Ever wondered why gemstones have captivated human fascination for centuries? Dive into the enchanting world of smoky quartz, a gem that’s not only visually stunning but also steeped in mystery and folklore. I have recently started working with this gem and find it fascinating.

This beautiful faceted gem is quite abundant. It is mined in many locations around the globe. We find it here in the USA, in regions of Africa and Brazil.

Color Variations

When it comes to determining the value of smoky quartz, several factors come into play. Color intensity is a key consideration, with deeper shades of brown commanding higher prices. Clarity also plays a significant role, with fewer inclusions equating to a more valuable gem. Additionally, the size of the smoky quartz crystal can influence its price, with larger specimens often fetching higher amounts.

Smoky quartz isn’t confined to just one shade of brown. In fact, this captivating gemstone exhibits a broad spectrum of colors, ranging from pale tan and golden hues to deep charcoal and even black tones. Each variation in color offers a unique appeal especially to those who design using this gem.

These earrings shown below feature the deeper brown variation. I adore the way they sparkle and enhance the fine silver finish.

Affordability Compared to Other Gemstones: Comparing its affordability to other gemstones.

One of the most appealing aspects of smoky quartz is its affordability compared to other gemstones. Even other quartz varieties such as amethyst tend to be more valued. While smoky quartz boasts a stunning appearance and metaphysical properties, it remains relatively budget-friendly. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for those seeking a striking gemstone at a reasonable price.

Embrace the allure of smoky quartz, knowing that its beauty and mystique are not reserved for the elite but are readily available for all to enjoy.

Causes of Color Variations

The captivating colors of smoky quartz are a result of various factors that influence its appearance. Natural irradiation, a process where the gemstone is exposed to radiation over time, plays a significant role in creating the distinctive shades of smoky quartz. Additionally, the presence of trace elements and impurities in the crystal structure can also contribute to color variations, adding depth and character to each unique piece.

Is this gem fragile or sturdy?

Smoky Quartz, often misunderstood as fragile, actually possesses remarkable durability, ranking 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Many people mistakenly believe Smoky Quartz to be delicate due to its transparent appearance. However, this gemstone is far from fragile. Smoky Quartz is a sturdy stone that can withstand daily wear and tear with ease. Its robust nature makes it an excellent choice for jewelry pieces that are meant to be worn regularly.

With a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, Smoky Quartz is considered relatively hard compared to other gemstones. This hardness level indicates its resistance to scratches and abrasions, ensuring that your Smoky Quartz jewelry remains beautiful and intact even with frequent use. Its durability makes it a practical and long-lasting gemstone option.

Unlike some gemstones that may lose their hue over time, smoky quartz maintains its color vibrancy exceptionally well. The color intensity of smoky quartz is usually resistant to fading, allowing you to enjoy its natural beauty for an extended period.

Jewelry Designs with Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz’s durability and toughness make it ideal for a wide range of jewelry designs. From statement rings to elegant necklaces, Smoky Quartz can elevate any piece with its warm, earthy hues and durability. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or adding a touch of elegance to your daily ensemble, Smoky Quartz jewelry is a versatile and stylish choice that can effortlessly transition from day to night.

As I continue to work with this gem, I find more and more complementary gems to included with the design. Moonstone is one of my go-to gems and it blends nicely with the deep rich brown tones in smoky quartz. Another favorite is tiger eye. Moving forward, watch for more designs using pink opal, rose quartz, garnet and aquamarine. So many options… so little time!

Historical and Cultural Significance

Throughout history, smoky quartz has held a place of significance in various cultures around the world. In ancient times, this gemstone was believed to possess protective properties, warding off negative energies and promoting clarity of thought. Its smoky color was associated with grounding and stability, making it a sought-after talisman for those seeking balance and strength.

In many cultures, smoky quartz was revered for its connection to the earth and the spirit realm. This gemstone was often used in rituals and ceremonies to honor ancestors and seek guidance from the divine. Its rich symbolism and deep-rooted meaning made it a cherished gemstone among spiritual practitioners and healers.

