Artfully Crafted Chronicals

The new 2011 Summer Crystal Jewelry Collection is here !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:40:00 +0000

I managed finally to finish some pieces from my new summer collection and to list them. You will find most of them under the new Crystal Jewelry Category in my studio, and the best of all is that they are listed under the current storewide Mother's Day sale, which means that until May 8 you can buy them under the 15% discount. More will come, but in the mean time I will post here some of them for you to see. You will find the new crystal earrings too in the same category.

Mega Mother's Day Sale is ON !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Mom will love these Gifts ! Don't miss the Mega Sale with 15% off all jewelry collection, from gemstones and pearls to Millefiori and Cloisonne, and everything in between, with prices starting at just 7.65 $ ! No coupon required ! Visit http://www.artfire.com/users/CRGDesigns for more than 250 items to choose from !

Make a Statement !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Make a statement !

Curated By: GalleriaDeArta

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

February Birthstone FP collection - Amethyst

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:35:00 +0000

February Birthsto...

Curated By: anacdesigns

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Why pink ?

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Pink is usually associated with Love and Romance, but the influence that is having in out lives is much more deeper than that. We wear pink jewelry, we offer pink flowers, we show our support and compassion with a pink ribbon, or we paint the nursery in pink. Most of the time, we just think that is cute and girly, but here are some interesting facts about pink that it might help you to better understand this color when you decide to buy something pink, design a piece a jewelry or craft something in pink :

Pink is proven to have a calming effect - researchers of color psychology have found that this effect only occurs during the initial exposure to the color. Pink symbolizes love, beauty, kindness, compassion and emotional love of self and others. Brings you in contact with your feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love, acceptance. Heals grief and sadness. Smoothes difficulties in both romantic and family relationships and assists with self-esteem and self-love. Pink is a combination of red and white. The quality of energy in pink is determined by how much red is present. White is the potential for fullness, while red helps you to achieve that potential. Pink combines these energies. Wear pink when you are around people you care about and that care about you, or if you want to smooth over or encourage the one to one relationship, whether it be friendship or romantic love. Pink suggests softness, sweetness, innocence, youthfulness, tenderness, romance, nurturing, friendship, femininity, soft and kind people. A pink carnation means "I will never forget you.” Both red and pink denote love but while red is hot passion, pink is romantic and charming. Use pink to convey playfulness (hot pink flamingos) and tenderness (pastel pinks). Multiple shades of pink and light purple or other pastels used together maintain the soft, delicate, and playful nature of pink. Add strength with darker shades of pinks and purple and burgundy. Pale pink : sweetness of youth, fragility. Vibrant pinks : high spirits, energy, youth

Some of pink gemstones are Kunzite, Pink Optical Calcite, Leopard Skin Jasper, Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Pink Sapphire, Pink Tourmaline.

The best describing keywords for pink are love, compassion, affection, friendship, kindness, romance, caring, nurturing, tenderness, awareness of deepest feelings, unconditional love of self and others, harmony, feminine energy, receptive, yin, inner peace, loyalty, tolerance, faithfulness, motherhood, youthfulness, enthusiasm, happiness, softness, unselfish emotions, spiritual healing, infatuation, relaxation, relieve tension, emotional healing, charm and personal magnetism.

Note - Color information provided by Beading - Design - Jewelry

ART FIRE PINK FINDS

Pink and White Spirit Cord by Walk in the Woods

Bracelet Watch, Beaded, Hot Pink, Silver & Tibetan Silver by The Knitwit's Hues

Vintage Book Collection of Four Classics For Your Little Girlie Girl by Le Petit Poullailler

Scarf Pink Peppermint Fluff by Made for Me by Oaklie

Letter B Throw Cushion Decorate & Educate made to order by Cre8urname

Trio of Heart Charm Earrings with Swarovski Crystal in Pink by Letamariedesigns

A very special collection

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:57:00 +0000

I have seen so many AF collections .... By color, by artist, by occasion, by subject, etc, etc, but the one curated by Letamariedesigns is very special and original. It's a wonderful dedication for the "Good Friends" like she called it, and I am thrilled to be included, it means so much to me. Many great friendship relations are developed on the Internet among people who never met each other in person but they share the same hobbies, interests or they are members of the same online community. Isn't it that great ? And what better idea than dedicating an entire collection just for these special friends ? Thank you Leta, that's a very sweet way of saying "you are my good friend " !

