small dust like mold appearing on my sticks. at first i thought it was "bloom" from aging, but now i fear it's mold. what should i do to save my almost $1k in fine tobacky?

Got a pic?

Whats the humidity?

Chances are, bloom. Mold, things would have to be seriously wet and hot.

Pics would be best.

A minimal amount of bloom is OK, I thought?

Quoted: A minimal amount of bloom is OK, I thought?

Yup and sometimes, it turns into crystals like these baby's here:

1998 La Luna Little Havana Blend Maddies

Bloom is cool.

Quoted: small dust like mold appearing on my sticks. at first i thought it was "bloom" from aging, but now i fear it's mold. what should i do to save my almost $1k in fine tobacky?

Bloom/plume is usually dusty looking or crystals (little crystals sparkling like tiny diamonds in sunlight), while mold is usually fuzzy or furry with a little color sometimes as I understand it.  Adding some unfinished Spanish cedar wood or boxes might help regulate humidity in the storage container(s), and dry things up a bit.  Unless the cigars have turned disgusting with mold and moisture, no problem, brush off mold and smoke 'em.  If cigars have a lot of mold plainly growing thick inside, time to trash 'em or give to that special moocher friend.  

What would cause your humidity to skyrocket?

got mold? Smoke em before it spreads.  Probably just bloom though.

Plume is great but at 80% RH I would want to be sure because that is definately mold range and if you are close to 80 degrees temp wise then you are in beetle range as well.

Try to wipe some off and see if it smears at all. If it does it is likely mold. If in question quarantine the moldy cigars for a while. If you don't it will reoccur often.

With a grand in cigars I hope you are using a digital hygrometer. Also the humidity level should be measured in relative humidity which is based on humidity and temp. The hygrometers don't account for that. At a low temp, high humidity won't be as much of a problem but at a high temp it could be a major problem and vice versa.

I hope it is plume though.

Good Luck