My Ticket To Paradise - LAPIDARY JOURNAL

Whenever I pick up a copy of Lapidary Journal, I am suddenly transported to the most exciting fashion show on the planet: svelte crystals of polished Himalaya tourmaline and chrysocolla-stained chalcedony appear on the runway alongside some of the sexiest jewelry designs I've ever had the pleasure to desire. As I sit stage side cooing, dazzling gemstones glitter languidly in the spotlights and sleek, polished hunks pose in precious metal jackets. And that's just the cover.

Inside every monthly issue of Lapidary Journal, there is a wealth of information on the latest in gems, jewelry arts, beads, and minerals. And you'd be surprised to see how gorgeous some of those "rocks" can be when shaped by the hands of master engravers or faceted with innovation by a visionary gem cutter. Okay, so I don't have the skills for cutting, polishing, or engraving precious gemstones but that doesn't stop me from loving this magazine. With each issue, I am able to leave my small Southern home and travel instantly to an elite gallery or go traipsing through the mountains of Brazil for that perfect piece of ametrine. And I love my journeys.

Lapidary Journal has given me a champagne taste in wearable art and believe me, once you've seen the Fidget Rings of Danielle Miller's imagination or the 3-D designs of Joan Hubbard, you'll never want to shop in a jewelry store again - you'll head straight for the nearest gallery. Sure, I'll probably never own a "Nora Pierson" Fire Opal pendant or go hiking through the Himalayas for tourmaline, but a girl can dream, can't she?? And with all the beautiful photography that this magazine provides, I always feel like a rich matron lounging on her yacht as I "ooh" and "aah" my way through the latest copy.

I'm a faithful reader of Lapidary Journal and I save every issue: they are worth the space they occupy. One of my favorite features in the magazine is the monthly Workshop section where a novice like me is provided with detailed instructions on a variety of Beginner projects. I've actually completed a few of the simpler ones such as polymer clay cane beads and easy wire-wrap earrings. Silver wire isn't that expensive but it's hard sometimes to control my lust for a rock saw.

Have you ever seen a Porsche carved from rock crystal?? Or a 19.7-ct. contra luz opal from Queretaro, Mexico?? No? Then it's time you treated yourself to a copy of Lapidary Journal. I promise: you'll be very delighted with this magazine.

...(Let's see now, the intaglio carving doesn't look that hard)...