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Elizabeth Van Tassel

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The Amazing World of Gem Photomicrography

Jan 30, 2020

What is gem photomicrography? Years ago I was blessed to attend the Gemological Institute of America and learn more about the inside of jewelry. Deep inside. And I fell in love with the dazzling world of miniature inside the microscope. Gem photomicrography is a specialized view deep inside of gems through a microscope – captured in a photograph. Some sophisticated lighting and angles can open up the most fascinating imagery. I’ve written an article about it combined with a devotion for Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Magazine that is just released in the February, 2020 issue – and here it… 

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Special Gem Feature: Eiseman Jewels

Sep 20, 2019

This week I’m so excited to highlight one of my favorite jewelers in the United States where I worked back in the day as well – Eiseman Jewels. You can find them in Dallas, Texas in a really unique mall filled with art and a lot of local history called NorthPark Center. And don’t miss the links at the bottom of this article for a tour on YouTube and another post with more gems! As a graduate gemologist, I so enjoyed seeing the selection of gems. I asked my colleague Diamond Cutter and wonderful person in general, Andre Vorster, to… 

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Inspiring Emerald Gem Discovery

Oct 30, 2018

There’s been some neat discoveries coming up on my radar as a gemologist, and I love to collect these tidbits for inspiration for stories, especially if it involves emeralds. I thought you’d like to share some of the most dramatic ones of late. My love of emeralds Emeralds have always fascinated me, even before I became a gemologist. I first encountered them when I was on a business trip for a large, international firm to Colombia years ago when they had travel warnings—not for weather but for the volatile situation with the drug cartels and drug czars in the area…. 

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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief among gems and jewelry books with gemologist Elizabeth Van Tassel

Happy Birthday Percy Jackson And The Jewelry Of The Gods

Aug 19, 2018

How meeting Percy Jackson shaped a generation of tween adventure books AND What the jewelry of the Greek and Roman gods might have looked like   I’ll never forget the first time I read Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. Oh, I loved that scene in the museum where everything goes wrong and the hero side of an awkward kid emerges with lots of magic and mythological characters coming to life. And the fact that the story continued with other novels and took us through all kinds of adventures meeting making real and mythic history come to life was so… 

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Mashka Jewelers with Gemologist and Author Elizabeth Van Tassel, books with gems displayed.

Mashka Jewelers, San Francisco

Jul 5, 2018

I discovered wonderful Mashka Jewelers, truly a new favorite treasure by the historic area of Fisherman’s Wharf, where seagulls fly high, swimmers brave the brisk waves with Alcatraz in the distance, and fog burns away to reveal historic vessels and blue waters. I was with friends visiting San Francisco at the iconic Ghirardelli Square, the smell of chocolate in the air, when I spotted two of my favorite things— jewelry and books! I was fascinated by the designer’s whimsy and style. I thought I’d take you on a little tour of their showroom. It made me think some of the… 

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Fourtané Jewelers delights with stories behind gems

Feb 2, 2017

On a cold, rainy day in Carmel, CA, I tucked inside and found a whole other world with the wonderful, historic Fourtané Jewelers. As a gemologist, I’m always looking for exceptional jewelry, and as a resilience expert I love to focus on beauty. I was especially thrilled to spend time with their master jeweler who has an artist’s perspective on crafting the story behind his custom pieces. Come join me as we walk through some of the gems here, or go to my YouTube channel below for the full visit and interview. About Fontané Open since 1950 and owned by… 

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Enter A World of Gems with Eiseman Jewels

Oct 4, 2016

Join me for a special visit to Richard Eiseman Jewels, where I used to work as a gemologist, in Dallas, Texas. It is a joy to introduce you to some of my favorite people and an exceptional purveyor of fine jewelry and watches. Come get up close to gorgeous pearls, diamonds that capture a ray of moonlight, and emeralds that twinkle with greens beyond belief. As someone who’s passionate about creating and appreciating beauty, I’ve always been so grateful for the experience to work with such gorgeous gems and amazing professionals in the jewelry industry.   Richard’s father, Richard D…. 

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San Francisco Christmas Gem Tour

Dec 16, 2015

As a little holiday gift, I’m taking you gem shopping in San Francisco. In addition to being a resilience expert, I also am a graduate gemologist and write gem-filled mysteries for teens and tweens. It’s been a good year, and together we’ve tackled tough topics in life, bringing new insights together for more resilience in the everyday challenges we all face. Especially those of us who’ve walked with loved ones through difficult moments or met a certain hurdle face-on with renewed strength. While visiting some relatives in the Bay Area, I couldn’t resist taking a peek at what’s new from… 

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