Entertainment in the Sky!

Out of town visitors often ask me about "free shows." Well, you can enjoy a free show while you wait to dine at the Rio Suites Hotel. It's called "Masquerade," and there are 7 performances nightly. You can become a cast member for a modest fee and ride in an overhead gondola like the one shown here. Of course, if you have a fear of heights; I don't think you would enjoy it. Just a word to the wise.

Recognition Jewelry

In many instances jewelry isn't about bling and fashion. This is a ring that I wear. It commemorates my late Father's 20 years of service to the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Corporation. It is a "Legion of Leaders" ring set with a 1ct round brilliant cut bezel set diamond in 10k yellow gold. A lot of recognition jewelry like class rings is cast in 10k white and yellow gold. This makes it more affordable for young people.
I read today that General Motors is facing bankruptcy. This is a tragic circumstance for our nation. I am dismayed and depressed over it. When the great American corporations start to die, the American dream dies too. Just my opinion, for what it is worth. BE AMERICAN, BUY AMERICAN (if, and when you can!) The job you save may be your own.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

This is the Presidential Memorial Certificate which was sent to me by President Clinton upon the occasion of my Father's death on September 24th, 1999. It reads as follows: "The United States of America honors the memory of Howard E. Goodwin---This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States."
My Father was a member of the "Greatest Generation," as coined by Tom Brokaw in his best-selling book. The men and women who fought against the Nazis and Japanese fascists in World War II saved the world from tyranny. He was a United States Army Air Corps flight engineer on one of the original B-29 bombers. The bomber was named "Old Battler," and flew 44 missions over the "hump," and 35 missions over the Japanese empire. For his service he recieved the Distinguished Flying Cross and other decorations. I shall never forget him and his comrades who served with valor and dedication during the darkest days of the 20th century.

Ask Me! (Forget the wannabe's), hire a "G.G."

This is an expensive piece of wallpaper. It is the Diploma of a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist. Thousands and thousands of dollars plus X number of hours memorizing thousands of details which only start you out as a competent professional in the jewelry industry. And, don't forget to budget your instruments. MORE thousands of dollars. Only the serious pursue this path to any kind of success in the world-wide jewelry industry.

Mystic Topaz Dinner Bling Ring

This is a trilliant cut "mystic topaz" set in 14k yellow gold accented by two rows of channel set round brilliant cut diamonds. Mystic topaz is produced using colorless topaz which is vapor-coated with Titanium Oxide. Different hues can be achieved through this deposition. It is an example of gemstones that are not originally found in nature, yet can be very beautiful. Always ask your gemologist about gemstone treatment when you are purchasing a ring like this. If they are ethical and competent they will be glad to explain everything to you in detail.

You want a WHAT?

I encountered a silly situation today. A gentleman came to me and asked if he could purchase a "cheap watch." Well, as a matter of pride I don't sell CHEAP watches. So, I directed him to the nearest WalMart location in town. Now, if I were a slimey operator I could have offered him this "genuine" TIME quartz gentlemen's wristwatch from my personal collection. Note the brand. It says "TIME," like in TIMEX? This is what is known as a "knock-off," a "replica," a counterfeit item. And, coming from the far east, the scammers couldn't even spell the word "TIMEX" correctly. LOL!!!

Would You Care To Take A Look?

This is my American Optical binocular microscope. The magnification range is 10x-120x. 10x is the standard magnification for diamond and gemstone grading. High magnification is often needed for conclusive gem identification.
I use this microscope in my work daily and also share interesting views with my clients. I like to reveal the fascinating world of internal gemstone inclusions. One of my favorites, when I encounter one; is a lily-pad like inclusion in Peridot. It really looks like a lily-pad!

Jewels Of Faith

I see a great deal of religious jewelry worn these days wherever I travel. Is it my perception that people are grasping for spirituality in a world seemingly gone mad? Or, is it the case that people like to be recognized on a just-like-me basis? You can decide for yourself, I have to give it more consideration before I draw a final conclusion, if indeed there is one.
The religious pendants here are quite attractive in my estimation. The style presented is simply stated in French enamel accented with diamonds. The central pendant is a Chai, which relates to the Hebrew letters (het) and (yod) meaning "life." There is also a kabbalistic connection to the number 18 embodied in the symbol.

