Dave Fortier's Tip Top Gem blog

Dear Readers,

I must apologize for neglecting my blog, but I have been enjoying Dave Fortier's posts and he has most kindly given me permission to repost his most recent one. Especially note his interesting slices of tourmaline crystals!

The show circuit is in full force

We are delighted to welcome the nice people from the Southfield, Michigan Intergem show- where Melanie and I displayed two weekends ago. Welcome aboard everyone!!! Melanie and I are trying to get in touch with those of you who left your e-mail with us either with this newsletter or via Facebook. We show gemstones and jewelry on Facebook as well as in the newsletter, and in our online store. Take a look at what we have- there are links to the left of this article.

For those of you who have never been to a gem and jewelry show, Melanie and I very highly recommend it! You can see a wide range of stones that you would not see elsewhere, compare prices, ask questions to dealers in person, and most important- evaluate stones in real life instead of from a picture. I can not begin to tell you how many stones I have shown in the newsletter or on Facebook that created no interest but sold immediately on the first day of a show. I can say things like "this gemstone has 90% brilliance" but until you hold such a stone in your hand, you can not imagine the sparkle. Check out a show near you!!!



As we prepare for the buying trip to Thailand we need to know what you are looking for- ruby, sapphire, collectible stones, or any other custom jewelry projects that you've been thinking about. I will be in both Chanthaburi and Bangkok next week- so be sure you let us know what we can help you find.

As many of you already know, I offer the very best prices on ruby and sapphire because I go directly to the source and you do not have to pay me to keep these expensive stones in inventory! Any dealer that you see who has expensive stones in inventory will have higher prices. He has to. Business always functions on three "concepts of cash"- money in, money out, and TIME. The longer a dealer has to wrap up his cash, the more he will have to get out of that stone.

If you bought something from us at the Southfield, Michigan show you are eligible for Inner Circle membership. If you click on the link below, you will see stones for sale and you will see prices. But you will not see INNER CIRCLE pricing!!! If you want to make sure you see the very best prices that we offer, just send me a note asking for an upgrade. You can e-mail me at dave@tiptopgem.com or just call me at 800-607-1425. That toll-free number always rings to my cell, whether I am here or in Thailand. If you go to tiptopgem.com, you will see clocks that show local time in Thailand- generally if it is late or early here in the states it is a good time to call. The middle of the day in the states is the middle of the night in Thailand and you will get my voicemail. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need something or if you have a question!

Tip Top Gem ONLINE STORE

The stunning images you see in this newsletter, by the way, are CAD renderings of a ring that we are making for a client. She found a wonderful design in a magazine while vacationing in the Caribbean and asked if I could tweak it to her tastes and proportion it to a gemstone that she had purchased from me- a sphene from Madagascar. As always the answer is "of course"!!!! We love doing projects like this- actually creating a piece of heirloom-quality jewelry to our clients' specifications. It is one of the most pleasurable and interesting parts of this business- almost as much fun as buying stones at the largest gemstone market in the world in Chanthaburi, Thailand!!!!

Because I am not exactly sure when I will return from Thailand I can't tell you the next show we will do, but please keep an eye open for the April newsletter as that will have details. Also remember if you are my friend on Facebook (find a link in the upper left corner of this newsletter to go to my profile and add me) you will not only know what show we are about to do but you will also see gemstones that are available nowhere else...my Facebook friends always know first!

Our Entrepreneurs ROCK!!!

Take a look at yet another of our blazing-fast repayments on Kiva. These people are proving their focus, determination, and integrity over and over and over again. Please, please support Kiva.org. They are worth it! You can NOT help anyone out of poverty with a handout. These people are not asking for one. They want a loan- which they pay back with interest- but the interest goes to the local field partner to service the loan. Your principal is paid back to you and you can loan it out over and over and over again.

Melanie and I started this program specifically to help people in the source countries where our gemstones are mined. To date we have helped entrepreneurs in these countries:

Over on the left you will see a link to Kiva.org- please check them out now. Or just buy a stone or order a piece of custom jewelry from us. The better we do, the more support we can provide to hard-working, honest people in the third world who want to pursue the growth of their business and support their families. After decades of handouts in the third world that only teach people how to extend their hand, microfinance has found a way to help people without charity.

All our best,



PS- It is as easy as ever to get in touch with us. Our toll-free
number has never changed and rings to my cell: 800-607-1425. If you are calling at an inconvenient time your call will go to voicemail and I will either return your call or e-mail you- whichever you instruct me to do in the voice message.

E-mail me at dave@tiptopgem.com if you have a question or request and I will reply via e-mail unless you request that I call you back.

