Abstract: The invention comprises methods for producing mature desiccated and desiccation-tolerant somatic embryos, particularly conifer embryos. The methods include the application of a growth-promoting hormone such as abscisic acid (ABA) to the immature embryos during development. The embryos are also water stressed during development. The concentration of the ABA undergoes a net increase relative to its initial concentration to reach a peak prior to discontinuing ABA treatment when the embryos have attained a moisture content of between 32 and 55%. The water stressing may remain constant or may undergo a net increase in intensity over the period of time during which it is applied to the embryos. The method may optionally include the further water stressing of the mature embryos to further reduce moisture contents of the embryos preferably to the level at which the embryos are tolerant of freezer storage.

Abstract: A jewelry gemstone setting includes an anchor gemstone and a touch gemstone that is held in place with no metal from the setting visible between the gemstones. The anchor gemstone is held in place using a conventional setting arrangement such as channel walls or prongs. The gemstones are positioned in the setting with the upper pavilion of the anchor gemstone overlapping and contacting the crown of the touch gemstone so that the contact between the gemstones holds the touch gemstone in place.

Abstract: A geometric construction device forms circles or arcs with a marking instrument and simultaneously measures angles. The device includes a radius arm and a rotatable member. The radius arm includes a means for receiving the marking instrument and a disc having a pivot point and being rotatable about the pivot point. The disc is used to attach the rotatable member to the radius arm. The rotatable member in combination with the radius arm forms a 360° protractor. The rotatable member has a plurality of radius holes in it for receiving the marking instrument. These radius holes may be used to form circles or arcs with the radius being less than or equal to the radius of the disc. The 360° protractor is capable of measuring degrees between 0° and 360° while circles or arcs are being formed.

Abstract: Jewelry and a method of setting gemstones in the jewelry include an anchor gemstone and a touch gemstone that is held in place with no metal from the setting visible between the gemstones. The anchor gemstone is held in place using a conventional setting arrangement such as channel walls or prongs. The gemstones are positioned in the setting with the upper pavilion of the anchor gemstone overlapping and contacting the crown of the touch gemstone so that the contact between the gemstones holds the touch gemstone in place.