Cool Gemstones, Hot Rocks!

Kyanite

2012-02-21T20:42:00.000Z

Kyanite

If you were to ask people what their favourite colour is, many of them would reply that it is blue, so it is no wonder that blue gemstone jewelry is so popular. But what if you are looking for something a bit more unusual than the sapphires, blue topaz or lapis lazuli that you can find in your local jewellery store? If you are looking for an outstanding and unique blue gemstone then look no farther than kyanite, as even the name of this stone comes from the Greek word for blue ‘kyanos’. It is also known by the names cyanite, disthene and rhaeticite. Kyanite was first discovered during the nineteenth century, and although it is a fairly common mineral in the Earth’s crust, fine gem-quality kyanite is much rarer. It is an aluminium silicate mineral that is found in pegmatites, veins of quartz and sedimentary rocks. It often forms as bladed crystals, and it tends to have a somewhat brittle, fragile appearance. So where in the world is kyanite found? Deposits are found in Montana and North Carolina in the USA, and also in Switzerland, Serbia, Tibet, Russia, Brazil, Myanmar, Tanzania and India. As well as being used as a gemstone, kyanite is commonly used in more prosaic articles such as heat resistant ceramics, spark plugs, and refractory products.

The deep vibrant blues and rich sea greens are the most highly valued colours for kyanite, but there are also stones found in various shades of black, grey, yellow, orange, white and also a fairly rare colourless variety. The orange variety is recent discovery in Tanzania, and the vibrant hue is caused by the presence of tiny quantities of manganese impurities in the crystal. The gem-quality kyanite that is cut for setting in jewelry is a glowing royal blue in hue, which is more than comparable to a good quality fine sapphire. It is a very challenging semiprecious stone to cut, as it has variable hardness and colour zoning. It also has perfect cleavage in one direction, which is another thing that a gemstone cutter has to take into consideration before they decide on how they are going to work the kyanite. If you want to see a very beautiful example of a large, faceted transparent blue kyanite, then you need to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where Dudley Blauwet donated a huge, 5.87 carat stone to them in 2008.

Kyanite is used in crystal healing as blue is a very, cool calming colour that soothes the mind and spirit. The blade or wand-like structure of the crystals also makes it a great aid for rebalancing your energy. If you are just starting to meditate or you want to be able to go much deeper, then wearing kyanite will be helpful to you, as it will help to relax you and clear away any worries and negativity. It is also a good gemstone to wear or carry if you are intent on developing your psychic abilities, or if you are working on expanding your telepathic gifts. The different colours of kyanite have different healing properties, with black kyanite being useful for helping to clear out any blockages in your chakras and getting the energy flowing again, green kyanite being helpful for opening the heart chakra, and the vivid orange variety being helpful for raising energy levels and making you feel more vibrant and optimistic. Also, along with citrine, it is a crystal that does not hold onto any negative energy and does not need to be cleansed in any way.

Faceted Kyanite

Kyanite is a gemstone associated with Aries, Taurus and Libra, so if you have loved ones or friends with these birthdays, they why not choose some of this exquisite gemstone jewelry as a special gift for them? When set in jewelry, it is mainly used in pendants, earrings and bracelets or fashioned into bead necklaces. Because kyanite is not a particularly hard semiprecious stone, it not often set in rings, as any knocks could easily damage the stone. It was until recently very much a gemstone for serious collectors, but kyanite jewelry is happily becoming more readily available, and there are many fashionable designs to choose from.

Kyanite image Rob Lavinsky Wikimedia Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Faceted kyanite image Didier Descouens Wikimedia Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

All About Marcasite Jewelry

2012-01-17T19:17:00.000Z

What is Marcasite Jewelry?

Do you ever wish that you lived in a bygone era, wearing romantic long dresses, with your hair piled up on your head, and bedecked with gorgeous pieces of jewelry? If so, then you would probably love to own and wear some stunning pieces of marcasite jewelry. Marcasite jewelry can give any outfit that touch of vintage glamour, adding true elegance and style. So what is marcasite jewelry? Marcasite jewelry is any pendant, ring, brooch, pair of earrings or watch that is set with these small, brilliant marcasite stones. Now these small stones are not really made from marcasite at all but from a very similar mineral call iron pyrite or fool’s gold. True marcasite is too brittle and chemically unstable to be fashioned into jewelry, but iron pyrite is strong, light and resistant to scratches. Iron pyrite is commonly known as fool’s gold, because quite often gold prospectors would think that they had discovered a seam of gold when really it was only iron pyrite with a yellow, golden tint to it.

Marcasite

History of Marcasite Jewelry

Marcasite jewelry has been worn and treasured since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks used to adorn themselves with pieces of marcasite jewelry and marcasite jewellery has been found in ancient Inca burials in Peru. The heyday of marcasite jewelry in Europe was during the eighteenth century when marcasite was very popular in brooches, lockets and set into the frames of cameos. Marcasite jewelry also experienced a resurgence of popularity during the Victorian era. After the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria went into permanent mourning and wore only dark, sombre clothes and stopped wearing glitzy, gemstone jewelry in favour of more restrained and tasteful pieces like marcasite. The country followed suit and the more subtle sparkle of jewelry like marcasite became fashionable to wear both in the day and for evening wear. Marcasite was also very popular during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, when lighter, more romantic pieces of marcasite jewelry were created.

How is Marcasite Jewelry Made?

Marcasite jewelry is characterised by tiny stones of marcasite being set into precious metal to form patterns and create outlines. Marcasite stones are most often set into sterling silver, as the colour and tones of these two metals complement each other extremely well, giving a special vintage feel to silver jewelry. Sometimes the silver used for marcasite jewelry is slightly oxidised to give it a more antique look and feel. You very rarely see marcasite set into yellow gold, as the colours do not really go well together and the combination does not make for a very attractive piece of jewelry. The pyrite is cut up into little pyramid shaped or oval pieces and then set into holes in the silver. For cheaper costume jewelry, the marcasite stones may be glued into the silver. Sometimes little pieces of cut steel are used instead of the marcasite to create pieces of jewelry that are very much like the genuine marcasite jewellery.

How to Care For Your Marcasite Jewelry

Marcasite jewelry should never be immersed in water, as this may soften any glue or jeweller’s cement used and the marcasite stones may become loosened and fall out. So before you go swimming, enter a sauna or a steam room, shower or wash your hands, take off your marcasite jewelry and put it somewhere safe. The best way to clean marcasite jewelry is to gently rub it with a soft cloth to remove any tarnish on the silver or any debris that may have collected between the pyrite stones. A slightly damp cloth can also be used, but always make sure that you dry the piece of marcasite jewellery thoroughly afterwards. Never put your precious marcasite jewelry in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or steamer as it may well get damaged.

Finding the Best Marcasite Jewelry

If you are a lady who prefers a certain subtle sparkle to more gaudy jewelry, then marcasite could well be the perfect choice for you. Wearing marcasite jewelry wafts you back to more elegant and romantic times, and can add some vintage chic to any outfit that you wear. Marcasite jewelry is also very affordable these days, so can make a perfect gift for Christmas, birthdays or a more subtle, thoughtful gift of love for Valentine’s Day. Why not combine marcasite with a birthday gemstone for a beautiful gift, as marcasite is exquisite when it is set with coloured gemstones or inlaid with vividly coloured enamel. You can buy all types of marcasite jewelry, including marcasite pendants, marcasite earrings, marcasite rings and marcasite bracelets. The one piece of jewelry that most of us wear everyday is our watch. If you would love a classy, elegant watch with a vintage feel, why not choose a marcasite watch? You will be amazed at how many beautiful designs there are, and many marcasite watches are very inexpensive. One of the very best places to search for gorgeous marcasite jewelry is online. Amazon has an amazing selection of marcasite jewelry and marcasite watches and also has some great deals, so why not have a look and buy that perfect piece of exquisite marcasite jewelry today.

Marcasite image Rob Lavinsky Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Morganite

2012-01-17T14:09:00.001Z

If you are looking for a beautiful pink gemstone, then have you ever considered morganite? There are many varieties of pink gemstone in the world, but if you want to own an unusual, unique stone then morganite could be the one for you. Morganite is a variety of beryl, which is naturally a colourless mineral, but the presence of manganese impurities is thought to cause the pink colour in this beautiful gemstone. Beryl is often found in pegmatites and occurs when volcanic magma is rich in beryllium. Morganite is a fairly newly discovered gemstone as the first stones of a good size and deep, rich pink colour were found on an island off the coast of Madagascar in 1908. It is also now mined in Brazil, California and Afghanistan.

Morganite from Madagascar

Morganite can range in hue from the palest, softest pinks through to a deeper rose colour. Some stones can show shades of lilac and others can be more peach in tone. Colour banded crystals are also fairly common. Morganite is one of those gemstones which is valued mainly for the richness and beauty of its colour, and unfortunately the deepest pink coloured stones are those from Madagascar, where it is no longer actively mined. It is one of those stones where size really does matter, as with the paler pink specimens a decent size is required to effectively showcase the body colour, as these smaller stones can look a bit pale and washed out. It also needs to have a very high quality cut, as again this will help to display the brilliance and depth of the colour. Morganite is regularly heat treated to improve the colour, so if you want to purchase a natural stone make sure that you go to a reputable jeweller and ensure that you receive a certificate to state that the gemstone has not been treated. The heat treatment is used to take away any yellow spots in the stone, and to change any orange/peach tones into a purer pink colour. Because of this colour change quality when exposed to heat, your morganite jewelry should not be exposed to strong sunlight as this could permanently alter its natural colour.

Morganite is a reasonably hard gem, with a hardness score of around 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a very robust and hardwearing gemstone to wear set in jewelry, which is lucky as the pink colour make it an exquisite and unique stone to have set in an engagement ring. As pink is the colour of love, then what could be better than a stunning morganite engagement ring? To clean this stone, all you need to do is rub it very gently with some mild soap or detergent.

Before 1910 morganite was usually called pink beryl and was also known by the names cesian beryl and pink emerald. However, in Pala, California morganite is found alongside kunzite and tourmaline, so in December 1910 George Kunz, who was working with Tiffany & Co at the time and whom kunzite is named after, decided to name it after one of his very best customers, the famous financier JP Morgan. JP Morgan was a very keen gemmologist and had a very large collection of fine gemstones. He was also very generous and donated many precious stones and mineral samples to the American Museum of Natural History. So what is the biggest known morganite in the world today? One of the largest specimens ever found, was unearthed in the Bennett Quarry in Buckfield, Maine on 7^th October 1989. This huge pink gem weighed around 50lbs and was approximately 9in long and 12in across, and was christened ‘The Rose of Maine’. Another very large specimen is a fabulous cushion cut morganite that is 598.7 carats and is kept in the British Museum in London.

Because this is a pink gemstone, it is all about love, affection and activating the heart chakra. It is a great stone to wear if you are hoping to attract a wonderful new lover, or to strengthen the bonds of love that you have with your current partner. The soft, pastel pink of this stone will help you to think and act more lovingly and radiate more joy wherever you go. If you have experienced a broken heart, morganite can help to gently open your heart chakra again and cleanse it of all pain and negativity. On the physical level, it is a great stone for helping to keep you calm and reduce stress, aiding relaxation. It is also used in crystal healing for those with problems with their heart or who suffer from emphysema, asthma and vertigo. Morganite is considered to be one of the birthstones for the month of October and for the zodiac sign of Libra, so some pretty jewelry set with this gemstone would make a lovely gift for your friends and loved ones who have birthdays around this time.

Beautiful morganite is still a very rare gemstone that you probably will not find in most jewellers and is still mainly bought by serious gemstone collectors, but if you are looking for something just that little bit different then it maybe just what you are looking for.

Morganite image Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 2.5 Generic

Alexandrite – Beautiful Colour Changing Gemstone

2012-01-12T19:51:00.000Z

Alexandrite – The Colour Changing Gemstone

Would you like to own a gemstone that can change colour like magic and is one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world? Well, if you have answered ‘yes’ then you will want to buy some exquisite alexandrite jewelry. Alexandrite like all gemstones is formed in the depths of the earth and brought to the surface only by mining or natural geological forces, but what makes alexandrite unusual is that it has only been known to the world for the last couple of hundred years. Alexandrite is a gemstone that was totally unknown in antiquity and was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia as recently as the 1830s. The identity of the person who collected the first sample of alexandrite is now unknown, but the sample ended up in the hands of the Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskjold, who initially thought that it was emerald. However, on further examination the gemstone sample seemed to be too hard to be emerald so he continued his investigations and was astonished to find that when he looked at the gemstone in candlelight that it had completely changed colour. He later came to the conclusion that his sample was a totally new gemstone and so he named his new discovery ‘diaphanite’.

Alexandrite

Alexandrite and the Russian Imperial Family

The gemstone sample had been sent to Nordenskjold by Count Lev Alekseevich Perovskii, who was a close associate of the Russian Imperial Family and a passionate collector of gemstones and minerals, with a reputation for often using unscrupulous and violent means to obtain unique and valuable gems for his collection. There is a popular story that Nils Gustaf Nordenskjold had discovered alexandrite in 1834 on the sixteenth birthday of the Russian tsarevitch, who would go on to be Tsar Alexander II of Russia. However, it is more likely that Perovskii presented the new gemstone to the tsarevitch on his sixteenth birthday in order to further ingratiate himself into royal circles, and it was around this time that the new gemstones began to be known as alexandrite. Alexandrite became a hugely popular gem with the Romanovs, who adopted it as their very own gemstone, and the colours of alexandrite even matched the colours of the uniforms of the Imperial Guard.

