What are the main types of cultured pearls and what are their distinctive characteristics? Akoya pearls are the small white pearls that most people picture when they think of pearls. They are saltwater pearls, and are usually round and white or cream, with a pink overtone and high luster. They are typically less than 9.00 mm. …
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Gemstone Games During Quarantine, or Anytime!
Are you homeschooling or looking for something different to do with the kiddos? Our partner and fabulous gemstone cutter, Roger Dery has provided us with games for kids of all ages. Link here to find your games! Scroll down for grown-up games. Some of you may remember our GEMSTONE ROUNDTABLE EVENT with Roger and Ginger Dery several years ago.…
Read MoreHistory of Ruby
This post is from the Gemological Institute of America’s website, one of the most accurate sources of gemological information available. https://www.gia.edu/ruby-history-lore If you are interested in learning more about gemstones, we recommend checking out this site. (You can ask us anything too!) History of Ruby Red is the color of our most intense emotions—love and anger, passion and…
Read MoreBirthstones and Lore of Gemstones
There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly. January January birthstone is garnet and thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. It was also used…
Read MorePeridot is August’s Birthstone
Peridot The fresh lime green of peridot is its distinctive signature. Its spring green color also is ideal with sky blue. Peridot, along with Spinel, is the birthstone for August, and is harder than metal but softer than many gemstones. Peridot is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele’s tears. The island of Oahu even has beaches made out of…
Read MoreCultured Pearl Round Table 2017
Betty Sue King, The Pearl Goddess, inaugurated King’s Ransom in 1979. After 14 years of classroom teaching she left the profession and created her wholesale business. Renowned for having pearls that extend the boundaries of opulence, she travels overseas several times a year to source her remarkable collection. Betty Sue King, was honored with the Women’s Jewelry Association 2017 award for…
Read MoreModern Anniversary Gemstones
This is a fun tradition to start with your beloved! You can research ideas all year for clever ways to give a gemstone. Maybe you start with the rough crystal form and create a collection of specimens that represent your lives together. Our website has options for most of these gemstones too. We love to help…
Read MoreEarth Day and Eco Friendly Jewelry Design
“We are artisans committed to creating beauty in our world through our medium of fine jewelry.” –Philip Voetsch Our world is important to us! April 22 is Earth Day, a day for us to celebrate and share our focus of creating beautiful jewelry, while working with diamonds, gemstones, and metals that will do no harm to planet earth and its inhabitants. The beauty…
Read MoreFrom One Family Business To Another: Brazilian Gemstone Experts Bring the Mines to Kansas
PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS- Philip & Tamara Voetsch would like to welcome Brazilian Gem Source to the store on Wednesday April 4, from noon-7:00. A Brazilian family with a long history in the gemstone business, they will be here to speak about and exhibit their craft. All are welcome to this free, one-day only, in-store event where attendees will have the rare…
Read MoreThe 4 C’s of Diamonds
The 4 C’s of Diamonds 1. CLARITY Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes. Internally Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and command much higher prices per carat than gems with microscopic inclusions. 2. COLOR The less color, the higher the grade. Even the slightest hint can make a dramatic difference in…
Read MoreThe Brazilians Are Coming! And we couldn’t be more excited…
Our friends of over 26 years are coming to town with their fabulous collection of Brazilian gemstones for one day only. The Fernandes family has been going into the mines of their home country for over fifty years. They hand select the rough stones that the father, Jose will cut by hand. An amazing selection of scintillating gems of all shapes…
Read MoreGemstones of the World Roundtable Event
This is our favorite event of the year! This is like a dinner party where gemstones are the main course. We invite you to join us for a rare opportunity to see, touch and purchase fine gemstones directly from the source! Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 913-341-7100 or email: philipdesigns@gmail.com …
Read MorePantone Colors 2017
Pantone Unveils Spring 2017 Fashion Color Report When New York Fashion Week rolls around, so do 10 new chic colors used in clothing for the season ahead and named by the color authority. (SCROLL DOWN FOR COLORS) Kale? Hazelnut? Sure, they are flavors that might be found in your kitchen, but they are also among thePantone Color Institute’s 10 color…
Read MoreIntroducing Art Wells, Sculptor
ARTIST’S STATEMENT Fine art is food for the soul, and I strive to create something nourishing. I want my work to serve a purpose. That purpose is to enhance peoples’ lives, to make them brighter, stronger and happier. My passion is the human figure. Carving a convincing realistic figure in stone seems to be becoming a lost art and it…
Read MoreNew Birthstone for August: Spinel
New Birthstone for August: Spinel, a favorite gemstone for so many reasons. Multiple color choices, brilliant reflection and durability are just a few of the reasons we love to design with spinel. Spinel is found in shades of vivid red, orange, pink, blue and lavender. It’s durable enough to use in all types of jewelry pieces including rings. It is usually…
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