Podcasts by Gem Junkies

Gem Junkies

We talk gemstones- the science, the history, and the fashion of the industry. Hear from gemologists, jewelry designers, and jewelry enthusiasts as they delve deep into a world of color.

Further podcasts by Parle Jewelry Design's Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth.

Podcast on the topic Bildung

All episodes

Gem Junkies
Gems Of The US - Georgia And Florida from 2021-05-11T06:00:26

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 ti...

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Gem Junkies
Gems Of The US - Connecticut And Delaware from 2021-02-25T15:04:40

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...

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Gem Junkies
Eureka!! We Have Diamonds!! from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Eureka!! We have diamonds!! Jonathan and Brecken finally talk about the #1 gemstone sold –Diamonds! There’s a lot to cover when it comes to Diamonds so this episode will cover some lore, its histo...

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Gem Junkies
Gems Of The US - Colorado from 2020-12-18T02:00:08

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. P...

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Gem Junkies
Gems Of The US - California from 2020-11-06T01:59:59

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 ge...

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Gem Junkies
Gems Of The US - Arizona And Arkansas from 2020-10-08T21:11:09

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 ...

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Gem Junkies
Gems Across The US - Alabama And Alaska from 2020-09-11T00:00:13

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 ...

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Gem Junkies
Production With Paul = Metals from 2020-08-31T14:36:34

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 polis...

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Gem Junkies
Little Silver = Platinum from 2020-08-14T14:54:42

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 it...

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Gem Junkies
Phenomenal Moonstone from 2020-06-22T18:58:16

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” Listen

Gem Junkies
Ancient Times With Lapis Lazuli from 2020-05-15T17:37:14

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 ...

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Gem Junkies
Courageous Chrysoprase from 2020-03-21T21:22:31

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 it...

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Gem Junkies
Brecken Meet Brecken from 2020-03-13T06:00:28

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 do...

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Gem Junkies
About WJA With Jennifer Markas from 2020-03-09T20:14:49

In honor of #womensinternationalday and #womenshistorymonth we sit down with Jennifer Markas to learn more about Women’s Jeweler Association (WJA). We dive into WJA’s history, its mission and get ...

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Gem Junkies
Purpose + Passion With Ben Smithee from 2020-02-27T07:00:10

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 ...

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Gem Junkies
Education Through GIA from 2020-02-14T17:06:38

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 ...

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Gem Junkies
In The Year 2020 from 2020-01-31T18:18:31

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
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Gem Junkies
From Breastplate To Birthstone from 2020-01-27T23:00:10

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 an...

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Gem Junkies
Raising The Tide With Craig Danforth from 2020-01-03T16:57:36

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 po...

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Gem Junkies
Parle Marketer = Stephanie Major from 2019-12-12T16:55:27

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 ...

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Gem Junkies
Gem Legacy - Rachel Dery from 2019-12-06T21:24:38

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 grow...

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Gem Junkies
All About Lambs With Julie Lamb from 2019-11-26T17:00:13

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 per...

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Gem Junkies
From Cab To Brilliant from 2019-11-17T02:13:39

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 styl...

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Gem Junkies
Oh Curse You!!! from 2019-10-31T15:00:22

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 Bla...

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Gem Junkies
Fancy Scientific Metal - SILVER from 2019-10-04T20:34:54

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. W...

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Gem Junkies
Unearthing Brazil With @thirdcoastgems from 2019-09-27T20:05:03

Benjamin Guttery, of @thirdcoastgems, was in Idaho and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to record another podcast with him. We sit down and learn about his 14-day excursion unearthing the Brazil...

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Gem Junkies
Parle Team Member - Marty Burns from 2019-09-13T20:37:57

Getting to know you, getting to know all about Parle. We sit town with another Parle team member, Marty Burns, who is one of our traveling sales consultants. As a child panning for gold in the Mer...

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Gem Junkies
Sapphire Mining At Rock Creek from 2019-09-06T17:18:46

We went straight to the source to learn more about Montana Sapphire from the Rock Creek mountains of Montana. We were honored to have a guided tour from Warren Boyd, of Potentate. From the early ...

