New Discovery of 65-carat emerald in North Carolina

The 65-carat emerald nicknamed the Carolina Emperor was pulled from a farm in the rural
community of Hiddenite, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Charlotte.

The Carolina Emperor has intense green hue however not impressive clarity. The story of
the discovery of this rarity emerald spurred some interest from private collectors.

North Carolina's official state precious stone is the emerald.

It's not fully known why North Carolina terrain containing emeralds. There have been
small mining around Hiddenite community for decades. Emerald is found in North Carolina
near Hiddenite in Alexander County and southwest of Spruce Pine in Mitchell County.

However main sources of emerald supplies are from Columbia, Pakistan, and Africa.

The largest single emerald crystal found in North America was found at the Rist Mine at
Hiddenite in 1969. The crystal weighed 1,438 carats. The "Carolina Emerald," a 13.14 carat
emerald-cut gem, was also found at the Rist Mine.

Deadline for entry for "the 27th annual AGTA Spectrum Awards™"

The 2011 AGTA awards competition season is going to start soon. Deadline for entry is Friday, September 24, 2010 and deadline for the New York Drop-Off Program is Tuesday, October 5, 2010. The categories for the 27th annual AGTA Spectrum Awards, just like last year, are Bridal Wear, Business/Day Wear, Classical, Evening Wear, Men's Wear, Cutting Edge Awards.

New for this year, Platinum Honors adds three new categories: Platinum Honors Innovation – Bridal Wear under $2,500, Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.