PPS- If you are not yet friends with me on Facebook please click on the link in the upper left corner of this newsletter, or just add "David Fortier" as a friend and I will accept you! Some gemstones and jewelry are only available on Facebook and you don't want to miss out!

update---update----update---

I am in Thailand right now as I type this- check out the amazing slices of tourmaline below- from Brazil!!!!


5.69 carats; olive green fades to yellow/brown, then clear, then intense pink, and a deep green center- $20 per carat


5.60 carats; pastel blue-Violet indicolite center with intense purplish-Pink exterior; magnificent example of the type with phantom crystals converging in the center- $28 per carat

4.63 cts, green to clear then pink and green again in the center, actually a good match to the 5.69 carat stone above if you like an earring pair. $20 per carat.

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As you might know by now shipping is always $10, and you can pay with a check or money order or credit card or in gold or silver. LOL. I do not take live animals for payment.

REMINDER-- these stones will ship from Thailand- allow 8-21 days in transit!

As always first come, first served for the newsletter stones. If two people want one stone, the time and date on the e-mail will determine the "winner".

Good luck!!!!

Tibetan andesine shown conclusively to be a fraud at Tucson meeting of the GILC

ISG at Tucson 2011: Day One...GILC

Day One of the ISG at Tucson 2011 events had members of our group at the GILC Conference held by the International Colored Gemstone Association. This outstanding event brings together many colored gemstone industry leaders for the purpose of discussing the current events and issues in the industry, and seeking to find viable solutions to the problems we face. Barbara and her staff absolutely hit another home run this year with another wonderful event.

We need to note that everyone signs a non-disclosure agreement upon entering. This is to help insure an open and honest discussion of the issues without fear of anyone getting quoted or miss-quoted based on hearsay from the meetings. With this in mind I do believe that there is important information that has come from today's event that can be shared with the members of the ISG Community.

The andesine issue took up the majority of the day. There were several speakers (names and topics confidential) who presented a variety of scientific reports. These were in general contradictory, convoluted, and in the first instance….pure fantasy. However, the report of the previously published (which is why I can talk about it) expedition by Dr. Peretti to the Tibet mines carried the day beyond any reasonable doubt in my opinion.

Dr. Peretti showed his previously discussed DVD video of his trip to the Tibet mines with well documented mine owner, Li Tong. The video proved the published claims that Li Tong’s crew were caught salting the ground around the claimed mine. The video showed graphically that when Dr. Peretti wanted to inspect a section of the mine area that should have contained andesine (if the claim was authentic) that Li Tong sent his staff ahead of Dr. Peretti and they could easily be seen dropping andesine on the group ahead of Dr. Peretti’s arrival. This was astounding and raised the one question that many asked:

"If Li Tong truly has an authentic Tibet andesine mine, why did he take Dr. Peretti to a location where his (Li Tong’s) crew had to “salt” the ground?"

The Peretti report was released at approximately the same time as the previously discussed report published by the Gem-A regarding an expedition to Tibet by the National Gem Testing Lab of China. The NGTC also visited mine locations owned by Li Tong. Their report makes three important points that directly support Dr. Peretti’s published findings. These points include:

• The NGTC group found a warehouse in Tibet with “hundreds of kilos” of “red feldspar” that tested to have been been "subjected to high temperature treatment with colouring elements added."
• Interviews by the Chinese NGTC group with local Tibetan citizens revealed that the local Tibetan people “had neither seen nor heard of red feldspar found in Tibet.” (direct contradiction to the Laurs/Hughes/Abduriyim report).
• The NGTC issued this statement: “In our opinion, the red feldspar samples that we collected and recovered from the supposed mining areas during our field investigations were deliberately planted on the ground surface and within loose surface soil.”

This opinion by the National Gem Testing Center of China was confirmed yesterday by the video evidence provided by Dr. Peretti in follow-up to his previously published report.

It should be noted that Li Tong, reported mine owner and leader of the Tibet andesine organization, was personally present…. and in the video…during the actual salting activities in the Peretti video.

One interesting question as to why these two expeditions found salted mines while the Laurs/Hughes/Abduriyim expedition reportedly found andesine under an “undisturbed bush” that prompted Richard Hughes to issue what we call his “Mission Accomplished” article. (The actual title of Hughes’ article is both inflammatory and insulting to our US President so we won’t repeat it.) One well-respected mine owner and ISG Community member raised the question: “Don’t they know how easy it is to take a piece of steel rebar and run a small hole into the ground under a bush, drop in a piece of andesine, and cover it up leaving no evidence of anything disturbed on the ground?”

