PODCAST · education
Gem Junkies
by Parle Jewelry Design's Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth.
Hosts Brecken and Jonathan are co-owners of Parle, a multi-generational,family-run jewelry brand that specializes in sourcing colored gemstones ofextraordinary beauty, rarity, and value. Parle means "to speak", and they believe inthe powerful stories behind jewels. Through inspiring interviews and funconversations, they educate listeners about gems as well as the hottest topics and trends in the jewelry industry.
Episodes
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Way To Go Idaho
In this long-awaited comeback episode of our podcast, "Is Anyone Listening?", we enthusiastically announce our return from a brief hiatus! We're thrilled to be back on air, ready to dive into the fascinating world of gemstones once again. This episode is particularly special as we cover two...
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Gems Of The US - Georgia And Florida
It’s been a while! Between (2) quarantines and a terrible case of a stomach bug, we’re back on track to bring you Florida and Georgia. 00:00:00 Name that bool 01:30:00 Long time, no chat 03:18:00 So Florida 05:07:00 Moonstone (For more details on moonstone check out our episode –...
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Gems Of The US - Connecticut And Delaware
Hello, 2021!! It’s already been off to a crazy start but we will kick things off with the continuation of our “Gems of the US” series. Up next we’ve got Connecticut and Delaware. 00:00:00 Rabbit hole 00:25:00 We’re back 01:45:00 Storytime – wallpaper O3:00:00 Onto Connecticut and Delaware.…
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Gems Of The US - Colorado
Up next on our journey exploring gemstones across the US we’ve got Colorado. Not only does Colorado have a state gemstone but it also has a state mineral we haven’t covered yet – rhodochrosite. Pull up a chair as we look into into this double-gemmy episode. 00:00:00 Notes 00:29:00 Colorado…
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Gems Of The US - California
Continuing with our series Gems of the US and up next we have California. A state that encompasses a plethora of gemstones we focus dabble about Spodumene, Tourmaline, and of coarse, it’s state gemstone--Benitoite. It's a big state so it is only fair to recognize these two influential gemstones....
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Gems Of The US - Arizona And Arkansas
Working our way down the alphabet which means we’ve got Arizona and Arkansas up next. These two states bring a plethora of gemmy goodness. 00:00:00 Deck issues 00:58:00 “The United States” 02:10:00 Arizona & Arkansas 03:02:00 Arizona = Turquoise 03:20:00 Rich history in Arizona 03:37:00 State...
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Gems Across The US - Alabama And Alaska
With so many people unable to travel beyond the US border and taking more local road trips we figured now was the perfect time to explore each state’s gemstone. To start things off we’re talking about Alabama and Alaska. 00:00:00 Who’s starting? 01:01:00 Alabama and Alaska . . . cue the states…
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Production With Paul = Metals
We’ve covered gold, silver, and platinum. But how do all of these different metals work within the components of jewelry design? We take you through each step of the process from molding to polish and talk about how these metals vary within each step of the process. To ensure we don’t overlook…
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Little Silver = Platinum
What is denser than a diamond and is extremely ductile? PLATINUM. Once tossed away to be believed un-ripened silver that noble metal has become a popular choice in jewelry design. Learn about its discovery and its out of this world origins. 00:00:00 Dubba-dub-dub-dub 00:14:00 The game plan with…
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Phenomenal Moonstone
Moonbeams and ocean reflections are just a few ways to describe the beauty of Moonstone. This week we explore the world of this translucent yet, opulent gemstone. 00:00:00 That’s an “I” 00:44:00 Moonstone 02:50:00 Why is it called moonstone? 03:43:50 The phenomenon, adularescence 04:31:00 What is...
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Ancient Times With Lapis Lazuli
We’ve been away for 6 weeks and we’re all excited to be back at the office! Take a seat as we recap about our quarantine experience and explore the ancient world of Lapis Lazuli. Being one of the oldest gemstones mined, it has an extensive involvement with history and folklore that will lure you...
