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Below is a list of the Contributors to Gemology Tools Professional. Without the efforts of these amazing people Gemology Tools Professional wouldn't be near the program it is today.
Read A Short History of Gemology Tools
Martin Fuller, GG, MGA, ASA, NAJA Certified Senior Appraiser Fuller and Associates
Fuller and Associates are Certified & Recertified - Licensed & Bonded - Independent Jewelry Appraisers For Precious Gems, Gold, Platinum, Pearls and Silver. You can view their website at: http://www.martinfullerassociates.com/
Martin is a past President of The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) Alumni Association (www.dcgia.org), Washington, D.C. Chapter 2002-2003, Past President (1992-1993), Vice-President (1990-1991), Founder & Former Publisher and Editor of "The District of Gemology", award winning newsletter to the industry. Co-Founder and Editor of the website of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the GIA Alumni Association --
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs, Gemstone Photographs and Much More!
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Barbara W. Smigel, PhD.
Graduate Gemologist, GIA
Artistic Colored Stones
Barbara developed her interest in gems rather later in life than many (after age 40). The earlier part of her life having been devoted to researcher and teaching in biological science and to raising a family. From an initial interest in collecting rare gems, the progression was to gemology student (culminating in a Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA), to a becoming a facetor and jewelry designer, and ultimately reaching its present form as gem dealer and gemology instructor. Her website, www.acstones.com, debuted on the internet in 1997 and has evolved to become one of the preferred web destinations for the gem lover.
website: http://www.acstones.com
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs, Gemstone in-depth Articles, Inclusion photographs and Much More!
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Peter Grumitt - A superb incusion microphotographer, Peter runs Apsara. They sell very high quality gems, specializing (but not limited to) Rubies and Sapphires. You will also find excellent inclusion photos on their site.
website: http://www.apsara.co.uk/
Contributions: Inclusion photographs
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The Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
Gem-A is where you get the coveted FGA
Contributions: Inclusion photographs and retail sales.
Website: www.gem-a.com/
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GemSelect.com
GemSelect is a German-Thai company located in Chanthaburi, Thailand. We have been selling loose gemstones online for over 6 years, with more than 82,000 gems sold to over 21,000 satisfied customers around the world.
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Robert E. La Prad
Graduate Gemologist, GIA
Bob is a gems and jewelry appraiser who has been serving the Santa Barbara, CA area since 1982. He is a Graduate Gemologist (awarded by the Gemological Institute of America) and a Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He was tested and certified as an Accredited Senior Appraiser and Master Gemologist Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers in 1989. He is an expert gem cutter with over 34 years of experience. He has been an independent appraiser since 1990, serving clients from Ventura to Solvang.
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs and Gemstone Photographs
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Stan Celestian
Instructor of Astronomy, Geology and Physical Science, Glendale Community College
I received a Masters of Science in Geology / Education from Northern Arizona University, a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the State University of New York at Oswego. I have taught Astronomy, Geology and Physical Science at Glendale Community College since 1976. Integrated into my teaching duties is a deep interest in photography and mineralogy. My wife Susan is the Curator of the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum and we both enjoy geology as a profession as well as an avocation.
www.gc.maricopa.edu/earthsci/imagearchive/index.htm
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Richard Pongratz, GG
Contributing Microphotographer (Inclusion photographs)
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Richard B. Drucker, GG
Publisher of The Guide
Gemworld International, Inc.
Gemworld International, Inc. is primarily engaged in publishing for the jewelry industry. Our premier publication, The Guide, made its debut in 1982. The Guide Appraisal Software, which utilizes The Guide pricing, has been continually improved upon since its acquisition in May 2002.
www.gemguide.com/
(847)564-0555
Contributions: Pearl grading system and Pearl information.
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Gary Lowe, GG
Cincinnati Lapidary Service
Stone cutting for the trade (only).
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs and Programming.
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John Huff
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs and Inclusion photomicrography.
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James Carpenter & Cindy Fowler
Unconventional Lapidarist
The Unconventional Lapidarist was started in order to produce and sell high quality products and the rare and unusual to feed the craving of others wanting great products but do not have to dig, cut, and polish the material themselves. I, James, and my partner Cindy, make it a priority to find the best material at fair prices. We have a high quality standard which makes us very selective in what we obtain.
www.unconventionallapidarist.com/
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Conny Forsberg, FGA
Born: Yes, in 1961
Nationality: Swedish
Gemological education: Gem-A 1986-1987, diploma 1987. Diamond grading HRD, Antwerp 1993.
