As a kid, many of us were awed by the world globe that sat in the classroom.
Only on special occasions were we allowed to touch it - it wasn't a toy, we were told, but an expensive piece of science equipment.
Not surprisingly, this fascination with the world globe has followed us to adulthood.
After being initially disappointed that there weren't really black borders around each state and that each country really wasn't a different color, we still marveled at the beauty of this wonderful place we call earth.
Perhaps that's why we find gemstone globes so fascinating, even as grown ups.
The semi-precious and precious stones fit so well together, like a giant puzzle where every piece has its proper place.
And while the states and countries can all be different colors still, the natural beauty of the stones and the fine craftsmanship of the stonework, only serve to make gemstone globes even more wonderful to behold.
Imagine the work that goes into one of these natural wonders.
Not only do the craftsmen have to carve each region perfectly, but the shape of gemstone globes requires that each country and state be curved as well.
For anyone who loved math, the formulas for machining hundreds of individual pieces to make a round globe is mind boggling.
Sure, a couple pieces to form the Pacific Ocean can't be that challenging when crafting gemstone globes.
But what about Rhode Island or Connecticut.
So small, yet they also have to curve perfectly to contribute to the overall sphere.
If you've ever had the pleasure to study one of the many gemstone globes on the market today, then you understand the amazing amount of work that goes into each one.
And you probably remember your teacher's admonishment about handling the globe carefully.
Dropping one of these fragile yet stunning gemstone globes is a definite no-no.
When you're shopping for gemstone globes for your home or office, there are endless choices.
You can get them in black or white or the traditional blue base color.
Some of the newer models of gemstone globes are monochromatic while others are very colorful.
One thing's for sure.
Gemstone globes make a wonderful addition to any home.
They are not only good educational tools for the kids, but they are works of art as well.
Each country, region and state is exactly reproduced and proportioned.
In addition to teaching your kids about geography, you can also teach them about the precious and semi-precious stones used in these gemstone globes.
It's a geography and geology lesson all in one.
Whether you get a small globe for the office desk, a tabletop model to display on a shelf or one of the amazing floor models that even tilt on their axis, you'll find that gemstone globes make a beautiful and educational addition to your home.
In fact, they will quickly become a cherished work of art that your children will look forward to having in their home someday.
If you still refer to the countries of British Honduras, Rhodesia, the Belgian Congo and Formosa, it may be time to get a new globe.
Only on special occasions were we allowed to touch it - it wasn't a toy, we were told, but an expensive piece of science equipment.
Not surprisingly, this fascination with the world globe has followed us to adulthood.
After being initially disappointed that there weren't really black borders around each state and that each country really wasn't a different color, we still marveled at the beauty of this wonderful place we call earth.
Perhaps that's why we find gemstone globes so fascinating, even as grown ups.
The semi-precious and precious stones fit so well together, like a giant puzzle where every piece has its proper place.
And while the states and countries can all be different colors still, the natural beauty of the stones and the fine craftsmanship of the stonework, only serve to make gemstone globes even more wonderful to behold.
Imagine the work that goes into one of these natural wonders.
Not only do the craftsmen have to carve each region perfectly, but the shape of gemstone globes requires that each country and state be curved as well.
For anyone who loved math, the formulas for machining hundreds of individual pieces to make a round globe is mind boggling.
Sure, a couple pieces to form the Pacific Ocean can't be that challenging when crafting gemstone globes.
But what about Rhode Island or Connecticut.
So small, yet they also have to curve perfectly to contribute to the overall sphere.
If you've ever had the pleasure to study one of the many gemstone globes on the market today, then you understand the amazing amount of work that goes into each one.
And you probably remember your teacher's admonishment about handling the globe carefully.
Dropping one of these fragile yet stunning gemstone globes is a definite no-no.
When you're shopping for gemstone globes for your home or office, there are endless choices.
You can get them in black or white or the traditional blue base color.
Some of the newer models of gemstone globes are monochromatic while others are very colorful.
One thing's for sure.
Gemstone globes make a wonderful addition to any home.
They are not only good educational tools for the kids, but they are works of art as well.
Each country, region and state is exactly reproduced and proportioned.
In addition to teaching your kids about geography, you can also teach them about the precious and semi-precious stones used in these gemstone globes.
It's a geography and geology lesson all in one.
Whether you get a small globe for the office desk, a tabletop model to display on a shelf or one of the amazing floor models that even tilt on their axis, you'll find that gemstone globes make a beautiful and educational addition to your home.
In fact, they will quickly become a cherished work of art that your children will look forward to having in their home someday.
If you still refer to the countries of British Honduras, Rhodesia, the Belgian Congo and Formosa, it may be time to get a new globe.