Long time ago I worked for the Gemological Institute of America as a course-writer. That is to say, I wrote course materials to train jewelers and gemologists. As I was doing that I also took a few of the basic level courses (Pearl and Bead Stringing and Diamonds) and learned more about diamonds and precious metal alloys than I really wanted to know.

So I went out today, taking a break from the revision which is nearing completion, to get my mom a late Christmas present (due to deadlines, and snowstorms, we didn't get together for any holiday celebrations during the actual horror-day season) and found myself thinking... "Hey... I could make something she'd like more..."

Now I know my mom's not currently using her computer online, so I feel safe posting this, since she won't see it before she gets the present and probably won't think to go back and read the archives in a few weeks....

The saga of the little present that could (be a disaster) is below the cut because it has lots of photos....
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