What is Alexandrite?

So what exactly is this magical, colour changing gemstone alexandrite? Alexandrite is actually a rare form of the mineral chrysoberyl, which is the third hardest gemstone in the world. Only diamond and corundum are harder than chrysoberyl, and chrysoberyl also produces a static charge when it is rubbed that the stone can retain for as long as a couple of hours. Because of the hardness of this gemstone, all the forms of chrysoberyl, including alexandrite, are great to use in jewelry because they are so sturdy and durable. The unique quality of alexandrite is its wonderful ability to change from one well-defined colour to another depending on whether you are looking at it in natural daylight or under artificial light. Alexandrite is also a strongly trichroic stone and will display different colours depending on which direction you are looking at the gemstone from. A typical alexandrite can be a bluey-green colour in daylight and then change colour under incandescent light to a rich red/purple colour, with the most prized alexandrite gemstones showing the most vibrant, deep colour changes. In fact, alexandrite has lead to the new adjective ‘alexandritic’ being coined, which is a description for any transparent gem that shows a distinct change in colour when viewed in natural and then in artificial light.

Valuing Alexandrite

A fine alexandrite is going to be an expensive purchase. Large alexandrite gemstones are extremely rare, and an alexandrite weighing more than 2 carats that has been well cut, is a good colour and displays an intense colour change is probably going to cost you more to buy than a similar weight diamond. Alexandrite is classed as a Type II gemstone, so clarity is also important, although you would expect some eye-visible inclusions, but not enough to detract from the beauty of the stone. As has already been said, color is very important in determining the value of an alexandrite and also the depth of the color change. If you see a stone labelled as alexandrite that colour changes from green to yellow, it is more likely to be the less valuable colour change chrysoberyl, as true alexandrite should show a colour change of blue/green to red/purple. So care needs to be taken when purchasing alexandrite jewelry and you should always buy from a reputable dealer and obtain a gemological certificate from a recognised gem laboratory.

Where Does Alexandrite Come From?

Although alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia and most of the world’s alexandrite was mined there during the 19^th century, very little alexandrite now comes out of Russia. This makes Russian alexandrite very prized; as if you have one it is likely to be a valuable antique stone. Alexandrite has more recently been found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Myanmar, India, Western Australia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, but none of these countries are producing large quantities of alexandrite. Probably the finest alexandrite produced today is being extracted from the Hematita Mine in Brazil, and the largest amounts of stones are being produced in India.

Healing Properties of Alexandrite

Although a relatively recent discovery, alexandrite has found an important place in crystal healing. Alexandrite is thought to promote balance, confidence and calm. So alexandrite is used to help smooth out mood swings, improve self-esteem, and bring about positive changes in someone’s life. Alexandrite is also thought to be a useful crystal to utilise if you want to explore past life issues and resolve them successfully. On a physical level alexandrite is a gemstone used to help with inflammation, tissue regeneration and boosting the immune system. Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for the month of June and the zodiac sign of Gemini, the Twins, so some alexandrite jewelry would make a great birthday gift for family or friends who have a birthday at this time.

If you are looking for that perfect piece of alexandrite jewelry then one of the very best places to browse is online. Amazon has a great selection of alexandrite jewelry and you can make your choice from alexandrite pendants, alexandrite rings, alexandrite earrings and alexandrite bracelets. If you want to choose a more unusual gemstone for your engagement ring, then why not consider an alexandrite? Alexandrite is a rare, beautiful and classy gemstone and you get the additional benefit of having a gemstone that is one colour in daylight and an entirely different colour when you switch on the lights at night time!

Alexandrite image Aleksandrit Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported

All About Citrines – Find Great Citrine Jewelry Online

2012-01-11T13:33:00.000Z

What is Citrine?

Have you heard about citrines, but do not really know much about them? Well citrine is a variety of quartz, and quartz is the most common mineral on our planet. Quartz has many different varieties, some of which are types of semi-precious gemstones. One of these semi-precious gemstones and one of the most attractive types of quartz is citrine. The name citrine is derived from the colour of the gemstone and is from the Latin word citrina which means yellow. Natural citrines are very rare, and range in colour from palest yellow, through lemon to soft reddish-brown. The colour in citrines is caused by iron impurities in the silicon dioxide, and one of the few places that natural citrines are mined these days is in Brazil. The vast majority of commercial citrines on the market these days are actually amethysts and smoky quartzes that have been heat-treated to alter their colour. Citrines can also easily be confused with yellow topaz, but they differ in hardness with the topaz being very much harder and heavier than the citrine. Citrines also sometimes get referred to as gold topaz or Spanish topaz. Citrines are still fairly hard gemstones though, and this makes them very wearable, as they can take knocks and scrapes without getting easily scratched. There are also not that many varieties of yellow gemstones, so if yellows and browns are your favourite colours, citrine just maybe the gemstone of choice for you. Citrine can also be found together with amethyst in a crystal, and this gemstone is known as ametrine.

Citrine

History of Citrines

Although rare, natural citrines have been known for many centuries, and were found in Hungary, the Isle of Arran in Scotland, the Ural Mountains of Russia, Madagascar, the USA, France and Spain. Because of their rarity, citrines were not that well known in the Ancient World, but the Ancient Greeks wore citrine during the Hellenistic Age, and this use was carried on by the Romans. Citrine was known as the merchant’s stone or success stone, probably because the colour of citrine resembled gold. During the Middle Ages in Scotland citrine was worn because it was believed that it worked as a protective amulet against the plague, impure thoughts and bad skin. Queen Victoria, who loved Scotland and all things Scottish, enjoyed dressing in traditional Scottish dress which included pieces of citrine jewellery. It was not until the 18^th century that it was discovered that heat-treating smoky quartz and amethysts very carefully at temperatures between 470 and 560 degrees could turn the colour of these stones to yellow. Most citrines that you can buy today are heat-treated and it generally only an expert in gemstones can detect that the heat treatment has taken place. Natural citrines began to be sent back to Europe from Brazil and Uruguay in the 1930s, which helped to boost their popularity further.

Citrines in Crystal Healing

Citrine is one of the three birthstones designated for the month of November, is a gemstone associated with the zodiac sign of Virgo, and is the gemstone to give to your spouse on the 13^th and 17^th wedding anniversaries. During crystal healing citrine is used to combat depression and boost self-esteem. Citrine is worn to aid digestion, help with diabetes and removing toxins from the body. Citrine is worn for protection and is said to signify insight and serenity. It is a good gemstone to wear when meditating as citrine is said to boost intuition and improve creativity. The yellow colour of citrine represents the intellect and logic, so citrine is a good crystal to be worn by writers and academics. Citrine is a gemstone that brings happiness, joy and abundance, because it does not accumulate any negative energy. It is also believed that keeping a citrine in a drawer will attract money into your life.

Buying Citrine Jewelry Online

So if you love the colours yellow and brown, you will be enchanted to have a piece of citrine jewelry. Citrines go perfectly with your favourite outfits in earthy tones and greens. Citrines are also surprisingly affordable, so can make the perfect gift for you to give to a loved one or friend or as a special treat for yourself. If you know people who are Virgos or were born in November, then why not get them a jewelry birthday gift made with their very own birthstone? You can buy citrine jewelry set in sterling silver, yellow gold or white gold, and there are a huge range of citrine pendants, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets to choose from. Citrine earrings come in many different styles, and you can buy citrine stud earrings, citrine hoop earrings and dangly citrine earrings. If you are looking for an unusual and unique engagement ring, why not consider a citrine? Citrine in rings is often teamed up with garnet, peridot or smoky quartz, creating an unusual but very pleasing colour combination. Citrine also makes very attractive beads, and there are some very pretty citrine bead bracelets and necklaces. One of the very best places to buy citrine jewelry is online, where you will find a huge choice. Citrine is still not one of the best known gemstones, so introduce someone you know to an exquisite piece of citrine jewelry and see how surprised and delighted they are.

Citrine image Wela49 Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Do You Love Stainless Steel Jewelry?

2011-12-21T15:38:00.000Z

Why Stainless Steel Jewelry?

Stainless steel jewelry is stylish, individual and hot! If you love wearing stainless steel jewellery you are part of an exciting new jewelry trend, as more and more people are choosing to express their individuality by wearing amazing stainless steel jewelry. So what is stainless steel and why is it the trendy new metal to use when making jewellery? There are several types of stainless steel, but they are all characterised by being highly corrosion resistant. Ordinary carbon steel corrodes when it is exposed to moisture, with rust forming on the surface of the metal and then eventually the whole piece of steel disintegrates. What makes stainless steel different is the chromium content. Stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium by mass, which means that it does not rust or corrode as easily as carbon steel and also does not stain easily. So your stainless steel jewelry will not oxidize or turn black, making it durable and robust. Stainless silver can be compared in appearance to silver or platinum, but again stainless steel is a harder metal than silver ensuring that your stainless steel ring or pendant will be sturdy and long-lasting. This means that stainless steel jewelry is great for wearing every day and even you are working. There is no worrying about having to take you ring off when you wash your hands or your stainless steel bracelet getting scratched or tarnished during a day of heavy work.

Stainless steel jewelry can also be a great alternative for people who cannot wear certain precious metals, because they are allergic to them. Some white gold and sterling silver can contain nickel, which can cause itching and rashes when worn next to the skin. Much stainless steel is produced without any nickel being present, so can be safely worn if you suffer from a nickel allergy. However, if you are very sensitive to nickel, check that your chosen piece of stainless steel jewelry does not contain it before you put it on. Stainless steel is also very easy to care for. To clean your stainless steel jewelry, all you will need is some warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Just gently rub your jewelry with the soapy cloth, rinse it in clear water and then pat it dry with another soft cloth. Just try and go with the grain of the stainless steel when you are cleaning your jewelry to avoid any accidental scratches, and do not use any harsh, abrasive cleaning products. If you prefer to use more professional cleaning products, you can buy stainless steel polish or polishing cloths in jewellers or from online stores. Stainless steel jewelry also tends to be more affordable than gold or platinum jewelry, making it a popular choice for costume jewelry. However, because of this affordability it is fairly rare to find stainless steel jewellery set with precious stones such as diamonds and sapphires. But because stainless steel does not have the shine and glitz of precious metals, it may actually appeal more to some people who prefer a more low key, urban look. Men especially may be attracted to the metallic finish of stainless steel jewelry, as it can be rugged and masculine.

Choosing Stainless Steel Jewelry Online

So we have established that stainless steel jewelry is trendy, durable, affordable and easy to care for, so where do you go to buy your that great ring or pendant. Well if you want the biggest choice possible, the very best place to look for stainless steel jewelry is online. Amazon has a vast and truly amazing range of stainless steel jewelry, so go online today and pick out your favourite piece. There are stainless steel bracelets, rings, earrings, wedding bands, necklaces and pendants to choose from, all offering you individual, yet inexpensive style. Most of us acknowledge that men can be very hard to buy gifts for, but what man could resist the great stainless steel chains and rings that you can buy online. So if you have been struggling for gift ideas for your favourite guy, then check out that trendy yet masculine chunky stainless steel chain? Or if he is not too keen on the idea of wearing a gold or platinum wedding ring, then maybe you could buy him a rugged and durable, yet elegant, stainless steel wedding band to slide on his finger on that very special day? Or if you are looking for a birthday gift for a special girlfriend then why not choose some stainless steel jewelry set with her birthstone, as there are many beautiful rings, bracelets and pendants in stainless steel set with semi-precious stones? But whatever you choose you will have a truly unique, sturdy and fashionable piece of stainless steel jewelry that will not rust or scratch, so that you can wear and treasure it for the rest of your life!

The Beautiful Pink Gemstone Rhodochrosite

2011-12-16T19:27:00.000Z

Pink is a colour that we associate with love and affection, so perhaps it isn’t surprising that pink gemstones are so popular. One such beautiful pink gemstone that you may not have come across before is called rhodochrosite, which is a form of manganese carbonate. The name of this gemstone was derived from the Greek word for ‘rose coloured’ and it is also known as Raspberry Spar, Manganese Spar and Inca Rose Stone, as the Incas believed that the blood of their monarchs from earlier times had turned into rhodochrosite after their deaths.

Rhodochrosite can either be a transparent or translucent gemstone, or opaque threaded through with veins of white. The colour can range from the softest, lightest pink, through to deeper rose, browns and glowing reds. The colour in rhodochrosite come from manganese being present in the mineral, and the gorgeous rose pink variety of these crystals are the hardest colour to find and the most valuable. This exquisite pink gemstone is used in jewelry, but it is a soft stone that only scores between 3.5 and 4 on the Mohs scale for hardness so needs to be treated carefully if it is set in a ring, as the stone could easily be chipped or cracked. It is also not easy to find a faceted rhodochrosite as it is a difficult semi precious stone to cut because it is so soft and also has perfect cleavage. If you own any rhodochrosite jewelry or crystals, you must be careful to store them carefully away from your other jewelry as harder gemstones such as diamonds could easily damage it. Rhodochrosite should also not be left exposed to the air for too long, as a thin coating of manganese oxide may develop on it and cause the surface of your crystal to look slightly dark and grubby.

