Al Frankl’s Crusade For Colored Gemstones Al Frankl is adamant: good gem cutting is instantly recognizable and highly salable, especially for the independent jeweler. Whenever possible, the master gemcutter and retailer from Allentown, Pa., is out and about preaching his credo. “The way most independent jewelry stores are configured today [in terms of colored gemstone inventory], they are headed for disaster,” he says. “They must change.” He says department stores, discount houses and shopping networks can’t provide a “unique” product because they deal in mass selling. For this reason, he says, independent jewelers can distinguish themselves from the mass market with well-cut, unique colored gems. “Today’s discerning buyers want beautiful jewelry and one-of-a-kind gemstones,” he says. “They crave jewelry that says something about the individual wearing it.