MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
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
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
