The landscape... literal and figurative.

All week I was aware of things that caused me to smile. You know, the involuntary kind. When something or someone just possesses charm and goodness. And if this doesn't make you smile...

Demantoid Garnet

Demantoid garnet. Rare and precious. In a "drawing" of a precious fluffy lamb. The dealer attributed it to long, cold Russian nights.

Demantoid is the most amazing green. Several shades and all very sparkly like a diamond. Perhaps part of the draw is that green is something in short supply in Tucson.

The Tucson Landscape

Upon arrival and adjusting to the landscape, I explained that I was from Atlanta. That I needed trees. Atlanta is after all a lush botanical garden with homes sprouting up amidst the green. Tucson, as seen from the windows of the shuttle is stark, but textured.

We seem to be amidst a large platter, surrounded by mountains in graphic shapes etched against the sky. Beautiful in a big different way. I see how people find it hypnotic.

The Figurative Landscape

The figurative landscape was just as hypnotic for me. The Tucson Gem Shows provided more stones and different cuts than I thought possible. Ethiopian opal is everywhere in large quantities and with competitive pricing to make it even more beautiful. Emeralds in every grade from "snatch it up" (which I did) to "oh my."

Thinking back to my wish list that I wrote about before I left I'm happy to report that dreams came true and new dreams have arrived in my consciousness.

My Wish List: Checked

• Faceted Ethiopian opal. Check. First day at JCK. Tomorrow I shall combine that with natural American river pearls for ears and neck.
• Rose cut moonstones. Check. Second day at AGTA. Unfortunately, the size I need was not available but will be soon.
• A gorgeous pair of chalcedony drops weighing in at 23.28 carats. Check. AGTA third day.
• Herkimer diamonds. Jury is still out on that one. But friends are looking for me.
• Orange shortlisted. But unresolved.

Dreams Discovered - "The Surprises"

John Dyer, a gem stone cutter who appears to be approximately twelve but whose work is timeless, fresh and precise. In his hands, colored stones take on a new feel. Unlike busy diamonds, which I find nervous and annoying, his wildly imaginative colored stones are mesmerizing. My personal short list (for the long term) is a ring for yours truly featuring one of his stone creations.

Beautiful stone carvings from Idar-Oberstein. Realistic animals, delicate flowers. Want. Bad.

Demantoid garnet. Wow. Beautiful with opals. I'm seeing it surrounding a tanzanite cabochon too. An impossibly sparkly green from Russia. With love.

Bracing for more extreme winter weather. I'd love to hear from you.