the battle of grapevine

A picture of the bride smiling at you may be pretty, but it is also mundane. However, a picture of the bride standing by a window, looking out into a courtyard watching a little girl play gets you wondering. Is she wishing she was the little girl and for a return to her carefree youth or is she thinking I wonder if our children will be as beautiful when we have them? The latter is what makes a high fashion wedding picture. It is artistic and causes the viewer to think. What rockhound just isn't acquainted with the red and yellow flowers, orbs, and poppies within this highly preferred cutting material? We have all 'ooohed and aaahed' viewing the slabs and cabs at gem shows. With each cut exposing a succession of unexpected patterns I have often been surprised at my finished gems, (though I would always say, "Yep, that is the look I was opting for.")