Anne Dale introduces the new Louisiana State Gemstone LaPearlite® with WWL Channel 4 News Morning Show host Sally-Ann Roberts.
New Orleans Jeweler with Sally-Ann Roberts
Louisiana may now profit from a new and first time application for shells of the Crassostrea virginica oyster, one of dozens of mollusk varieties, which has replaced the agate as the new state gemstone and the state’s first ever official mineral.
Gemologist Anne Dale of Mandeville has cut the specific species of oyster shell, common off the shore of Louisiana, as cabochon gem and used it in making jewelry for the first time ever.
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne with jewelry artist Anne Dale
Mandeville jewelry designer Anne Dale receives Louisiana Artist Award from Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne Office of Cultural Development.
The event was at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge also in attendance was Gaye Hamilton of the Louisiana Cultural Economy Initiative Program Manager and Aimee Smallwood CEO Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation.
New Orleans based jeweler Anne Dale discovered a new gemstone called LaPearlite® which is derived from Louisiana oysters.
Louisiana State Representative Scott Simon authored a bill that would make the material the new Official Louisiana State Gemstone in 2011.