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Courageous Chrysoprase
This week we're getting back to our roots and talking about a gemstone—chrysoprase. Its golden-green tone has a rich presence in history and folklore. We also explore its healing properties and its ability to be a beacon of courage through a time of change. 00:00:00 Social distancing 00:55:00…
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Brecken Meet Brecken
One of our goals with the podcast this year is to focus on career paths. Up next, is an interview providing another perspective in opportunities within the jewelry industry--journalism. We sit down with Brecken Branstrator, with National Jeweler, to learn a little more about her role as an editor...
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About WJA With Jennifer Markas
In honor of #womensinternationalday and #womenshistorymonth we sit down with Jennifer Markas to learn more about Women’s Jeweler Association (WJA). We dive into WJA’s history, its mission and get to know Jennifer up close and personal. 00:00:00 Are we ready? 00:16:00 We’re going to Disneyland...
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Purpose + Passion With Ben Smithee
We’re back with another interview from Tucson at the JCK show and continue to delve into the world of career paths within the jewelry world. Behind every brand is a marketing team that helps bring life to its story. We sit down with Ben Smittee, of The Smithee Group, to get to know a little more...
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Education Through GIA
We regularly get asked, “What can I do with a GG? How do I obtain a GG?” We went straight to the source and sat down with Kimberly Overlin, the Dean of Students from GIA. We discuss the nuts and bolts about GIA (Gemological Institute of America), what it offers to students and review career paths...
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In The Year 2020
2020 is in full swing and we thought it would be a good idea to give you an idea of things to look forward to from the podcast. 00:00:00 It’s Brecken! 00:06:00 Back from Hong Kong 05:43:00 What to expect this year 07:33:00 Delve into the world of less known/obscure gemstones 08:32:00 Speaking of...
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From Breastplate To Birthstone
We’ve been busy bees getting ready for trade show season but don’t worry Gem Junkies we haven’t forgotten about you!! For awhile we’ve teased about putting together an episode about birthstones and it’s finally come into fruition. From it’s early biblical beginning to its influence in the jewelry...
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Raising The Tide With Craig Danforth
Hello 2020!! For the first podcast of the year we sit down with Craig Danforth from Jewelers Mutual. With all the jewelry received over the holidays we talk about the importance of acquiring a policy for your jewelry, the history of Jewelers Mutual and of course, we get to know Craig up close and...
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Parle Marketer = Stephanie Major
If you’ve been wondering who is often laughing in the background when we’re recording a podcast it’s me, Stephanie Major. Hey Gem Junkies, I’m the producer and marketing coordinator at Parle. We thought it might be time to step up to the mic and for you all to get to know a little more about me....
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Gem Legacy - Rachel Dery
It’s the season of giving and during this years Giving Tuesday we donated $1000 to Gem Legacy . Thus, it’s a perfect time to interview Rachel Dery of Gem Legacy. We learn about her childhood growing up in the gemstone industry and about Gem Legacy--a non-profit organization that help support...
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All About Lambs With Julie Lamb
We made it to New York City in time for New York Jewelry Week and had an opportunity to talk shop with jewelry designer Julie Lamb. From her childhood beginnings in jewelry to the evolution of personal brand. We also have our special co-host @thirdcoastgems joining in the fun. (We apologize for…
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From Cab To Brilliant
Today we answer a fans question about gemstone cuts. By no means are we experts on how to actually cut/facet gemstones rather, we’ll discuss the evolution of gem cutting and the different cut styles. 00:00:00 50th Episode 01:01:00 Common Cold 02:15:00 Introduction of Gem Cutting 03:33:00 When do...
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Oh Curse You!!!
Halloween is here and we couldn’t resist an opportunity to talk about cursed gemstones and jewelry. We go as far back to the legendary Hope Diamond, The Curse of the Delhi Purple Sapphire, The Black Orlov and yes, even a cursed opal. 00:00:00 Garlic Breath 00:41:00 Halloween Special – Cursed...
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Fancy Scientific Metal - SILVER
We did Gold and now it’s Silvers turn. It is recognized as one of the 7 metals of antiquity and this week we dive into its deep history—from its physical properties to its everyday applications. We even discover the folklore behind why all monsters are destroyed by this precious metal. Come take…
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Unearthing Brazil With @thirdcoastgems
Benjamin Guttery, of @thirdcoastgems, was in Idaho and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to record another podcast with him. We sit down and learn about his 14-day excursion unearthing the Brazilian mines--from road trip woes to #birthdaygoals playing with gemstones straight from the source.…
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Parle Team Member - Marty Burns
Getting to know you, getting to know all about Parle. We sit town with another Parle team member, Marty Burns, who is one of our traveling sales consultants. As a child panning for gold in the Merced River, Marty was destined to be involved in the jewelry industry. We sit down and learning about...