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Gem Junkies
Gold - To Shine, To Gleam Or To Be Yellow Or Green from 2019-08-09T23:48:27

“To shine, to gleam, to be yellow and green.” This week is all about the Midas touch --- GOLD! We explore the early history of gold, some fundamental basics, how it has become the metal of choice ...

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Gem Junkies
Production with Paul from 2019-08-02T20:14:34

Getting to know you, getting to know all about . . . Paul! You’ve heard us reference Paul throughout other episodes so its time we put him in the hot seat. Parlé wouldn’t be the same company with...

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Gem Junkies
No Viagra, Just Get Fire Opal!! from 2019-06-21T16:10:32

Mexican Fire Opal is what is up for the week! Yes, Jonathan and Brecken covered opal in 2 prior podcast episodes but thought it would be best to go into a little more detail about this mystical st...

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Gem Junkies
Stone Of Heaven. Hello Jade! from 2019-06-14T18:00:16

It's been awhile but Gem Junkies is back! Jonathan and Brecken talk about the heavenly world of Jade. As always, they'll cover the chemical compositions and Brecken favorite the lore and history a...

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Gem Junkies
PHENOMENON, Phe - No - Me - No - Me - Non!!! from 2019-05-17T18:54:36

00:00:00 Mickey isn’t real
01:21:50 Returning to the basement and what we’ve been up to
04:35:00 Phenomenal Gemstones
(2) main types: Structure and Inclusions
05:04:00 Structure...

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Gem Junkies
Leo Valentine Aka Beyonce Aka John Carter from 2019-04-20T18:00:14

Ask and you will receive? You all requested more interviews and Jonathan and Brecken come back with another special guest. You can call him Leo Valentine, the Beyoncè of AGS but we know him as Jo...

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Gem Junkies
Angie Crabtree - From Gemstone To Canvas from 2019-04-04T20:10:10

A Northern Californian taking the gemstone world by storm with her paintings. Yes, PAINTINGS!! Jonathan and Brecken sit with Angie Crabtree. From her childhood memories to geodes, teaching to stum...

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Gem Junkies
William Travis - Survivor, Designer, Warrior from 2019-03-22T16:14:39

Part III of the interview series from the Tucson AGTA Gem Fair. Jonathan and Brecken interview fellow designer William Travis Kukovich. Transforming his life from a traumatic childhood to becoming...

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Gem Junkies
Luck Of The Gems from 2019-03-14T21:10:36

St. Patrick’s day is just around the corner and to bring in as much luck as possible we explore the lore behind lucky gemstones. Crack open a beer, enjoy some laughs and discover the perfect gemst...

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Gem Junkies
Aquamarine = The Gem Lore Of Gem Lores from 2019-03-07T19:30:19

Jonathan and Brecken explore the world of Aquamarine. The birthstone of March provides unique gemstone qualities and an expansive folklore behind it. Who wouldn’t want to conjure people from the ...

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Gem Junkies
The Sparkling World Of Gem Gossip from 2019-02-28T18:59:15

Jonathan and Brecken interview Danielle Miele of Gem Gossip. From her early childhood memories with jewelry, how Gem Gossip started and even about her new role into motherhood.

0:35.00 ...

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Gem Junkies
Smiles From Mine To Market from 2019-02-16T04:56:13

Tuscon was another great year and we were fortunate enough to interview THE Doug Hucker -- CEO of AGTA. Take look into how it all with the AGTA Gem Fair, the lore behind the show and even define t...

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Gem Junkies
The Finest American Gemstone - Montana Sapphire from 2019-02-08T20:12:27

Back to talking about gemstones!! Explore the wonders of Montana Sapphire. Jonathan and Brecken discuss the early beginnings and the lore behind America's finest gemstone.

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Gem Junkies
A Live Trap And Peanut Butter from 2019-01-31T20:48:41

Jonathan interviews Brecken and puts her in the hot seat. Reminisce through childhood memories and her journey leading into the world of jewelry.

