In this long-awaited comeback episode of our podcast, "Is Anyone Listening?", we enthusiastically announce our return from a brief hiatus! We're thrilled to be back on air, ready to dive into the fascinating world of gemstones once again. This episode is particularly special as we cover two distinct regions: the tropical paradise of Hawaii and our very own home state, Idaho. First up, Hawaii! We'll explore the island's unique geological features and the captivating gemstones they produce. Expect...
Dec 18, 2023•28 min
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 time, no chat 03:18:00 So Florida 05:07:00 Moonstone (For more details on moonstone check out our episode – “Phenomenon-phe-no-me-no-me-non !!!”) 06:45:00 Popularity 07:06:00 Florida state stone 10:41:00 State shell 12:11:00 Georgia – Quartz 13:36:00 2nd most abundant mineral on Earth 14:38:00 Most common mineral on Earth’s c...
May 11, 2021•28 min
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. 00:00:00 Rabbit hole 00:25:00 We’re back 01:45:00 Storytime – wallpaper O3:00:00 Onto Connecticut and Delaware. Neither of which has a state gemstone. 04:12:00 Connecticut State Mineral = Almandine Garnet 05:10:00 The role that Garnet has in Connecticut 05:52:00 The geology of Connecticut 08:40:00 The Garnet trail 09:42...
Feb 25, 2021•28 min
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. Pull up a chair as we look into into this double-gemmy episode. 00:00:00 Notes 00:29:00 Colorado 01:10:00 The Charlemagne connection 03:52:00 Ranking in most hated states 05:30:00 Aquamarine 05:47:00 1880’s 08:20:00 The discovery at Mt. Antero 09:30:00 About Mt. Antero 09:55:00 High altitude gemstones 12:...
Dec 18, 2020•34 min
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 gemstone--Benitoite. It's a big state so it is only fair to recognize these two influential gemstones. 00:00:00 Calimocho/ Kalimotxo 01:58:00 Cookie Monster + Wednesday Addams = Happy Halloween 03:24:00 This week –California 04:41:00 Benitoite 05:16:00 Its discovery 09:10:00 What is it? 12:44:00 Gemstone ...
Nov 06, 2020•35 min
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 States” 02:10:00 Arizona & Arkansas 03:02:00 Arizona = Turquoise 03:20:00 Rich history in Arizona 03:37:00 State neckwear 05:15:00 First mined in 200 BC 06:06:00 Turquoise legends 06:35:00 It’s found throughout the state 07:31:00 Native American translation for turquoise 08:17:00 Usage with Native Tribes 08:49:00 ...
Oct 08, 2020•47 min
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 about Alabama and Alaska. 00:00:00 Who’s starting? 01:01:00 Alabama and Alaska . . . cue the states song 03:17:00 Alabama – Blue Star Quarts 03:26:00 Thought it would be something red 03:48:00 1990 04:04:00 But why? 06:23:00 How is it found? 07:32:00 Blue Star Quartz being an oddity 09:22:00 Is there any...
Sep 11, 2020•30 min
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 polish and talk about how these metals vary within each step of the process. To ensure we don’t overlook any details we brought in our production manager, Paul Hartman, to join in on the conversation. 00:00:00 Peeing in the pool 00:40:00 All about metals from a jewelry production standpoint 01:43:00 If you wo...
Aug 31, 2020•42 min
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 its discovery and its out of this world origins. 00:00:00 Dubba-dub-dub-dub 00:14:00 The game plan with the podcast 03:50:00 Garden Woes 05:54:00 So Platinum. . . how did it get its name? 06:13:00 Platinum’s discovery 08:22:00 Platinum group of metals 10:05:00 Studying the properties of platinum 13:36:00 Fi...
Aug 14, 2020•30 min
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” 00:44:00 Moonstone 02:50:00 Why is it called moonstone? 03:43:50 The phenomenon, adularescence 04:31:00 What is moonstone? 06:36:00 Where does the name/word adularescence come from? 07:10:00 Quality factors 08:14:00 Moonstone has two cleavage planes 09:08:00 There are (2) types of moonstone 12:28:00 Moonstone is ...
Jun 22, 2020•24 min
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 oldest gemstones mined, it has an extensive involvement with history and folklore that will lure you in. 00:00:00 Has it really been 6 weeks? 00:29:00 The COVID experience 08:53:00 Ok, we’ve got a gemstone for you—Lapis Lazuli 09:30:00 How long has it been around? 10:12:00 It is a rock! 11:27:00 Its gor...
May 15, 2020•30 min
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 its ability to be a beacon of courage through a time of change. 00:00:00 Social distancing 00:55:00 2020 has already had it's high and lows 06:38:00 What gemstone are we talking about? 06:58:00 The meaning of chrysoprase 07:37:00 Crystal structure 08:17:00 It’s colored by nickel 11:21:00 The finest color ...
Mar 21, 2020•23 min
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 down with Brecken Branstrator, with National Jeweler, to learn a little more about her role as an editor and of course, talk about the name “Brecken.” 00:00:00 I’m so bossy 01:32:00 “Oh, you’re the other Brecken? 02:22:00 Brecken Branstrator for National Jeweler 03:25:00 How did you get your name? 04:48:00...
Mar 13, 2020•32 min
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 to know Jennifer up close and personal. 00:00:00 Are we ready? 00:16:00 We’re going to Disneyland 00:57:00 Introduction to Jennifer Markas of WJA 01:58:00 Where id WJA start? 05:06:00 A common misconception of WJA 06:57:00 What does it mean to be a member of WJA? 08:26:00 WJA connect 11:17:00 What are s...
