Raw, fried, char-grilled, simmered in creamy soup – we typically think of Louisiana oysters in terms of the best way to eat them, but enterprising entrepreneurs in the state are finding myriad uses for the luscious bivalve that extend beyond the plate.
New Orleans gemologist Anne Dale is putting Louisiana oysters on the map with her trademarked LaPearlite™ cabochon cut gemstones made from hand-cut, polished oyster shells. In August 2011, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed a bill declaring LaPearlite™ the Official Louisiana Gemstone.
“The Pelican”
The Official State Bird joins the new state gemstone in Anne Dale’s original creation “The Pelican” just in time to commemorate Louisiana’s 200th birthday.
Anne Dale makes a donation to Friends of the Fishermen, endorsed by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board the Friends of the Fishermen fund helps local fishermen in need.
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The yellow and white gold metals feature two of Dale’s new LaPearlite® gemstones entered into the Spectrum Awards. Both are 100% natural and untreated derived from the Crassostrea virginica (American Oyster) a species predominantly found along the Louisiana coast.
The Official Louisiana State Gemstone as of August 2011.
The top oval gemstone measures 10×8 millimeters set on a white gold plate surrounded by Dale’ imperial yellow gold design, the lower LaPearlite is a sleek dangling pear shape measuring 22×7 millimeters.
A new gem, LaPearlite is a symbol of inner beauty, promotes healing, and is believed to arouse deep passion. “My goal is that my designs tell a story showing the beauty of Louisiana in a special way using a new unique gemstone – LaPearlite” said Anne Dale.
The AGTA Spectrum Awards competition is the most prestigious jewelry design and gemstone cutting competition in the world and is the benchmark by which jewelry designers measure themselves.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced that Hollywood actresses are to model AGTA Spectrum Awards winners Actresses Julie Benz, best known for her roles on Showtime’s Dexter and ABC’s Desperate Housewives, and Regina King, currently starring on TNT’s police drama Southland, will model a selection of winning pieces from this year’s Spectrum Awards competition. The photo shoot will be coordinated and styled by renowned celebrity stylist Tod Hallman and shot by the highly-regarded fashion photographer Ben Cope.
Entries were judged on the basis of overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad-base consumer appeal, and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones. Spectrum Award categories included Bridal, Business/Day Wear, Classical, Evening and Men’s Wear.
Louisiana is proudly represented by the beauty of LaPearlite® – Oysters Are For Lovers