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Gem Junkies
Hey SOB!!! from 2019-01-25T23:09:14

Getting to know you, getting to know all about -- Jonathan!! We've spent this past year talking about gemstones and thought you should get to know us a little more. Get a personal interview about...

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Gem Junkies
Oh Gosh Garnet!! from 2019-01-10T17:15:07

Starting off the new year with January's birthstone, Garnet. While it provides the world a wide array of colors (except blue) Jonathan and Brecken explore the world of the red tones of the Garnet ...

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Gem Junkies
The Year Of The Podcast from 2018-12-20T02:31:34

Jonathan and Brecken reflect on the past year--share more stories and look back on their favorite episodes. In the Holiday Spirit, they also talk about how Parle is giving back to the jewelry comm...

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Gem Junkies
Putting the Wheels on the Car -- 45 years Parle from 2018-12-14T19:23:10

This year marks 45 years in the jewelry business for Parle!! Jonathan and Brecken interview the man who started it all, Frank Farnsworth. It's a journey into the past--the first mining excursion, ...

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Gem Junkies
The Lore and Legends of Zircon from 2018-12-07T20:19:38

Jonathan and Brecken discuss Zircons unique properties-- high doubling, high refractive index and even radioactive!! (Don't worry it's not harmful to wear.) Even learn how to ward off phantoms and...

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Gem Junkies
The Bro's Buying Guide from 2018-11-29T16:37:44

Gem Junkies are back!! Brecken shares her recent buying experience purchasing in Hong Kong. What a common day looks like being on the road and buying tips. The Holiday are here and they give a sh...

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Gem Junkies
The Amethyst Diaries from 2018-11-08T18:34:20

Brecken and Jonathan break out the purple quartz and their drinking goblets this episode to talk all about the sobering gemstone- Amethyst. This variety of quartz has been adorned by some of the mo...

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Gem Junkies
It's A Citrine Juice Cleanse from 2018-11-01T14:41

Brecken & Jonathan are in a golden state of mind in this week's episode where they discuss November's birthstone, Citrine. Learn the recipe to a great new detox (just in time for the Holiday food f...

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Gem Junkies
Halloween Special- A Gem Haunting from 2018-10-25T15:05:57

On this Halloween Special be careful of holding onto your gems too tightly, as they might turn on you. Brecken and Jonathan take us back to a time where gemstones would come alive, and possess secr...

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Gem Junkies
Green & Hairy Grossular Garnet Gooseberry from 2018-10-18T16:31:47

Brecken & Jonathan tackle another member of the Garnet family- this one turns green under pressure- the Grossular Garnet! Known to the jewelry industry as Mint or Tsavorite Garnet this beauty can r...

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Gem Junkies
The Phenomena Of Alex from 2018-10-12T16:56:43

This week Jonathan and Brecken talk about something truly phenomenal- Alexandrite. This two-faced gemstone has captivated the gemstone world by setting the standard for a true color-changing gem. T...

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Gem Junkies
Turquoise- If It's Good Enough For Marie from 2018-09-28T20:53:17

Because of popular demand Gem Junkies explore the long and exotic history of Turquoise. A gemstone as old as time is sure to have been used for some weird stuff. Explore the lore and science behind...

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Gem Junkies
Journey To 'The Rough'- What Happens In Tanzania from 2018-09-21T17:15:03

Gem Junkies are back from their venture into Tanzania to explore the mines of the gemstones featured in 'Sharing The Rough.' They recap their visit to the mines, the cutters, and the Maasai school,...

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Gem Junkies
The Very Cultured Pearl Pt 2 from 2018-08-31T22:06:53

Wrapping things up in our own special coating of Nacre with our part 2 of the Pearl series. Brecken and Jonathan follow the life of a well-traveled Pearl, we also head to a very strange place to un...

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Gem Junkies
Seduce Them With Those Big Pearls, Girl from 2018-08-24T14:39:58

Well, with the world as our oyster there is only one thing on our mind- PEARLS. Brecken & Jonathan begin to delve into this timeless, organic gemstone in their two-part series. In this episode, we ...

