Do you love jasper as much as I do? Jasper is a variety of quartz found on every continent on earth. It is known as the nurturing stone. Because this gorgeous stone contains takes on many impurities during it's formation, the gem is always opaque. It's good to note that the impurities are what create the spectacular colors and designs! [tweet_box design="box_02" … [Read more...]
Turquoise Gemstone: Legends and Fascinating Facts
Turquoise is one of my favorite gemstones. The blues and greens are so vibrant. I design[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img] in both silver and copper. Did you know? Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate mineral. It has a hardness of 5 to 6. This means it can tend to be brittle if not stabilized for strength. You may notice a black backing on some turquoise cabochons. … [Read more...]
Amethyst; My All-Time Favorite Gemstone
I love amethyst. As far back as I can remember I have ALWAYS loved this gem. Before beginning my Jewelry Design Career, I purchased amethyst creations from other artisans. I still wear several of the pieces today. The rich purple in this gem is intoxicating. This Geode showcases the gem perfectly. My personal collection includes 4 amethyst geodes in varying sizes. While … [Read more...]
I am Crazy About Cabochons!
I know what you are thinking now... What IS a cabochon and why would someone be crazy about them? [tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Here's the simple answer to both those questions. A cabochon is a gemstone that is highly polished, raised and rounded but not faceted. It features a flat bottom. The word is derived from the middle French 'caboche' meaning head. Now for the other … [Read more...]
Vibrant Malachite: Legends and Fascinating Tidbits
Malachite is the rich deep green gemstone that is often seen in Southwestern Designs. It is always found mined with copper.... which is why you often find malachite settings in copper. The two are just meant for each other. Malachite is derived from the Greek malakos, meaning soft. This gemstone is one of the softer stones so it needs to be set into pieces that won't … [Read more...]