Good Friends

Curated By: letamariedesi...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Weird ? It's called being Original, baby !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0000

OK people, let's clear something here : just because you never saw something like this before doesn't mean that it's weird, odd or strange ! It's called creativity, imagination and being original. Of course, you can find ugly things too ( that I would hardly call them "art" and I wonder who would ever wear them) but most of the times they are original pieces and that's what make the artist who created them truly unique. It's hard to come up with new designs, there are so many out there, that you would say " everything that could be invented was already discovered" !

Well, here are some of the most original designs and/or used materials that I found, and we should be grateful to these artists for being able to come up with something new !

Asymmetrical Zipper Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48240972/asymmetrical-zipper-necklace

RECYCLED CIRCUIT BOARD Earrings Geekery Steampunk Jewelry

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=373533

Sapphire and Steel Adjustable Ring

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2507435

Bead Sculpture Male Cardinal Necklace

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=512922

Funky Unusual Hematite Cocktail Style Ring

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2351887

Free form Wire Necklace SPRSWD

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2554211

Unusual Blue and Silver Hardware Choker and Earrings Set

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1447095

Note : these are random finds using the "odd, unusuall, original, strange, weird" keywords on Etsy and Art Fire

Wednesday Featured Artist - Leo and Junie

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:03:00 +0000

I met Christine on Facebook, through Love Link, and the name of her online store, Leo And Junie got my interest; what is she selling ? I'm not usually a curious person, but this time I couldn't figure out ( just from the store name ) what is her craft, her hobby. So I clicked the link and there I am, on Etsy, looking at her beautiful jewelry with a touch of vintage, like she like to say.

The first "thing" that catched my attention was a gorgeous pair of Garnet earrings ( maybe because Garnet is my birthstone ! ) handcrafted by Christine in her studio in eastern Pennsylvania. The rich berry color of the natural Garnet and the Sterling Silver findings make out of these earrings a very special piece of jewelry that can be worn anytime anywhere. If you decide that this is a piece that should not miss from your personal collection, here is the direct link to the listing.

Another piece that I want to mention here is this beautiful Vintage Inspired Birdcage Flower necklace handcrafted in brass and featuring a birdcage pendant with a fuschia accent flower on a small link chain. The flower is wire wrapped and is having in the middle a light pink Swarovski crystal. The total lenght of the necklace is about 18'', and it will be delivered to you in a gift box or tin.

Among so many wonderful pieces in her store, it was hard for me to decide which ones to feature here. But for the last item I decided to go for a very simple but elegant earrings in Sterling Silver. Delicate and precious, these earrings are made with 4 mm freshwater blue pearls, 6 mm Czech fire polished glass dark amethyst purple beads, Bali sterling silver daisy spacers and all sterling components or findings. Total lenght - 1 1/4'' . These absolutely lovely earrings are just 18.00 $, can you believe that ? You can make them your own or read the full description here .

Christine opened her Etsy store in January of last year ( so she's celebrating her first Etsy "birthday" this month), but she is an experienced jewelry artisan, crafting for the last six years. Take a minute of your time and visit her, and if you have any questions, she will be more than happy to answer you.

Where you can find "Leo and Junie" ? Right here :

Leo and Junie Blog

Leo and Junie Etsy Store

Leo and Junie on Twitter

Leo and Junie on Facebook

Handmade Pet Gift Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:13:00 +0000

When you own a pet, most often they became part of your family. You love them, you take care of them, you spoil them, you cry next to them when they are sick and in return they give you that unconditional love that makes them so special. They make you laugh, they make you cry ( when they brake or distroy something ), they keep you company and they feel when you're not yourself or you are sick. You spend time training them, you use your lunch breaks to walk them, and you spend serious money on the best food and vets. But how about spoiling them with unique toys or accessories ? Buying your pet a handmade toy or blanket is not only a way of supporting the handmade community, is actually an act of love, giving him something unique, that you don't find in stores ( or Made in China ) and which was made by another pet lover ( most likely an owner herself/himself ) with love, care and passion !
Art Fire is offering a large variety of such items, for any budget and for (almost ) all pets. Here are some cute finds, I'm sure you'll find something to like !

