| "A good library is like a fine banquet - both are full and complex - while the lesser collections may nourish your intellectual needs on a narrow subject, they cannot match the gratification provided by a profoundly contextual experience." John Sinkankas, 1994 | |
A Gemological Reference Collection My work is dedicated to the memory of my father - engineer, sailor, outdoorsman and adventurer - a man with a keen scientific mind, intrigued by many paths and ever an inspiration to me. Among many other things, as a life-long avid board member of his local library, he always encouraged me not to waste time on memorizing; just know how and where to find information and to go forth and create with it. |
 1916-2009 Photo: E. Skalwold |
| A very exciting turn of events in my gemological odyssey has manifested itself as the expansion of my humble personal library with the addition of John Koivula's entire gemological reference library; a collection which spans a long, ongoing career of research, scholarship and of course, photomicrography of inclusions. | |
 Photo (adapted from): K. Fox |
Mirroring the journey I made to study at GIA several years ago, a point furthest from my home yet still in this country, over 1600 lbs of books and bench instruments have made their way to my office via the reverse route. Amidst an already rich academic setting, these form a locally unique "gemological island" of inspiration, reference and creativity from which to pursue graduate studies and with which to offer gemological education at the university level. Some selections from the collection. |
| While a certain amount of karma accompanies such tomes and instruments used by this preeminent and revered gemologist and inclusionist, this library is at its heart a "Working Library," meant to continue in its purpose and someday be passed on to another generation of gemological researchers. I am very honored to be its current custodian. My heartfelt thanks goes to the Koivulas for their faith in my abilities and above all for the friendship they have extended to me (Kristi - you are an inspiration for me!). | |
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Go to: About Me | |