ASSOCIATIONS and EDUCATION

TOPOZONE

Free USGS topo maps for the entire United States

US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

The USGS provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. Their scientists develop new methods and tools to supply timely, relevant, and useful information about the Earth and its processes.

ANZA BORREGO DESERT PALENTOLOGY SOCIETY

The Anza-Borrego Desert Paleontology Society, as an entity under the direction of the Colorado Desert District (CDD), Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP), is an organization where volunteer researchers develop the knowledge and skills needed to build, support and maintain an internationally significant paleontology program.  It ensures that members can participate actively and responsibly in discovering, protecting, preserving and interpreting the fossil resources from the ancient past in this unique environment. 

GIA INSTITUTE

A Tradition of Science and Education – Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry. Located in Carlsbad, CA.

MINERALOGY DATABASE

MINDAT.ORG  is a non-commercial online mineralogical database, claiming to be the largest mineral database and mineralogical reference website on the internet. It is used by professional mineralogists and amateur mineral collectors alike and boasts over 45k mineral names and half a million photos.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES

The mission of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

    • protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years.
    • is a resource for Southern California teachers.
    • is an authority on the “big picture” of the planet, the natural and the cultural world.
    • tracks the Earth’s biodiversity, because knowing what is out there is the first step to conservation.

GEM and MINERAL BUSINESSES

DESIGNS BY NATURE

Located in San Clemente, CA, Designs by Nature is a LOCAL’S FAVORITE. A unique nature gallery of one-of-a-kind mineral specimens, crystals, amber, fossils, carvings, sculptures, birthstones, gems, beautifully designed jewelry, and new and used lapidary equipment.  Owners Sheila and Gary Martin are SOCGEMS Board Members.

SHANTI MALAS

Custom, handmade malas, created with intention and love.

SILVER DAY TRADING COMPANY

Located in Madrid, NM, the Silver Day Trading Company offers reputable, expert restoration and repair of all old and new silver and turquoise jewelry, specializing in Vintage Indian Jewelry.  Owner Dayton Simmons is a SOCGEMS speaker.

OC BEADS

Specializing in quality beads, findings, and such … unlike any other bead store anywhere … a vast selection of diverse and unique products including natural stones, pearls, coral, Czech glass, sterling and gold-filled beads, cloisonne, wood, bone, and more. Offering classes and jewelry repair. Parking is in the back.

THIRD EYE

Beads and gemstones from around the world, sterling silver jewelry, chains, beach art, pendants, wind chimes, singing bowls and sage. An attractive selection of rocks and stones and a local love

BEAD STATION

In Orange County for over 30 years, the Bead Station offers beads, findings, tools, and classes for all skill levels.

WHITE PELICAN GALLERY

White Pelican Gallery in Dana Point, CA is a “Jewel in Southern California”, the store is brimming with silver and 14k jewelry from Navajo, Zuni, Santo Domingo (Tewa), and Hopi artists.

RENNE NEWMAN, AUTHOR

Renee Newman‘s goal is to provide consumers and jewelry professionals with unbiased, affordable information on how to buy, evaluate and appreciate gems and jewelry.

ORNAMENT MAGAZINE

Ornament Magazine celebrates a unique art because its context is the human being. Our creative energies are drawn from an appreciation that what we make to adorn ourselves is a beautiful and meaningful expression of life.
Published by Robert Liu and Patrick Benesh-Liu.