Catnip Cat Toy Mouse Stuffed with Organic Catnip - 8.95 $

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1986217

Dog toys, outdoor or indoor games, Tug of War, multi-colored#1 - $ 6.40

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2112713

Catnip BunnyKicker Cat Toy Purple Stripe - $ 4.00

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2403323

Feathered Catnip Cat Toy Stuffed with Organic Catnip - $ 5.95

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1908655

THE BIJOU PET TAG pet tag 3/4 inch with a small sterling silver tag - $ 10.00

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2067886

Fear Me --- 2 sided, aluminum, personalized pet ID tag - $ 9.95

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1305051

Frantic Froggies small quilted pet blanket blanket - $ 20.00

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1478052

THE QUICK SHOUT OUT

Today' shout out is featuring Anna Kay Creations and her beautiful jewelry collection. Cute, cheerful and very colorful, Anna's jewelry would bright even the most gray day that you might have. And, she obviously love flowers, I can say that without a doubt ! Here are some lovely pics from her Smashion Online Store :

New crochet projects soon to be listed - Cotton Summer Skirt and Extra Long Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:27:00 +0000

I know that I just have posted a new blog post with hats new listings, but I want to share with you some new projects that I'm working on and which are soon to be listed as well. It's about a new extra long crochet scarf and a beautiful summer A line cotton skirt.

The scarf is crocheted in a winter white and light raspberry soft yarn, and is a perfect match for two of my hats. It is 90 inches long by 6 inches wide and can be worn simple or double wrapped around your neck. A few finishing details and is ready to go on the shop.

The summer skirt is crocheted with white and multi pastel 100% cotton yarn. Beside the finishing details, I still think of putting a white lining. I made the skirt with a side buttons enclosure, and the measures are as follows ( laying flat and doubled ) :

Waist : 32 inches

Hips : 38 inches

Lenght : 25 inches

I hope that they will be ready by the end of the week and listed.

New Crochet Hats Listings - pick yours !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:42:00 +0000

I finally managed to take pictures and list 7 new hats that were ready since December. The bright colors and "fuzziness" makes them just perfect for these cold mornings, just pick the one that you like and match your winter jacket, and I'll ship it right away to you via First Class mail. Please feel free to browse the entire collection available in my Art Fire Studio .

Vintage Friday Finds - Sterling Silver Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:59:00 +0000

If you like as much as I do the vintage jewelry, especially the Sterling Silver ones, here are some beautiful ones that I found browsing the Art Fire vintage category. These are great finds, in good vintage condition and for reasonable prices, 25 $ and under. Now, if you like the shiny silver, all you have to do is to clean them with the special silver cloth after you bought them. If you like the antique patina, just wear them as they are. Enjoy the Vintage Friday Finds !

Vintage Sterling Silver Flower Earrings - Screw Back - 21.04 $

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1648415

Charming Vintage Flower Bouquet Roses Brooch Signed Bond Boyd Sterling - 19.00 $

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2006203

Vintage New Old Stock Native American Sterling Earrings - 25.00 $

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2743922

Sterling Rose and Leaf Vintage Earrings - 14.00 $

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2364468

Vintage Mexico Silver Sterling Butterfly Earrings Abalone Inlay - 20.00 $

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=836768

New 2011 Vacations and Company Rules Circular Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:53:00 +0000

SICK DAYS : From now on we will not accept anymore sick days notes from the doctor proving that you’ve been ill. If you can go to the doctor that means that you can come to the office too.

SURGERIES – are forbidden. As long as you are our employee, you will need all your organs. You will not eliminate any organ. We hired you intact. If you eliminate an organ we will consider that as an act of indiscipline at the working place.

DAYS OFF FOR PERSONAL USE – All employees will receive an equal number of 104 days off per year. They are called Saturday and Sunday.

VACATION DAYS – All employees will take their vacation in the same period of the year. The vacation days are as follows : January 1st and July 4th.

DAYS OFF FOR FUNERALS – This is not an excuse not to come to the office. Anyway, there is nothing that you can do more for your dead friends, relatives or colleagues. In very rare cases when an employee will have to attend a funeral, it is required the funeral to be planned late in the evening. We are more than glad to allow you to work during your lunch break in order to leave earlier, but you will have to finish your duties for that day.

ABCENCE BECAUSE OF YOUR OWN DEATH – This incident can be accepted as an excuse. Anyway, it is required a two weeks notice and a replacement should be ready to take over your job.

