Teach Yourself About Pearls by Elizabeth Burnett
In depth information on:

• Pearl Fishing Regions
• History
• Formation of Natural and Cultured Pearls
• Pearl Types and Varieties
• Buying Guide
• Gemological Identification
• Tests for Natural, Cultured and Synthetic Pearls
and much more ......

Wild About Turquoise - by Liz (Burnett)Kuhns
Lapidary Journal May 2003

Suddenly the vibrant sky blue of turquoise is taking the fashion world by storm - yet again. Flashes of this bright blue color is to be seen everywhere, mixed with silver, amber, coral, jade and in all sorts of media, from natural turquoise to imitation plastic, even in the form of glass beads and other dyed organic matter like coconut husks.

It is the natural turquoise mineral though, that has withstood the test of time, surging in and out of the fashion limelight like a pendulum, yet never really losing its popularity, just being more popular at certain times than others.
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The Southern Cross - a cross cut of contrasts - by Liz (Burnett) Kuhns
SA Jeweler February 2002

Who would have thought an innocent walk on the beach would be the first steps in creating a wonderful new gemstone cut, a cut perfectly suited to transparent gems with a high refractive index, especially diamond.
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Platinum - A Kilometer Down -by Liz (Burnett)Kuhns
Lapidary Journal August 2001

What do you give a man who has everything? Pure platinum jewellery, off course. Well, almost pure, I suppose, as platinum jewellery must have a platinum content of 999 out of 1000 to qualify for the "Pt 1000" hallmark stamp. An exceptionally high percentage, but that is part of what makes platinum so special.
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Northern Lights by Liz (Burnett)Kuhns
Lapidary Journal November 2000

.... Making his intent known, the young man produces a beautifully made silver cup, drops a silver coin into the bottom, fills it up with schnapps and holding his breath in anticipation, offers it to the old man. The air hangs heavy with expectation. The young man wishes with all his heart the old man will reach out, take the cup, bring it to his lips and drink the contents as his happiness and future with the old man’s beautiful daughter depends entirely on this.
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Playing with Silver by Liz (Burnett)Kuhns
Lapidary Journal February 2003

Living in a small cottage in the woods speaks of peace and tranquility, quiet times of contemplation and fruitful days of creativity influenced by the beauty of life. All the better if you are a silversmith finding great appeal in the shapes and forms of nature. Such a life abounds with endless insiration.
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Aheb's Gifts - The Art of Scrimshaw by Liz (Burnett)Kuhns
Door Peninsula Voice March/April 2003

.... At this point the ship's captain starts handing out the whale teeth, just enough to settle the mood and soon big, burly seamen are carving and engraving nautical scenes that will become delicate gifts for family and friends back home. Such is the therapeutic nature of the craft called scrimshaw, an effect even Kiracofe can attest to when he recalls the quiet introspective times whilst working.
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