Appreciate your Eyes. Be Aware of your Experiences.

Gemologists like me can seem strange at times. That’s because we know that our business extends beyond what we see.  We have been known to burn amber in an inconspicuous place to smell its smoke and determine its authenticity.  We rub pearls right beneath our front teeth to ascertain their smoothness to see if they are real. (smooth is an imitation, rough is real.) And finally, we use our ears to hear if a gemstone rattles in its setting when we shake it close to our ears. (if it rattles the gem needs to be tightened.)

In appreciating gems and jewelry we realize how precious are our eyes. Under a microscope, the nature and location of a flaw can determine the value of a diamond by thousands of dollars. Even though we spend a good deal of time peering at gems under magnification we understand most of our joy comes from our experience when what we see reflects back to our naked eye.  

With practice, an experienced diamond merchant can detect the difference between a diamond and a stimulant at arms length. Of course we never admit this when we are invited to parties. The warm adamantine luster glowing from a diamonds facet is many times unmistakable. 

We must always be thankful for our eyes. And it is important not only what we see but how we experience it.  In all of life, it is wonderful when we share joy with one another.  If I notice how a diamond projects lovely spectral beams I am happy when someone else can notice that also.  

We each define our experiences in different ways. It is so precious to me, no matter how few the seconds, when a couple recalls their loving bond as they admire the colorful reflections of their diamond. This memory is more precious than the diamond itself.