Rhodochrosite is not a gemstone that was known in antiquity in Europe and the Middle East, and was first documented only around 1813, when it was found in the silver mines in Romania. It forms in these caves and mine shafts when manganese gets dissolved into water, blends with a carbonate and then trickles and runs off the ceilings and down the walls forming stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the finest examples of these rhodochrosite stalagmites and stalactites were discovered in the old 13^th century Inca Capillitas silver mine in north eastern Argentina, which when cut into cross-sections show banded layers of light then dark rose pink. These attractive slices of rhodochrosite are often polished and used as ornaments or for carving into decorations.

Rhodochrosite is now found in many locations around the globe, and there are deposits in Peru, Mexico, Namibia, Spain, Germany, Romania, Kazakhstan, South Africa and the USA. In the USA it is found in New Jersey, California, Arizona and, most notably, in Colorado where it was named the State mineral in 2002. This came about because the Platte Canyon High School put together a proposal to put forward, as they are located very close to the Sweet Home Mine in Alma which is one of the very few places on Earth where the big, red rhodochrosite crystals are mined. The Sweet Home Mine was especially productive during the 1960s when some of the largest rhodochrosite stones ever known were extracted and more recently, in 1992, a huge 15cm crystal called the ‘Alma King’ was found.

Rhodochrosite is used during crystal healing, as the beautiful pink colour helps to heal and balance the heart chakra. This makes it a great semi precious stone to wear to promote greater love and affection in your relationships, and if you are single and looking for that someone special, it can also help you to attract your soul mate. It is a good stone to carry if you are looking to balance your life and also if you want a boost to your creativity and find greater inspiration. It can help you to keep calm and put your emotions on a more even keel.

On the physical level, carry or wear one of these lovely stones if you want help with heart or circulation problems, or to aid with reducing your blood pressure. Rhodochrosite is also a beneficial crystal for stimulating the kidneys and liver, so is a useful crystal for recovering addicts to wear. It is also a gemstone that can give your reproductive organs a boost, so improving your fertility.

Rhodochrosite image Rob Lavinsky Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Is Platinum the Best Precious Metal For Your Jewelry?

2011-12-16T16:25:00.000Z

What is Platinum?

Do you love platinum jewelry? We all want to bring some glamour into our lives and to experience some ‘film star’ moments. Some of the ways in which we can do that is to dress up for a special occasion in stylish, elegant clothes, go somewhere upmarket for dinner, spray ourselves with expensive French perfume and wear chic, expensive jewelry. And when it comes to jewelry, the precious metal that is most associated with prestige, wealth and sophistication is platinum. Most of us have heard of platinum and may even own a piece of platinum jewellery, but how many of us know what platinum actually is or anything about it? Well, one of the reasons that platinum is so valuable is that it is one of the rarest elements found in the Earth’s crust. There are only a few places on the Earth were platinum can be mined, and it can only be found in a few nickel and copper ore deposits and native platinum, or platinum that is not combined with any other chemicals, can sometimes be discovered in the alluvial sands of some rivers across the globe. These days approximately 80% of the world’s platinum is produced in South Africa, with Colombia being another source of platinum. Alluvial platinum is produced in Russia in the Ural Mountains, the Bushveld complex in South Africa and the Sudbury Basin in Canada. Platinum is sometimes found in meteorites and can be found at meteorite impact sites in some parts of the world, and, strangely enough, there is more platinum on the Moon than on the Earth!

Platinum in History

Platinum gets its name from the Spanish phrase ‘platino del Pinto’ which translates as ‘little silver of the Pinto River’, and one of the first groups of people to work in platinum and use it for jewelry and religious relics were the pre-Columbian natives of South America. The Ancient Egyptians were also skilled at working in platinum and a 2500 year old coffin of an Ancient Egyptian priestess has been excavated that is decorated with finely carved platinum hieroglyphics, still gleaming and apparently untouched by the passage of time. Platinum as a precious metal is a relative newcomer to Europe and the Western World. The properties of platinum are first discussed in the notes of Julius Caesar Scaliger the Italian humanist in 1557. Then in 1741 a British metallurgist called Charles Wood sent examples of Colombian platinum back to Britain from Jamaica in 1741 for investigation and analysis. It is, however, the Spanish general and explorer, Antonio de Ulloa who is usually given the credit for the discovery of platinum in 1746, when he returned from his years spent with the French Geodesic Mission to Peru. Platinum subsequently became very popular with the royalty and nobility of Europe because of its beauty and rarity, so much so that in the 18^th century the French King Louis XV declared that platinum was the only precious metal fit to be worn by a king. Historically, some of the world’s finest and most famous diamonds, such as the Hope diamond, the Koh-i-Noor and the Jonker diamond have all had their fire and beauty enhanced by being set in platinum.

Why Choose Platinum for Your Jewelry?

So, apart from the perceived glamour and prestige of platinum, why do people choose to buy platinum jewelry? If you are a lover of white precious metal, then platinum is a good choice for you because it is naturally a very white metal. A lot of white gold jewelry is rhodium plated to improve its whiteness, but this plating is not required for platinum jewelry. Platinum is regarded as a being a very strong and resilient precious metal and is highly resistant to corrosion, which makes it a perfect choice for jewelry such as engagement rings and wedding rings that are worn all the time, even when working. Platinum jewelry can be scratched, but because it is not plated or treated in any way and is a very sturdy metal, platinum will maintain its weight, brilliance and colour even after being damaged by scratches. Although platinum is a very strong precious metal, it is also very malleable and easy to work with. Because of this, very elaborate and intricate jewelry designs can be created in platinum, much more so than can be created in gold.

Platinum is also a very good choice of precious metal for you if you tend to suffer from allergies and bad reactions to wearing certain metals. Platinum is a very pure precious metal and contains very little alloy metal, so subsequently it is hypoallergenic unlike gold which can contain alloy metals such as nickel that can irritate your skin. The platinum that is used for making jewelry is around 95% pure, and any alloy metals mixed in with the platinum are usually iridium or ruthenium. Platinum is regarded as an especially good metal to set diamonds in and show them off to their best advantage. This is because platinum is so white that it does not reflect any colour back onto the diamond. Diamonds are valued and graded by how little colour they have, so avoiding colour from the metal of the setting enhances the beauty and sparkle of the diamond.

As platinum is a very heavy and dense precious metal, a ring made of platinum will feel heavier than an 18ct gold ring made to the same specification. This is great for men’s rings and wedding rings, as it will give the ring a sturdier and more robust feel. The downside is that because platinum is such an expensive metal, a platinum ring will probably cost around twice as much as a similar ring that has been fashioned from gold. Platinum is most commonly used in creating rings, usually engagement rings and wedding rings for ladies and wedding rings for men. Because of what it costs, you will not find such an extensive range of other types of jewelry as you do with gold or silver, so you will not have such a big choice of platinum earrings, pendants, earrings or bracelets to browse through.

So if you want to join the ranks of the wealthy and sophisticated jewellery buyers and wearers, choose platinum when making that important jewelry purchase. Although expensive, platinum jewelry is resilient, sturdy and prestigious. Especially when you are making a lifelong investment in an engagement ring or wedding ring, it makes sense to only buy the best, so look for that perfect piece of platinum jewelry today.

What Is Beautiful Baltic Amber?

2011-12-13T18:39:00.000Z

What is Amber?

Many people are attracted to the honey, gold and brown hues of amber and really enjoy wearing amber jewelry. The translucent yellow-orange tones of amber make for some striking pieces of jewelry and a beautiful and unique amber pendant, amber ring or amber earrings can really make any outfit that you wear special. Amber can also be violet, green, blue and black, and blue and green amber is today especially sought after. But what is amber and what is it made from? Amber is not, as you may think, a crystal or rock, but is in fact fossilised tree resin from trees that grew millions of years ago mainly during the Cretaceous period. Amber is still classed as a gemstone, however, but it is an organic gemstone. Tree resin is a sticky substance that trees, and conifers in particular, produce that oozes from the branches and trunk when the bark is damaged. Sometimes insects get caught in this viscous tree resin and cannot escape. Over time they become totally covered in the resin, and become forever trapped in the resin as it is fossilised as amber. Some of the most unique pieces of amber are those that have a prehistoric insect still trapped in their golden depths. These amber-encased insects are central to the story of the blockbuster film Jurassic Park, as in the film the scientists managed to extract dinosaur DNA from the blood that prehistoric mosquitoes had sucked from the hide of the dinosaurs, which enabled them to bring these extinct reptiles back to life.

Spider in Amber

The History of Amber

Amber has been known and used by humans for decoration since ancient times. The Greek name for amber was electrum, and this is where our modern word electricity originates from, because, as observed by Thales of Miletus noted in around 600 BC, if amber is rubbed it can gain an electrical charge. Greek mythology included several characters called Electra or ‘amber’. One Electra was the famous daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemaenestra, and another Electra was seduced by Zeus and had a child called Dardanus who founded the city of Troy. The Greeks had several other myths that featured amber, and one was the myth of a young man named Phaethon. Phaethon grew up believing that he was a mortal, so was amazed when he found out that his father was really the Greek sun god Helios. A thoroughly over excited Phaeton begged to borrow his father’s sun chariot, and went on a wild ride through the sky and over the earth. Phaeton soon found out that his father Helios’s divine steeds were far too strong for him to control, and to stop the damage that the young man was causing the ruler of the gods, Zeus, hurled a thunderbolt at him which killed him instantly. This tragedy devastated Phaethon’s sisters and during their mourning they wept tears of precious amber.

The Romans also made use of amber and used the ancient trade route, known as the Amber Road or the Via dell Ambra to bring amber from the Baltic to the Adriatic. Baltic amber had been traded throughout Europe since prehistoric times, and even now it represents about 80% of the amber that has been discovered on our planet. The Romans had some interesting theories on how amber was created. They believed that amber was created from the urine of the lynx, which is one of the big cats. As to the difference in colour between pieces of amber, they thought that darker coloured amber came from the urine of the male lynx and the lighter coloured amber came from female lynxes.

Healing Properties of Amber

Throughout history, amber has also been used extensively for healing and in medicine. Amber was pounded into power and mixed with wine to treat ailments such as fevers, sore throats, and croup, and powdered amber was also packed into ears to treat infections. Amber is thought to draw negative energy from the body, thus relieving anxiety and allowing the body to rest and rebalance. Amber was worn for protection and it was thought that wearing amber helps with problems of the stomach, throat, bladder, eyes and blood, as it is thought that amber eliminates illnesses from the human body. The optimum healing is said to be obtained by wearing amber directly against the skin, as that allows your skin to soak up oils from the amber resin. Wearing amber cleanses and rebalances the chakras and fills a person with optimism and vitality. In Europe, amber bead necklaces are also traditionally put on babies against their skin to help them with teething, as amber has the ability to naturally relieve pain.

Where is Amber Found?

Amber is found in several locations around the world, and much of the world’s amber still comes from Kaliningrad, a small Russian region on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Amber is also mined in Myanmar, Dominican Republic, the United States, Sicily, Romania and the Lebanon.

Choosing Amber Jewelry Online

Amber is still a popular gemstone today and when set in sterling silver or yellow gold can make a very striking and individual piece of jewelry. As amber is an organic gemstone every single piece of amber is totally unique and even more special if it does contain a fossilised prehistoric insect. One of the best places to look for amber jewelry is online and Amazon has a great range of amber jewelry for you to choose from. There is amber jewelry on Amazon to suit every budget, ranging from stunning, expensive designer pieces through to simpler, affordable rings, pendants and necklaces. Also known as honey amber, amber is often shaped into beads and made into necklaces and bead bracelets. Larger pieces of amber are also fashioned into pendants, and set in sterling silver make very modern and eye catching jewelry. If you want to evoke the ancient past, amber set into a gold pendant brings back memories of the dark ages in Europe, mystery and magic. Many amber pendants and necklaces have matching earrings and bracelets, or choose to just wear a distinctive pair of amber earrings as your signature jewelry? Amber also looks really good set in a ring, and there are some very large and striking amber rings available online. Or if you prefer something a bit more simple, why not go for a simple silver ring set with an amber gemstone? Amber jewelry makes a perfect gift for loved ones and friends, so why not delight them with a gift of amber this Christmas or birthday. Or if you are fed up with the traditional red roses and rubies on Valentine’s Day, buy your beloved a more unusual gift of amber jewelry?

Spider in Amber Image Wikimedia Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

Fluorite for Jewelry and Crystal Healing

2011-12-13T17:49:00.001Z

What is Fluorite?

Our beautiful planet has been blessed with an abundance of different gemstones and minerals and one of the most abundant and attractive of these is fluorite. Fluorite occurs mainly in vein deposits and it is often found as an accessory mineral alongside minerals such as calcite, quartz, barite, galena, dolomite, lead, silver or uranium. Fluorite is also sometimes referred to as fluorspar and is a mineral that is composed of calcium fluoride. Fluorite is classed as a semi-precious gemstone, and the name fluorite comes from the Latin ‘fluo’ meaning to flow. Fluorite gained this name because it was used for increasing the fluidity of slags used in the smelting process. Fluorite crystals range from transparent to translucent and one of the more interesting qualities of fluorite is that certain fluorites are fluorescent. Indeed it was fluorite that gave fluorescence its name. Some fluorite from certain parts of the world will glow under ultra-violet light due to impurities in the crystal and this fluorescence will typically be of a blue colour, but other fluorescent colours can include white, yellow, purple red and green.