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Sapphire Mining At Rock Creek
We went straight to the source to learn more about Montana Sapphire from the Rock Creek mountains of Montana. We were honored to have a guided tour from Warren Boyd, of Potentate. From the early findings, mining techniques to how they responsibly source Sapphires to ensure many years of sapphires...
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Gold - To Shine, To Gleam Or To Be Yellow Or Green
“To shine, to gleam, to be yellow and green.” This week is all about the Midas touch --- GOLD! We explore the early history of gold, some fundamental basics, how it has become the metal of choice and of course, the lore behind it all. 00:00:00 Take 1 to 11 00:39:00 GOLD 01:42:00 What does gold...
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Production with Paul
Getting to know you, getting to know all about . . . Paul! You’ve heard us reference Paul throughout other episodes so its time we put him in the hot seat. Parlé wouldn’t be the same company without him because heck, he manages our whole production team. We learn about his childhood passion for...
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No Viagra, Just Get Fire Opal!!
Mexican Fire Opal is what is up for the week! Yes, Jonathan and Brecken covered opal in 2 prior podcast episodes but thought it would be best to go into a little more detail about this mystical stone. From Aztec lore to the very core of how this opal is formed. [Warning: we experience some...
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Stone Of Heaven. Hello Jade!
It's been awhile but Gem Junkies is back! Jonathan and Brecken talk about the heavenly world of Jade. As always, they'll cover the chemical compositions and Brecken favorite the lore and history among different cultures/civilizations. 00:00:00 Getting back into the swing of things 01:26:00 Intro…
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PHENOMENON, Phe - No - Me - No - Me - Non!!!
00:00:00 Mickey isn’t real 01:21:50 Returning to the basement and what we’ve been up to 04:35:00 Phenomenal Gemstones (2) main types: Structure and Inclusions 05:04:00 Structure of phenomenal gemstones 05:24:00 Play of Color Our favorite gemstone – opal 06:11:00 Iridescence = Pearl 07:31:50...
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Leo Valentine Aka Beyonce Aka John Carter
Ask and you will receive? You all requested more interviews and Jonathan and Brecken come back with another special guest. You can call him Leo Valentine, the Beyoncè of AGS but we know him as John Carter – President of the American Gemstone Society and owner of Jack Lewis Jewelers. Learn about...
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Angie Crabtree - From Gemstone To Canvas
A Northern Californian taking the gemstone world by storm with her paintings. Yes, PAINTINGS!! Jonathan and Brecken sit with Angie Crabtree. From her childhood memories to geodes, teaching to stumbling into the world of gemstones we get to better know the woman behind the canvas. 00:40:00...
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Eureka!! We Have Diamonds!!
Eureka!! We have diamonds!! Jonathan and Brecken finally talk about the #1 gemstone sold –Diamonds! There’s a lot to cover when it comes to Diamonds so this episode will cover some lore, its history and even touch base on the subject Natural vs. Synthetic Diamonds. 00:00:00 Intro 00:41:00...
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William Travis - Survivor, Designer, Warrior
Part III of the interview series from the Tucson AGTA Gem Fair. Jonathan and Brecken interview fellow designer William Travis Kukovich. Transforming his life from a traumatic childhood to becoming a recipient of 17 AGTA Spectrum Awards. 00:00:00 How the podcast started? 00:48:00 Introducing…
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Luck Of The Gems
St. Patrick’s day is just around the corner and to bring in as much luck as possible we explore the lore behind lucky gemstones. Crack open a beer, enjoy some laughs and discover the perfect gemstone to bring you the best luck!! 1:05:00 Juicy Gem 2:49:00 Green. The color of St. Patrick’s Day and...
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Aquamarine = The Gem Lore Of Gem Lores
Jonathan and Brecken explore the world of Aquamarine. The birthstone of March provides unique gemstone qualities and an expansive folklore behind it. Who wouldn’t want to conjure people from the dead, carry a piece of mermaid treasure or ensure a life-long marriage? 0:25.0 Welcome! We’re back in...
