Pala International: The best online site for the curious and the serious buyer of fine gems and minerals specimens.

Auction Market Resource: “Up-to-Date Pricing & Data for Jewelry at the Auctions”. That pretty much says it all. A great resource on the web or in book form. Published by Gail Brett Levine, G.G. and her incomparable team.

Ruby and Sapphire by Richard Hughes: This web page is maintained by the author of the best book on this subject, bar none. Check this site regularly for some very interesting insights into the world of gems. If you don't own Ruby & Sapphire, you should.

Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. With a small loan, you can make a big difference in the lives of people who have little to start with, giving them something with longer term impact than simple charity - a way to develop their livelihood, and by extention their local economy. Loaning through Kiva does some tangible good, feels good, and their gift certificates are a great way to get a friend hooked on micro-lending.