TOILET USAGE – Too much time is wasted in the toilet. From now on everybody will use the toilet in alphabetical order, like : employees name starting with “A” will go between 8:00 and 8:20, the ones with “B” from 8:20 to 8:40 and so on. If you cannot go in the designated frame of time you will have to wait until the next day when is your turn again. In situations of emergencies the employees can switch places, but both supervisors of the persons involved needs to approve in write this change. More, now there is a 3 minutes restriction for stationing in the toilet. At the end of the 3 minutes an alarm will be set on, the toilet paper will be automatic locked, the door will open and the felon will be photographed. At the second felony the picture will be published in the company’s newspaper under “felonies”.

LUNCH BREAK – the Skinny persons will be allowed 30 minutes in order to eat and look healthier. The persons with normal weight will be allowed 15 minutes in order to maintain their silhouette. The overweighed persons will get 5 minutes – enough to take their diet pill.

HOW WE DRESS – It is recommended to come to the office dressed according with your salary. If you wear a 350 $ Prada shoes or a 600 $ Gucci purse we will assume that you are doing well from the financial point of view, therefore you don’t need a raise. If you are poorly dressed, you will have to learn how to manage better your money in order to buy nicer clothes, therefore you don’t need a raise. If you are properly dressed, then you are where you supposed to be and you don’t need a raise.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

The Management

Sweet sparkling raspberry pink !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 22:07:00 +0000

I love pink ! Who doesn't ? I put my eyes on these earrings and watched them for the last few months, hoping that nobody will buy them by the time I will place my order. Actually, to be honest, I have a few more pair of earrings that I'm watching in Letamariedesigns's Studio on Art Fire, and the time will come when I will order all of them just like I did with these ones. Knowing that she made them with her own hands, with love, care and passion, is something that will always make me wear them with pleasure and appreciation, thinking of her. Visit Leta's store, she's having wonderful hand made jewelry, unique items that will bright your day and make you feel special !

Can being sick get any worst than this ?

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:14:00 +0000

This is my 5 years old one ....

... after being treated with antibiotics for Otitis and throat infection since Sunday. What you see is an allergic reaction to the antibiotic ( Amoxicillin ) that started this morning with many little tiny red spots ( like niddle points ) on his head and torso, but by the time we reached the pediatrician at 2 in the afternoon they were all over his body and much larger and red. Poor lad is looking like a clown, and after having so many kids in my hands, I suspected first a contagious childhood disease ( you know, like measles, varicella, etc ). I never thought of an allergy reaction , because he took before this antibiotic, and he have never been allergic to anything.
But on the other hand, he is up to date with all his shots, so my next thought was : food poisoning ! Last night he ate Burger King chicken nuggets and fries - this must be it, I thought, cursing the living days out of them !
I start calling my aunt the pediatrician, my cousin the family doctor and everybody else in my family who might give me an idea of what it can be. They all didn't excluded all three posibilities, but I was still demanding an answer, so I made an appointment to his pediatrician. Antibiotic allergy reaction. Now he's on Benadryl and Azithromycin, and we'll see tomorrow if there is any improvement in his condition.

So never say that "it cannot get worst than this" ( no matter what it is ), because it can !

God Bless you,
Monica

2 days later Update

If I had any doubts deep in my mind that the reason is the antibiotic, well now I have to give credit to the doctor : she was right, and after changing the medication I can see a fantastic improvement - the rush is fading away the same order it came, from the head down.

Joke of the day

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:56:00 +0000

The women take action

Women all around the world are sick and tired of their husbands doing nothing all day long, so they set up a meeting and they decide to do nothing in the house for three weeks to see what's happening.
After 4 weeks ...
The American wife :
- The first week I haven't seen anything. My husband did nothing. The second week he made himself an omlet !
Everybody applauding.
The German wife:
- The first week I haven't seen anything. The second week I saw that he ironed himself a shirt !
Everydody applauding.
The Romanian wife :
- The first day I haven't seen anything. The second day the same. The third day I start seeing a little bit with my left eye ...

Stylish Blogger Award

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 04:37:00 +0000

I've been more than happy and honored when my blog was awarded with the Stylish Blogger Award by Leta from Letamariedesigns . And like any good thing that happen in our lives, we have to pass it on and share it !