Las Vegas Is "Fabulous?" It Depends On Your Point Of View

This is a replica of the "famous" Welcome to Las Vegas sign that is situated on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard just down the street. Sorry to say, Las Vegas isn't "fabulous" to the homeless here who infest the parks and alleys for lack of proper shelter. Contary to popular belief, not all of them are alcoholic or mentally impaired. Nor is it "fabulous" to the increasing number of unwanted, abused, and neglected children who end up in an overcrowded and understaffed cruelty of a government shelter called "Child Haven." I won't depress you with a recitation of the latest statistics that I read this past week regarding the social deterioration here. Beyond the BLING and glitter of this city lies a seething cesspool of social problems that the local leaders are unwilling and unable to address. The homeless and the children carry no POLITICAL influence in this city, they are expendable. Just like the trash in the streets.

There they go again! Life IS stranger than fiction.

One more time, without feeling. It just so happened that an elderly couple came in today with a "diamond ring" that they "purchased" during a recent vacation trip to Italy. Well, they told me they PAID a lot over there, and wanted to know what it is worth here in the good ole USA. Who did they think they were trying to jerk around? The "diamond" was a round brilliant-cut synthetic cubic zirconium set in, are you ready for this---? BRASS! Incidentally, brass is known as a base metal composed of copper and zinc. Nothing wrong with that. But, it's not anywhere near GOLD in value. Of course, the interior of the ring (shank) was stamped "18K ZALES." This stinkin ring wasn't purchased in Italy! I know that they purchased it as a "bargain" from someone desperate for gambling money. One more time, NEVER BUY JEWELRY OFF THE STREET OR OFF SOMEONE IN A CASINO HERE OR ELSEWHERE! I can certify that you are going to be sorry about losing YOUR MONEY, when I get around to telling you the truth. Like most hotel-casino jewelry scam victims this couple had to invent a silly story embellished with bovine fecal matter to allay their embarassment at having been taken for a ride. After 21 years serving the jewelry industry as a Graduate Gemologist I have heard and seen just about everything honest and dishonest going on. Nothing much surprises me anymore, except for the ability of some people to tell me REALLY stupid lies that they ACTUALLY expect a person with my BACKGROUND to believe.

Fantasy Cuts

"Fantasy" cut Amethyst and Citrine gemstones set in rings. This style of cutting was pioneered by a lapidary named Munsteiner in Idar-Oberstein, Republic of Germany. Amethyst and Citrine are classified as Type I colored stones as they are frequently flawless to the naked eye. Each gemstone weighs approximately 30 carats each. BIG BLING here!

Economical Luxury

Guess who owns this sleek beauty? This 4-cylinder Mercedes-Benz sedan actually gets good mileage for a luxury car. The hard pressed for fuel economy SUV owners can eat their hearts out! Given the horrible traffic in Las Vegas, I prefer to walk as much as I can. Not only is that REALLY economical, I am currently as fit as I was when I was 18 years old. All thanks to the perpetual traffic jams and the high cost of foreign oil. Oh, and the public transit system insures that when you have to get somewhere you can get there. Just expect to sit in traffic like everyone else! I would break out my old racing bicycle, but I don't think I would have a chance to survive long given the CARELESS and frequently impaired drivers here.

You Need An Expert to Tell You The Difference

This is a suite of six princess-cut EXPENSIVE AND RARE pink diamonds. Right? WRONG! What is actually depicted is a vivid suite of pink laboratory-created cubic zirconia worth just a few dollars, not to be confused with zircons or diamonds, which are natural gemstones. This is one reason why I tell people NEVER to buy any gemstone/s from ANYONE until they submit the stone to a gemological examination to confirm identity. There are compulsive gamblers here who will try to sell anything in the casinos that looks expensive just to get money to feed their addiction. Caveat Emptor! That is Latin for "buyer beware," in case you didn't study the language for 3 years at Foothill High School in Tustin, California like I did.

Billion Dollar View

This is a view of the "strip" from the doorstep of my professional habitat. Contrary to some opinions, Las Vegas Boulevard is one of the safest streets in the U.S.A. Note the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police patrol cruiser. Also, the Nevada Highway Patrol shares jurisdiction on the "strip." Apprehending drivers under the influence of alcohol is a prime priority with them, count on it! I get to look at billions of dollars in real estate every day and it doesn't cost me a penny. How about that?

Green Bling!

This is a natural emerald with a weight of 22.09 carats. We classify emeralds as a Type III colored stone as you can see that it has numerous characteristic inclusions which are typical of the gemstone. Flawless or near-flawless emeralds are very rare and expensive in any kind of size. COLOR is the most important attribute in gemstone grading and evaluation.