Putting the new recruits through basic training has become a major effort for the tourmaline tribes. Each bright face must be tested under different lights and placed in the constellation of stars sparkling in the mind of the cutter. This is not as uniform as you might think, for each tribe has its favorites and they try and color the cutter’s eye with their hopes. Each selected and completed companion is celebrated in song and stories that have kept many a tourmaline warm around the old camp fire.

The cutter has been known to take advantage of the tourmaline’s joy in late night revelry to work undisturbed in the morning light. The desert flower that is now smiling at the cutter is a product of such quiet times. The cutter was rather pleased with the fact that the gentle soul was not overwhelmed by the hoard of tourmaline, that seems to have taken over the house. She continues to stand pure and sweet without excess press. She doesn’t like the bright harsh sun, but revels in the shady recesses of the world. With the right light, her round pure flash can be a circle of blue/green pastel color surrounding a tiny touch of virgin pink. She can show her feelings by being greener or bluer if you give her a chance. She rolls in at a hefty 11.5mm, but her delicate demeanor keeps her from being a premadonna

The cutter has called a meeting of the Afghanistan tourmaline tribe for later tonight, were she will dance before the chieftains and be desired. Her path to the cutter’s camp may have been long and winding, but he is sure that she is an Afghans. The cutter is hoping for just enough moonlight to flash her sultry moves and accent her secret place. She should not have any fear of failure for the cutter has already claimed her as one of his chosen. A permanent place in his constellation of gems is reserved for only the best.