Fluorite

What Colour is Fluorite?

Fluorite is a rainbow mineral and is regarded as one of the most colourful semiprecious stones in the world. The array of colours that fluorite can be found in includes purple, blue, green, yellow, or colourless. Some of the rarer colours for fluorite are pink, red, brown, and black. The colour of fluorite can be determined by several factors such as the prescence of impurities in the stone and any exposure to radiation. Fluorite also often found in multiple colours with colour zoning or banding frequently being displayed. However, the colour that most people probably associate with fluorite is purple, with the rich purple of fluorite frequently found banded with greens and blues. Fluorite also has a soft lustre like glass, which is what makes it perfect for carving into ornaments and vases.

Where is Fluorite Mined in the World?

Fluorite is a widely occurring and abundant mineral, with major deposits of fluorite being found in China, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, South Africa, Norway, Mexico, Kenya and Canada. Deposits of fluorite are also found in many of the states of the US, including Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, New Hampshire, New York, Alaska and Texas. Fluorite has been the state mineral of Illinois since 1965, as Illinois was once the largest producer of fluorite in the United States. However, the fluorite mining went into decline and the last fluorite mine in Illinois shut down in 1995. These days it is South Africa and China that are the biggest global producers of fluorite. One of the oldest and most famous places where fluorite is found is Castleton in Derbyshire, where a variety of fluorite called Derbyshire Blue John is extracted. The most famous of these mines is the Blue John Cavern and these old mines were at their most active during the 19^th century, although they had been dug since Roman times. Blue John is also known as Derbyshire spar and has been used to carve vases and ornaments for centuries. The name Blue John comes from the French ‘bleu et jaune’ which describes the blue and yellow colour of the mineral. Some mining still takes place at the Blue John cavern and the nearby Treak Cliff Cavern, but output is very low and Blue John is now a very scarce stone.

What is Fluorite Used For?

Fluorite is used in jewelry, although it has fairly limited uses. Fluorite is a very soft semiprecious stone that is only scored 4 on the Mohs scale, so is not cut into gemstones. However, fluorite is drilled for beads to make necklaces and fluorite stretch bead bracelets and is fashioned into fluorite pendants and fluorite earrings as these jewelry pieces are not subject to a lot of hard wear and tear or knocks. If fluorite is set in a precious metal, it is generally sterling silver as gleaming silver complements the colours of fluorite perfectly. Fluorite is also frequently used to make such things as crystal balls, fluorite hearts, crystal wands, worry stones, tumble stones for carrying in pouches and other ornaments and crystal healing apparel. Fluorite is a very decorative stone for ornaments because its different bands of colour make for a very attractive and unique decoration for your home.

Fluorite in Crystal Healing

Fluorite is the birthstone for the month of February and is associated with the zodiac signs of Capricorn and Pisces. Fluorite is associated with helping with the absorption of new ideas and of bring balance back into your life, banishing all the old chaos. Fluorite is thought to be helpful for releasing negative energies and is good for cleansing the aura. If you use a computer a lot or lots of electrical devices, it can help to have some fluorite crystals close by on your desk. As fluorite does absorb negative energies it can be successfully used in cleansing and purification rituals, bit your fluorite crystals will need to be cleansed regularly themselves to release them from the negativity they have taken on. The different colours of fluorite have different healing qualities with clear fluorite being a gemstone of transformation and purple fluorite being helpful in psychic development and for helping to open the third eye. On the physical level, fluorite is believed to be a helpful in preventing colds, soothing the inflammation and pain of arthritis, and minimising nerve pain. All in all, as a crystal fluorite has powerful healing properties and is thought to be a good aid for pain relief.

Buying Fluorite Jewelry and Fluorite Ornaments Online

You will find great fluorite jewelry and fluorite ornaments in retail outlets, especially those specialising in minerals, gemstones and crystal healing. However, one of the best places to buy great fluorite is online. Amazon has a huge selection of fluorite pendants, fluorite hearts, fluorite stretch bracelets, fluorite crystal balls and fluorite crystal wands to choose from so go online and make your choice today. Shopping online for fluorite is simple and secure, so have a browse to find that perfect fluorite gift or ornament for your home.

Fluorite image Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 3.0 Unported

History of The Black Prince’s Ruby

2011-12-12T20:28:00.000Z

The British Crown Jewels have to be one of the most famous collections of State jewellery in the world, and one of the most unique and fascinating of the gemstones found in this collection is the Black Prince’s Ruby.

This stunning red gemstone is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown of Queen Elizabeth II, and sits just above the huge, and equally famous, Cullinan II diamond. The Black Prince’s Ruby is a large and heavy gemstone, thought to weigh around 170 carats and is roughly the size of a small egg, but despite its name the Black Prince’s Ruby is actually not a ruby at all - it is a large, red spinel.

Historically, all red gemstones used to be called rubies, and it is only fairly recently that gem experts have been able to see the differences between a true ruby and a red spinel. Rubies are precious stones and are much rarer than spinel, and rubies are also a bit harder and slightly denser than spinel. There is also a difference when you look into both of these red gemstones, as a ruby is dichroic, which means that it can display different colours depending on the light and the angle it is viewed at, whereas red spinel is singly refractive.

Apart from the fact that the Black Prince’s Ruby is the biggest uncut spinel known in the world today, as it has only ever been lightly polished, this red gemstone is totally priceless because of its unique, royal history. Where this famous red spinel was mined is not known, but some gem experts believe that it came from the historic ruby mines in Badakhshan which is now part of modern-day Tajikistan. However, the Black Prince’s Ruby has been documented since the mid-14^th century, where it was known to be in the possession of a Moorish prince of Granada called Abu Said. This was a turbulent time in Spain’s history, as the Catholic Spanish monarchs were trying to retake the southern parts of Spain that were still ruled by the Muslim Moors.

Abu Said had decided to surrender to King Pedro of Castile, also known as Pedro the Cruel, but being unsure of the terms of the treaty, journeyed to Seville to meet with Castilian monarch. On his arrival he was greeted with great hospitality as Pedro believed that Abu Said carried a great deal of treasure with him, but he was soon stabbed to death along with his retinue, with some even saying that Pedro himself had wielded the knife that killed the Moorish prince. The amazing large red spinel was discovered on Abu Said’s corpse and swiftly added to King Pedro’s treasury.

In 1366, King Pedro of Castile had to put down a revolt led by his illegitimate brother Henry of Trastamara, and needing help King Pedro enlisted the aid of one of his allies Edward the Black Prince, the eldest son of King Edward III of England, who was always up for a fight as long as there was plenty of money involved.

King Pedro failed to reimburse the Black Prince the costs of the campaign as he promised, but the Black Prince demanded the spectacular red gemstone as part of his payment, although apparently Pedro was loath to part with it. King Pedro also managed to marry his daughters off to two of the Black Prince’s bothers, with John of Gaunt marrying Constance and Edmund of Langley marrying Isabella. Edward then left Spain as his health began to fail, and the Black Prince’s Ruby has remained in the possession of the English royal family ever since.

Imperial State Crown of Queen Elizabeth II

During its long history the Black Prince’s Ruby has been worn by many English monarchs. The Black Prince’s Ruby was worn by King Henry V set into his battle helmet during his French campaign that culminated in the Battle of Agincourt on October 25 in 1415. The battle was almost a disaster for Henry V as the Black Prince’s Ruby was nearly lost when Henry V’s helmet was struck by the Duke of Alençon’s battleaxe, nearly killing Henry and almost destroying the jewel-encrusted helmet. King Richard III also had the Black Prince’s Ruby set into his helmet, and was thought to be wearing it at the Battle of Bosworth when he was killed in 1485.

The fabulous red gemstone became a part of the British Crown Jewels when King James I had the Black Prince’s Ruby set into the State crown at the beginning of the 17^th century, but when Oliver Cromwell toppled the monarchy and created the Commonwealth he broke up most of the crown jewels and treasures and sold them off as bullion. The Black Prince’s Ruby was luckily purchased by a jeweller, who then sold it back to King Charles II after the Restoration of 1660, who then had it set in his new State Crown.

The Black Prince’s Ruby is currently set in The Imperial State Crown of Queen Elizabeth II, which was created for her coronation in 1953, with the Black Prince’s Ruby being set in the central panel.

If you want to see this most famous of red gemstones for yourself, the British Crown Jewels are housed securely in the Jewel House of the historic Tower of London, which is open to the public most days of the year.

Image Imperial State Crown Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

All About Freshwater Pearls And Freshwater Pearl Jewelry

2011-12-11T10:22:00.001Z

Why Freshwater Pearls?

If you have always wanted to own a string of gleaming, lustrous pearls but think that you will never be able to afford them, then you need to look at buying some amazing freshwater pearl jewelry or a stunning freshwater pearl necklace. So what makes freshwater pearls such a great buy? Historically freshwater pearls have been associated with low quality, small sized and irregular shaped pearls, but in the last couple of decades great strides have been taken in improving the quality of freshwater pearls. Freshwater pearls are usually more affordable than other saltwater cultured pearls, and so are very popular and greatly utilised in fashion jewelry. Freshwater pearls come in a huge range of shapes and colours and are also very tough as they are formed of solid nacre which makes them less likely to chip or become damaged than cultured pearls that have grown around a bead nucleus.

Freshwater Pearls

What Are Freshwater Pearls?

When people think of cultured pearls, they are generally thinking about Akoya pearls from Japan or South Sea pearls, but they may not realise that freshwater pearls are also cultured pearls. This is why that when you are shopping for cultured pearls, you need to ask where your chosen pearl necklace, ring or earrings originated from as this will tell you whether they are saltwater or freshwater cultured pearls. Rather than being produced in an oyster, freshwater pearls grow in freshwater mussels that are cultivated in rivers, lakes and ponds. The first cultured freshwater pearls originated in Japan, and were produced in Lake Biwa from the Biwa pearly mussel. Unfortunately, Lake Biwa became too heavily polluted in the 1970s to continue with pearl production. A later attempt to resurrect the freshwater pearling industry in Japan at Lake Kasumigaura using a mussel hybrid also failed in 2006 because of rising pollution levels in the lake. The United States also used to be a fairly big producer of freshwater pearls, but now the only commercial freshwater pearl operation left in the US is run in Tennessee and is mainly a tourist attraction. The largest producer of freshwater pearls in the world is China, which produces around 96% of all freshwater pearls. There are around 1200 freshwater pearl farms operating in China, which produce about 1500 tons of pearls annually. China can produce affordable freshwater pearls because they have a large number of unpolluted freshwater lakes, have relatively low labour costs and they have been vastly improving their cultivation and processing techniques over recent years.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls

The type of mussel used in China for freshwater pearl production is the triangle shell mussel and also some hybrid mussels that have been developed. Culturing freshwater pearls is slightly different to culturing saltwater pearls as a bead nucleus is not inserted into the shell. Instead, a suitable donor mussel is found and pieces of tissue are removed from its mantle. These pieces of tissue are then inserted into small incisions on both valves of a recipient mussel and twisted slightly. As many as twelve to sixteen incisions per valve can be made on the mussel that could potentially produce between twenty four and thirty two pearls. However, recent moves to improve the size and quality of freshwater pearls have had some pearl farmers reducing the number of insertions and tissue grafts to around five per valve. When all the tissue grafts have been successfully inserted, the mussels are returned to their freshwater environment for between two and six years. This is a much longer cultivation period than for saltwater pearls, as South Sea pearls are generally cultivated for between two to three years and Japanese Akoya cultured pearls for less than two years.

Another thing that is different with freshwater pearls is that they are generally bought while still in the shell and are then transported to a special factory to be cleaned and sorted into the different sizes and shapes. After being sorted, the freshwater pearls are then sent to a smaller processing factory for treatment, as almost all freshwater pearls are treated before being sold. The freshwater pearls are first pre-treated, known as maeshori, in warm and cold chemical solutions and after that they are bleached. After the bleaching the pearls are drilled and finally polished with a wax and cornmeal mixture. The treated pearls are then matched into temporary strands and then into hanks comprising of five to ten strands in preparation for being sent off to the wholesalers.

How Do You Determine the Value of a Freshwater Pearl?

As has already been mentioned, the quality of freshwater pearls has vastly improved over the last few years. One of the reasons for this improvement was the shift from using the Cockscomb pearl mussel for cultivating freshwater pearls to using the Triangle shell mussel in the middle of the 1990s. If you can remember the inferior quality small ‘crispy’ freshwater pearls that were plentiful in the 1970s and 80s, they all came from the Cockscomb pearl mussel. There have also been mussel hybrids used in pearl farming in recent years that can produce pearls of amazing quality and excitingly exotic colours. Freshwater pearls are produced in many different colours such as silver, pinks, cream and peach and the colour in a freshwater pearl is created by the presence of trace metals such as silver, copper and zinc. As with saltwater cultured pearls, the most desirable shape for a freshwater pearl is perfectly round, but there are also many other shapes used in jewelry such as semi-round, button, drop, oval, baroque, semi-baroque and ringed. Only around 3% of freshwater pearls produced are the desired perfectly round shape, and this rarity adds to their value. There are also freshwater pearls that are diamond, coin and cross shapes which are caused by inserting shaped tissue grafts. The size of the pearl also determines its value, and improved production techniques have meant that freshwater pearls are getting bigger, and you can now buy freshwater pearls that are between 9mm to 16mm in size. The value of a freshwater pearl is also based on its lustre and the lack of blemishes and flaws on its surfaces.

