GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
SourcingApr 15, 2022
Colored Stone Expert and Wholesaler David Patterson Dies at 89
He helped develop a process to synthesize alexandrite and founded manufacturer and wholesale company Geminex in the 1970s.
New York—Longtime gemstone expert David Patterson died April 8 at the age of 89, the International Colored Gemstone Association confirmed.
Patterson was born in Colorado in 1933 and attended Colorado State University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.
But gemstones always called to him, ICA said. Patterson designed and built his own faceting machine and taught himself lapidary.
He also learned and developed the process to grow alexandrite.
In 1970, he contacted a group that had synthesized alexandrite and emerald and eventually started working with them, according to a column Patterson wrote that appeared as part of an article in the Gemmological Association of Great Britain’s Journal of Gemmology in 2012.
They had grown the crystals through one method but were starting to look at growing them via seeding.
When one of the team members was set to move to a new job, they asked Patterson if he wanted to buy the operation. He did, establishing Creative Crystals and stepping into the role of president.
Creative Crystals continued to develop the process, introducing its lab-grown alexandrite to the market officially at the 1972 AGS convention in New Orleans.
Though it drew “a significant amount of interest” there, according to the article, they still ran into plenty of resistance from jewelers.
“We came to believe the cost of marketing would exceed the size of the market. Therefore, we concluded it was a dead-end project for us.”
They sold the operation in 1979 to a limited partnership.
Patterson also started a gemstone manufacturing and wholesaling company called Geminex Corp. in 1975 in California.
Patterson was a longtime member of the ICA who established many relationships around the world throughout his career.
“He shared his knowledge and love of gemstones with all. He loved his alexandrite with a passion,” the organization said in an email remembrance.
Patterson was born in Colorado in 1933 and attended Colorado State University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.
But gemstones always called to him, ICA said. Patterson designed and built his own faceting machine and taught himself lapidary.
He also learned and developed the process to grow alexandrite.
In 1970, he contacted a group that had synthesized alexandrite and emerald and eventually started working with them, according to a column Patterson wrote that appeared as part of an article in the Gemmological Association of Great Britain’s Journal of Gemmology in 2012.
They had grown the crystals through one method but were starting to look at growing them via seeding.
When one of the team members was set to move to a new job, they asked Patterson if he wanted to buy the operation. He did, establishing Creative Crystals and stepping into the role of president.
Creative Crystals continued to develop the process, introducing its lab-grown alexandrite to the market officially at the 1972 AGS convention in New Orleans.
Though it drew “a significant amount of interest” there, according to the article, they still ran into plenty of resistance from jewelers.
“We came to believe the cost of marketing would exceed the size of the market. Therefore, we concluded it was a dead-end project for us.”
They sold the operation in 1979 to a limited partnership.
Patterson also started a gemstone manufacturing and wholesaling company called Geminex Corp. in 1975 in California.
Patterson was a longtime member of the ICA who established many relationships around the world throughout his career.
“He shared his knowledge and love of gemstones with all. He loved his alexandrite with a passion,” the organization said in an email remembrance.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
