CRYSTAL CLEAR: REFLECTIONS ONGEMSTONES IN OUR LIVES

Gemstones in the Bible: "Crystal Clear" is an elegant, refreshing book that illustrates gemstones' human qualities and the ways gems inspire us by their development and natural attributes - both emotionally and spiritually.

Joan Randell was born in Washington, DC. Raised in Virginia, she also lived in North Africa, where her father was an architect. She graduated from Canyonville Bible Academy in Oregon and earned a B.L.S. degree from Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mrs. Randell has been a Bible Study Leader for more than twenty years and spent four years as a Young Life leader and camp counselor. She was the founding coordinator and trainer of Stephen Ministry, a lay care-giver program in Fairfax, Virginia, where more than 100 laypeople were engaged in one-on-one community caregiving for four years. For ten years, Mrs. Randell has been both a goldsmith and jewlery designer. As a gemological student of the Gemological Institute of America, Mrs. Randell has earned credits in Colored Stones and Gem Identification and has completed Diamond Appraising. Her background in gemology inspired her look at the rich symbolism of gemstones in the Bible. Mrs. Randell worked in Washington, DC for the World Bank, the United States Senate, and the House of Representatives. In Philadelphia, she worked for Scott Paper Company, traveling extensively while working in advertising and promotions. She was a volunteer with the Educational Department of the Corcoran Art Gallery, Washington, DC, for eight years and founding member of the Office of Social Responsibility. Currently, Mrs. Randell serves on the boards of directors of Federal News Service, Capital Speakers Club, and Welcome to Washington International Club, and she is a member of The Washington Club and the Biblical Archeology Society. Her oil paintings are exhibited with Washington Art Works. She resides with her family in Virginia and is a member of Glory Tabernacle Church.