As we unravel the multifaceted nature of smoky quartz, it becomes apparent that its beauty extends far beyond its metaphysical allure. Through its versatility in jewelry and decorative objects, as well as its rich historical and cultural significance, smoky quartz continues to captivate hearts and minds, embodying a timeless elegance that transcends boundaries.

Proper Care and Storage

To safeguard the color integrity of your smoky quartz, proper care and storage are crucial. When not adorning your jewelry, store your smoky quartz pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent unnecessary exposure to light. Additionally, avoiding prolonged contact with harsh chemicals helps maintain the gemstone’s luster. A gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap can keep your smoky quartz looking its best.

While smoky quartz is relatively resistant to color fading, certain factors can impact its hue over time. Exposure to excessive heat or prolonged sunlight may gradually alter the gemstone’s color intensity. To mitigate these effects, it’s advisable to shield your smoky quartz jewelry from extreme temperatures and harsh light

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The post Smoky Quartz; Myths and Fascinating Facts appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Amethyst, with its enchanting hue and mystical allure, has captivated the hearts of many throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day crystal enthusiasts, the purple gemstone continues to be revered for its beauty and spiritual properties.

What is Amethyst?

Amethyst, a deep purple gemstone is a variety of quartz. it’s a 7.5 hardness on the Mohs scale, making it perfect for jewelry designs! Its color is due to trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure.

Amethyst derives its name from the Greek word “amethystos,” which translates to “not drunk.” Ancient Greeks believed that drinking from a cup made of amethyst prevented intoxication. This crystal is valued for its gorgeous violet to deep purple shades, ranging from delicate lilac to rich royal hues.

The Stunning Colors of Amethyst

Imagine a spectrum of captivating purples, ranging from delicate shades of pale lavender to rich tones of deep violet. Just like a painter’s palette, amethyst showcases an exquisite range of purple hues that literally scream elegance.

Picture the soft whisper of a pale lavender amethyst, akin to a gentle breeze on a summer evening. Delicate and ethereal, this light hue exudes a sense of tranquility and calm. Moving along the spectrum, encounter the regal deep violet amethyst, reminiscent of twilight skies painted with bold strokes of color. Each shade tells a unique story, adding depth and allure to the gemstone.

Value of the Different Hues

In the world of gemstones, the rarity and uniqueness of color play a significant role in determining value. Deep, saturated violet hues are highly prized for their striking beauty and scarcity, commanding attention and admiration. On the other hand, lighter shades of lavender possess a delicate charm, appealing to those who appreciate subtle elegance. Ideally the deeper, richer purples are more valued.

Here are the factors involved in determining quality.

• Color: The primary determinant of amethyst quality is its color. Deep and vibrant purples with a reddish tint are highly sought after, while pale or washed-out hues are considered lower in quality.
• Clarity: The clarity of amethyst refers to the presence of inclusions or imperfections within the gemstone. Higher quality amethyst will have fewer inclusions, enhancing its brilliance.
• Cut: The cut of amethyst plays a significant role in its overall beauty. Well-cut amethyst reflects light effectively, showcasing its color and clarity.
• Carat Weight: Larger amethyst stones are rarer and command higher prices, especially when combined with excellent color and clarity.

Amethyst Mining and Sources

Mining for amethyst, a precious gemstone, takes place in various locations globally, each with its unique characteristics and challenges.

Amethyst is predominantly mined in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Russia. Brazil stands out as one of the primary sources, known for its vast amethyst deposits and high-quality crystals. The rich purple hues of Brazilian amethyst attract gem enthusiasts worldwide. Zambia’s Mwinilunga region is renowned for deep-colored amethyst clusters, adding diversity to the gem market. Russian amethyst mines offer exceptional crystal formations, coveted for their unique aesthetics.

