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[Enchantra]

This topic has probably been hammered to death elsewhere.
Why oh why do some people persist in thinking their stones are real when they clearly are not?

I was commenting on a post on FB tonight, the woman made some lovely jewelry and used a stone called "Sea Sediment Jasper."  I call it dyed magnesite because that is what it is.  I tried as kindly as possible to point out to her that while her stuff is gorgeous, the stone she was using might not be what she thinks it is.  Despite what evidence I gave her she still feels it's a real Jasper mined in China in the Hubei mines.  Mines that pump out magnesite in large quantities I may add.   Why when presented with the proof their stones aren't real do some people persist in saying they are? 

Instead she felt I was personally attacking her.  Really?  All I was doing was pointing out that the stone in question might not be what she thought it was.  I did apologize to her just to make her realize that I wasn't attacking HER or her artwork.  I just don't like it when misinformed artists then pass along more misinformation to buyers...

When someone can show me chunks of this rough "jasper" straight from the mine and prove to me it's real then I'll believe it.   Until that point I'll call it like I see it.

[hummingbirdstones]

Right on, right on, right on, Amanda.  People don't like hearing the stuff they thought was a natural stone had some treatment to make it look different.  Even politely presenting proof that it isn't what they thought, will turn them into raving loonies.  There's just no reasoning with ignorance.   

[Phishisgroovin]

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog_post/ShadowDogDesigns/4384/magnificent_magnesite_-_but_buyer_beware_

[Enchantra]

And I just found another posting to the same group with someone listing a necklace as turquoise when it most certainly isn't because otherwise they would be holding a $500 or more necklace! 

[Enchantra]

Right on, right on, right on, Amanda.  People don't like hearing the stuff they thought was a natural stone had some treatment to make it look different.  Even politely presenting proof that it isn't what they thought, will turn them into raving loonies.  There's just no reasoning with ignorance.   

Someone said, "Never argue with an idiot, the idiot will always win."  I cannot remember who said it, but so darn true!

[iceopals]

sigh........   Have you seen that lovely purple turquoise that is popping up all over?   You know, the natural purple turquoise???         I so totally know what you are talking about.   Unfortunately, the problems can be traced back far before the artist.   Most jewelers do not cut stones, and they take the word of dealers they purchase their material from.   Oh my, "know your dealer" is such an important warning. 

On the flip side of the coin is the really rare or unusual material that the "masses" cannot accept the identity of, mostly because they've never seen it before. 

I'm so impressed with the varying expertise that the members have here.   I'm stunned that there is as much jade in the US as there seems to be.   And to be able to just hike out and get it!!!   Oh my.   It is a kick just stepping into the forum and looking at what everyone is working. 

I would love to see the magnesite jewerly you were referring to, on FB.   While a public forum might not be a polite place to place the information, would you mind pm'ing me the address?   

[Enchantra]

Ice, not sure you'll be able to see the forum since it's a private group on FB, but I'll see what I can do for you.

[Enchantra]

Message sent iceopals.  Hopefully you can read the link.

[Bentiron]

Yeah, this past summer when on vacation in Colorado my wanted to stop at a geegaw store to look a jewelry, why I don't know, but there was this sales clerk tell this tourist all about the new strike of rare purple turquoise near Kingman, AZ with copper in it, "really  rare and expensive". Needless to say the tourist bought it hook, line and sinker, $150 for this tiny pair of dangling ear rings. Folks wait a minute it's DYED, stabilized and pressed together, it ain't real, it's FAKE! but no I kept my mouth shut and then the clerk came over to me and asked if I was interested in some turquoise too, I told her only the real stuff and she said "Right this way" and took me to another counter where there was no purple stuff but I still didn't trust her.

[iceopals]

Oh my goodness!   So she knew she was selling them a line!!!    It disturbs me enough when they do not know or understand the product they are selling, but when it is intentional, it makes my head boil!!!!!!!!!!    And yes, I'm sticking to it, my head boils. 

[Bentiron]

Yeah, I was a little pissed off too but it's just the way business in tourist towns work. Back in the '70s when I was producing Sterling silver jewelry in the manner of Native Americans the wholesaler I was selling to said it didn't matter that I wasn't an Indian, nobody would know the difference, if I didn't tell he sure wouldn't tell, hear no, see no, speak no, that's the way with a lot of folks in the business when it comes to the tourists.....and turquoise.

[Enchantra]

Jerry you must be more reserved than me because I probably would have called the woman out on the bullcrap right then and there and not cared if it cost her a sale.  Plus there are laws on the books regarding stones and their authenticity.  To bad you couldn't look up the authorities in Colorado and turn the shop in.

[iceopals]

Yeah, I'm afraid I would not have done well keeping silent either.   sigh...   

[Enchantra]

Reconstructed Jade?  Wow the interesting words this artist comes up with amaze me.
Yes that is in one of the posts.  I'm left sitting here scratch my head.  Never heard of such a thing.