Buying Freshwater Pearls Online

Freshwater pearls make exquisite strings of matched pearls and beautiful pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets. Because they are affordable they make great gifts and freshwater pearls are the perfect gems to be worn on your wedding day. One of the very best places to look for stunning freshwater pearl jewelry is online, and you will find a huge range of different, stylish designs set in either yellow gold, white gold or gleaming sterling silver. Amazon has a huge selection of freshwater pearl jewelry to browse through and choose from. So if you are looking for beautiful jewelry for Christmas presents, a great birthday gift or a truly romantic Valentine’s Day offering, then why not have a look on Amazon for freshwater pearl jewelry today?

Image Wikimedia Commons Jennifer Gaglione Public Domain

Rare Gemstones – Red Diamonds

2011-12-10T12:23:00.001Z

Have you ever seen a red diamond? Some gemstones are more plentiful than others, but for some reason we humans seem to like things that are very rare. So if you are one of those people who must have something that nobody else has, then you need to start saving up so that you can buy yourself a red diamond! The majority of the world’s diamonds are colourless and they are not a rare gemstone; diamonds are plentiful in the Earth’s crust and many more diamonds are used for industrial purposes than are used in the jewelry trade. Coloured or fancy diamonds are much rarer, and you can find exquisite pink, blue, brown, green, orange and yellow diamonds. The colour in these rare diamonds is caused by impurities or structural defects occurring when the crystal is forming. The Aurora Pyramid of Hope in the American Museum of Natural History in New York is a remarkable display that shows diamonds in practically every known natural colour, including rare red diamonds.

However, out of all the rare and beautiful coloured diamonds, it is probably the red diamonds that are the rarest and therefore the most expensive of these exquisite gemstones. This rare red colour is caused by crystal lattice defects happening when the diamond is being formed. Only a few dozen of these extremely rare red diamonds are known to be in existence today, and they are all very valuable. The largest cut red diamond in the world is the 5.11 ct Moussaieff red diamond. This precious gemstone was once known by the name ‘red shield’ but now bears the name of its owners Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd. Some famous red diamonds have set price records when put up for auction, such as the 0.95 ct Hancock Red which sold at over $926,000 per carat in 1987. In addition, a ring set with a 2.26 ct red diamond was auctioned at Christies in 2007 and sold for something in the region of $1.15 million per carat.

All About Beautiful Amethysts

2011-12-10T11:54:00.001Z

Amethysts are a very beautiful and prized gemstone, but what are they and where do they come from? Quite simply, amethyst is form of quartz that is violet in colour. The colour of an amethyst may range from very light violet with a pinkish tinge to an intensely deep purple, and amethysts also may contain secondary hues of red and blue. What is regarded as the ideal colour and highest grade for an amethyst is known as ‘Deep Siberian’ which is a very rich shade of purple with flashes of red. Some scientists believe that amethyst gains its colour from trace amounts of iron, while others believe that the colour is gained from manganese or hydrocarbons. Green quartz is also sometimes referred to as green amethyst.

Up until the 18^th century amethyst was regarded as one of the most valuable gemstones along with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds, but the value of amethyst has dropped over the years as large deposits of amethyst have been discovered around the world. Amethyst deposits have been found in many areas of the world and amethyst is mined in the USA, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, and Russia. If you own amethysts or wear amethyst jewelry it is best not to expose it to heat or leave it lying in the sun, as high temperatures can change the colour of amethysts. If amethysts are artificially heated to very hot temperatures they will change colour to yellow, and this is how a lot of commercial citrine is produced.

Amethyst

Amethysts have been known and worn as jewelry since antiquity. Purple has long been regarded as a royal colour and the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt frequently used amethyst in their superb jewelry, amulets and funerary objects. Amethysts were also extensively used in ancient times for creating intaglio engraved gems. In medieval times, soldiers would wear amethyst amulets into battle for protection and also because they believed that wearing amethyst would help them to keep a cool head in the heat of combat. Amethyst has long been regarded as a gemstone that promotes higher spiritual consciousness and in the Middle Ages it was valued by the clergy of the Catholic Church for its power to promote piety and preserve chastity. It was particularly regarded as a gemstone for bishops, and many Catholic bishops wore amethyst rings. Wearing amethyst is also supposed protect the owner from being poisoned.

The word amethyst derives from the Ancient Greek word ‘amethystos’ which means ‘not drunken’, as the Greeks and Romans believed that wearing amethyst could stop them from getting drunk. They even wore amethyst jewelry and made drinking vessels out of amethyst, as they thought it would protect them from intoxication. It is said that the Greek god of wine and drunkenness Dionysus, once desired a young girl called Amethystos, who repelled his advances. In desperation Amethystos prayed to the gods that she could remain pure. Her prayers were answered by the goddess Artemis, who changed Amethystos into a white stone so that she could preserve her chastity. Dionysus was so overcome by her determination that he poured an offering of wine over the white stone which changed the colour of the stone to purple. Another variation on this ancient myth is that after being insulted by a mortal, Dionysus vowed to kill the very next mortal that he came across. He conjured up some ferocious tigers to carry out this wish, but the first mortal they encountered was a beautiful young girl who was on her way to make offerings to Artemis. Artemis saved her young worshipper from being mauled by the beasts and changed her into a pure quartz statue. When Dionysus caught sight of the breathtaking statue of the maiden he wept tears of wine which coloured the quartz deep violet.

Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for the month of February and the zodiac sign of Pisces. Amethysts are also regarded as healing gemstones. If you are suffering from a headache it is believed that rubbing an amethyst across your forehead will alleviate it, and if you want to enjoy a good night’s sleep with pleasant dreams you can achieve this by slipping an amethyst under your pillow. Amethysts are also used for protection, especially against negative energy and witchcraft. The violet colour of the amethyst corresponds to the crown chakra, which means that amethysts can be used during meditation to help open up your spiritual centres and boost your psychic abilities. Spiritual healers will quite often wear amethyst, or have amethysts in the space they use for their healing, as amethyst creates a positive healing energy in a room. Use amethyst if you are working on your spiritual growth, as it will help you to quiet your mind. In crystal healing amethyst is used to help with health problems in the blood, lungs and heart, and also to beat cravings and soothe anxiety.

If you love the deep violet colour of amethysts, you will be pleased to know that nowadays there is a wide range of amethyst jewelry available in stores and online. There is amethyst jewelry to suit every budget and Amazon has a great selection, so why not go and have a look today? Whether you are buying a special treat for yourself or looking for a special gift for a loved one or a friend, you are bound to find that perfect piece of amethyst jewelry online. Amethysts look spectacular when set in sterling silver or white gold, as the silver brings out the depth of the purple colour. But if yellow gold is your favourite, you can also find many stunning amethysts set in yellow gold. You can buy amethyst earrings, amethyst rings, amethyst necklaces, pendants and bracelets. If you are looking to amethysts to bring peace and positivity into your home, you can also buy amethyst tumble stones or larger pieces of amethyst crystal.

So enjoy the violet beauty of amethysts today, and pick a stunning piece of amethyst jewelry online. Amethyst jewelry is something that you can treasure all your life long, as it continually brings you joy and protection.

Image Wela49 Wikimedia Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Why Choose a Toggle Bracelet?

2011-12-08T17:31:00.001Z

What Are Toggle Bracelets?

Would you love to own a great toggle bracelet? Toggle bracelets are very popular and trendy these days, but what exactly is a toggle bracelet? Quite simply, a toggle bracelet is one where the piece of jewelry is fastened with a toggle clasp or closure. A toggle clasp consists of a ring and a bar or toggle that is fitted into the ring and then turned to secure the bracelet and prevent it from falling off and maybe becoming lost. Toggle clasps look very striking and attractive and they are also very easy for the wearer to fasten or loosen when taking the bracelet on and off. You can buy many different styles and designs of bracelets with a toggle closure, and sterling silver is probably most popular precious metal for them to be made from. However, toggle clasps are probably not the most secure of jewelry fastenings, so are probably best used on costume jewelry rather than on very expensive pieces of fine jewelry. How secure the toggle clasp is depends on the length of the bar and the size of the ring or loop, and on the strength of the material that the toggle clasp is made from. So when buying a toggle bracelet you will need to ensure that the toggle is long enough to fit into the loop and rotate securely; if it is too short it will just slip through the ring and if it is too long it may make the bracelet uncomfortable to wear. A good test to see if the toggle clasp will stay safely fastened during the rough and tumble of everyday wear is to slide the toggle through the ring, rotate it, and then bounce the bracelet around in your hands for a few moments. The toggle clasp should stay fastened, and if the toggle has come out of the ring or slipped through in any way, your bracelet may not stay fastened while you are wearing it and you may lose your precious jewelry.

Finding Toggle Bracelets Online

There are many great toggle bracelets out there to choose from and one of the very best places to shop is online. Amazon has a great selection of toggle bracelets in silver or gold, and you can also buy toggle bracelets decorated with crystals, gemstones or with charms attached. Toggle bracelets make great gifts for birthdays or Christmas and also make very attractive bridesmaid’s gifts. As toggle bracelets are so very trendy, they also make beautiful and acceptable gifts for teenagers. You can buy very inexpensive, attractive toggle bracelets or spend a little more for a very elegant, special present. So go online today and find that perfect toggle bracelet for you.

Heart Toggle Bracelets

Probably one of the best selling toggle bracelets is a heart toggle bracelet, and many have been inspired by the elegant Tiffany design in silver. You will find a great selection of heart toggle bracelets to choose from online, ranging from simple sterling silver link bracelets with a toggle clasp and a heart charm attached through to silver toggle bracelets sparkling with gem encrusted heart charms. You can also choose from many different heart charms; some heart charms are plain sterling silver, some are set with crystals, some are engraved with short messages and you can even have your heart charm personalized with your very own message. So whether you are looking for a simple, classic bracelet to wear every day or a toggle bracelet with a bit more glitz for the evening, you are bound to find what you are looking for online. And of course an exquisite heart toggle bracelet makes the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day gift for the one you love.

Charm Toggle Bracelets

If hearts are not your thing, you can choose from many other charm toggle bracelets. Many charm toggle bracelets are simple link bracelets with a toggle clasp and a single charm attached to the toggle. I have seen such bracelets with charming cupcake charms, key charms, angel wings charms, fairy charms, shoe charms, animal charms or star charms. Or you can choose a more traditional charm bracelet with a toggle closure that has a set of charms already attached. You can either buy them with a set of themed charms already fastened on, or you can buy the bracelet separately and collect your charms over the years.

Crystal Toggle Bracelets

If you like your jewelry to have a bit more colour and sparkle, you can find beautiful toggle bracelets set with glittering crystals. Again you can choose from plain link bracelets with a toggle clasp and a single charm, such as the popular Hello Kitty charm, set with Swarovski crystals or a silver band set with crystal beads. The crystal beads come in many different colours and you will be able to find a crystal toggle bracelet to match each of your favourite outfits.

Gemstone Toggle Bracelets

What is your favourite gemstone? Do you love turquoise, amethyst, rose quartz, citrine, peridot or tourmaline? Well whatever your favourite gemstone, there is a gemstone toggle bracelet for you. You can buy gemstone toggle bracelets set with a single type of gemstone, such as amethyst, or a colourful toggle bracelet strung with many different kinds of gemstones. A toggle bracelet set with the gemstone that is the birthstone for the month, makes a great birthday gift, or if you know someone who is in need of a health boost select the healing gemstone that could aid their condition.

Toggle bracelets are stylish, beautiful and oh so trendy, so go online today and buy a great toggle bracelet!

All About Carnelian and Carnelian Jewelry

2011-12-08T13:07:00.001Z

What Is Carnelian?

If you are a lover of warm rich autumn colours then you are bound to fall in love with the beautiful semi-precious stone carnelian. Ranging in colour from pale yellows, oranges, deep blood-reds and nearly blacks, this gemstone is variety of chalcedony, which is type of crystallised quartz. Carnelian gains its wonderful warm colouring from iron oxide impurities in the stone, and the stones can either be all one uniform hue or lightly banded. Carnelian deposits are found in volcanic rocks, and are formed when water containing large amounts of silica permeates into any fissures and cracks. Because carnelian is formed by this dissolving of silicates, it does not display the lattice usually found in varieties of quartz. Carnelian is a gemstone that can be found in many parts of the world, and deposits are found in Egypt, Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, China, Madagascar, the USA and parts of Africa. Much of the world’s carnelian today is extracted in India, where newly-mined stones are left out in the strong sunlight to change the colour from browns to reds.

The name of carnelian is thought to come from the Latin word for flesh, carnis, due to its reddish-brown colour. It is also known as cornelian, so named after the deep red hue of the kornel cherry. Carnelian scores 7 on the Mohs scale for gemstone hardness, which makes it a very suitable gemstone to use in jewelry. Carnelian looks great when set in gleaming sterling silver, and you can buy some wonderful and unique pendants, earrings, rings and bracelets. It is also drilled into polished beads that are made into necklaces and bracelets.