That was the second profound question of the day, after the question why Li Tong took Peretti to a mine location that required his crew to salt the ground. Given that Li Tong was shown with his crew as they salted the mine, it is reasonable to assume that Mr. Li may have a piece of steel rebar sitting around somewhere.

The bottom line is that we have spoken to many miners who have evaluated these claims by the Laurs/Hughes/Abduriyim expedition report by Hughes, as well as Li Tong and the whole Tibet andesine organization, and just shake their heads that anyone could be so gullible as to believe these.

The high points of the day were all of the outstanding people we got to meet and greet. Due to the confidentiality agreement we will not name them here, but to everyone who we had the opportunity to meet at GILC we just say: Thank you. To all of you. It was an outstanding group.

On a final note: I have to once again congratulate the work of the ICA, their Board of Directors, and all of the members. I believe the ICA is the key organization to the healthy future of our colored gemstone industry.

More reports will be coming here on the events this week. Wish you were here with us. Maybe next year.

Reminder.......

The ISG would like to extend an open invitation to all members of the industry to attend our ISG Lab Update seminar at the Hotel Arizona on Friday, 4 February. We have important new information on a variety of issues and topics that you will need to know in the upcoming year. The ISG Lab Update is free to the industry and includes a free continental breakfast and/or coffee and drinks. We promise to be finished in time for you to return to your booth in time for the show start.

Robert James

President, International School of Gemology

ISG at Tucson 2011: Countdown to Tucson

ISG at Tucson 2011: Countdown to Tucson

by Robert James, President, International School of Gemology, ISG Newsletter, January 25, 2011

The Countdown to Tucson and the ISG at Tucson 2011 events continues. Today we want to highlight some special vendors at the GJX Show in downtown Tucson, along with a few important AGTA vendors that we missed last week.

The GJX Show is perhaps the most favored location for gemstone dealers based on the wide diversity of dealers there who come from every corner of the world. The isles are always crowded and business is always hot at the GJX show. Below are some of our favorite dealers who are to be found there. Don't miss any of these folks as they have established themselves with a solid reputation with the ISG. Mostly good....a few not so good. Here they are...

GJX in the Tent across from Tucson Convention Center

Ande Jewelry & Mineral Co. (GJX Show Booths: 1108, 1109, 1110)

Don’t miss this chance to see the people who started the whole damned andesine fiasco! Both Jewelry Television and Direct Shopping Network have listed Andegem as the source for the undisclosed, diffusion treated andesine that has rocked this industry. If you really want to have some fun, wait until Chris Rose walks by the Andegem booth. YIKES! Fireworks from Mr. Chen that are absolutely not to be missed. But check out the source of this andesine situation right here at the Andegem booth.

Beija-Flor Gems (GJX Show Booth: 1008)

Specializing in true Paraiba Tourmaline, Colorado Rhodochrosite, Red Beryl, Sapphires and more. Excellent resource for gemstones and great folks to work with. Bob is a long-time friend and important information resource for the ISG Community.

ColorFirst Co. (GJX Show Booth #1430)

A major supplier of colored gemstones from around the world who has helped us tremendously. Absolute committment to integrity and proper representation. Raja Shah and his folks have been highly instrumental in assisting the ISG in obtaining study specimens for our research. Excellent gem dealers that is a "must see" on every buyer list.

Ceylon Jewels Mfg. (Pvt) Ltd. (Booth: 608)

A great organization from Bangkok. Specializes in all types of gemstones and jewelry. Long-time friend of the ISG Community and supporter of ethics in the industry.

Chatham Created Gems Inc. (Booths: 137, 138)

Chatham wrote the book on modern lab created gemstones that raised them to an art form. The future of the gemstone industry includes created gemstones and Chatham Created Gems is your primary source. Plus, they are great people to work with.

Dust Devil Mining Co. (GJX Show Booth #4205)

Oregon Sunstone at its finest. These folks operate one of the most famous mines in Plush Oregon, and are the epitome of what is right about this industry. Absolutely do not miss meeting them and adding Oregon Sunstone to your product list.

Exotic Gemstones LLC (GJX Show Booth: 4206)

Jewelry designs in Oregon Sunstone that must be seen. In fact, my wife owns several designs by Karla and loves every one of them. I don’t come home from the Tucson Gem Shows without a new one. That’s about the highest recommendation I can give any vendor at Tucson. The design at left is from Karla's excellent collection.

Galaxy Gems (GJX Show Booth: 714)

Direct miners of a vast array of Brazilian gemstones. We once again include these good folks on our “recommended” list as a great source and good people to work with.

