IN THIS ISSUE

Feature Designer - Hidalgo Gem Cutting Factory Upcoming Events Gemstone Of the Month - Pearl Coveted Koser recipes Winner of the $50 Gift Certificate

FEATURED DESIGNER - HIDALGO

Silvio Hidalgo has been designing exquisite enamel jewelry for decades. He has always worked in 18k gold, and recently started a sterling silver line. Silvio is a brilliant designer, and I have personally watched him sketch designs inspired by things around him on more than one occasion. He is amazing to watch, and his creations are even more amazing to wear. He has even started something of a "Mother's Collection." He will personalize rings for you with your children's names in french Enamel and 18K, with or without diamonds. Silvio's designs are that perfect mix of classic (that you want from fine jewelry) and fashion (that pizzaz you deserve). Silvio's latest project is adding anaimal inspired designs to the mix. Every Hidalgo piece is custom made to the size and color specifications that you request. Silvio, and the Hidalgo team will work to accomadate you where possible. Come in and see the beautiful line that you have always admired in Town and country and Vogue. $50 off any item of Hidalgo  during April , Only if You Mention This Ad!  Special prices on all in stock items!  This month only!

GEM CUTTING FACTORY

Several weeks ago Randy and I had the privilege of going behind the scenes of one of the world's foremost colored gem suppliers. Their main office is in New York, and they have facilities in Thailand and India. It was a fascinating look at the world of gems and fashion! Along with cutting stones to the specifications for a Koser Original, re-cutting your damaged stone, they also cut stones for many of the world's top designers. They will receive a sketch of the desired gem from a designer. First they will cut a single sample to show the designer. Then they will cut a second set of samples for the cutters to use, and these will be out of colorless quartz. This allows the cutter to better analyze all the angles, and facet junctions than if the gem was of an intense color. Then they have their New York cutters go to work. Actually, their New York cutters are a group of Brazilians who were sponsored by the gem house. These cutters were described to me by the owner as "a group of born-again-Christian, father-and-son groups from Brazil, they all started training in this method by the age of 6-8."No one over that age would ever be able to master it. Of course, it takes years to master, but only a young mind is able to grasp the process. This is an ancient cutting process called the peg and board method. While we were there, they were working on cutting heart-shaped amethyst for a new Ralph Lauren perfume, and a necklace for Van Cleef and Arpells with clover shaped tigers eye inserted in some of the links. Designers have their sample lines cut at the New York facility to show buyers. When they go into full steam gem production that is done at the overseas facilities because of the labor costs. Gem cutting in this fashion is a dying art in this country. If you have any personal jewelry with a broken stone, let us know, we will be happy to work on re-cutting it for you. Just a reminder, we have our awesome Geminar scheduled for next month, May 17, at 6:30. There will be prizes, great gems in ALL prices, of course- refreshments, and you will learn about gems you have seen before, and some few know existed. Call for more information. 717-653-4941

UPCOMING EVENTS

You're Invited!! Don't Miss The Action at Koser's! Annual Spring Sale  -  Shhhhh! Starts Next Week! (Look for savings on Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, Diamond Earrings and Pendants, Gold Earrings, Citizen Watches) May 3, 4, 5 - Fabrege Egg Show at Koser May 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - Italian Phenomenon Lorenzo  Trunk Show May 10, 11, 12 - The Mother and Child Clloection Trunk Show May 17 - Geminar, Evening to View Rare Gems, Registration Needed Call or email us today to register. 717-653-4941 or angela@koserjewelers.com

GEMSTONE OF THE MONTH - PEARL

One of those canned questions on personality profiles is always: Pearls or diamonds? The only real answer to that is – Both! Pearls are one of the few organic gems. Gemologists refer to gems that are products of living animals, or a part of a once living animal as organic. Pearls are produced when an irritant enters a mussel, an oyster, or abalone. The mollusk secretes nacre over the irritant, and over time a beautiful pearl is the result. Pearls are a beautiful example of the verse in Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time." The most common type of cultured pearl is the Japanese Akoya. They tend to be 4-8mm, and are available in all colors. South Sea Pearls are the most rare and expensive. They are from the warm waters of Australia, Philippines, and Indonesia. These breathtaking pearls are usually in the 8-14mm size. Tahitian Pearls are from the islands of French Polynesia, and are similar in size to the South Sea varieties. This variety is often seen in silver, silver-blue, and greenish black hues. Mabe, or Mobe Pearls are the hemispherical varieties pearl. At one time this pearl was attached to the mollusk’s shell. Once they are removed from the shell, a mother of pearl back is glued to the Mabe Freshwater pearls are harvested from mussels in Japan, China, and the US. They are nucleated like other cultured pearls, but the nucleus is all tissue, and will dry up. The resulting pearl is completely nacre. There are five value factors affecting pearls: Luster: surface reflections, sharper better Surface: blemishes present/not Shape: more spherical better than baroque Size: Bigger, rarer, higher value Color: How well a strand matches. Blush-like overtones in a single pearl are esteemed. Also prized is the rainbow effect/reflections known in the industry as orient. Next time you see a pearl, consider that it is an amazing and beautiful product of a painful situation- I guarantee you will have more appreciation for pearls! Mention this article and receive 20% off any pearl item in stock!

COVETED KOSER RECIPES

This is our kind of spring meal: flavorful meat, accompanied by a simple rice pilaf, and one of our great loves, fresh asparagus. Everything is easy, and quick.  Let us know how like like it! Maple- Mustard Glazed Pork 2-3 LB Boneless PorkLoin 2/3 cup Maple Syrup 3T Dijon 2T Apple Cider 2T Soy Sauce salt and pepper Combine ingredients. Put pork in a shallow pan, and spread maninade over meat.  Roast at 350 for about 1 1/4 hours to an internal temperature of 155- 160 degrees.  I will usually cook uncovered part of the time in order to reduce the sauce, and then finish it covered. (People often ask for this recipe...) Roasted Asparagus I got this recipe from my neighbor. Both of our families love it! Trim asparagus, and lay on a baking sheet in a single layer. Preheat oven to 400. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Bake 12 minutes. Meanwhile prepare the sauce. 2 T butter lightly browned. 2t soy sauce 1t Balsamic Vinegar This sauce is so incredible. I have been known to double it. Little sauce with your asparagus?? Rice Pilaf A.K.A.  Momma's Everyday Rice.  Brown 1 T Butter in a pan, add some chopped onion, cook  until soft. Add 1 cup rice, saute.  Add 2 cups chicken broth (1 can) and a handful of pasta. Cover, bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer for 15 minutes. remove from heat. this is the rice I grew up eating- hope you like it as much as I do! Less time cooking means more time to enjoy your family, and more time to shop at Koser's...... Come see us as time allows! betsy

WINNER OF THE $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE

OUR WINNER IS: Jim and Dava Barrett