70s Franklin gems - pic heavy

[gsellis]

If it weren't for cut and paste, I would never get anything done...
I just posted this on GemologyOnline, but I know a bunch of you want to see here too.

This is the stuff that we got cut from what we found in the 70's when there weren't any salted mines in the valley and they were all open. Missing from the collection are 2 rubies that are probably .25-.5 cts that are earrings.

This came from a 6 caret stone found at Peek Mine, which is now Cherokee. It looks a little better in person as you cannot really see the surface inclusions that well. I think it is 1.25 cts.


Another cab from a 3 caret. Maybe Schuler? 1.33cts. Has a little lavendar in it.


Another cab from about 3 cts. This is .75 cts. From one of the last three mines in Cowee.


Source unknown. One of the Cowee mines. Gibbson, Jacobs, Schuler, Peek, or Jones? Lavendar and .6 cts.


All three from NC. I think the large one and one of the others is from Rose Creek (when it was real). The other was probably from Jacob or Gibbson. Ctr stone is probably about .2-.25 cts.


My best. Unfortunately, the camera makes it orange. A very good red in person. But, .1 ct.


This is a stunner. .42 cts and pink. IIRC, under a diamond light, changes to a green hue. Somewhere in the last few mines in the valley.

[gsellis]

Cool.

[gsellis]

Jul 2, 2010 14:24:31 GMT -5 @boneman65 said:

For those unaware, the price on those rubies is excellent! I bought a .75 caret ruby from Cowee Valley to have set in a ring for my wife. The stone alone was $175. The ring and setting cost me over $300!!! I'll be ordering a set Rick.

I already did. Nbr 5 is MINE. ;D

[william780]

George,
You just sent me back to the good old days!...wow. I found an old mine flyer from the late seventies that listed all the mines back then. Now I have pictures to go along..awesome.
Bill