Hidden, Raw, Beautifully Rounded, Oily Feel ... What am I?

     The answer of course is diamonds.  You know, the ones that have yet to be discovered deep underground.  These precious gems can also be found laying right on top of the soil, having worked their way up to the surface.  Your chances of finding one this way increases at a place like Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds    They make sure to turn the soil ever-so-often to level the playing field.  I have also heard after a good rain is a good time to visit the park, too.

Diamonds in the Rough

     Visiting this park is definitely on my bucket list.  I have been trying to get someone to go there with me for quite sometime.  One of these days, with or without company, I'm going to go get me some of those diamonds.

  I have heard of some pretty good sized ones being found up to the present day.  Other gemstones are found at the Crater of Diamonds, too.  I know amethyst is one of them. Whatever you find they have experts on hand that will appraise your finds for free at the park. 


    Here's a link for a lil' learning about where to look for them and what they will look like when you do find them.   Ehow has numerous articles about this very subject.  Go check it out, come back here, leave a comment..and let me know what time you will be by to pick me up for our road trip.

Outstanding!

If we don't discover a diamond the first day after hours of digging and sifting in the dirt and hot sun.  (don't forget you hat) Don't get discouraged because they have all we will need to stay over and dig the next day.  Right!?!

Seriously it's a full blown attraction for the entire family.  The have campsites, air conditioned pavilions, a gift shop, a museum, a water park, a restaurant, laundry, fishing and more.  But I think you know where you will find me. Finding diamonds that's where!!!

The admission is reasonable.  Only $8 or something like that.  You can take your own tools or rent them there.  The rent prices are reasonable.  It's the refundable deposit that will kill ya.  You will for sure be taking there equipment back or you will be paying $100 for a very small shovel. 

Kids Pets are welcome if they are kept on a leash.
Discounts for large groups of 15 or more.  Wouldn't this have been a great field trip back in the day?

Like I said... I'll be waiting!

A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry

 

      The following two paragraphs were copied from the blog No Signposts in the Sea. A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry was written in 2011 and all the tips about vintage jewelry are relevant today.  If you are interested in buying vintage jewelry to wear or collect, this is a must read.  The post is packed full of useful information and written in a manner that everyone will understand.  The pictures are vivid and show excellent detail to go along with the information given.  Here are some links to the resources listed in the post.
  
  Illusion Jewels   Ruby Lane  Etsy   Ebay

     Sometimes valuable information is missed because we neglect to read the comments made to a post.  The following was copied from the comments section of  "A Small Guide to Vintage Costume Jewelry" and is the reply given by the host, aka The Waves.
  
  "You pretty much have to rely on small details. The overall style of the piece can give you some indication - large, rhinestone/crystal pieces were big in the 50s ad 60s, for example. Really simple and a little rougher looking brooch closures (just the pin and a simple hook) usually mean the piece is older, pre-1950s. Necklace clasps and clip earring closures are typically patented, so if there is a patent number on the clasp, you can google the number and you'll find when it was patented. The more complicated the necklace clasp, the more likely it is that the piece is old and of some value. Screw back earrings are always older than typical clip earrings.

Value is tough to estimate. When I find something interesting, I try to look for similar pieces on eBay, Etsy or Ruby Lane, and go with what they typically sell for. There are also a lot of costume jewelry books out there, but sometimes the value estimates are dated in those. Basically you need to do a lot of research! :)"

     This reply is dated April, 2013.  The last post on her blog is from 2014, but I hope this is just a break.  Maybe she would be willing to bring us up to date on her jewelry findings in a guest post on this blog.  Stay tuned.  The author goes by the name "The Waves."  Very cute theme and I am looking forward to reading more of her posts, No Signposts in the Sea.

Gemstone Websites Reviews

     Some would say it isn't a fine piece of jewelry unless there is a gemstone present.  I guess I would agree with that statement for the most part.  Although there are some beautiful examples of jewelry that is made from gold only or silver or platinum.  And considering bone or ivory and what about feathers, pine cones and shells, you get the idea.  But yeah, nothing compares to the sparkle of a gemstone.  I have discovered some websites that will be valuable resources for all things gemstones.

Gemselect  - Buying loose gemstones from this website is not a problem.  Positive customer feedback is abundant.  A brief in-depth history plus description of a very lengthy list of gemstones is at your fingertips.  They know there stuff!  Whether for research or purchase, this site is a must.

Geology -  This might not be a route you have considered before.  Sure there is information on other subjects relating to geology but that doesn't over shadow the gemstone information.  The scientific approach is a given but they include the more mainstream information as well.  The links are abundant.  They include teacher resources and provide free printable maps.  They have a store as well and that's where you will find gold mining equipment and a lot more.  Trust me, you will love it!

 

Gemstones Advisor - This website is stuffed with information about gemstones, not unlike the sites above.  But this website goes a little bit farther.  A lengthy history and proper description are well written.  They also focus on current trends and values.  You'll find jewelry tutorials.  And the illustrations are incredible. 

I'll let you know when I stumble onto any more.  But what about your favorite websites for jewelry.  I would love to know about them.  Leave this information in a comment and I will be sure to visit all of them asap.