There are a few rules of acceptance of this wonderful award, and these are :

1. Copy the image of the award and place it on your blog.

2. Thank the person who awarded you by posting their links or buttons on your blog.

3. Share 7 things about yourself

4. Pass it on by awarding 15 other bloggers that you recently discovered

5. Contact these bloggers and let them know that they have been awarded

The 7 things about myself that I would like to share with you are :

- I was born and I grew up during communism regime in Eastern Europe

- I learned all about arts and crafts during school classes in middle school

- my dear mother is a master of knitting, crocheting and sewing

- I met and married my wonderful husband across two continents and one ocean

- my mother is a breast cancer survivor for the last 20 years

- I speak fluent 3 languages ( Romanian, English and Spanish ) and understand/read 2 more ( French and Russian )

- the maternity voted my second son as the most beautiful new born of that week ( was Christmas !)

The 15 new discovered bloggers that I want to award are :

1. Crafty Dream

2. Ali's Craft Studio

3. Andrea W Designs Blog

4. Anna Kay Creations Blog

5. ARE Handmade Jewellery

6. Bits of Paper

7. Creative Kristi

8. Dizzy Little Kingdom

9. Felted Treasures

10. From Rags ... To Bags

11. Gracious Rain

12. It's the Thought that Count

13. Kella Studio

14. Lucy Bead Studio

15. Your Favorite Bracelet

A great recognition for 15 wonderful bloggers !

A new year, a new beginning, less computer and more family time

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0000

As the winter holidays are over, I struggle to get back on track. I was hoping that staying at home this vacation will be peaceful and quiet, enjoying the great time I planned with my family, but things are not always as we hope for. After a crazy but wonderful Christmas week, when we had on top of everything two birthdays and dinners with friends, and after only three days of school, the winter storm hit and paralized the whole state. Of course, we trully enjoyed the snow, but being stuck for almost a week in the house was not funny at all.... So one more week of vacation; my older son was so "devastated", almost in tears ( of joy ) ! The little one decided that as long as he's not going to school either, why he shouldn't get sick, for a change; so two days ago we ended up with him in the urgent care - acute Otitis and Strep Throat infection are on the list.... Not to mention the frustation of waiting almost 40 minutes in the waiting room with a little boy screaming in pain, when the whole clinic was empty being a Sunday afternoon ! And if you think this was all, wait to hear this : the doctor decided that he's dehidrated and he should give him an IV with fluids (!) - I said no way I'm gonna torment him now for an hour with a niddle in his arm when he's already out of his minds of pain, waiting, crying and an awful shot of oily antibiotics ! He's only 5, for God's sake ! So we took him home, we bought the 230 $ antibitotics prescription ( with insurance - I wonder how much would have been without insurance ) and plenty of Pedialyte and Gatorade, and now, after two days of intense treatment he's finally back himself, happy, playing and full of energy.

All this time I found myself in an awkward luck of inspiration - no mood and no ideas to write anything on the blog, no willing whatsoever to sign in in my Facebook or Twitter account .... Nothing ! I know some of you think that I'm out of the picture or that I forgot about you, but it's not that. I only needed some quiet time with myself - sometimes these social networks are so obsesive and they take over your life without realizing, that for me the only way to take a break is to press the "pause" button on everything that have to do with the computer. We became so addicted to the internet and our super performant computers and cell phones that is not even funny. Some people live for that, their whole life is on FB or twitter.
Of all last year I spent more than 60% of my time on the computer, trying to keep up with you on FB and T, and less than 30% with my own kids. Is that sounds right ? No. At least not from my point of view, because first I'm a mom, and second I'm a seller. And let's be honest - most of my views are coming from search engines and online ads, not from FB or T, and none of my sales are from fans or followers. How many of your tweets do you think are really read by your followers ? And out of those, how many are really buying from you ? The number is ridiculous small. I'm talking here about the self representing artisan, who's making all those beautiful crafts with his/her own hands in their home and struggle to spread the word and make some sales, not about the old well established online sellers.
For most of the sellers Facebook or Twitter became an obsessive and time consuming free advertising provider, is not a social network anymore. We tweet what we sell, we tweet what we list, we tweet about other crafters ( hoping that maybe they will tweet about us too ), and we tweet our soul out ! When then do we work ? when do we live our lives ? when are we spending some quality time with our kids and family ? Looking back at the last two years, that's all I've done - working, tweeting and posting on FB and getting frustated when my little one was trying to get my attention. Not anymore. These precious moments of growing up will never come back, and I'm not willing to give them up for .... free advertising ! Having said that, I have decided that my online presence will be mostly here on the blog where I can talk in as many words as I want about my work and about yours too, where I can also feature wonderful artisans and their work and shops, and from where I can share it automatic on FB or Twitter. After all, we are not taking with us any of our FB accounts on the other world, right ? Ha ha ha ....

