Gem Junkies

Tuscon was another great year and we were fortunate enough to interview THE Doug Hucker -- CEO of AGTA. Take look into how it all with the AGTA Gem Fair, the lore behind the show and even define the term "ethically sourced". 0:46.0 - First memory of a piece of jewelry or gemstone 1:30.0 - What's your story? How did you get here? 5:41.0 - What direction are you steering the ship? 8:06.0 - Elaborating on disclosure/transparency about gemstones 9:25.0 - What does the AGTA provide in regards to education? 16:46.0 - Showing color 20:07.0 - AGTA Experience 22:06.0 - Passion, knowledge and success. 23:08.0 - Excitement around color 25:32.0 - How did the show get started? 32.17.0 - Favorite Tuscon experience 36.33.5 - What was the first year you came to Tuscon? 40:02.0 - Ehtically sourced 43:35.0 - Let's define what doing good is? 49:37.0 - Smiles from mine-to-market

Back to talking about gemstones!! Explore the wonders of Montana Sapphire. Jonathan and Brecken discuss the early beginnings and the lore behind America's finest gemstone.

Jonathan interviews Brecken and puts her in the hot seat. Reminisce through childhood memories and her journey leading into the world of jewelry.

Getting to know you, getting to know all about -- Jonathan!! We've spent this past year talking about gemstones and thought you should get to know us a little more. Get a personal interview about Jonathan--childhood memories growing up in the jewelry industry, being an SOB (not the SOB you're thinking of) and some personal stories.

Starting off the new year with January's birthstone, Garnet. While it provides the world a wide array of colors (except blue) Jonathan and Brecken explore the world of the red tones of the Garnet Family. From Biblical times to Greek mythology Garnet has made it stamp in history.

Jonathan and Brecken reflect on the past year--share more stories and look back on their favorite episodes. In the Holiday Spirit, they also talk about how Parle is giving back to the jewelry community. Stay tuned for the full episode for a special Parle surprise!!

This year marks 45 years in the jewelry business for Parle!! Jonathan and Brecken interview the man who started it all, Frank Farnsworth. It's a journey into the past--the first mining excursion, being on the road, how the industry has evolved and tips for future entrepreneurs.

Jonathan and Brecken discuss Zircons unique properties-- high doubling, high refractive index and even radioactive!! (Don't worry it's not harmful to wear.) Even learn how to ward off phantoms and demons. Intrigued? Come take a listen!!

Gem Junkies are back!! Brecken shares her recent buying experience purchasing in Hong Kong. What a common day looks like being on the road and buying tips. The Holiday are here and they give a shopping guide to help select the perfect piece of jewelry to gift.

Brecken and Jonathan break out the purple quartz and their drinking goblets this episode to talk all about the sobering gemstone- Amethyst. This variety of quartz has been adorned by some of the most pious in history, making it quit a "pure" stone, but where is it from, and how does it get it's color? Well, just listen to find out!

Brecken & Jonathan are in a golden state of mind in this week's episode where they discuss November's birthstone, Citrine. Learn the recipe to a great new detox (just in time for the Holiday food fest!), how to get "more smarter," and all that other science-y stuff the Gem Junkies bring. Get into the ~Golden~ mood with us.

On this Halloween Special be careful of holding onto your gems too tightly, as they might turn on you. Brecken and Jonathan take us back to a time where gemstones would come alive, and possess secret powers- a time when science couldn't answer the ponderous sundries of coincidence and superstition. But were all of those ancients really crazy- or do some gemstones actually display some otherworldly gifts?

Brecken & Jonathan tackle another member of the Garnet family- this one turns green under pressure- the Grossular Garnet! Known to the jewelry industry as Mint or Tsavorite Garnet this beauty can rival that of Emerald, but how? Learn more about its well-timed discovery, the science behind its green glow, and what the jewelry market makes of this green goddess with this weeks episode!

This week Jonathan and Brecken talk about something truly phenomenal- Alexandrite. This two faced gemstone has captivated the gemstone world by setting the standard for a true color-changing gem. The question is, how? Catch this show for the breakdown of science, lore, and the gemstone market, all about Alex!

Because of popular demand Gem Junkies explore the long and exotic history of Turquoise. A gemstone as old as time is sure to have been used for some weird stuff. Explore the lore and science behind this blue treasure and keep an eye out for a Turquoise on your next shopping trip- Brecken will be!

Gem Junkies are back from their venture into Tanzania to explore the mines of the gemstones featured in 'Sharing The Rough.' They recap their visit to the mines, the cutters, and the Maasai school, and of course the SAFARI! Join us for a fun episode, and get some insights on how the jewelry industry does business.

Wrapping things up in our own special coating of Nacre with our part 2 of the Pearl series. Brecken and Jonathan follow the life of a well-traveled Pearl, we also head to a very strange place to uncover the worlds biggest Pearl, all while discussing what makes this little organic gem so valuable. Join us for this epic journey into the sea of Pearls!

Well, with the world as our oyster there is only one thing on our mind- PEARLS. Brecken & Jonathan begin to delve into this timeless, organic gemstone in their two part series. In this episode we learn how Cleopatra brings all the kings to the yard, how Oysters are responsible for these glossy beauties, and Jonathan discovers an easy way to cool off in the hot summer months. So gather round the campfire fellow junkies, and let's get gemmy!

Finally, the track we have been teasing about- Brecken and Jonathan discuss a fiercely trending gem, and all of the death and destruction revolving around this impostor crystal. So come for the lore, and stay for the science as we breakdown Spinel in this week's episode of GEM JUNKIES.

Gem Junkies, Brecken and Jonathan spend this week chatting with friend, and beloved Instagram Jewelry Guru, Benjamin Guttery, a.k.a. THIRD COAST GEMS! We hear how Benjamin and Third Coast Gems came to be, get a hard lesson in consistency and perseverance in the social media game, and are given insights into the magic behind a great Instagram presence.