The Gemologist's Corner
Hanna reports that she came naturally to her profession. "I
was one of those kids who hung out at the local rock shop
after school," she recalls. "I call it the 'Magpie
factor'--the color and sparkle of gems and minerals has
always fascinated me." Her interest led naturally to formal
gemological training at home and abroad. In addition to
study through the Gemological Institute of America, she is
a graduate of the Educational Gemstone Centre Hattgenstein
in Germany, with a certificate in practical and advanced
gemology.
Hanna has contributed to Jill Banfield's,
"Gems and Gem
Materials"
online
course, through the University of California Berkeley's
Department of Earth and Planetary Science. The website
is available for the general public, and contains a
wealth of information for the budding gemologist and
anyone interested in learning more about gemstones. Over
the years Cook-Wallace has collected a comprehensive
library on the subject of gems and jewelry as well as a
fine collection of gem and mineral specimens, many of
which illustrate the Gems
and Gem Materials course.
Studio Jewelers has a fully equipped gemological
laboratory--a rare commitment to gemological standards
in today's marketplace.
-------------------------
Birthstones
For hundreds of years, gemstones have been associated with
specific dates, occasions, astrological signs, and other
parts of the calendar. In recent years, certain gems have
become well established as representing specific months, so
that a person’s birthstone is now an integral part of the
birthday celebration.
In addition to detailed information on each birthstone,
lists of anniversary and other celebrations are listed as
well.
-------------------------
Featured
Gemstones
Hanna’s decades in the jewelry and gemology field have led
to a fine collection of beautiful, high-quality gemstones.
She has close, long-standing relationships with those she
purchases gems from. Hanna is proud to be a member of the
American Gem Trade Association, which promotes and
perpetuates the highest ethical standards among its members
and within the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl
industries. Our Featured Gemstones page has a selection of
gemstones from our collection for sale, from a fun rainbow
pyrite drusy to a stunning AGTA certified
Padparadscha
sapphire.
-------------------------
Jewelry
Care
Information and
tips on how to best clean and store your jewelry items.
Hanna wrote these combining her own lifelong love affair
with jewelry, and the knowledge of a bench jeweler’s repair
experience. An extended essay on the care of pearls is a
feature, as pearls and opals are Hanna’s specialty.
-------------------------
Gemology
Articles
Hanna pens a
quarterly newsletter which is sent
out to clients of the Studio. Each issue is a chance to
share news about the artists whose work we carry,
educate readers about a featured gemstone or two, and
let everyone know about upcoming events. A few articles
from past newsletters have been collected here.