Update on the African Gem Find of January 2009

During the Tucson show this year, we did some scouting for any gemstones from the new find in Africa that occurred in January. This material was thought to initially be Alexandrite, and then possibly Color Change Garnet. In viewing material and discussing the trade/new finds with many hundreds/thousands of dealers, we did see some dark 'Color Change' Garnet from supposedly this new find. It was unimpressive, too dark and not a great color change, not to mention that it was poorly faceted and did have some inclusions.

In talking to a person whose family lives in that area of Africa and is in the gemstone trade, he indicated that there is some fine material being unearthed, and it is indeed Color Change Garnet and NOT Alexandrite. Not much of this material is being sold or seen in the market because the local miners believe that the material is Alexandrite and therefore are asking prices that are too high for what this material actually is.

The gemstone trade will likely see this material in the future, but unless it is really super material in size, color change, clarity, cutting and price, this, like many gemstones on the market currently, will not have much demand.

The gemstones that are selling are those very unique pieces that are considered to be unique, unusual, rare and in keeping with the All That Glitters inventory and philosophy.