Christmas Time In the Small Town of Hudson

Now...this is the way Christmas is supposed to be! I love it...beautiful snowfall coming down, shoppers rushing home with their presents! My wife and I love to decorate the Gold Mine for Christmas...notice in the picture to toy soldiers we have affectionately named "Hanz and Franz"! It seems that even with all the stress of the recession, people still are shopping, still having a good time and yes, things do seem to be turning around for the economy and what better time for it to do so than at Christmas?

I consider myself most fortunate to be able to help celebrate my customer's important milestone events in their lives such as Christmas, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.....Burl Ive's sang about it in the hit song "Silver & Gold" and yes, silver and gold makes things brighter.

Thanks everyone for allowing me to play a small part in your life as your jeweler...its an honor I cherish and enjoy! Merry Christmas and I wish you a very Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
goldman86@bellsouth.net

Christmas Time With Chamilia

Chamilia bead jewelry has certainly become a favorite Christmas gift this year! The beauty of their beads and the workmanship of their bracelet is second to none. Customers love the idea of building their very own bracelet or necklace with beads that celebrate life's special moments...and isn't that what jewelry is for anyway?

The bracelet pictured above is just one of many ideas that you, (yes you) can make yourself! Of course, our staff will be glad to offer suggestions and help you get started as well! Currently, we have over 500 different beads in stock such as: Italian murano glass beads, silver beads of all types and the popular "Disney Series" that only Chamilia offers!

We've also been asked if Chamilia beads fit other bracelet lines such as Pandora, Trollbeads, Personality, Halia...and the answer is Yes! Isn't it wonderful that you can accessorize your jewelry in this manner?

Stop by today for a look at what all the talk is about surrounding Chamilia jewelry!

Merry Christmas,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
goldman86@bellsouth.net

The December birthstone "Blue Topaz" is derived from the word "Tapas" meaning fire. This was because the ancients thought this gem had cooling properties. Some have sad that it not only cooled boiling water when thrown in, but that it could also cool boiling tempers. The gemstone was also credited with many healing powers such as the ability to cure insanity (I need this one sometimes), asthma, weak vision and insomina. Some even thought the blue topaz to have magical powers rendering its wearer invisible in certain situations.

Pure topaz is colorless but due to certain elements, it can come in a variety of colors such as blue, pale green, red, yellow and pink. Topaz is often heat treated to give the various blue colors such as sky blue, swiss blue and the treasured london blue.

Topaz is found in the USA, Brazil, Sri Lanka, China and Mexico.

In researching this article, I found that the gift of blue topaz is a symbol of love and fidelity. Luckily, this cool gemstone has no legendary power to put out the burning flame of love!

Stop by during this Christmas season and check out our blue topaz selection as well as other wonderful gifts for your loved ones!

Sincerely,
Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist Appraiser & Owner
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com

Citrine - The November Birthstone

November's gemstone, Citrine, is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers. The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon. One of the more rare forms of quartz, this gemstone ranges in color from the palest yellow to a dark amber named Madeira because of its resemblance to the red wine.
Perhaps because of its scarcity, there is little mention of Citrine used as a gemstone prior to the first century B.C. The Romans were thought to be the first to wear the yellow quartz, crafting it into cabochon, or highly polished but unfaceted cuts of stone set into jewelry. Citrine became more popular during the Romantic Period, when artisans often favored these warm colored gems to enhance gold jewelry. Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom. It was also considered to have medicinal properties and was commonly used as a remedy for urinary and kidney ailments.
Sister stone to the purple quartz known as Amethyst, Citrine crystals are found in igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is believed that some Citrine may have actually begun as Amethyst, but heat from nearby molten rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz. Citrine is known to change color when subjected to heat and is routinely heated in the jewelry-making process to intensify its color. For this same reason, though, this gemstone should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time because it will permanently alter the color. Most Citrine is mined in Brazil, but other sources of the quartz are Bolivia and Madagascar.
A gift of Citrine is symbolic for hope and strength. With its sunny brightness, this gemstone is ideal for helping anyone to get through the tough times in life!

'Til Next Time,

Bill Warren - Registered Gemologist/Owner
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
goldman86@bellsouth.net

The October Birthstone

October's birthstone treats the eye to an explosion of shimmering colors, not unlike those of a magnificent rainbow following a summer rain. The Opal derives its name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. Prized for its unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light, the Opal was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.
Ancient monarchs treasured Opals, both for their beauty and for their presumed protective powers. They were set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil and to protect the eyesight. These gemstones were also ground and ingested for their healing properties and to ward off nightmares.
The Opal dates back to prehistoric times. It is a non-crystallized silica, which is a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the hot springs dried up, layers of the silica, combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock, forming Opal. This gemstone actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.
Most of the world's Opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources of this gemstone are Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada. Quality Opal is very expensive, made more so by the caution that must be exercised in cutting, polishing and setting it into jewelry.
A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. And the powerful energy radiating from this fiery gemstone will surely illuminate any occasion!
I hope you enjoyed this information on the beautiful October birthstone...Opal!
Sincerely,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
www.hudsongoldmine.com
828-726-1009
goldman86@bellsouth.net

The September Birthstone

Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.

Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy colored sapphires-including pink, green, orange, and golden yellow-are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.
Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring. The stone's durability, combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.
Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure.

As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all blue, yellow and golden sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their color.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.
Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.

I hope you found this information as fascinating as I did on the beautiful blue sapphire...the September Birthstone!

Success,

Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist/Owner

The Gold Mine

www.hudsongoldmine.com

828-726-1009

email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

Welcome Sandy Rash

I'm pleased to announce the addition of Sandy Rash to the Gold Mine family! Sandy is a native of Hickory, NC and now lives in Granite Falls, NC with her husband Terry and their two daughters Tiffany and Heather.

Sandy will be serving as a full time sales associate and will be helping do office/clerical work and minor jewelry repair as well! Her beautiful smile and pleasant demeanor will put you at ease as she helps you make your all important jewelry purchase.

Sandy loves tennis and bowling. She is also a real member of our family as Sandy is my wife's cousin and a someone who's a lot of fun to be around!

I invite you to stop by and just say, "Hello" and welcome Sandy to our store family...you'll really like her!

Sincerely,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
goldman86@bellsouth.net

Happy 4th of July

I wish each of you a safe and Happy Fourth of July week! We're closing on tuesday this week and will not return until the following monday for some much needed R & R! Hopefully, each of you will take time to go hit a golf ball, grill out and most importantly, spend time with those important people in your life!

The older I get, the more I realize that life is too short and we need to make the most out of each day....each day is a gift from God! We're thankful to those who bought our Independence in this country with their sacrifices. As a business owner, I'm especially grateful....isn't it great that you can live in a country where you can do what you want to do and be what you want to be? The only limitations are those we put on ourselves!

Thanks to all my customers for allowing me to follow my life's passion for fine jewelry and to make a comfortable living for my family. To each of you, Happy 4th...now go do something fun!

Success,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
545 Main St. Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
goldman86@bellsouth.net

Chamilia Jewelry - Its Incredible!

Ladies....you're gonna love the line known simply as "Chamilia"! Hardly an hour goes by in our jewelry store that someone doesn't come in asking about this gorgeous style of beaded European jewelry. Yes, there are many companies that sell beaded jewelry lines such as: trollbeads, pandora, zable, etc....but in my honest opinion, and I've sold most all of them, Chamilia beats them hands down! Why you might ask? Simply because, Chamilia charms, murano glass beads and accessories seem to work with all of the major beaded bracelet brands, most especially Pandora. We have pandora customers coming in every day to update their bracelets with the sheek look of Chamilia.

Even better, the prices are astounding! These beautiful bracelets start at $35 and you can simply add a bead or charm of your choice for $25...making this well within the range of any budget! Some ladies like to start out with one or two beads and add to their bracelet as special occasions arise....hey, when husbands don't know what to get for that special event, tell them to get a knew bead for your bracelet! Chamilia also features the Walt Disney line of charms which none of their competitors offer. Colors? They have murano italian glass beads with nearly every color of the rainbow and best of all, you can change the bracelet yourself by adding the beads of your choice to compliment the particular outfit you are wearing!

I invite you to stop by our store to see this lovely jewelry or visit the Chamilia online official website at: http://www.chamilia.com/ and check out all of their offerings! I've got to warn you, its addictive!

'til next time,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist Appraiser
The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts
545 Main St. Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net
website: http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/

Remember - Keep Your Jewelry Out of The Swimming Pool

Ok, ok....I preach this message at the start of summer every year, but its so important! Please, oh please remember to keep your gold rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. out of the swimming pool! If you don't...you'll be sorry!!!

Why you might ask? Ok wise guy, I'll tell you! You might not realize it but the chlorine used to purify the water in your pools acts just like acid on your gold jewelry. Over time, it can actually destroy your gold jewelry by eating away at the base metals that gold is alloyed with.

Also remember, if you are around chlorine bleach such as when you are washing clothes, the effect is still the same....eating away and weakening of your gold jewelry!

So heed my warning folks and you'll save an expensive repair bill or worse yet, the total replacement cost of your beloved gold jewelry!

