Gem Junkies

In this long-awaited comeback episode of our podcast, "Is Anyone Listening?", we enthusiastically announce our return from a brief hiatus! We're thrilled to be back on air, ready to dive into the fascinating world of gemstones once again. This episode is particularly special as we cover two distinct regions: the tropical paradise of Hawaii and our very own home state, Idaho. First u...

It’s been a while!  Between (2) quarantines and a terrible case of a stomach bug, we’re back on track to bring you Florida and Georgia.   00:00:00              Name that bool 01:30:00              Long time, no chat 03:18:00              So Florida 05:07:00              Moonstone (For more details on moonstone check out our episode – “Phenomenon-phe-no-me-no-me-non !!!”) 06:45:00              Popu...

Hello, 2021!!  It’s already been off to a crazy start but we will kick things off with the continuation of our “Gems of the US” series.  Up next we’ve got Connecticut and Delaware.   00:00:00              Rabbit hole 00:25:00              We’re back 01:45:00              Storytime – wallpaper O3:00:00             Onto Connecticut and Delaware.  Neither of which has a state gemstone. 04:12:00     ...

Up next on our journey exploring gemstones across the US we’ve got Colorado. Not only does Colorado have a state gemstone but it also has a state mineral we haven’t covered yet – rhodochrosite. Pull up a chair as we look into this double-gemmy episode. 00:00:00   Notes 00:29:00   Colorado 01:10:00   The Charlemagne connection 03:52:00   Ranking in most hated states 05:30:00   Aquamarine 05:47:00 ...

Continuing with our series Gems of the US and up next we have California.  A state that encompasses a plethora of gemstones we focus dabble about Spodumene, Tourmaline, and of coarse, it’s state gemstone--Benitoite.  It's a big state so it is only fair to recognize these two influential gemstones.   00:00:00              Calimocho/ Kalimotxo 01:58:00              Cookie Monster + Wednesday Ad...

Working our way down the alphabet which means we’ve got Arizona and Arkansas up next.  These two states bring a plethora of gemmy goodness.   00:00:00              Deck issues 00:58:00              “The United States” 02:10:00              Arizona & Arkansas 03:02:00              Arizona = Turquoise 03:20:00              Rich history in Arizona 03:37:00              State neckwear 05:15:00   ...

With so many people unable to travel beyond the US border and taking more local road trips we figured now was the perfect time to explore each state’s gemstone.   To start things off we’re talking about Alabama and Alaska.   00:00:00              Who’s starting? 01:01:00              Alabama and Alaska . . . cue the states song 03:17:00              Alabama – Blue Star Quarts 03:26:00             ...

We’ve covered gold, silver, and platinum.  But how do all of these different metals work within the components of jewelry design?  We take you through each step of the process from molding to polish and talk about how these metals vary within each step of the process.  To ensure we don’t overlook any details we brought in our production manager, Paul Hartman, to join in on the conversation. 00:00:...

What is denser than a diamond and is extremely ductile?  PLATINUM.  Once tossed away to be believed un-ripened silver that noble metal has become a popular choice in jewelry design.  Learn about its discovery and its out of this world origins.    00:00:00              Dubba-dub-dub-dub 00:14:00              The game plan with the podcast 03:50:00              Garden Woes 05:54:00              So P...

Moonbeams and ocean reflections are just a few ways to describe the beauty of Moonstone. This week we explore the world of this translucent yet, opulent gemstone. 00:00:00 That’s an “I” 00:44:00 Moonstone 02:50:00 Why is it called moonstone? 03:43:50 The phenomenon, adularescence 04:31:00 What is moonstone? 06:36:00 Where does the name/word adularescence come from? 07:10:00 Quality factors 08:14:0...

We’ve been away for 6 weeks and we’re all excited to be back at the office!  Take a seat as we recap about our quarantine experience and explore the ancient world of Lapis Lazuli. Being one of the oldest gemstones mined, it has an extensive involvement with history and folklore that will lure you in.   00:00:00              Has it really been 6 weeks? 00:29:00              The COVID experience 08:...

This week we're getting back to our roots and talking about a gemstone—chrysoprase. Its golden-green tone has a rich presence in history and folklore.  We also explore its healing properties and its ability to be a beacon of courage through a time of change. 00:00:00         Social distancing 00:55:00         2020 has already had it's high and lows 06:38:00         What gemstone are we t...

