Summer is fast approaching. Weather is warming up and tourist traffic slowing down. It gives us time to do other things e.g. Sapphire Mining & building.
For all those who were here during the winter watching the new ambulance centre being built we are happy to report it is finally finished and working.
The footing work has commenced on the new Fire Shed in Sapphire. The Local boys have been busy over the last week fighting bush fires around Rubyvale. It has cleaned up the bush above Rubyvale and got rid of all the debris. A bonus from a bad situation but a lot of work for the fire fighters who did a great job.

Early in 2009 we will be attending a Major International Gem Show. We are always on the lookout for new designs to display our Local Gems. So hopefully new design will come forth from this.

Newsletter Prize:  Congratulations to Maryanne from Doolandella who is the lucky recipient of this newsletter prize. This month’s prize winner was picked from the customer base who signed up for our newsletter. A pair of Sapphire Earrings is on its way to Maryanne. The winning number was computer generated from our customer base.

To be eligible for the next Prize Draw you will need to email the answer to the following questions, to m.m.sapphires@bigpond.com  with the word newsletter in the subject line. Include your contact details and answer in the body of the text.

Question: What is the first Category of items for sale on our Web Shop Navigation Bar?

People on our email list will be notified when the next newsletter is released & also from time to time will be offered exclusive Specials.

New Stock: We are continually increasing the stock in our Shop at Sapphire. We now carry a large range of STG Charms which we can also do in 9ct gold. If you are looking for a particular charm just email me.    
              
Diamonds: we can supply diamonds at a very competitive rate.

• A pair totalling 46pts (3.9mm Round) for $1025 F Colour SI2.  
• A 30pt (4.2mm Round) for $725 G Colour SI2. 
• A 40pt (4.61mm Round) for $1050 G Colour SI2.

Holiday Season: As this will be our last newsletter for 2008 we take this opportunity to wish our customers a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Safe travels to all, who are on the move during the festive season.
Christmas Special:  Multi Ring Jewellery Boxes reduced till Dec 8th or until current stock sold out.  Would make an ideal Christmas Gift. The Rings are for Display Purpose Only.

Hold up to 12 Rings	Holds up to 24 Rings
Special Price $14 (Normally $16.50)	Special Price $21 (Normally $26)

Tip of the month: Cutting Information for all those Facetors out there. Remember to consider the piece of jewellery you have in mind for the stones you are cutting. If you are relying on finding a readymade setting for your stones then you need to cut to standard shapes & sizes. To have a piece of jewellery handmade to suit an odd shape or a nonstandard size gem will increase the cost of the setting considerably. There is a larger range of settings for standard cuts & sizes. Also take note of the thickness of the girdle as too thick makes them hard to set and too fine makes it easy for stones to chip.

DATES TO REMEMBER:
Gemfest 2009: Thursday August 6th to Sunday 9th.