Gemological experience: RUBECO, Sweden 1987 - 1990, GeoCity, Sweden 1991 - 1993, Octahedron AB, Sweden 1993 - 1998.
My interest in photographing inclusions in gemstones, crystals and minerals was born when using the microscope to identify gemstones. My first attempts at capturing what I saw through the microscope were done during the mid 80's. By then I used diapositive 135 film and a home- made adapter fitting over the ocular tube.
Contributions: Gemstone Inclusion Photographs
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Raul Berenguel
Contributions: Programming, Artistic Critique
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Hamid Usman. Khattak
Working as a gemologist and teaches gemology at the Gems & Gemological Institute of Pakistan (GGIP) –Peshawar, Has an Accredited Gemology Diploma from Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) Bangkok, Thailand.
Contributions: Gemstone Inclusion Photographs
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Sylvia Gumpesberger
Sylvia Gumpesberger is presently on the Faculty at George Brown College in Toronto, teaching gemmology and illuminating the wonders and characteristics of gems and minerals to jewellery and gemmology students. Professionals and enthusiasts quickly embrace Sylvia’s innovative approach to the study, including magnetic characterization of gems, which has proven to be a benefit to the industry. See Sylvia’s related article online at: http://geminnovations.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/article.pdf
Contributions: Magnetism
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Gerald Giester, Ao. Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.
Born: 9.1.1960 in Steyr, Upper Austria
Education:
1978-1984 - University of Vienna, teaching post in biology
M.S. 1984
1982-1990 - Study of Earth Sciences at the University of Vienna
Ph.D. in Mineralogy and Crystallography - University of Vienna 1990
Since 1999: Associate Professor for Mineralogy and Crystallography at the University of Vienna
1999-2003: Associate Editor for American Mineralogist
Since 2010: Associate Editor for Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie
Dr. Giesters accomplishments in the fields of gemology and mineralogy are far to numerous to be included here (my comments, BW). If want to see more go to this site: http://www.univie.ac.at/Mineralogie/cgi-bin/publ_okop_engl.cgi?Searchterm=Giester
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
Thomas Sadel
Sweet Gemstones
Sweetgemstones.com opened up its' internet doors in 2001 representing many cutters with unusual materials from different parts of the world. All photographs are taken by Thomas Sadel
www.sweetgemstones.com/
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Luke Charter is Laboratory Director for the Gemmology Institute of Southern Africa". Our website is http://www.gemmology.co.za
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Shane Jackson
Jackson's Gems
PO Box 224
Spindale, NC 28160
Importer of high quality facet rough, custom cutting, wholesale lapidary supplies and diamond semi mounts to the public.
www.facetrough.com
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Ammolite Guaranteed
Beautiful ammolite gems with a life-time guarantee.
www.ammolite-guaranteed.com/
Contributions: Ammolite Photographs
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Opals Down Under
Opals Down Under is a reputable family business which has been operated by the Stein family since 1985 on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Our opal catalogue is updated frequently and gives you the opportunity to buy precious opal at reasonable prices with the knowledge that it has been specially selected and cut by one of Australia's leading opal experts.
www.opalsdownunder.com.au/
Contributions: Opal Photographs
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Internet Opals from Coober Pedy
An outstanding and unique opal site in Coober Pedy, South Australia, that brings beautiful opals, opal rings, opal jewelry and opal rough direct from the opal miner to you.
www.internetopals.com
Contributions: Opal Photographs
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National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Gail Levine - Executive Director
PO Box 18
Rego Park, NY 11374-0018
718.896.1536
Fax 718.997.9057
Email: naja.appraisers@netzero.net
www.NAJAappraisers.com/
Contributions: Diamond cut grading system.
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Mark Cartwright, GG (GIA), CGA, ISA-AM
www.thegemlab-icga.com
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs
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Dr. Claudio Cardella, Graduate Gemologist, GIA
Email: gemyes.com@fastwebnet.it
Claudio, at present an academic in Aerospace Engineering researching and teaching at the University of Rome, has developed a special love and experience for gems and gemology while travelling extensively in gem producing countries. His Graduate Gemologist Diploma from GIA is just the starting point toward a deeper involvement in researching, appraising, and trading gemstones. The website he created with friends, all very expert in sourcing the choicest gems throughout the world, www.GemYes.com, has just made its debut on the internet.
