Off the dop - Hessonite garnet

[gronkus]

Just finished up. 3.5 carat "hessonite" garnet. Is a reddish-orange color (or is that orangey-red ).

[dr00bie]

Nice! Where did that material originate?

Drew

[gronkus]

Thanks, Drew. I got it from an online dealer and all I know is that it's from Africa (whereabouts??).

[booodelle]

you must be a very busy man Dave... nice gemstone!!!

[gronkus]

Yeah... I'm a bit sleep deprived at the moment ;-)

[stevebarr]

Truth be told, I think Dave's wife keeps him locked in the basement, chained to his work table. If he slows down even a little bit, or tries to catch a quick nap, she just snaps the old whip a few times and he's right back at it.

That's the only way I can figure he cuts as much material as he has been lately. Either that, or he knows a shortcut that he's not sharing with anyone else.

[gronkus]

As will be reported shortly by the Associated Press, I'm officially announcing that tomorrow morning I will hold a press conference in which I will deny recent unfounded allegations made by one Steven "I've had one too many drinks at the..." Barr.

Rumors are that Mr. Barr has made a deal with the Senate commission investigating alleged shady faceting practices in order to avoid jail time for supplying several high-profile faceters with illegally obtained faceting rough. As a condition to save his butt, Mr. Barr has made slanderous suggestions that my wife routinely subjects me to bondage (and not the kind I enjoy...) as well as physical abuse involving a whip. This same Mr. Barr even goes so far as to suggest I am operating my faceting practice using some super-secret methods which offer me a material advantage over my numerous competitors.

Let me make it perfectly clear, I know absolutely nothing at all - period. You may ask my kids if you require confirmation. And as far as the abuse issue, the whip is at my request and normally occurs AFTER gems are cut and given.

So tomorrow my lawyer will play the audio of a taped phone call that occurred between Mr. "Stick my head with a metal..." Barr and myself in which it will clearly demonstrate that his disparaging remarks were fabricated purely in an attempt to ruin my chances for admission into the Faceter's Hall of Fame (as soon as such a prestigious organization is formed) and deflect scrutiny away from his frequent practice of hogging all the good rocks at mineral collecting spots.

I only pray the public will maintain an open mind and not convict me without hearing all the evidence. And as far as this Steven "My underwear smells like a stinky..." Barr, I plan to press MAGMA for his immediate disBARRment.

[ken]

I hereby deny any and all involvement with either party in aforementioned allegations.
Ken

[damammy]

Sounds as if you know Mr Barr well or at least been on several digs with him? ;D

Oh Dave that Garnet is wonderful

[stevebarr]

Guilty as charged. I throw myself on the mercy of the court.

Obviously, as Donna has pointed out, Dave knows me too well....and has been on too many digs with me. Once I am disBarred, I am guessing that practice will stop!

I am also guessing that Mr. Gronkus has hired some high profile Yankee attorney to come after me (probably paid him off with that HUGE chunk of dark, dark amethyst from JXR I once gave him). Guess I'm going to have to make a call to Uncle Joey, Frankie Bag of Doughnuts and Two-Fingers Johnny from South Philadelphia to go over to Mr. Gronkus's house and have a little talk with him about straightening this all out.

Dave, just remember that it is hard to facet anything when your hands are tied behind your back and you're wearing cement shoes. I hear the Delaware River gets kind of chilly this time of year.....

[gronkus]

Hah :-)

Steve, I know you've got the "connections" and (not that it has anything to do with it) have decided to rethink my position and give you another chance. But also consider something you may not have thought of - "family" only goes so far and Two-Fingers Johnny has two opportunities for some "bling" that would look nice on him. Loyalty is only skin-deep when gems are involved!

[di66er]

Another stunner! most beautiful!