“I love opals! Especially the king of all opals, Lightning Ridge black opal. It flashes a full spectrum of color, a painter’s palette of blues, greens, reds and yellows, embedded in a rich dark matrix.”
Mammoth 2.2 pound Panjshir emerald crystal.“Let us fall in love again and scatter gold dust all over the world. The glance of Love is crystal clear and we are blessed by its light.”
Rumi, 13th century Afghan mystic and poet
According to lore, the Valley of the Five Lions, or Panjshir, at the foothills of the Himalayas in northern Afghanistan, was named for five local 11th century “lions,” heroes who created a dam on the local river forming a reservoir for the Sultan.
35.5 carat natural Panjshir emerald on a bed of lapis.“Let us carve gems out of our stony heart and let them light our path to love,” - Rumi, 13th century Afghan mystic and poet
Nestled in a remote region high in the Hindu Kush area of the Himalayas is an unspoiled treasure - fabulous world-class emeralds in vast quantities - an estimated tens of billions of dollars’ worth according to one source - with a largely untold story.
Giving back, moving forward
“I’m grateful for the opportunity the US has offered,” Sheahan Stephen shared with me in a recent fascinating interview. Born in Sri Lanka, the “Sapphire Capital of the World,” Sheahan, at age six, migrated with his family to the US, fleeing his native conflict-torn homeland, seeking the opportunity to live a peaceful, productive life. Settling in Portland, Oregon he pursued engineering, working in the field for five years.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have flown an airplane with daredevil pilot and Red Bull Air Race champion Mike Goulian, to have golfed with 2018 Masters’ champion Patrick Reed, and to have driven in an all-female vintage car race from Paris to Spain and back up to Biarritz on the coast of France. There are days I wake up and pinch myself, truly. I’ve worked in just about every genre of our industry in the last 23 years, but I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do: tell the industry’s stories. I’m living my dream and getting paid for it.”
Susan delivering a lecture to University of Texas metal arts students about jewelry designing.
Successful entrepreneur, jewelry designer for the stars, Master Gemologist Appraiser® ASA, author of multiple books, Vice President of the Texas Jewelers Association - Susan Eisen wears many hats, Texas style.
Givenchy gown with Cartier diamond bangle and earrings.
Regal. Modern. Classic. As Meghan Markle strode confidently down the aisle on May 19 in St. George’s Chapel to meet her Prince Harry and become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex she was making a statement with repercussions heard around the world.
