For Immediate Release                
October 1, 2004

Contact:
L. Allen Brown
Gemologist – GIA
All That Glitters
978-975-2272

Local Business Sells Small Pieces of Turkey


Methuen, MA – One of the rarest and very unique gemstones in the world, Diaspore, is currently on the market once again. All That Glitters (ATG) in Methuen, Massachusetts, has secured a number of pieces of rough that they will facet into gemstones. 

Diaspore, a potentially color-changing gemstone from Turkey but fairly unknown by both the public and the trade, has been called “an affordable alternative to Alexandrite,” which is the best known color-changing gemstone. Modern Jewelers Magazine describes Diaspore as “At their best, the Diaspores I saw turned from a rhodolite-like purplish-pink to a kiwi-like green. At their second best, stones went from a brownish-pink to a mild khaki-green. Others shifted from a kind of light, ever-so-pinkish champagne color to that of ginger ale.”

It was in 1993 when L. Allen Brown, owner of ATG, received a phone call from a Turkish native living in Florida. He had inherited a vineyard near his summer home in Turkey.  Inspired by the crystals local children found on his land, he began to collect and identify the crystals.

Faceted gemstones from this vineyard in Turkey appeared in 1995 at the world famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Although color-changing Diaspore has been known for decades, it hasn’t been heard of or seen on the market since that trade show.  It has more collector value and interest for those seeking unique gemstones. Diaspore may also be found in Massachusetts.  However, the color changing variety that can be faceted and called a gem is truly rare.

Brown has been using his U.S. based cutters, including Stephen Kotlowski (BS GG(GIA) CSM) who had cut many of the gemstones that appeared at the 1995 Show.  One of Kotlowski’s faceted Diaspores also won the prestigious American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Cutting Edge Award in 1995. Kotlowski will utilize a physical property of Diaspore, twinning, that is present in only two of the pieces currently being faceted, to produce a unique, multi-colored gemstone similar to the gemstone that won the cutting award.

The color of this new find of Diaspore has typically been a celery-green to a bronze or pinkish champagne, however, different lighting conditions can show unique colors and color changes. Each gemstone is very individualistic and a few faceted gems have been exceptional.  For those wearing a piece of jewelry containing a Diaspore, one may see a play of colors when more than one light source is available. The main body color may be green, but the sparkle could consist of red, orange, peach or pink highlights dancing off the facets within the stone.  Some light sources may show the body color as a variation of pink or red.  Though Diaspore’s hardness is a plus, it does possess cleavage like Diamond.  Therefore, care should be taken when being set into jewelry and while being worn.

With the introduction of yet another rare and exclusive gemstone to their already extensive inventory, All That Glitters can now offer gemstone connoisseurs a small piece of Turkey.


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