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NORTH CAROLINA is blessed with natural beauty from the beautiful shores of it's elaborate coastline to the mystic Blue Ridge Mountains. It is in those ancient mountains and foothills that there are some other natural beauties hidden in the folds of eroded mountains that were once taller than the Rocky Mountains.
The Appalachians were formed when a tectonic plate moved west and collided with North America. Rock that had formed deep within the earth was now thrust upward to form a towering ridge that runs from Georgia to Maine.
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The Carolina Emperor rough emerald found by Terry Lee Ledford in Hiddenite, N.C.
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The uplift brought with it, a variety of minerals, some of which had formed crystals over the millennia deep within the earth. Over time these great mountains were weathered and eroded, exposing a few rare pockets of natural wonder and beauty in the form of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, morganite, hiddenite, garnets, amethyst, smoky quartz, and others.
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Photo by Gemologist C.R. (Cap) Beasley of Carolina Emperor Emerald after being cut.
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Western North Carolina a few exceptionally rare and large treasures from within it's ancient landscape. Some exceptional finds include the 65ct Carolina Emperor Emerald found in Hiddenite by Terry Lee Ledford and the Mountain Star Ruby Collection found by Wayne Messer in the mountains west of Asheville, N.C. The largest of the star rubies has been named 'The Appalachian Ruby Star and weighs over 139ct. All these exceptional North Carolina gems are worth millions.
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The Mountain Star Ruby Collection found by Wayne Messer include (from left) the Misty Star, the Appalachian Star, the Smoky Mountain Two Star and the Promise Star. Photo (Guernsey's)
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See what Brent finds in the Jewelry Construction Zone
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Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio was recently awarded the prestigious title of Master IJO Jeweler Certified Gem Lab by the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO). The requirements for a Certified Gem Lab are most stringent.
The program encompasses not only the study of gemology with the Gemological Institute of America, but also the ability to utilize specific gemological equipment in-house such as a Refract-ometer, Polariscope, Colorimeter, Gem Microscope. and approved scales.
Michelle, a Graduate Gemologist since 2006 uses the equipment required plus additional tools and our extensive gem library, to provide expertise and share her love of gemstones and diamonds to our customers and community.
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Brent and Michelle hold the IJO Certified Gem Lab certificate awarded to Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio.
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The apple-green hue of peridot makes you think of summer. So it is appropriate that peridot is the birthstone for August. Treasured for over 4,000 years, peridot was initially discovered by the Egyptians on the volcanic island of Zebargard in the Red Sea. Today, peridot is appreciated as the most affordable and untreated green gemstone.
Most peridot is formed deep inside the earth and is delivered to the surface by volcanic eruptions. For the past two months Hawaii's Kilaeua volcano has been erupting, but lava isn't the only thing being released by the volcano.
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Photo of beautiful Peridot by Artinian Gems
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Many residents are finding little green pebbles that have fallen out of sky as a result of Kilaeua's eruption. While the tiny grains of peridot are too small for jewelry, they do have special meaning for Hawaiians. According to local folklore, the tiny peridot crystals symbolize the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire.
Although it is extremely rare, peridot has also been found in meteorites. The most notable case of extraterrestrial peridot came in 2005. Comet dust collected from the Stardust robotic space probe was found to contain peridot crystals. Peridot in its non-gem form known as olivine, has also been found on the moon and Mars!
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Pandora Bracelet Event
August 9 - 13
Diamond Days of Summer
Sale
August 16 -17 -18
Buying Event
Aug 24 & 25
Gem Show
September 10
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We will have some cool diamond deals for a hot Summer during our Diamond Days of Summer Sale event.
Save up to 40% off a wide variety of diamond jewelry including diamond rings, earrings, pendants, engagement rings and even some loose diamonds.
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Buying Event
August 24 & 25
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We always buy, however on August 24 & 25 we will be having a special buying event featuring an Israeli diamond buyer here to make a top offer on your unwanted diamonds.
Our buyers will also be making offers on estate jewelry, scrap jewelry, gold and silver coins. We can also discuss consignment or trade options.
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Select a special ring that will change your life, from our beautiful Romance Collection. Our experienced diamond specialists and Graduate Gemologist can help you select just the right dream diamond for you or we can reset your heirloom diamond.
We can also use your gold and other diamonds to custom create a unique ring that you help design.
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The Rotary Community Garden located on Franklin Blvd. was created to bring people together to help provide fresh produce for those in our community who are in need.
Founded and led by The Rotary Club of Gastonia, the garden relies on members of various businesses, churches and organizations to maintain this 'gem' of a garden by planting, growing, weeding and harvesting. Rotarian Brent has donated his time as a Garden Board Member and a sweaty worker bee.
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Garden photos by fellow Rotarian Tom Hauer
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Do you know someone that might like to receive our emails or connect with us on social media? Send us their name and contact
information to receive $25
in Facet Foundry Jewelry Bucks.
WE ARE SOCIAL
Find us @FacetFoundry on Facebook
and @FacetFoundryJewelry on Instagram and Pinterest
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