steve's mining news: May 2005

Memorial Weekend Trip to the Dust Devil Mine

A trip to the "Dusty" proved to be anything but. A long stretch of rainy weather has made this years opener a difficult one. Wet conditions in the pit made for difficult mining conditions.
Nevertheless, some exceptional stones were found by some. Anticipation is high for a good season as the pit moves into new ground. If some of the stones found this weekend are any indication of what's in store it will certainly be a good season. Several 100ct+ stones were found as well as many smaller facet grade stones. As you can see, it's not always gold at the end of the rainbow.

Must be some good stones here!

Some of the stones found.

105ct Dichroic, I hope to be cutting this one!

Scenes from the pit.

D-9 Cat opening up some new ground.

Lots of diggers.

Screening ore.

Hart Mountain Field Trip

The wet weather preceding our trip caused major flashflood damage in some of the Hart Mountain canyons. Thinking this may have revealed some of the famous Hart Mountain Porcelain Jasper, a trip was made to investigate. The damage done to the landscape must be seen to be realised. While my day trip was not long some great pieces were found.

"Blow out" of DeGarmo Canyon as seen from the canyon mouth.

Myself with a very good find.

Hart Mountain Porcelain Jasper

Closeup of best piece found.

Botryoidal copper formation?

Scenics

The abundant rains also brought a different visual experience to the desert.
A multitude of flowers and greenery were in evidence making this a trip to remember.

A changed landscape

Indian Paintbrush

Desert Primrose

Details of Portland Auction Item

The 2005 Portland Oregon Auction Item is completed. This piece features the work of Karla Brom Proud and Dalan Hargrave. Karla is executive director of Exotic Gemstones,Honolulu HI. and is the concept designer of this piece.
Dalan Hargrave is owner and operator of GemStarz Jewelry, Spring Branch Texas and is the fabricating artist and goldsmith.
Both of these artists have been recognized in the trade with numerous awards from the American Gem Trade Association and other guild related orders.
Gemstone faceting by Steve Ewens of Steve's Stones.
This piece of jewelery excells in it's originality and use of materials. The center stone is a 10.7ct Oregon Sunstone accented with channel set diamonds and set in white and yellow gold. The chain is handmade of white and yellow gold and adds a unique sense of style and balance to the piece. Strikingly elegant, this fine piece is scheduled to be sold to the highest bidder October 22nd 2005. Appraised @ $11,845 ( appraisal by David Malka, Independent Gemological Services, Portland Oregon)

2005 Portland Oregon Auction Item

2005 Douglas County Oregon Auction

The 2005 Douglas County Auction Item is again a one of a kind item. This pendant and earring set features the unique engraving style of Steve Douglas. Three Oregon Sunstones with a total ct weight of 8.67 cts have been chosen as the featured gems. Gemstones faceted by Steve Ewens of Steve's Stones.
A wonderful combination of traditional and cutting edge design. This fine piece was presented for auction August 26th at Seven Feathers Convention Center and Casino.
The reserve price was not met and the set is currently being offered for sale at Douglas Fine Jewelry with proceeds going to benefit Doernbechers.
Interested parties may contact Douglas Fine Jewelry by the web link on this page.

Finished Set

Work in progress.

Trio of Oregon Sunstone for 2005

"From the front, the focus will be all about the stone" says Steve Douglas. "The deep sides however will provide plenty of space for engraving. This will creat visual interest in all aspects of the design".