Mar 09, 2020•34 min
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 life to its story. We sit down with Ben Smittee, of The Smithee Group, to get to know a little more about him and his passion supporting the future of the jewelry industry. 00:00:00 Worse topic ever 00:29:00 Ben Smithee 01:20:00 What do you do in the industry? 02:57:00 First memory with a piece of jewe...
Feb 27, 2020•26 min
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 bolts about GIA (Gemological Institute of America), what it offers to students and review career paths that one can obtain. (Recording took place on the show floor of the AGTA Gem Fair. Some of the background noise was able to get reduce but not fully eliminated.) 00:00:00 Losing an episode 00:27:00 Live...
Feb 14, 2020•34 min
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 05:43:00 What to expect this year 07:33:00 Delve into the world of less known/obscure gemstones 08:32:00 Speaking of Tucson . . .
Jan 31, 2020•11 min
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 and it’s finally come into fruition. From it’s early biblical beginning to its influence in the jewelry world we delve into its long history. 00:00:00 Take 2. Press Record. 00:24:00 Parle tradeshow line-up 01:28:00 Birthstones 01:49:00 How did it all start? 01:55:00 Biblical – Aaron’s Breastplate 04:27:00...
Jan 27, 2020•31 min
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 policy for your jewelry, the history of Jewelers Mutual and of course, we get to know Craig up close and personal. 00:00:00 Sea Legs 00:42:00 Introducing Craig Danforth 02:09:00 First memory of a piece of jewelry or gemstone 02:50:00 Take us through your life 03:43:00 How did you get involved with jewelry ...
Jan 03, 2020•39 min
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 thought it might be time to step up to the mic and for you all to get to know a little more about me. 00:00:00 Hey, @spencerpratt 03:34:00 Happy Birthday Abbey 01:39:00 [Going down a rabbit hole] A look back of the past 02:29:00 The interviews we’ve done 03:14:00 Which one was your favorite interview? 04...
Dec 12, 2019•36 min
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 growing up in the gemstone industry and about Gem Legacy--a non-profit organization that help support communities closest to the mining source. If you would like to learn more about Gem Legacy you can head to www.gemlegacy.org or go to www.gemlegacy.org.donate to make a donation today. Also, a quick apology ...
Dec 06, 2019•36 min
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 personal brand. We also have our special co-host @thirdcoastgems joining in the fun. (We apologize for the background noise. At least you get a little sense of the NYC vibe.) 00:00:00 Who is the alpha? 00:25:00 We’re in NYC w/ @julielambny and @thirdcoastgems 01:10:00 What is your first memory with a gemst...
Nov 26, 2019•48 min
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 styles. 00:00:00 50th Episode 01:01:00 Common Cold 02:15:00 Introduction of Gem Cutting 03:33:00 When do you think humans began cutting gemstones 04:37:00 Bruting 05:38:00 3000 BC 06:41:00 The oldest gemstone used in jewelry 06:59:00 Other gemstones that were easy to manipulate during this time 08:01:50 Mid...
Nov 17, 2019•32 min
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 Black Orlov and yes, even a cursed opal. 00:00:00 Garlic Breath 00:41:00 Halloween Special – Cursed Jewelry 01:44:00 The most famous cursed gemstone – The Hope Diamond 02:35:00 It all began in the year of 1666 04:05:00 1678 – Louise the 14th = French Blue 05:02:00 Louise the 15th = Order of the Golden Flee...
Oct 31, 2019•29 min
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. We even discover the folklore behind why all monsters are destroyed by this precious metal. Come take a listen and even learn how to make it rain with SILVER!!! 00:00:00 Training for a half marathon 01:10:00 Hello . . . SILVER 02:55:00 Transition metal and silver qualities 04:55:00 Why is Silver white? 0...
Oct 04, 2019•23 min
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 Brazilian mines--from road trip woes to #birthdaygoals playing with gemstones straight from the source. Pull up a chair and take a listen as we relive this one-of-kind mining experience. 00:00:00 Bobo = silly 00:25:00 Benjamin Guttery of @thirdcoastgems 01:42:00 Gem Junkies OG 03:10:00 Eating in Brazil – Chur...
Sep 27, 2019•1 hr
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 Merced River, Marty was destined to be involved in the jewelry industry. We sit down and learning about his early beginnings in the jewelry industry and even tornadoes. 00:00:00 Story-time 01:01:50 Puzzles 02:22:00 Parle Team Member – Marty Burns 03:08:00 Tell us about your start in the jewelry industry 08...
Sep 13, 2019•35 min
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 findings, mining techniques to how they responsibly source Sapphires to ensure many years of sapphires to come. 00:00:00 Who drank all the coffee? 00:47:50 Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back 01:04:00 Introduction to Warren Boyd 01:34:00 Tell us about you first! How did you get here? 02:29:50 How di...
Sep 06, 2019•31 min
“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 and of course, the lore behind it all. 00:00:00 Take 1 to 11 00:39:00 GOLD 01:42:00 What does gold mean? 02:22:00 Early history of mining for gold 03:08:00 Oldest known mine 03:33:00 Oldest recorded metal employed by humans 03:41:00 But why did we decided that gold would be the metal of choice (A look i...
Aug 09, 2019•35 min
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 without him because heck, he manages our whole production team. We learn about his childhood passion for minerals and his journey into his role. Don’t forget to email us at [email protected] or DM us via FB or IG to ask Paul questions you would like to know about production. 00:00:00 Parlé Spiders 00:...
Aug 02, 2019•30 min