Carnelian Intaglio Depicting Ptolemaic Queen

History of Carnelian

Carnelian has been used for decoration and in jewelry for a very long time. It has been excavated from prehistoric sites, and drilled carnelian beads have been found at the Neolithic settlement of Mehrgarh in Pakistan. An ancient queen of Ur, Pu-Abi, was found to have been buried in a robe studded with carnelian, lapis lazuli and gold and crowned with a golden diadem set with carnelian, when they opened her tomb in 1932. It was also greatly prized by the Bronze Age civilisations of the Mediterranean, and jewels and ornaments set with carnelian have been found in the Minoan palace of Knossos on the island of Crete. The Ancient Egyptians especially valued carnelian, and they often incorporated it into the rich funerary equipment they had placed in their tombs to help them safely into the afterlife. The Egyptians also used to make carnelian amulets called ‘thets’ in honour of the goddess Isis.

Carnelian was also greatly prized by the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks believed that this reddish-brown gemstone could protect them during earthquakes and the Romans had carnelian carved into seals and signet rings because hot wax does not stick to the smooth grain of this stone. Because of some carnelians deep red colour it was thought by the ancients to help staunch bleeding and soothe inflammation. After the spread of Islam across the Middle East, many thought that carving the name of Allah onto a carnelian stone would give the wearer courage and also help to get all their wishes granted. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Europe carnelian was still thought to help stop bleeding, especially bleeding from the noses, with the redder the colour of the carnelian the more potent its healing power.

Carnelians in Crystal Healing

With its history stretching back into antiquity, it is not perhaps surprising that carnelian is extensively used in crystal healing and is thought to have mystical properties. It is the birthstone for the month of July and also the zodiac of Virgo. On the physical level carnelian promotes longevity and helps to protect against injury. Red is the colour of passion, and wearing carnelian is thought to pump up your energy, boost your sexuality, and extend the boundaries of your creativity. Because of the energy associated with this gemstone, the wearing of it is thought to help lift depression and encourage optimism and vibrancy. Good for calming down anger and aggression, carnelian is a good stone for balancing energies in a house. Carnelian also attracts money, abundance and general prosperity, so keep a tumble stone in your purse so that it will never be empty. If you meditate, use carnelian to help recall your past lives.

Image Marie-Lan Nguyen Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic

Rare Gemstones - Have You Heard of Sillimanite and Scapolite?

2011-12-06T14:36:00.001Z

Sillimanite

There are many different gemstones found in the Earth’s crust and some of them are rarer than others. So you may never have heard of one of these rarer gemstones sillimanite? Sillimanite is an alumina-silicate polymorph, along with kyanite and andalusite. There are different types of sillimanite and one of the more common varieties of is known as fibrolite, so called because it resembles bunches of fibres woven together when looked at. Sillimanite is commonly found in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks and is an index mineral for indicating high-temperature metamorphism. As well as a gemstone, one of the major uses for sillimanite is in industry for the manufacture of refractory ceramics, spark plugs, and high temperature crucibles.

Sillimanite

Sillimanite was named after the American scientist Benjamin Silliman (1779-1864), who was one of the earliest US professors of science at Yale University, and it was first described in 1824. Sillimanite was named the state mineral of Delaware in 1977 as deposits of the gemstone are found in Brandywine Springs in the state.. Sillimanite is also found in many other locations around the world, including Brazil, India, Madagascar, Canada, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and parts of Africa and Europe.

Sillimanite is a transparent to translucent gemstone and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs Scale and generally has a vitreous pearly lustre appearance. Sillimanite is found in lots of different colours. Transparent sillimanite is very rare and desirable, but violet-blue, colourless, pale blue and greyish-green transparent crystals are found in some deposits and are valuable stones much sought after by gemstone collectors. Some of the fibrous sillimanite can display chatoyancy or the cat’s eye effect, often displaying a very attractive brownish-violet colour.

Cutting sillimanite can be very difficult as it can be very brittle and has directional cleavage, but this difficulty in cutting does make faceted sillimanite much more valuable. This means that sillimanite is still mainly a gemstone for the collector’s and is not yet widely known in the retail jewelry market.

Even though it is rare gemstone, sillimanite is used in crystal healing. It can be used to aid energy flow through the chakra system, which can bring improvements to physical health and improve intuition. Wearing sillimanite can help someone to improve their self-discipline and discover their life’s purpose.

Scapolite

If you are looking for another unusual gemstone and one that has only recently been brought to the world’s attention, then why not consider a scapolite? It was not until 1913 that scapolite was first identified in a remote part of what was then Burma and is now Myanmar. Scapolite is a beautiful gemstone that comes in many different colours, with yellow and violet scapolite probably being the most frequently found. There is also a very rare cat’s eye scapolite, which is much in demand. For a scapolite to be of gemstone-quality it generally needs to display exceptional transparency.

Scapolite’s name is derived from the Greek words ‘scapos’ meaning rod and ‘lithos’ which means stone, which reflects the fact that it naturally occurs in prismatic crystal form. Scapolite has a rating of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so it is not a particularly hard gemstone and is best not set scapolite in jewelry that might be knocked or subjected to a lot of hard wear and tear. Scapolite is now found in Kenya, Madagascar, Brazil, the United States and Canada as well as in the place of its discovery Myanmar.

Scapolite can be used as a talisman against danger and promotes wealth creation and a healthy body and mind.

Sillimanite image Didier Descouens Wikimedia Commons Attribution Share-Alike 2.5 Generic

All About Sunstone

2011-12-05T17:45:00.001Z

Everything in life is seasonal, so the perfect gemstone to wear during the summer months must be the sunstone. Sunstone is not one of the better known semi precious stones but the popularity of this unique and exquisite gemstone has grown since abundant deposits of gem grade sunstone were discovered in Oregon.

So why is sunstone, such a summery gemstone to wear? Well, sunstone has been associated with the actual sun since antiquity, and another name for this semi precious stone is Heliolite, which comes from the Greek word for sun ‘helios’ and the Greek word for stone ‘lithos’. Other names that sunstone is sometimes known as are Goldstone and Aventurine Feldspar. Sunstone has also been associated with the stones that ancient Viking mariners used to navigate great distances over the oceans. This association between sunstones and the the sun continued into medieval times in Europe, and Native Americans in Oregon used to barter and trade using sunstone.

Sunstone - Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

The colour range of sunstone is also light and summery, as they range in hue from palest, transparent yellows through oranges, pinks, greens, reds and reddish browns. Sunstones also can seem to have the sun captured within them, as they glitter and shine with reflected light. This optical effect is known as shiller, and is caused by light playing off particles of either hematite or copper captured within the matrix of the gemstone. This phenomenon is also called aventurescence and sunstone is often cut to emphasise this special sparkle, especially when cut into cabochons, and the rarer gem grade sunstone can be faceted to best display their colour and sparkling light.

So what is sunstone? Sunstone is a type of plagioclase feldspar, and can contain inclusions of either hematite depending on where the semi precious stone was found. Sunstone is formed within the hot, molten lava of a volcano and is erupted out onto the Earth’s surface during basaltic lava flows of some volcanic eruptions. As these lava flows weather or crack, the sunstone crystals are revealed. Sunstone is found in several locations around the globe, including the USA, India, Madagascar, Tibet, Siberia, Tanzania and Southern Norway.

However, these days most gem grade sunstone is extracted in Oregon, where it was named the State Gemstone of Oregon in 1987. It is this sunstone from Oregon that is the only sunstone in the world that contains copper particles, or shiller, as sunstone from other locations contains hematite. Oregon sunstones are beautifully coloured, being deep oranges, reds, yellows and greens, and can even contain between two and four of these different hues.

Sunstone measures between 6.5 – 7.2 on the Mohs Scale for hardness and can be found set in exquisite pendants, earrings and necklaces. Sunstone looks equally beautiful when set in either silver or gold, and there are many exquisite and unique pieces of sunstone jewelry to choose from.

Sunstone is a semi precious stone used in crystal healing and is a gemstone that is worn for protection. It is also a crystal that is worn to promote leadership qualities and to increase optimism and vibrancy. Carry a sunstone if you want a boost to your energy and to find the motivation to start new projects. Sunstone is a gemstone that can help you to manifest your hopes and dreams in the physical world, and because it is such a bright and sunny gemstone, sunstone is also thought to help lift depression and bring good fortune to the wearer.

Sunstone image Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Why Do You Have To Pay So Much For a Diamond?

2011-12-05T17:35:00.001Z

Diamond

If you have been looking for a diamond engagement ring or that special piece of diamond jewelry, you have probably been shocked at how much it costs to buy a fine diamond. They want how much for that sparkly piece of pretty compressed carbon? Sadly, the huge rocks are way out of the price range for most of us, but have you ever asked yourself why diamonds are so expensive?

It’s not as if diamonds are even particularly rare. Huge deposits of diamonds were discovered in the Kimberley region of South Africa in the 19^th century and diamonds are also mined in other parts of Africa, Australia, Russia, Canada, India and the USA. Unfortunately for those of us who love the icy cool elegance of diamonds, nature was not quite as generous when it came to creating gem quality stones, and only around 20% of diamonds make the grade. The other 80% are used in industry, as diamond is one of the world’s hardest natural substances.

However, that still leaves a fairly large number of diamonds coming into circulation in the jewelry trade each year. So what makes a fine gem quality diamond? In the gemstone trade, diamonds are graded by carat, clarity, colour and cut. Carat, clarity and colour are determined by nature as the gemstone is being formed, and the cut is all down to the skill of a diamond cutter. Diamonds are cut to bring out their natural beauty and sparkle, and a skilled diamond cutter can really increase the value of a stone by cutting it to its best advantage.

Another reason why you have to pay so much for a great diamond is that most of the world’s diamonds are controlled by just a few large companies, such as De Beers. These diamond cartels are only too aware that if they flood the market with too many fine gemstones at any one time they will drive the price down. So only a certain quantity of diamonds is fed into the market each year and the rest are stashed in ‘diamond reserves’. There is also a complicated supply chain for diamonds to appear set into jewelry in a shop window, and this costs a lot of money, which drives up the price that a consumer has to pay.

Another reason why diamonds can command so high a price is purely because they are so popular and there is a higher demand for them than for other gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires. But what caused this demand for diamonds? During the mid 20^th century De Beers, a large South African diamond producer, hired the advertising agency N W Ayer & Son to create a marketing campaign. This extremely clever marketing campaign was created around the diamonds themselves, rather than as a brand of De Beers, associating the gemstone with wealth, celebrity and royalty and using strategic product placement. The campaign gave birth to the idea that diamonds were the perfect way to express your romantic love and the ideal gemstones to be set in an engagement ring. The flagging diamond market in the USA was completely revived and new markets created in other countries around the globe.

There are other reasons why diamonds are so popular. One of them is because diamonds are a clear gemstone, they look great when set will all of the other coloured gemstones, such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Another is that because they are so hard, they are a very practical gemstone for daily wear, especially in rings, as they will not chip or crack if they get knocked when doing manual labour.

So now you know why you have to pay so much for your diamond! Your diamond jewelry may be expensive, but as they say ‘diamonds are forever’ and their beauty and sparkle will bring a smile to your face whenever you wear them.

Diamond image Wikimedia Creative Commons Attribution 1.0 Generic

Lab Created Gemstones - What Are Chatham Gemstones?

2011-12-03T17:54:00.001Z

Affordable Lab Created Gemstones

Have you been planning what kind of engagement ring that want since you were a little girl? Or would you like to have a large, perfectly matched pair of emerald earrings? Then maybe you should choose a lab created Chatham gemstone piece of jewelry rather than jewelry set with natural gemstones? Natural gemstones are formed deep in the Earth’s crust, needing huge pressure, the correct temperature and exactly the right combination of chemicals to form. Gemstones also form slowly and can be incredibly rare, being found and mined only in a few scattered sites across the planet. This is why they are so expensive and so sought after, and why you would need millions of dollars to buy large, flawless diamonds, emeralds, rubies or sapphires. However, most of us do not have this kind of money to spend on jewelry, even though we still long for an amazing, sparkling sapphire engagement ring crusted with diamonds or a large ruby pendant set in precious platinum. But luckily for us, these days there is another option; we can buy dazzling, flawless lab created gemstones instead at a fraction of the price of natural gemstones. Lab created gemstones have exactly the same chemical composition as natural gemstones, are just as lustrous and look exactly the same, so much so that only a very experienced gem expert would be able to tell the difference.

What Are Lab Created Gemstones?

