by email
Hello,
I've recently purchased some of your magazines and noticed that there are occasional articles
related to the collecting of minerals and fossils, my children seemed to have developed a passion
for stones and taking then to the local beach doesn't seem to be 'enough' for anymore do you have
any suggestions for collecting elsewhere because they would really like to explore more?
Sincerely, Margaret.
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It does depend on your location and whether you are able to travel if necessary, I would suggest making
contact with a local club either a Geological association or mineral, lapidary or mineral and fossil society
such as the Russell Society russellsoc.org, The paleontological Association palass.org, Mineralogical
Society minersoc.org who will have a wealth of information on the subject.
Ed. Note if you're a member of a club let us know and we'll add it to our website
Dear Ed.
When my wife returns from her business trip and discovers that her prized amethyst geode is
now in two pieces I suspect there will be trouble, have you any tips on fixing it? I don't think
moving it to vacuum will help appease the situation.
Please help, Mike.
Ed. Oh dear it wouldn't be the first time, we do suggest confessing in the 1st instance, if it's a clean break
where the smaller presumably top half has parted from the bottom you maybe able to 'bond' the two pieces
together, find a suitable strong epoxy adhesive that dries clear remove any dust particles and follow the
instructions on the packet. if you're unlucky and there's tiny amethyst crystals and larger pieces depending
on your 'jigsaw' skills there's still a chance. Initially it's important to get the front looking good then any
scuff marks or damage on the rear can be addressed either with a matching paint or in combination with
some epoxy putty. Good Luck.
Dear Rock n Gem Magazine,
The other day my fingers got caught in a car door, however I was saved from an injury by my
once beautiful amethyst ring which now needs some remedial work and a new stone, I thought
I would be able to make some earrings from the broken pieces of amethyst but on visiting a local
jeweller he was quite derogatory about the ring and said it didn't even have a hallmark and that
it wouldn't be worth repairing or re-using the amethyst pieces. Apart from walking straight out
I know there's a 925 number on my ring isn't that a hallmark?
Kind regards, Julie
Ed. Oh dear, there's no excuse really for being abrupt to a potential customer perhaps the jeweller was
having a bad day. If there is only a 925 number on your ring the jeweller was correct an official hallmark
is made up of either three or four symbols (depending on its age) a maker mark, standard mark to show the
purity of the metal (in theory this is the 925 number), the assay office that tested and applied the hallmark
and a date letter. The 925 tells us it is silver and legally if the weight of the metal is under 7.78grams it's
doesn't require a hallmark which does add another cost to the retail price of the jewellery. Hence some
parties often use a 925 stamp on its own to imply that the item is 925 silver. We can understand that the
ring may be worth a lot more to you for sentimental reasons and of course it's your prerogative if you'd
like it repaired and the stones re-used. Perhaps the jeweller you visited was unable to perform what was
required. We'd suggest hunting a little further for someone who is a little more stone friendly.
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