Gemstones

Betty Sue King works closely with designers, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers who create innovative and unique jewelry with pearls and gemstones. She travels to Asia three times a year to obtain the remarkable cultured pearls her clients have come to expect and for which she is so well known. ^recommended!

The company, Deltah began in 1893 when M.J. Karpeles established America's oldest firm specializing in fine simulated pearl jewelry. This business started producing and selling find quality simulated pearls and pearl jewelry to retailers. Imperial which was founded by Joseph Gladstone in 1917 at a time of increased growth for the pearl industry, began operating in Chicago. This particular business specialized in importing and selling Japanese Cultures Pearls. Imperial became among the first to bring the valued Akoya pearls to the United States from Japan. On June 1, 1995, Imperial Pearl Syndicate and Pearls by Deltah were merged to form Imperial-Deltah, Inc. The merger created a consolidated business that is now one of the world's leading pearl companies servicing what is perhaps the broadest customer base in the industry. ^recommended!

Online newsletter that features pearl market trends, travel information, special buys, and education. 

Custom made to order, handmade, antique, estate, & contemporary jewelry as well as rare investment-grade gemstones for sale by designers at R.W. Wise Goldsmiths, Inc. 

NOVA's companion web site for its documentary "The Perfect Pearl", broadcasted on March 27, 2007. This website offers information about the history of pearls, problems pearls face today, transcripts, teacher's guides, and other resources (e.g. article by known gem expert and author Fred Ward). 

Gem Cutter John Baily offers natural/untreated certified gemstones, customized gem cutting, one-of-a-kind faceted gems/jewelry, and carved gemstone art. This website also has several nice articles about how a gemstone is cut/facetted and also how to discriminate a garnet from a ruby with the naked eye. 

Gem dealer with additional information on investments, gem trends, price lists, and a gemstone forecaster newsletter. 

Gary Bowersox has written several articles on his ventures into Afghanistan, the Southern Russian Republics and Pakistan. Also wrote a book and made a video. A number of very interesting articles on this site about his ventures, though many date from several years or more ago.