A conversation that goes beyond business—exploring the philosophy behind fine jewelry, the meaning embedded in craftsmanship, and the journey of building something timeless. Angelica-Lorraine Calado Lee shares how neurodivergence, artistry, and legacy intertwine, shaping both her creative process and entrepreneurial vision. This marks the first segment in an ongoing series, with the next episode airing in Spring 2025, where she will discuss her upcoming book series and the stories that connect it all.

A conversation on passion, perseverance, and the evolving nature of artistic expression. Smile Lopez shares how art became both a sanctuary and a path to self-discovery, shaped by early influences and a deep commitment to growth. From her first brushstrokes as a child to developing a signature style, she reflects on the journey of creativity—one that blends patience, discipline, and the courage to explore new horizons.

Gems & Gemology, Spring 2023, Vol. 59, No. 1

The heart shape has been a worldwide symbol of love and romance for centuries. GIA’s New York laboratory recently received a golden-colored heart-shaped pearl pendant that drew our attention. The pearl was reportedly produced in the Philippines, which is a major source of golden South Sea cultured pearls. Upon routine gemological and advanced instrumental examination—including microradiography, ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, manganese and strontium contents from energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and reaction to long-wave UV—we concluded that it was an atypical bead cultured pearl from the Pinctada maxima species, commonly known in the trade as a South Sea cultured pearl (figure 1), and its heart shape and golden color were entirely natural.

18 May 2021

“Imagine growing up in the Philippines, half-Filipino and half-Chinese, and then leaving home at 18 for an entirely new culture in the U.S. with the intent of chasing childhood dreams.

Angelica-Lorraine Lee, a first lieutenant in Civil Air Patrol’s California Wing, doesn't have to imagine that scenario.

Instead, it’s her life.

And even today, at 29, she’s planning yet another big move that will include another culture change, though not as dramatic as the first one.”

28 February 2018

“Along with constant celebrations, such as big family dinners, parades, lighting firecrackers and handing out money in red envelopes during one of the most celebrated times of the year in Chinese culture, men and women dress in their most vibrant Chinese New Year garments to accentuate the beauty of this holiday.”

19 February 2016

“When most people think back on their childhood pastimes, the thought of flying planes or rescuing lost hikers probably isn’t a common memory.”

2016

“All the visible matter we see in the sky—stars, gas, and dust—makes up just ten percent of the substance in the universe. The rest, “dark matter,” fills the invisible space between the stars, and is the subject of Aaron Romanowsky’s research.”

August 2013: The author is pictured on the extreme right, in a screenshot taken from Season 14 Episode 05 of the MythBusters television show, with Jamie (foreground, left) and Adam (foreground, right) in a vehicle.