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Gem Junkies
History, Death, Destruction, & Spinel from 2018-08-17T15:37:16

Finally, the track we have been teasing about- Brecken and Jonathan discuss a fiercely trending gem, and all of the death and destruction revolving around this impostor crystal. So come for the lor...

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Gem Junkies
#ThirdCoastGems from 2018-08-09T22:29:53

Gem Junkies, Brecken and Jonathan spend this week chatting with friend, and beloved Instagram Jewelry Guru, Benjamin Guttery, a.k.a. THIRD COAST GEMS! We hear how Benjamin and Third Coast Gems came...

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Gem Junkies
Sharing The Rough- From Mine To Market from 2018-08-03T17:45:01

Brecken and Jonathan Farnsworth sit down and chat with good friend, and filmmaker, Orin Mazzoni, to discuss his most recent work documenting the journey of a gemstone from mine to market. His film ...

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Gem Junkies
Topaz- Good for Cataracts? from 2018-07-26T18:10:21

This week we touch on a pretty gemstone that you might be surprised comes in more colors than blue- TOPAZ. Brecken wants to share stories of what those crazy ancient people thought the stone did, a...

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Gem Junkies
Perido or Peridont from 2018-07-19T18:05:10

This week on the pod junkies Brecken and Jonathan dive into the legends, history, market, and science behind this green(ish) August birthstone. Whether you perido like it or preidon't like this gem...

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Gem Junkies
The Tanzanite Diaries from 2018-07-12T22:12:55

A curiosity recently unveiled in the gemstone world, this week Brecken & Jonathan talk Tanzanite. What makes them gemstone valuable, and why does that change so much? What gives this gemstone color...

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Gem Junkies
Hi - Ho Hi - Ho, Off To Mine Tourmaline We Go from 2018-06-28T21:27:18

On this episode of Gem Junkies, Brecken and Jonathan discuss a little of everything, everything but the kitchen sink. We are talking Tourmaline, people! You asked, so here it is a full episode on t...

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Gem Junkies
Oh, You Fancy, Sapphire from 2018-06-21T22:06:28

Brecken & Jonathan are back with part 2 in the Sapphire series where they discuss the rainbow world of this corundum. Sapphire is a sophisticated gem, she has many sides. They also take a look at P...

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Gem Junkies
Blue Sapphire- AKA Liar's Bane from 2018-06-14T19:24:44

The truth is revealed on this episode of Gem Junkies. Where are Blue Sapphires mined? What makes them blue? Wait, isn't that the same stuff that makes Ruby, red? The answer to all this and more can...

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Gem Junkies
Cleopatra- Girl Loves Her Emeralds from 2018-06-07T22:22:24

All the best things in life are green... We’re talkin’ Emeralds, people! Gem Junkies cross off number 2 of the big three (Rubies, Emeralds, & Sapphires). We head to COLOOOMBIAAA, check out Emerald ...

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Gem Junkies
All Hail The King from 2018-05-31T22:04:16

All hail The King of Gemstones, RUBY! You might have heard of it, but do you know why its so renowned and associated with wealth and power? Or what gives Ruby the rich red color? Gemologists and je...

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Gem Junkies
Opal Part Two- White Man In A Hole from 2018-05-24T21:42:22

We are ready for part two on Opals. In this episode we head to the south, the southest of souths- Australia! We talk opal types, miners, markets, and kangaroos. So, grab your breaky (as any aussie ...

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Gem Junkies
Opals, Queen Victoria, & A Sassy Shoulder from 2018-05-17T22:09:25

What do Opals, Queen Victoria, and a sassy shoulder have in common? Find out as we introduce Part One of our Opal series. In this episode we discuss the origination of Opals, the science behind the...

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Gem Junkies
Out Of The Family- The Lotus Garnet Story from 2018-05-10T15:33

Gemologists and Jewelry Designers Brecken and Jonathan Farnsworth discuss a new discovery in the gemstone world.

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