God Bless you all !

Monica

FYI before you buy : TOPAZ Colors, cut, treatments, gemology.

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:49:00 +0000

"Topaz of any type is a good jewelry stone and it is historically one of the most important gemstones. With its relatively high refractive index and hardness of eight (Mohs scale), with no special sensitivity to chemicals it can be used, with appropriate care (should be protected from hard knocks), in any jewelry application. Topaz is the birthstone for those who are born in the month of November and it comes in many colors, including clear, brown, yellow, orange, red, pink and blue. The blue topaz, with a pale to medium blue color created by irradiation, can be found in very large sizes at affordable prices. The fine golden-yellow variety, known as Imperial Topaz, is relatively scarce. Topaz colors are rarely vivid. The most common color is yellow with a red tint; the most valuable is pink to reddish; the most popular is blue. The coloring agents are iron and chromium.

Blue topaz: Natural blue topaz is rare. Found in all major deposits and also in England (Cornwall), Northern Ireland and Scotland. Most of the blue topazes are enhanced colorless topaz gemstone .

Champagne topaz: One of the very few naturally colored varieties of topaz in a light to medium shade of brown, primarily found in Mexico.

Imperial topaz: The most sought after of all natural topaz. Its rich golden color is generally not enhanced by any kind of treatment. The most important deposit was found in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Pink topaz: A natural pink topaz is very rare and costly. The vast majority of pink topazes are heat-treated yellow stones that turn pink. The most valuable variety of topaz can be found in Brazil, Pakistan and Russia.

Mystic Topaz : A new high tech enhancement process applied to colorless stones such as topaz and quartz has created a new variety we call "Mystic Topaz."Mystic Topaz displays a stunning rainbow effect that makes it all at once unique, fashionable and different. The color, brilliance and clarity of the final product depend on the quality, cut and polish of the original gemstone. Colorless topaz, the raw basic material, is always untreated. In order to convert eye clean colorless topaz of fine quality into Mystic topaz, a high tech process known as thin film deposition is used. The cut and polished topaz is coated with an extremely thin titanic film. Very little heat is involved in the process that produces the optical effects. The treatment is durable, hard, and only a few microns in thickness. With care, the enhancement will last the life of the jewelry setting.

White Topaz : Colorless topaz is fairly common and is sometimes given a brilliant cut and sold as a substitute for diamond.

Blue topaz begins as colorless or very lightly tinted natural topaz crystals, which are then irradiated to change the color to blue and heated to stabilize the change. Neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor produces the deep slightly greenish or grayish "London Blue", while electron bombardment in a linear accelerator results in the light aqua-like blue known as "Sky Blue". Combinations of both treatments produce the highly saturated "Swiss" and "Electric" blues. If neutron bombardment has been used, there is residual radioactivity, and the gems must be held, up to a year, before they have "cooled" enough to be worn.

Blue topaz has become one of the top selling gems in the jewelry business, since blue topaz is unusual in offering excellent hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) and brilliance at a very reasonable cost.

Blue topaz can be found in both lighter and darker tones, usually known in the trade as Sky Blue Topaz, Swiss Blue Topaz and London Blue Topaz. As in the case of other blue gems, the more saturated blues tend to have a higher value. So in topaz it is the London Blue that usually regarded as the most valuable. There are two important things to know about blue topaz. The first thing is that while topaz is very hard, it is not the most durable gemstone. That's because it has perfect cleavage, a property it shares with diamond. That means it can be chipped or split by a sharp blow, so it should be protected from hard knocks.

The second important thing is that topaz does not occur naturally in the deeply saturated blues you find in the market today. Blue topaz in nature is very rare indeed, and tends to a very pale blue. The vivid blues available in the market have all been produced by treating white topaz -- first with irradiation, then with heat. The color change is permanent and stable, but recently there has been some controversy about the safety of this treatment for the consumer.