Website: http://www.gemyes.com
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs
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Peter Torracca
http://www.torraca.net/gems
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs
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Kathy Delker, GG (GIA)
Member, NAJA
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs
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Dr. Laurent SIKIRDJI
www.gemfrance.com
Contributions: Inclusion Photographs
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Brad Payne, GJG (GIA)
www.thegemtrader.com
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Edward Bristol
www.wildfishgems.com
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Larry Folkman
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs
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Jewelry & Mineral of Las Vegas
www.jewelryandmineral.com
Contributions: Gemstones to Photograph
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Carlo Pellegrini
Carlo was born in Rome and still lives there. He is 34 years old and holds a degree in Natural Science. He is studying gemology with G.I.A. in Florence. He works in the Vatican City State in the office of Ufficio delle Celebrazioni Liturgiche del Sommo Pontefice. His job is to record and catalogue (pictures, historical researches, etc...) all the liturgical objects and vestments given to the popes in the last centuries and, of course, to the present Pope Benedict XVI. In the last few years he has made a small gemological lab to study and grade the many gems set in these objects.
Contributions: Inclusion and Gemstone Photographs
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Richard D. Armstrong, RGA
Richard grew up in Central Illinois and became interested in picking up rocks found in the local glacial moraine at the age of 9. At the age of 14 he bought a lapidary unit with money from his paper route and taught himself to cut cabochons. In High School he excelled in science earning all the science awards of his graduating class including the Bausch and Lomb Science Award. He planned to study geology and was accepted to the Colorado School of Mines. But because of lack of finances to go to college he enlisted in the Air Force. He served in Vietnam and Thailand during the 1960’s. While in Thailand he worked part-time as a lapidary instructor at the base Lapidary Hobby Shop, in addition to a 60 plus hour work week as an air operations NCO with a Special Operations unit. During the 1960’s he took the GIA courses and took the 20 stone final exam twice missing one stone each time. In 1970 the Air Force sent him to Florida State University for a degree in management. While there he minored in geology taking 12 quarter hours of mineralogy. After receiving his BS degree from FSU he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and served as an Air Traffic Control Officer. He left the Air Force after 15 years of active duty with a Masters of Business Administration. In 1984 he completed a Masters of Accountancy degree from New Mexico State University. He then became a CPA and worked for 16 years as an Auditor with the U. S. Army Audit Agency. He retired from Federal Civil Service in 2002 with a total of 32 years of government service and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2003.
Although his career was in management and accounting, his lifelong passion is gems and minerals. After his wife passed away in 2009 Richard decided to do something with that passion so enrolled in the Registered Gemologist Appraiser program with the International School of Gemology. He completed the program in January 2011 receiving his RGA diploma. Richard previously had two articles published by the Lapidary Journal in the early 70’s: “A Study of Asterism in Quartz”, Nov. 1971; and “The Story of Lake Lucero”, Sep. 1976. Besides gemology and mineralogy Richards interests include astronomy, photography, gardening, bee keeping, and dogs (he showed dogs for about 10 years). His future plans include learning jewelry making and faceting of gemstones, and getting back into lapidary. He is working to establish his gemology and jewelry business. He is a member of the East Texas Gem and Mineral Society and the International Gem Society.
Web site www.Armstronggemmology.com
Contributions: Gemstone Photographs and Magnetic Response Data
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This program would not exist if not for the genius, tenacity and hard work of the programmers. You've done a great job!
Pat Wise, Gary Lowe
Programming.
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A Short History of Gemology Tools
In July 1993 I went on the road doing independent appraisals working at diamond remount shows for various jewelry stores. Portable gemology equipment is great but it is heavy. Being the type of person that wants to make sure I get everything right I also lugged around 3 or 4 gemology reference books. I thought someone should consolidate all that information and put it on a computer. I looked around for such a program and found none. So I sat down and started programming the first version of Gemology Tools. I used the first version of Basic which came with MS-DOS. In 1994 I upgraded to a more robust version of Basic and the program started to take shape. I needed a more versatile programming language and tried Turbo C. I found C pretty tough and kept asking my brother, Pat, for assistance. Since programming was his hobby he soon took over the programming duties. I handle all gemological issues and content
First Windows Version: We came out with our first Windows version on February 21, 1995. At the time we sold both DOS and Windows versions with DOS outselling Windows 4 to 1 in 1995. Gradually the Windows version took over the lead and finally the DOS version was phased out in about 1997. Amazingly, we sold GT on one floppy disk until 2003. In 2003 we started burning GT to CD's. This allowed us to add photographs and greatly expand the program.
Bill Wise, GG (GIA)
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