'Til Next Time,
Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist Appraiser
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

Gold Mine Awarded Caldwell County Small Business of the Year

I'm pleased to announce that The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc. was awarded the "Caldwell County Small Business of the Year Award" for 2009 from The Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce! Needless to say, we were honored & humbled to receive such an award which is given to local Caldwell county businesses because of job creation/employee development, exceptional customer service, unique product development and marketing.

Certainly, we feel there are many businesses in our area deserving of this award, but thanks Chamber of Commerce for your kindness in giving us this award.

It is our hope that even during this difficult recessionary period that other businesses and individuals can see that they can still be successful...you simply have to search for a niche and fill it! Dig a little harder, knock and the door will open. We're reminded that even during the Great Depression, that business was still being done and some were being successful.....don't let the news get you down...yes, times are tough, but tough times don't last, tough people and businesses do!

Most of all, thanks go to our valued clients for supporting all these many years and to the Lord for giving us grace and for making a way, when sometimes the pathway got really dark!

Success,
Bill Warren, Owner
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009
http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
goldman86@bellsouth.net

Jewelry Appraisals

As of late, I've been seeing so many folks come by our store need a jewelry quote or a replacement value on an item. Of course, this peaks my curiosity and I ask them why....the answer is quite disturbing!

It seems with the job situation and the economy being what it is that many folks are being vandalized...jewelry taken from their homes, businesses, vehicles, etc. Usually, most of these folks think that their home owner's insurance policy will cover their jewelry in case of theft. It will, but only to a small extent if you do not have a separte ryder policy for your jewelry (this only costs a few extra dollars per month on your insurance premium by the way)! If you do not have this type of extra protection, most home owner's policies only cover jewelry up to about a $1000, which in most cases, is not nearly enough.

What would most insurance agents tell you? They would say that you need to have all of your valuable jewelry appraised by a qualified jewelry appraiser and brought in to them so they may add it to your current insurance policy. It really doesn't cost that much to do either, considering what you stand to lose in case of theft.

Of course, we as well as many other qualified jewelers offer this type of "Jewelry Appraisal" service. I beg you folks, please get your jewelry appraised and then insured, it could save you thousands of dollars in the end. If you have any questions about appraisals or insurance, just drop me an email or give me a call! Until next time..

Success,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist Appraiser
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net
website: www.hudsongoldmine.com

Gold Prices Continue To Go Up

Yes friends, its true....the gold & precious metals market continues to go up! Why you may ask? I personally believe that with the advent of the new stimulus package and the printing of more currency aka: the weakening dollar, precious metals will only continue to rise in price to what may be unheard of levels by this summer!

Here's the rub: you can get your part of this booming market as well!! How? By simply doing a bit of "goldmining" yourself in your own home! Its time to dig into the couch, look in the attic or basement and go through that old jewelry box and find those old gold/silver items you'll never use and take them where you can "Cash Them In"! Of course, we would love to assist you with the process and we promise to make it completely discreet and comfortable. You may visit our website for more information on it at: www.hudsongoldmine.com/We_Buy_Gold.php or just give me a call at 828-726-1009 and I'll be glad to explain things to you.

Know this.....this may be the best opportunity you've ever had to make more money or your old, unwanted gold & silver items. Here at The Gold Mine http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/ , we continue to have folks bringing their items in to sell and they are excited to find out how much its worth! Why one lady, brought "His" old presents in after a painful divorce and almost fainted when we told her how much we'd pay....I think she took a vacation....you can do it to!

This is also a great time to meet our new goldsmith, Tim Call and to bring those broken items in for expert jewelry repair...you can find out more our in house repair service by visiting our website at: http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/Services_Offered.php

Thats all for now...we hope you've found this info useful...drop us a line if we may be of service!

Success,

Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist Appraiser

The Gold Mine

545 Main St.

Hudson, NC 28638

828-726-1009

http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/

email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

Gold Mine Welcomes New Goldsmith To The Family!

I am proud to announce a new addition to the Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc. family! Mr. Tim Call has recently come aboard our staff as our new in-store goldsmith/silversmith.

You'll love Tim's fine workmanship and attention to detail. To tell you a little bit about Tim....he was a teacher of metallurgy (working with all metals) at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute and he also owned & operated his own jewelry & repair shop in Caldwell County for many years as well.

It is certainly nice to have someone of Tim's caliber here at The Gold Mine. Our store has become known for its custom design and repair work which is done primarily on-premises, unlike most other jewelry stores. If you have a treasured family heirloom in need of repair or you'd like to design a up & coming family heirloom...Tim's your man and he'll be glad to assist you. Stop by and say "Hello" to Tim and welcome him to the family....we think you're really going to like him just as much as we do!

Sincerely,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist Appraiser
The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc.
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net
website: www.hudsongoldmine.com