Ironically, the main difference between lab created and natural gemstones is that the lab created crystals do not display the same flaws as naturally formed gemstones. A natural diamond, ruby, sapphire or emerald will almost certainly contain some flaws or inclusions. These inclusions are the result of tiny traces of minerals being trapped within the gemstone as it was forming. Lab created gemstones are real gemstones that have been created by man rather than in the earth by nature, but they are a bit like pearls, in that they are cultured and nurtured rather than manufactured or produced. Quite simply, the right environment for a certain gemstone to form is created within a laboratory. The exact amount of heat, pressure and combination of chemicals needed is calculated and regulated by computers and the gemstone is left to grow in this artificially created ideal environment. The time it takes for the gemstone to develop can be anything from a few months to a year depending on which gemstone is being grown. Some gemstones are easier to create than others. Rubies and sapphires are both forms of corundum and are reasonably straight forward to create in the laboratory. Emeralds and aquamarines are both forms of beryl and are more complicated to create, so lab created aquamarines and emeralds tend to be rarer in jewelry and therefore more expensive. There are a couple of techniques used for creating lab created diamonds which are High Pressure High Temperature or Chemical Vapour Deposition. Another advantage of choosing lab created gemstone jewellery is that there is no damage being done to the environment through mining and you are assured that your gemstone has not been linked with any exploitation of local workers, social conflicts or civil wars.

Chatham Gemstones

One of the market leaders in lab created gemstones is Chatham, who pride themselves on the quality of their gemstones and all of the Chatham gemstone jewelry that you buy comes with a lifetime warranty. Also, unlike some natural gemstones, the brilliant colours of Chatham gemstones are totally natural and Chatham gemstones are never treated. The Chatham story began in the 1920s when a young boy called Carroll Chatham put his interest in chemistry to use in trying to create gemstones in a laboratory. He built a laboratory in the garage of his family’s home in San Francisco, and set about replicating the experiments that Henri Moissan had undertaken in the 1890s trying to form diamonds. Moissan had been unsuccessful and so was the young Chatham, a large explosion in his garage laboratory encouraging him to move on to attempting to grow emeralds instead. His experiment with trying to create emeralds spanned many years and eventually he left home and his lab to study at college. He left his emerald growing experiments working away, but one day his father accidentally switched the power off and it was then that the emeralds started to grow. It took Chatham a further three years to perfect the technique of creating emeralds in the laboratory, and he then moved on to sapphires of various colours and alexandrite. However, his dream of creating a diamond eluded him, and it was not until after his death that his son Tom Chatham managed to grow a diamond in 1983.

Finding Chatham Gemstone Jewelry Online

So if you are looking to buy an exquisite piece of Chatham gemstone jewelry, one of the very best places to look is online. Amazon has a great selection of Chatham gemstone jewelry to choose from, so why not have a look today? If you are looking for a unique and beautiful engagement ring, set with a stunningly large gemstone, you will get so much more for your money if you buy a Chatham gemstone engagement ring. Chatham gemstones mean that you really can afford the ‘rock’ that will wow all of your family and friends, and force them to get their sunglasses out! Chatham engagement rings come in a huge variety of styles and different gemstones. You can choose a Chatham ruby, emerald, sapphire or alexandrite set in your choice of your favourite precious metal. Chatham engagement rings come in yellow gold, white gold or even platinum, and many are encrusted with sparkling diamonds, to make you feel just like a princess! You can also buy men’s wedding bands set with Chatham gemstones, so that you can have matching rings on your big day. There is also a wide range of other jewelry set with Chatham gemstones available on Amazon, so you can have those Chatham emerald earrings that you had set your heart on or a beautiful Chatham sapphire pendant at the fraction of the cost of buying natural emeralds or sapphires. So enjoy your shopping for Chatham gemstone jewelry, as you are bound to find the perfect gift, engagement ring or treat for yourself without having to break the bank to buy it.

All About Peridot And Beautiful Peridot Jewelry

2011-12-03T17:33:00.001Z

What Is Peridot?

Peridot is not one of the best known gemstones, but it is a beautiful gem and has a very interesting history. Peridot is a semi-precious gemstone that is slightly unusual because it is found in only one colour, which can range from a vibrant olive green that can contain a glint of gold, through a lighter lime green and sometimes a brownish-green. The depth of the green colour and how much of the gold tinge is present in the peridot is all down to how much iron is present in the iron magnesium silicate that makes up the peridot gemstone. The best quality peridot contains less than 15% iron and traces of chromium and nickel. Peridot is gem quality olivine, and while olivine is a very common mineral, peridot itself is fairly rare. Another unusual fact about peridot is that, unlike most gemstones, it is formed deep in the earth’s crust and not close to the surface. Peridot is created in the hot molten rock and magma of the Earth’s mantle, and is only forced up to ground level by earthquakes and volcanic activity. On the volcanic islands of Hawaii, some of the beaches are strewn with minuscule crystals of peridot that are known as the tears of Pele, the mighty goddess of the volcano. The origins of the name peridot is unclear, but perhaps derives from the French word ‘peritot’ which means shadowy or unclear or perhaps from the Greek word ‘faridat’ that means gem.

Peridot

History of Peridot

Peridot is a gemstone that has been known throughout history and in ancient times it used to be known as chrysolite. In antiquity peridot was mined on an island off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea, which is now known as St John’s Island or Zabargad. The exact whereabouts of the island was forgotten for several hundred years and it was not rediscovered until 1905. The Romans especially prized peridot and called them ‘emerald of the evening’ because the green colour of the gemstone seemed to be deeper and more vivid by lamplight. The medieval Catholic Church also used peridot to adorn many of its shrines and churches as peridot is regarded as a protective gemstone.

Where is Peridot Mined?

These days peridot is found in many parts of the world and gem quality peridot produced in the USA, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, Africa and Australia. The peridot found in Pakistan is known as ‘Kashmir peridot’ and are especially fine gemstones. Kashmir peridot is mined high up in the mountains and the mines can only be worked during the summer season, as during the winter the mountain passes are impassable due to snow. Most of the world’s commercial peridot, around 85% of it, is mined in Arizona. The peridot produced in Arizona is not such high quality as that found in Pakistan and some other countries, but is far more plentiful and is often used when making Native American jewelry. Peridot is also unique because it is sometimes found in meteorites called pallasites. Pallasites are a very rare type of meteorite and so far there are only 61 pallasite falls that are known of throughout the world.

Healing Properties and Mystical Properties of Peridot

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August. August is high summer in the northern hemisphere and this is reflected in the peridot as the green and gold colour reflects the green of the leaves on the trees and the golden warmth of the sun. Peridot was worn as an amulet in ancient times to ward off evil spirits, dispel stress and panic, and to foster true love in relationships. However, it was believed that the peridot needed to be set in gold before it could radiate to its full potential. Peridot promotes emotional balance and calms the nerves. Peridot is a power crystal, and wearing this gemstone can bring you authority and influence in the world. Peridot is a gemstone that works well with citrine to attract money and wealth. If you want to improve your finances try putting a peridot crystal along with a citrine in your purse or money box. For physical afflictions, peridot used to be ground up and given to asthma sufferers or a peridot gemstone was put under the tongue to bring down a fever. It is a gemstone used for physical cleansing and wearing a peridot will help to rejuvenate your internal organs and get your glands functioning perfectly again. It is a good crystal to help you detox after times like Christmas when you have eaten too much rich food, drunk too much alcohol or smoked too many cigarettes as peridot helps to eliminate toxins from your body.

Finding Peridot Jewelry Online

There are some beautiful and unique pieces of peridot jewelry that you can buy today. You can choose a piece of peridot jewelry set in gold to amplify the powers of the gemstone, or a modern, funky piece of peridot jewelry set in cool sterling silver. One of the best places to look for peridot jewelry is online, where there are so many designs and styles of peridot jewelry to choose from. So are you looking for a peridot pendant, necklace, ring, earrings or bracelet? You can also buy some great sets of peridot jewelry, where you can get a matching peridot necklace, peridot earrings and maybe a peridot bracelet or a peridot ring all together. Amazon has a great range of peridot jewelry, so why not have a look today and make your choice? Peridot is a semi precious gemstone, and though large, translucent stones are very expensive especially if they are set in gold or platinum, you will find that there is a great selection of very affordable peridot jewelry available. Peridot jewellery makes a great gift if you have loved ones or friends who adore the shimmering green colour of the gemstone or who have an August birthday, so that peridot is their birthstone. So if you love peridot, maybe you will be lucky enough to find some exquisite peridot jewelry under the Christmas tree this year or given to you as a Valentine’s Day gift. So start dropping the hints now!

Image Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

The Hope Diamond – Is It Cursed?

2011-12-02T18:33:00.001Z

Can Diamonds Be Cursed?

Do you believe that a famous diamond could be cursed? Or is it the case that spreading stories that a diamond is cursed makes good financial sense and pushes up its value? The Hope Diamond is perhaps the world’s most famous diamond and also the world’s most valuable diamond, and there are many sinister stories of death and financial ruin surrounding this fabulous deep blue precious stone. The Hope Diamond is currently on display in the United States at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, DC and it is an extremely large deep blue diamond weighing 45.53 carats. Coloured diamonds, also known as fancy diamonds, are not that rare, but not only is the Hope Diamond a very big gemstone but it uniquely displays a deep blood red phosphorescence after it has been exposed to an ultraviolet light source. The rich blue colour of the Hope Diamond is caused by tiny quantities of boron impurities in its crystal structure and it is classified as a Type IIb diamond as it contains little or no nitrogen impurities.

The Hope Diamond Was Recut from the Tavernier Blue and the French Blue

But how does such a dazzling blue diamond acquire the reputation of being cursed? Stories circulated in High Society and several newspapers in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries suggested that the Hope Diamond had once been set as one of the eyes of an ancient idol in a Hindu temple in India. This jewelled eye was reputedly ripped from the face of the idol by a character called Jean-Baptist Tavernier, unleashing a curse bringing death and misfortune on anyone who ever owned the Hope Diamond or even just touched it. According to the legend, Tavernier subsequently died of a burning fever and suffered the indignity of his corpse being ripped apart by wolves. Unfortunately for those who want to believe in the Hope diamond curse, Tavernier actually lived to the ripe old age of 84!

The Hope Diamond

It is known that Tavernier was at one time in possession of a fabulous blue diamond, which was then called the Tavernier Blue Diamond. This blue diamond is included in a book of sketches of diamonds that he sold to the French King Louis XIV in 1669, but there are no references to where Tavernier had picked up the diamond, although it was likely to have been on one of his voyages to India between 1640 and 1667. Louis XIV bought the Tavernier Blue and it also seems that Tavernier acquired his patent of nobility in the deal. The blue diamond was recut and became known as the Blue Diamond of the Crown of France, or the French Blue. The French Blue remained in the French Crown Jewels, first set into a cravat pin and then becoming part of the pendant designed for the Order of the Golden Fleece. Several members of the French Royal Family and the French Court were supposed to have been led to their downfall by having had contact with the French Blue, including the French King’s mistress Athenais de Montespan, the Finance Minister Nicholas Fouquet, the tragic Princesse de Lamballe who was hacked to death by the mob during the French Revolution. The French Blue has also been implicated in the fall of the French monarchy and the guillotining of Queen Marie Antoinette and her husband King Louis XVI.

The French Revolution and the Hope Diamond Resurfaces in England

During the French Revolution in 1792 a mob broke into the Tuileries Palace where the French Blue was being kept and stole most of the French Crown Jewels. Most of these jewels were later recovered, but the French Blue was lost to history and only resurfaced after it had once more been recut into the blue diamond that we know today. In fact, it was only supposition that the Hope Diamond had been cut from the French blue, until a three-dimensional lead model of the French Blue was found in the archives of the French Natural History Museum, showing how the Hope Diamond could have been cut from it. There are various theories about who stole the French Blue and why, but the first record of what was now the Hope Diamond is in 1812 when an exquisite deep blue diamond the same shape, colour and size as the Hope Diamond was noted as being in the possession of the London diamond merchant Daniel Eliason. It is thought that the fabulous blue diamond then briefly belonged to King George IV of England, but the precious stone was not retained as part of the British Crown Jewels. It has to be noted that George IV did not suffer any terrible fate from his ownership of the Hope Diamond, and any of his problems in life were largely self-inflicted!

The Hope Diamond then disappears from view again until it appears in 1839 in the published catalogue of Henry Philip Hope, a member of a prominent Anglo-Dutch banking family. It was the Hope family who gave the famous, cursed diamond its current name, and ownership of this diamond is said to have wrecked the family fortunes. Henry Philip Hope unfortunately died in the same year that the catalogue was published and left his three nephews to squabble over his unique jewel collection for the best part of a decade. Eventually his oldest nephew Henry Thomas Hope got his hands on eight of the most valuable gemstones from the collection, including the Hope Diamond.

The Hope family blue usually kept the famous diamond in a bank vault, but it was displayed to the public in 1851 at the Great Exhibition in London, and in 1855 at the Paris Exhibition Universelle. Although owning the Hope Diamond was said to have ruined the Hope family’s fortunes, it was really more a very ordinary case of financial profligacy and gambling. The Hope Diamond was bequeathed to Henry’s wife Anne Adele on his death, who in turn left it to her younger grandson Lord Francis Hope. Lord Francis only held the diamond in trust though, and when his gambling debts and extravagance finally caught up with him, he had to apply to the Courts in 1898 for permission to sell the Hope Diamond to stave off his creditors. The Hope Diamond then passed through several hands in a few short years as Francis Hope sold the Hope Diamond to a London jewel merchant called Adolph Weil for £29,000, who then sold it on to the diamond merchant Simon Frankel. The curse of the Hope Diamond was supposedly behind Frankel going bankrupt, and also for the insanity and suicide of another diamond merchant who handled the precious stone called Jacques Colot. In 1908 Frankel sold the diamond to Salomon Habib for $400,000, ostensibly for the Turkish Sultan, but the blue diamond was included in a sale of Habib’s assets to repay his debts in 1909. This time the diamond was bought by a Parisian gemstone merchant called Simon Rosenau, who then passed the diamond onto Pierre Cartier in 1910 for 550,000 francs.