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The Sparkling World Of Gem Gossip
Jonathan and Brecken interview Danielle Miele of Gem Gossip. From her early childhood memories with jewelry, how Gem Gossip started and even about her new role into motherhood. 0:35.00 – Introduction with Gem Gossip 1:14.20 – Starting out as a blog 1:36.20 – What is your first memory of a piece…
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Smiles From Mine To Market
Tuscon was another great year and we were fortunate enough to interview THE Doug Hucker -- CEO of AGTA. Take look into how it all with the AGTA Gem Fair, the lore behind the show and even define the term "ethically sourced". 0:46.0 - First memory of a piece of jewelry or gemstone 1:30.0 - What's...
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The Finest American Gemstone - Montana Sapphire
Back to talking about gemstones!! Explore the wonders of Montana Sapphire. Jonathan and Brecken discuss the early beginnings and the lore behind America's finest gemstone. Go to link below for transcription https://www.parlegems.com/blog/the-finest-american-gemstone-montana-sapphire/
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A Live Trap And Peanut Butter
Jonathan interviews Brecken and puts her in the hot seat. Reminisce through childhood memories and her journey leading into the world of jewelry.
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Hey SOB!!!
Getting to know you, getting to know all about -- Jonathan!! We've spent this past year talking about gemstones and thought you should get to know us a little more. Get a personal interview about Jonathan--childhood memories growing up in the jewelry industry, being an SOB (not the SOB you're...
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Oh Gosh Garnet!!
Starting off the new year with January's birthstone, Garnet. While it provides the world a wide array of colors (except blue) Jonathan and Brecken explore the world of the red tones of the Garnet Family. From Biblical times to Greek mythology Garnet has made it stamp in history.
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The Year Of The Podcast
Jonathan and Brecken reflect on the past year--share more stories and look back on their favorite episodes. In the Holiday Spirit, they also talk about how Parle is giving back to the jewelry community. Stay tuned for the full episode for a special Parle surprise!!
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Putting the Wheels on the Car -- 45 years Parle
This year marks 45 years in the jewelry business for Parle!! Jonathan and Brecken interview the man who started it all, Frank Farnsworth. It's a journey into the past--the first mining excursion, being on the road, how the industry has evolved and tips for future entrepreneurs.
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The Lore and Legends of Zircon
Jonathan and Brecken discuss Zircons unique properties-- high doubling, high refractive index and even radioactive!! (Don't worry it's not harmful to wear.) Even learn how to ward off phantoms and demons. Intrigued? Come take a listen!!
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The Bro's Buying Guide
Gem Junkies are back!! Brecken shares her recent buying experience purchasing in Hong Kong. What a common day looks like being on the road and buying tips. The Holiday are here and they give a shopping guide to help select the perfect piece of jewelry to gift.
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The Amethyst Diaries
Brecken and Jonathan break out the purple quartz and their drinking goblets this episode to talk all about the sobering gemstone- Amethyst. This variety of quartz has been adorned by some of the most pious in history, making it quit a "pure" stone, but where is it from, and how does it get it's...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosts Brecken and Jonathan are co-owners of Parle, a multi-generational,family-run jewelry brand that specializes in sourcing colored gemstones ofextraordinary beauty, rarity, and value. Parle means "to speak", and they believe inthe powerful stories behind jewels. Through inspiring interviews and funconversations, they educate listeners about gems as well as the hottest topics and trends in the jewelry industry.
HOSTED BY
Parle Jewelry Design's Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Gem Junkies have?
Gem Junkies currently has 72 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Gem Junkies about?
Hosts Brecken and Jonathan are co-owners of Parle, a multi-generational,family-run jewelry brand that specializes in sourcing colored gemstones ofextraordinary beauty, rarity, and value. Parle means "to speak", and they believe inthe powerful stories behind jewels. Through inspiring interviews and...
How often does Gem Junkies release new episodes?
Gem Junkies has 72 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Gem Junkies?
You can listen to Gem Junkies on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Gem Junkies?
Gem Junkies is created and hosted by Parle Jewelry Design's Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth..
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