London Blue Topaz is a medium to dark grayish blue, sometimes described as "steely" or "inky." Many London Blues have a slightly greenish tone when viewed from certain angles.

The reason that blue topaz is so reasonably priced is that topaz is a very abundant material. But natural topaz occurs mainly in white (colorless) and brown; natural blue topaz is actually very rare. Virtually all the blue topaz in the market is produced by treating white topaz with radiation.

The reason that the color of topaz can be changed by irradiation is a function of the special way that topaz gets its color. Most gems, such as sapphire, are colored by trace elements such as iron or titanium. Some gems, such as peridot, are colored by elements in their essential chemical composition. But topaz is unique in that the color results from so-called color centers, which are imperfections in the crystal lattice that change the way the crystal absorbs light.

London Blue Topaz is typically produced by exposure to radiation in a nuclear reactor. When topaz is exposed to fast neutrons, the radiation changes the color centers, producing the deep blue color. Subsequent heat treatment is often used to lighten the inky color. Material treated this way is likely to be radioactive and may require several months of storage before the radioactivity decays to safe levels. There are very strict rules in place to protect not only consumers but also the cutters and gem dealers who handle these gems on a daily basis."

The valuable information about Topaz gemology in this article is provided by Gem Select .

Christmas Vacation in my studios too !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:04:00 +0000

As Christmas and New Year approach so fast ( a very busy week for us that will start with the Christmas, then on the 28 the 5th birthday of our junior, New Year's eve and then on January 1st my birthday ), I have decided to dedicate my entire time to my family; therefor both of my studios will be officialy in vacation from December 23rd 2010 until January 3rd 2011. All items will be visible and available for purchase, but the shipping will resume on January 3rd.
I take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Merry Christmas and a great New Year, and I appologize if I will not be online to keep in touch with you !

Monica

Christmas Glitter Graphics

Christmas Mega Sale - 15% OFF EVERYTHING

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:11:00 +0000

http://www.artfire.com/users/GalleriaDeArta

If I could only buy them all !

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 16:50:00 +0000

I'm ready ! I'm ready ! I'm ready ! ( like Spongebob ...) I can smell the Christmas, I can feel the magic in the air, I can start dreaming for the Christmas morning when opening the presents the eyes are getting bigger and bigger and the faces are starting to have that silly surprised smile that is spreading all over from ear to ear ! I love that morning. But mostly I love the shoppings, the fever of packing them, the waiting for the boys to fall asleep so I can put them under the tree and arrange them .... Is anything else more beautiful, magic and rewarding than to see them happy ? I don't know what's on your list, but if I could, I would buy all these handmade beauties that celebrates the most magic night in the world !

My Christmas wish...

Curated By: GalleriaDeArta

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

"Call me Mellow Yellow and Black" - Art Fire front page collection

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Is not an easy thing to get on the Art Fire front page with your collection, we all know that from experience. And that's because AF is probably having trouble picking from so many beautiful collections and selections, but once you got there, there is no higher recognition of your work, both for the member who curated the collection and for the artists featured. Today the featured collection is, again, a gorgeous one, curated by daffydill and is called "Call me Mellow Yellow and Black". And last but not least, a special Thank You to the curator for featuring one of my hats ! Congratulations and don't forget to visit both the collection and the curator's studio, you'll find beautiful hand made gifts !

Call me Mellow Ye...

Curated By: daffydill

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

Featured Collection - "A European Handmade Christmas"

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:18:00 +0000

Christmas Cheer f...

Curated By: gr8jewellery

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

Get it in time for X-Mas ! Free upgrade to Priority Shipping on all jewelry collection

noreply@blogger.com (Monica) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:01:00 +0000

There's no need to wait anymore for a week or more to get your order, especially now when it's shopping season and USPS is over crowded ! I'm running a special promotion in my jewelry shop - pay regular shipping and get Free upgrade to Priority mail. That's right ! Galleria MonArt will pay the extra fees so you can get your order in time, fast, with tracking number and safe delivery. If you are like me, with no patience whatsoever for my orders to arrive, then you cannot get wrong with this special deal. The offer is valid until December 15, because after that, not even with Priority service, I cannot guarantee the on time delivery for Christmas. Enjoy it and Merry Shoppings !

Galleria MonArt