Louisiana State Gemstone

Louisiana LaPearlite

A New State Gemstone for Louisiana

For those who feel that the agate gemstone doesn’t properly represent the dynamic coastal culture of Louisiana, you may get your wish. To be voted on in June, Louisiana may get a new state gemstone: LaPearlite. If you haven’t heard of this gemstone, don’t be surprised, as it’s a new stone that was just discovered by gemologist Anne Dale.

Anne Dale and her husband, a jewelry craftsman, have been working on this gemstone to make it a commercial beauty. Together, they cut and polished the stone and found a new technique that could be derived from it. This new gemstone material comes from the shell of the American Oyster, which is abundant off the coast of Louisiana.

In fact, the American Oyster is the most important consumer mollusk in the US and it may be the key to bringing back consumer popularity in the oyster industry since the 2010 BP Oil Spill. Anne Dale confirms that the LaPearlite is the most beautiful stone she’s seen, and the way it takes in the light is spectacular. She feels that this very stone is a true representation of the diversity that exists off the Gulf Coast.

Currently, the Pearlite exists in a stunning ring and reflects the ambiance of the coastal sun. In an effort to bring back the oyster industry that took a hit last year, a vote in the Louisiana House may change the gemstone of Louisiana from agate to LaPearlite. Some fear that this stone is too commercial, while others feel it will be the perfect representation of a coastal culture rich in oysters and other sea creatures.

Source: Visit Louisiana

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Watch Bands

jewelry repair

Perfect for everyday, formal occasions or sports wear Anne Dale’s watch bands offer both comfortable and versatile. Explore our selection of classic and adventurous bands to update your timepiece. Whether its for comfort, sport or style, these replacement watch straps are a perfect fit.

Timeless watch band design to wear with any business or casual outfit, our collection of classic leather and metal watch straps. All of our leather watch straps are made with 100% genuine leather, considering something a bit hipper, how about a replacement watch band in genuine lizard, alligator, or crocodile leather.

All Anne Dale watch replacement bands are designed with longevity and style in mind.

watch bands

Saints New Orleans Catholic

Saints New Orleans
New Orleans Saints

It has been said that everyone in New Orleans is at least a little Catholic. The area has a long history of Saints in New Orleans Catholic traditions.

The religious influence on the cities culture is depicted in the spirit of life in New Orleans. It all begins on January 6th or the “Twelfth Night,” also known to New Orleans Catholics as the “Epiphany”.  When the King Cakes and Mardi Gras come to an end Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares New Orleanians for Easter Sunday.

While a period of reflection there are several Catholic Saints days of celebration like Saint Joseph and Saint Patrick Day. New Orleans Saint Joseph Day altar are a tradition rooted in the cities Sicilian heritage. Often celebrated in along side the Irish Catholics New Orleans Saint Patrick Day. Both New Orleans Saints celebration enjoy parades in the Big Easy.

Lagniappe means a little something extra and in New Orleans you don’t have to necessarily be Catholic to enjoy a Saints celebration.

Mandeville Jewelry Gift Cards

Mandeville Jewelry Gift Card

Anne Dale’s Mandeville jewelry gift cards are the perfect for all your jewelry gift giving occasions. Now available in denomination from $35 to $500, also Anne Dale jewelry gift cards will never expire. Best of all they can be used in store for exclusive jewelry designs. Therefore if you require a service such as a jewelry repair or diamond appraisal you are covered.

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  • Anne Dale Jewelers gift cards are non‐transferable, non‐refundable and are not redeemable for cash.
  • A gift card cannot be used to purchase another gift card.
  • If gift card amount does not cover the total purchase amount, the remainder of the purchase may be completed with another form of payment.
  • If the amount gift card is for more than the total purchased, the balance amount will be remain on your gift card for future use.
  • Mandeville jewelry store gift cards are non‐transferable, non‐refundable and are not redeemable for cash.
  • Lost or stolen gift cards cannot be replaced.
  • Gift cards are not reloadable.

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GIA features Anne Dale’s LaPearlite®

Louisiana LaPearlite

GIA GIA’s Gems & Gemology the quarterly scientific journal of the Gemological Institute of America featured  Louisiana LaPearlite® in the Summer 2018 edition. Derived from the organic shell of the Crassostrea virginica (American Oyster) the most important consumer mollusk in the United States, a species predominantly found in the waters of coastal Louisiana.

Anne Dale develop a process that allows a gemstone to be derived from the shell of the species. A Louisianacabochon cut gemstone from the shell of the Crassostrea virginica known as LaPearlite® became the Official Louisiana State Gemstone in 2011 .

While beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, beauty really starts in the mind;  perhaps that is why “common things” are often taken for granted… until they are taken from us. The purist of whites, to a gentle flow of golden wispy veils – in its final splendor each LaPearlite® is uniquely born of the sea.

The scientific research and article was conducted\authored by Artitaya Homkrajae gemologist at GIA in Carlsbad, California.

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