One of our goals with the podcast this year is to focus on career paths.  Up next, is an interview providing another perspective in opportunities within the jewelry industry--journalism.  We sit down with Brecken Branstrator, with National Jeweler, to learn a little more about her role as an editor and of course, talk about the name “Brecken.”   00:00:00              I’m so bossy 01:32:00         ...

In honor of #womensinternationalday and #womenshistorymonth we sit down with Jennifer Markas to learn about Women’s Jeweler Association (WJA).  We dive into WJA’s history, its mission and get to know Jennifer up close and personal.   00:00:00              Are we ready? 00:16:00              We’re going to Disneyland 00:57:00              Introduction to Jennifer Markas of WJA 01:58:00             ...

We’re back with another interview from Tucson at the JCK show and continue to delve into the world of career paths within the jewelry world. Behind every brand is a marketing team that helps bring life to its story.  We sit down with Ben Smittee, of The Smithee Group, to get to know a little more about him and his passion supporting the future of the jewelry industry.   00:00:00          Worse top...

  We regularly get asked, “What can I do with a GG? How do I obtain a GG?”  We went straight to the source and sat down with Kimberly Overlin, the Dean of Students from GIA.  We discuss the nuts and bolts about GIA (Gemological Institute of America), what it offers to students and review career paths that one can obtain. (Recording took place on the show floor of the AGTA Gem Fair.  Some of the ba...

2020 is in full swing and we thought it would be a good idea to give you an idea of things to look forward to from the podcast.   00:00:00              It’s Brecken! 00:06:00              Back from Hong Kong 05:43:00              What to expect this year 07:33:00              Delve into the world of less known/obscure gemstones 08:32:00              Speaking of Tucson . . .

We’ve been busy bees getting ready for trade show season but don’t worry Gem Junkies we haven’t forgotten about you!!  For awhile we’ve teased about putting together an episode about birthstones and it’s finally come into fruition.  From it’s early biblical beginning to its influence in the jewelry world we delve into its long history.  00:00:00         Take 2. Press Record. 00:24:00         Parle...

Hello 2020!!  For the first podcast of the year we sit down with Craig Danforth from Jewelers Mutual.  With all the jewelry received over the holidays we talk about the importance of acquiring a policy for your jewelry, the history of Jewelers Mutual and of course, we get to know Craig up close and personal.    00:00:00              Sea Legs 00:42:00              Introducing Craig Danforth 02:09:0...

If you’ve been wondering who is often laughing in the background when we’re recording a podcast it’s me, Stephanie Major.  Hey Gem Junkies, I’m the producer and marketing coordinator at Parle.  We thought it might be time to step up to the mic and for you all to get to know a little more about me.   00:00:00              Hey, @spencerpratt 03:34:00              Happy Birthday Abbey 01:39:00       ...

It’s the season of giving and during this years Giving Tuesday we donated $1000 to Gem Legacy .  Thus, it’s a perfect time to interview Rachel Dery of Gem Legacy.  We learn about her childhood growing up in the gemstone industry and  about Gem Legacy--a non-profit organization that help support communities closest to the mining source.     If you would like to learn more about Gem Legacy you can h...

We made it to New York City in time for New York Jewelry Week and had an opportunity to talk shop with jewelry designer Julie Lamb.  From her childhood beginnings in jewelry to the evolution of personal brand.  We also have our special co-host @thirdcoastgems joining in the fun. (We apologize for the background noise.  At least you get a little sense of the NYC vibe.) 00:00:00         Who is the a...

Today we answer a fans question about gemstone cuts.  By no means are we experts on how to actually cut/facet gemstones rather, we’ll discuss the evolution of gem cutting and the different cut styles.    00:000:00                           50th Episode 01:01:00                             Common Cold 02:15:00                             Introduction of Gem Cutting 03:33:00                         ...

Halloween is here and we couldn’t resist an opportunity to talk about cursed gemstones and jewelry.  We go as far back to the legendary Hope Diamond, The Curse of the Delhi Purple Sapphire, The Black Orlov and yes, even a cursed opal.     00:00:00                             Garlic Breath 00:41:00                             Halloween Special – Cursed Jewelry 01:44:00                             T...

We did Gold and now it’s Silvers turn.  It is recognized as one of the 7 metals of antiquity and this week we dive into its deep history—from its physical properties to its everyday applications. We even discover the folklore behind why all monsters are destroyed by this precious metal.  Come take a listen and even learn how to make it rain with SILVER!!!     00:00:00                             T...