will be our first Tucson purchase to be transformed into an exclusive M.K. Design.
Dust Devil Mine Owners Don and Patsy Buford shared with us the history of the origin of their mine and spoke with excitement and pleasure about the future of this wonderful gemstone. Patsy then helped us choose an extraordinary selection of gems, educating us as to color grade, Schiller effect and cut.
 At the Desert Sun Mining and Gems booth we had the pleasure of seeing president John Woodmark again, as we had purchased from him last year in Tucson. While we were discussing the economy and some of the difficulties the industry is facing, John's young son Clay delighted us with his philosophy. He very simply stated that he has learned to look at life as a glass half full. How could he not, he went on to explain, as he is constantly surrounded by something as beautiful as the Oregon Sunstone.
We truly cannot say enough about this unusual stone. Its explosions of color are astonishing and with the added benefits of being "home grown" and completely natural, it is a must have for all who appreciate the unique!
We look forward to sharing the Oregon Sunstone with you in original, one of a kind pieces created by M.K. Designs |
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