A couple of years ago, while I was attending the JOGS Gem Show in Tucson, I happened upon a supplier from Madagascar. This supplier was showcasing primarily large raw stones. They were to be used for display in a home or office. In the corner of one of the displays were scattered some gorgeous cabochons. When I inquired I was told these were polychrome jasper gems. I love the … [Read more...]
Romancing the Ring
Wearing rings of any size or shape is so much fun, don't you agree? Rings have been found in tombs dating back to 2500 BC. Many cultures fashioned their rings from stone. Others used metal and added gemstones. Sound familiar? One of the favorite designs for the Ancient Romans was a thick hoop that had an gemstone embedded right into the metal. This flush design is still … [Read more...]
Red Creek Jasper Love
The perfect gemstone colors for fall, don't you agree? I discovered this gem a few years ago while shopping at the Tucson Gem show. Instant love! The color range includes hunter green, bright orange, burgundy red, caramel , and soft yellow. This provides me with endless design options. Red creek jasper is also known as Cherry Creek Jasper. The gem hails from Mainland … [Read more...]
What is a Geode?
Geodes are one of nature's finest gifts to us. Officially a geode is defined as a rounded stone with a hollow center that is lined with crystals. The word geode comes from the Greek 'geodis' meaning earthy or earth-like. So how do these crystals form? First keep in mind that this process may take thousands of years.. or longer. Basically water or mud gets inside a hollow rock … [Read more...]
Howlite: the great pretender.
[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img] Howlite is a beautiful white gemstone with black veins or inclusions. I call it the great pretender because some (not so reputable) dealers dye it and sell as turquoise, coral or lapis. It has also been mistakenly marketed as white turquoise. Howlite is a very porous stone. This is one reason these fakes can be created. Mostly the suppliers in … [Read more...]
