Here we have yet another update on the issue of tourmaline diffusion. This time not from Robert James, or the ISG, but from Joel Arem and Colored Stone Magazine.
One of the most important quotes from this article, I think, is this one:
A word to the wise: it reminded me of the joke about a man whose wife catches him in bed with another woman. After denying adultery, he asks his wife huffily, “What are you going to believe? Your own eyes or the words of your husband?”
The above quote really does toss all the naysayers points/views right out the window, doesn’t it!?
Read more…
The ISG withdraws our membership in the AGTA!
We will no longer support any organization that supports deceptive practices!
As you can see by the above quote, the ISG has withdrawn its membership with the AGTA. The reasons given range from Bear Williams, Doug Hucker (CEO), Ande Gem, the Andesine fiasco, etc. The ISG apparently feels that the AGTA is no longer the organization it used to be and is now more concerned about protecting its large members, regardless of their business practices.
Read the full article HERE.
I have been reading so much on this topic as of late, and debated not even touching it on a personal note, but have decided the need to do so anyways.
First off, there seems to be two sides to this debate/debacle, those in the Industry who are either turning a blind eye and/or screaming everywhere and anywhere they can to deny the diffusion treatments of garnet, tourmaline, and other gemstones. Some of these are big Industry names, like some well known bloggers… writers.. labs, for example, and some are nobodies trying to become somebody. This group has not provided ANY research support or proof to back up their claims that these new treatments do NOT exist. They have not done any research at all into the matter either. They just sit behind a computer and type insults on blogs directed towards those who are actually diving in head first and doing the research to uncover exactly what is going on with these gemstones. Keep in mind that this group contains mot of the same persons that were on this side of the great Andesine debate and debacle, and, were wrong then as well! Many of the persons in this group have a lot riding on these treatments remaining hidden and undisclosed to the general public because it would severely impact sales as well as cause many refunds and returns as well as even tarnish some reputations. Whilst this is understandable, wanting to protect livelihoods and professional standings and reputations, it is inexcusable to do so on the backs of the unknowing consumers!
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We have finally updated the Unsafe Vendor List. We have the Vendor’s name and link followed by a brief description as to why we feel they are unsafe. Read more…