Pierre Cartier was quite creative in his marketing of the Hope Diamond as he had the precious stone reset into a necklace that was a more modern design and then is credited with spreading some lurid tales about the curse of the diamond. This led Cartier to selling the Hope Diamond to the US socialite Evalyn Walsh Mclean. Evalyn wore her famous diamond to every Society bash that she could, but still managed to live until 1947. She bequeathed the Hope Diamond to her grandchildren, but the stone had to be sold in 1949 to New York diamond merchant Harry Winston to pay off her debts, so maybe the curse had gotten her eventually and brought about her financial downfall? Harry Winston exhibited the Hope Diamond pendant to the US public in his ‘Court of Jewels’ and eventually donated the blue diamond to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1958, where it still resides today.

So do you think that the Hope Diamond is cursed? Personally I think that the stories of the curse were a very clever marketing strategy, designed to add to the mystique and glamour of the blue diamond and thereby driving its price up. But you never know, and perhaps the best place for the Hope Diamond to be kept is in a national museum, where it will never worn or owned by a private individual ever again!

Image David Bjorgen Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported

All About Jewelry Boxes and Music Boxes

2011-12-02T17:58:00.001Z

Jewelry Boxes and Music Boxes

My love affair with jewelry boxes and musical boxes started when I was a child when my father brought me a black and red lacquered musical box back from the Far East to keep my bits of jewelry and childhood treasures in. When opened the music box was padded with pink satin and had a diminutive ballerina that would twirl and dance to the tinkling tune that the box played. I would wind that musical box up time after time so that I could listen to the tune and watch the ballerina dance. Now as an adult it is just as important to me to have somewhere where I can store my jewelry securely and keep it tidy and untangled. And if I can be fortunate enough to own a really beautiful jewellery box or a musical box that plays a pretty tune, so much the better. Luckily these days there is a huge selection of jewelry boxes and musical boxes to choose from. You can still buy the traditional musical boxes that you wind up and with a dancing ballerina, you can buy large jewelry armoires or jewelry towers if you have lots of jewels to store away, you can choose elaborately carved wood jewelry boxes, suede jewelry boxes and, if you are pressed for space, hanging jewelry organizers and jewelry pouches.

History of Musical Boxes

We humans have been wearing jewelry since prehistory, and there have been some exquisite boxes excavated from ancient tombs that were used for keeping jewelry in, such as those found in the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamen. The musical element to jewelry boxes did not come along until the end of the 18^th century when the very first musical boxes were made using metal plates. In the early 19^th century music boxes started to be produced using cylinders to create the tune instead of metal plates and the centre of the music box industry was in Switzerland, with the founding of the first music box factory by Jérémie Recordon and Samuel Junod in 1815. In 1862 Paillard invented a method where the cyclinder could be removed from the music box and replaced with a different cylinder that could play another tune. Since the beginning of the 20^th century, music boxes have increasingly been mass produced and now there are many designs of inexpensive windup music boxes available to buy.

Kids Musical Boxes and Jewelry Boxes

All little girls love having somewhere to keep their trinkets and jewelry, so will love to be given a pretty jewelry box as a gift. They also love pink, fairies, ballerinas and glitter, so luckily there are some really cute kid’s jewelry boxes that you can buy. Cartoon and TV characters are very popular with kids these days, so you will be pleased to know that you can buy a musical jewelry box with her favourite Disney Princess or the iconic Hello Kitty on it. Disney Princess musical jewelry boxes open up to reveal a favourite Disney Princess twirling around in place of the ballerina and your child will be enchanted to watch her dance as the music plays. If Hello Kitty is your little girl’s best-loved character, you can buy an adorable pink Hello Kitty musical jewelry box that has ample space for all those jewels, a mirror on the inside of the lid so that she can admire yourself in her trinkets and a Hello Kitty figurine that rotates with the music. There is also an enchanting range of fairy jewelry boxes ranging from pottery fairy jewelry holders to large fairy music boxes with several draws for her to store her jewellery in.

Ladies Jewelry Boxes

Now if you are a lady who is lucky enough to own a lot of jewelry, you will need to have a very large jewelry box to keep it all in! The choice that you have in jewelry boxes is huge and ranges from small trinket boxes to elaborate jewelry boxes that have many drawers and compartments. Jewelry boxes also come in lots of different colours and materials. So why not have a look at a cherry wood jewelry box with top compartments, divided sections and ivory suede interior, mirror and a tune that plays? Or if black leather matches your style better, there is a really huge black leather jewellery box that has lots of drawers, necklace hooks, compartments and is designed to also act as a travelling jewelry case with a lock. If space is an issue in your home, there are hanging jewelry organizers with lots of different pockets that you can hang in your closet, securely out of the way. Also, if you wear a lot of rings, you can buy special ring display storage boxes, and there are also special watch display and earring display boxes. If you are lucky enough to travel a lot, why not treat yourself to a fabric jewelry roll, that is very light and will not take up very much space in your luggage?

Jewelry Boxes and Musical Jewelry Boxes Online

If you are looking to buy a jewelry box or musical box, the very best place to find one is online. Jewelry boxes make great gifts, so if you are looking for a present that is both beautiful and practical, shop online today. Amazon has a great selection of jewelry boxes for you to choose from, so have a look today and find the perfect jewelry box for you.

Looking For A Black Gemstone? Obsidian and Obsidian Jewelry

2011-12-01T13:41:00.001Z

What Is Obsidian?

Have you ever seen a piece of beautiful black obsidian jewelry? When it comes to jewelry, there are very few gemstones that are naturally black. You can get some stunning black diamonds, but they will cost you a lot of money, so if you want to find some affordable black gemstone jewelry, then why not choose obsidian? If you are not familiar with obsidian, you will not know that this softly gleaming, silky black stone is actually a form of volcanic glass. Obsidian is formed when felsic lava is erupted from a volcano and is cooled down so quickly that a crystalline structure does not have time to form. This gives obsidian a glassy uniform texture that is fairly brittle and can be broken with a conchoidal fracture, like flint. Obsidian is commonly found along the margins of lava flows, and these flows are known as obsidian flows. On the whole obsidian is an extrusive stone, which means that it mainly forms above the surface of the Earth, and is similar in composition to granite or rhyolite. Obsidian is not a hard gemstone and measures 5 on the Mohs scales, meaning that it can easily be scratched or chipped. So obsidian jewelry should not be worn if you are doing physical work, where it might take a heavy knock or blow.

Where In The World Is Obsidian Found?

As obsidian is associated with volcanic eruption, it can be found in those parts of the world where rhyolitic eruptions have occurred in the past. So there are sources of obsidian in Armenia, Canada, Greece, Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Azerbaijan, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Kenya, Japan, Scotland and the USA. All the obsidian found in the US comes from the west, as there has been no recent enough volcanic activity east of the Mississippi. Because obsidian weathers rapidly or can be easily destroyed by heat or other environmental damage, it is rare to find obsidian that is older than a few million years old. The vast majority of the obsidian that is utilised in the jewelry trade comes from the US, and obsidian is found in California, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.

Rainbow Obsidian

Why Is Obsidian Black?

Once in a blue moon you will come across a nearly colourless obsidian stone, but the colour that we most associate with obsidian is undoubtedly black and most pure obsidian stones are usually very dark in colour. What varies the colour of obsidian is the presence of impurities, an example being that the presence of iron and magnesium gives obsidian a darkish green to brown color. You can also find very attractive obsidian stones that contain inclusions of small, white cristobalite crystals in a radial pattern. Because these inclusions form a snowflake pattern, these pretty stones are known as snowflake obsidian. You can also find sheen obsidian and rainbow obsidian, which are created when gas bubbles form patterns along layers that were created when the molten lava was flowing before the rapid cooling took place.

Obsidian in History

Obsidian has played an important part in human history and has been prized and utilised since prehistoric times. Because obsidian lacks a crystalline structure, it was easy to knap into very fine, sharp blades by prehistoric man. It was also used to manufacture arrow heads, scrapers and spear heads. Obsidian artefacts could also be some of the very first things in human history to be produced in a factory environment, as there have been prehistoric site excavated where literally tons of obsidian flakes have been unearthed. Such is abundance of this material at some sites, that archaeologists believe that there would had to have been many skilled workers labouring for many years to create it.

Obsidian supposedly gets its name from a man called Obsius who found a very similar stone in Ethiopia and Pliny also mentions volcanic glass called ‘Obsidianus’ in his famous ‘Natural History’. Ancient obsidian was obtained from several sources, and the prehistoric Mesopotamians used obsidian from Turkey for their knife blades, and the Ancient Egyptians utilised obsidian from the south Red Sea areas and the eastern Mediterranean. Obsidian was very widely used in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, where it was carved into exquisite decorative objects, weapons and tools. They used to manufacture a type of sword called a macuahitl which was a wooden club that had cuts made into the side where pieces of sharpened were placed. This weapon could inflict terrible wounds, as it combined the ragged cuts of a serrated edge and the deep cuts of a sharp cutting edge. The trade of obsidian in the ancient world was extensive, and, interestingly, archaeologists can even identify from which volcano or even which volcanic eruption a piece of obsidian came from.

Modern Uses of Obsidian

The use of obsidian has carried on until modern times, as obsidian has often been used to make surgical blades, as an expertly produced obsidian blade has a cutting edge that is a lot sharper than that of a top quality steel scalpel. One study that was undertaken has even shown that surgical incisions made with obsidian blades left narrower scars, and led to the formation of fewer inflammatory cells, and not so much granulation tissue in group of laboratory rats. Obsidian is still popular today for decorative ornaments and is used as a gemstone in making jewelry.

Obsidian As A Healing Crystal

Obsidian is very widely used in crystal healing. On the physical level obsidian can help to relieve the pain of arthritis, ease joint problems and soothe cramps. It is also a useful crystal to use if you suffer from digestive ailments. Obsidian is a stone of protection, and is thought to be able absorb any negative energies from the environment around you. It will guard you against negativity and ill-will from others, but can bring any raw emotions or deeply repressed hurt and anger very quickly to the surface, so make sure that you are ready and prepared to process them if you choose to wear obsidian. Because it readily absorbs negative energy, you should cleanse your obsidian stones regularly by placing them under running water.

Finding Great Obsidian Jewelry Online

So know that you know all about obsidian, where would you go to buy some great obsidian jewelry. The smooth blackness of obsidian the perfect compliment to softly gleaming sterling silver, and you can choose from great obsidian pendants, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. One of the very best places to look for beautiful obsidian jewelry is online, as that is where you will find the biggest selection. Amazon has a superb range of obsidian jewelry, so why not have a browse through their amazing range today, and find that perfect piece of obsidian jewelry for you.

Image Mila Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic

Could You Have A Royal Jewel Sitting At The Back Of The Drawer?

2011-12-01T12:30:00.001Z

We all tend to collect knick knacks and bits and pieces of junk jewelry as we go through life, that tend to get chucked into the back of a drawer and forgotten. Well maybe it is time to do a tidy up and get some of that junk costume jewelry valued, as a woman from England has recently discovered that a sparkly pink brooch that she let her young daughter use when she played dress up was actually a valuable piece of antique jewelry that may have belonged to a member of the Russian Imperial Family.

This lucky lady had bought the rectangular shaped brooch set with a brownish-pink stone and surround by faux diamonds in a junk shop for £20. She never really wore it, but it became a favourite plaything of her daughter’s who used to wear it pinned to her dress up costumes. When she was having her engagement ring valued as she was going to get it insured, the jeweller noticed the brooch and carefully examined it. The jeweller tested the twenty seven clear crystals set around the central stone, and to the lady’s amazement said that they were all fine quality diamonds. The jeweller was of the opinion that the large pink stone in the centre of the brooch had to be glass as it was so flawless and not a typical colour, but the brooch’s owner who was by now thoroughly intrigued, sent pictures of the old brooch to the jewelry department at Bonhams in London.

Imperial Topaz

To her surprise, Bonhams asked her to bring the brooch in for valuation and they told her that the large, central gemstone was in fact a flawless 20 carat imperial topaz. This deep pink hue is rare in topaz and was once only worn only by the Russian Royal Family, hence its designation ‘imperial’ topaz. Bonhams valued the rare imperial topaz brooch as being worth £3,000 - £4,000 and it is being sent for auction where it is expected to raise much more than that. Not bad for a brooch that cost twenty quid, and I don’t suppose that many people manage to buy imperial topaz for £1 a carat?

So how can you tell if your pieces of old jewelry are truly junk or really valuable? You could take them to a jeweller who does valuations, but have a look at the gemstones first. If they look clear and unscratched they could be the real thing, as imitation stones are much softer than real gemstones so they can scratch easily, wear badly and have a dull appearance. Imitation gemstones genuinely do not flash the fire and sparkle of the real thing!

So have a look through your jewelry box today and scour the backs of those drawers , as you may just be in possession of a piece of priceless jewelry that was once worn by a princess and could change your life forever!

Image Rob Lavinsky - irocks Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 Unported