Hoover & Strong, a truly earth-minded refiner and manufacturer, has provided socially and environmentally-responsible products and services for over 95 years. It is their moral obligation to continually respect basic human rights around the world and to protect the environment by conserving energy and recycling. Hoover & Strong proudly introduced HARMONY Metals and Gems™, their exclusive brand of 100% recycled and beautiful precious metals paired with conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gemstones. http://www.hooverandstrong.com/category/HARMONY+at+Hoover+and+Strong/

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established the original standards for grading diamonds, these standards are still used today. Additionally, the GIA is internationally recognized for their jewelry education and training programs. Currently, the GIA maintains labs worldwide for the grading and identification of both diamonds and colored stones. www.gia.edu/

The American Gem Society (AGS), founded in 1934 by Robert Shipley, was established to protect the public. www.ags.org

The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG),is an organization for jewelers, designers, and metalsmiths. They publish the "Metalsmith" magazine. A great place for original ideas www.snagmetalsmith.org

The Creative Metal Arts Guild (CMAG), a local group in Oregon and Southern Washington for jewelers and metalsmiths. www.cmaguild.org

The EightStar™ diamond Company . The D, Flawless of cutting. A very good site: www.eightstar.com

Hearts and Arrows diamonds , a good site for imformation about cutting: www.heartsandarrows.com

Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, a good place to insure your treasures: www.jewelersmutual.com

The Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA), works to maintain the vibrancy of the region by promoting the Portland metropolitan area as a preferred destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel www.travelportland.com/

The METROPOLITAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION is comprised of more than 80 well-established Portland business owners and operators, in as many different Business Types, who are recognized as providers of the very best in services and products. Together, they represent hundreds of successful years of doing business in Portland. www.mba-pdx.com/mba/