Gemfrance (GJX Show Booth: 914)

Everyone take what you have learned about diffusion treated andesine and go by this booth to see what is claimed as Congo Andesine. Just as a learning experience. To date Dr. Sikirdji has not been able to provide any proof that this Congo mine actually exists. In fact, based on his own claim that the mine is located in rebel held territory in the Congo, it is actually illegal for US consumers to purchase Gemfrance’s “Congo Andesine” as it is helping finance a terrorist organization……if Dr. Sikirdji’s claims are accurate.

John D. Dyer (GJX Show Booth: 1530)

This young man is absolutely one of the finest gemstone artists I have seen. Award winning designer and cutter who is at the leading edge of the future of this industry. You absolutely must visit his booth and see the future of this industry in both design and people.

Kaufman Enterprises (GJX Show Show Booth: 314)

Specializes in facet rough and custom cut gemstones of all kinds. Perenial favorite with the ISG Community members.

Kruess Optronic GmbH (GJX Show Booth: 1201)

World renowned resource for gemological equipment and supplies.

Litto Gems Co. (GJX Show Booth: 111)

We have no idea why these people are still claiming to sell “Tibet andesine” when the China National Gem Testing Lab folks, and others, have tagged it a hoax. What does it take to put a stop to this kind of thing? We don’t know. But we have many specimens from Litto gems and they all test as diffusion treated. It’s worth a stop to see more specimens of this material that the Peretti expedition called a very elaborate hoax.

Lowe Associates - Robt. P. Lowe, Jr. (GJX Show Booth: 205)

Excellent supplier of Brazilian gemstones as well as other world sources. We hear a lot of good things about these folks for quality and integrity. Repeat listing on our recommended vendor list and good people to work with based on a lot of customer reports.

OTF Gems - Org. Tavares Filho (GJX Show Booth: 3010)

One of our closest friends and supporters from Brazil. Specializes in Brazilian gemstones as well as exceptionally knowledgeable in the gemstone industry. Wonderful resource for our research and long time dealer and friend of the ISG Community.

Perlas del Mar de Cortez (GJX Show Booth: 1221)

Mexican round cultured pearls and half pearls. Do no miss the opportunity to see the Mexican produced pearls that are of the highest quality. These folks have helped us with our ISG Pearls Course materials and study specimens for years. Good people to work with and outstanding pearl products.

R. W. Osmond & Associates (GJX Show Booth: 235)

These Aussies specialize in some of the finest chrysoprase and opals you will find anywhere in the world, and at excellent prices. Outstanding group that we have enjoyed working with for a couple of years now. Don’t miss them as they offer unique gems, carvings and other items that you will not find elsewhere.

Rough & Ready Gems, Inc. (GJX Show Booth: 700)

Unique gemstone briolettes and ultrasonic drilling services. Great people to work with and repeat favorite of the ISG Community.

Tucker Gems/Sid Tucker, L.L.C. (GJX Show Booth: 236)

Solid wholesale resource for colored gemstones. Return members of our recommended list and long-time members of the ISG Community.

Tairona Co. (GJX Show Booth #410)

Imports a wonderful array of colored gemstones specializing in emeralds, sapphires and tourmalines. Paul is a long-time friend of the ISG Community and our efforts to further integrity in the industry. It is wonderful to work with folks who still believe in the foundations of this industry where honesty and integrity are first and foremost in business.

Did we miss you? Let us know. We have a special list coming out next week for anyone we missed. Just let us know.

OOPS.....in our AGTA Favorite Vendor listing we missed the following:

Taylorcorp. (AGTA GemFair Booth #1110)

Wonderful source for colored gemstones with a world class reputation for quality and integrity. Long time supporter of ethics in this industry and of the ISG Community. More important, a fantastic resource for colored gemstones that you will want to make sure is on your list.

American Sapphire Company (AGTA GemFair Booth #526)

Many reasons to be sure and see these folks. They produce outstanding natural sapphires from the US. Rare opportunity to obtain local gemstones from local mines that will increase your revenue streams in profits and beauty.

Glenn Preus, G.G. (AGTA GemFair Booth #525)

Colored gemstone supplier with experience and knowledge that many will find refreshing. Long-time supporter of the ISG Community and our efforts to increase ethics in the industry.

Perlen Yukie U.S.A. (AGTA Booth# 625)

Specializes in Japanese Freshwater Pearls from Lake Kasumigaura, Japan, as well as Cultured Akoya Pearls and Cultured Akoya Keshi. Great friend of the ISG Community and supporter of ethics in the industry.