My designs feature primarily Amethyst from Uruguay and Zambia.

A Bit of Amethyst History

Throughout history, amethyst was prized by civilizations for its royal purple hue and association with luxury. Ancient Egyptians used amethyst in their jewelry and burial rites, believing it to offer protection in the afterlife. The Greeks revered amethyst, linking it to sobriety and wisdom. In medieval Europe, clergy wore amethyst to symbolize piety and spiritual clarity.

Amethyst is renowned for its healing properties and ability to promote emotional balance and spiritual growth. It is believed to purify the mind and clear negative energies, fostering a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Many view amethyst as a protective stone that enhances intuition and spiritual awareness, making it a popular choice for meditation and psychic development.

Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst jewelry is not only stunning but also holds significant meaning and history. From ancient times to modern fashion trends, amethyst has been a highly cherished gemstone for its mesmerizing violet hues and metaphysical properties. Let’s delve into the world of amethyst jewelry and its ornamental uses.

I LOVE working with this gem. Not only am I drawn to the rich colors, but I love the way it complements other gems. I work with moonstone, coral, charoite, carnelian citrine and many others when deisgning my amethyst creations.

Caring for Amethyst Jewelry

To keep your amethyst jewelry sparkling, it is essential to care for it properly. Avoid exposing amethyst to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as it can damage the gemstone. To clean amethyst jewelry, gently scrub with a soft brush and mild soap to maintain its luster and beauty. Store your amethyst pieces separately to prevent scratching and damage.

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The post The Mystique of Amethyst: Nature’s Vibrant Gemstone appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

My bead collection is a vital part of my design business. Over these many years I have purchased a variety of gems. In the early years I bought whatever was bright and beautiful and did not give much thought to the type of gem, the quality of the gem or the origin of the gems. Let’s just say I have learned a LOT over the past years. Most of the those early finds are long gone. Now When I attend the gem shows, or search product online, I am more discerning. Like any other business person, I learn from my earlier errors!

Natural Turquoise and Amethyst Collection

The image above shows you my current beads of natural turquoise and amethyst. These are two of my favorite gems to work with. The turquoise is all natural and most of it is from the Sonoran mines in Mexico. I still hang on to a few of the turquoise chips and believe they are from a Chinese mine.

Amethyst beads are labeled as AA, A or B grade quality. Many of mine shown in the image are AA grade. the rest are A grade. The main difference in the quality is the deep color and the clarity. Each of my designs is created to be worn for many years and then passed down to future generations. So I want the best quality gems that will withstand the wear and time.

Other gemstone beads in my collection

I should mention that this box of amethyst and turquoise has companion boxes of other types of beads.

Overall I have 6 such cases comprised of malachite, peridot, azurite, tiger eye, red creek jasper, picture jasper, rhodochrosite, moonstone, rose quartz, coral, amber and cultured pearls.

One whole case is filled with onyx and hematite. I think I might have overdone the purchasing of these particular gems! Many of the hematite gems are heart shaped and are just waiting for my inspiration on how to design with them.

I forgot to mention amber! About a year ago I got the chance to purchase some free-form Baltic amber beads. Not one to pass up on such an opportunity, I now have several hundred amber beads! By now you might wonder if I am obsessed with gems. I am proud to admit that you are right.

Some days I wonder if all these are necessary. Then I will be working on a design and realize that I have so many options to create the perfect pair of earrings or ring. It is all worth it!

Cabochons are for another post

Most of my work uses cabochons in the design process. These are flat backed gems that require a bezel to adhere them to metal. This collection is enormous. Perhaps a future blog will highlight these gems. Stay Tuned!

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The post A peek at my Beads Collection appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

This rich purple gemstone has been revered for centuries. it is considered the color of royalty. However, there are fascinating facts about this gem that you might not know!

How did amethyst get it’s name and where DOES the purple color come from?

It’s name comes from the Greek amethustos meaning ‘not drunk’. it was believed that if you drink from

a vessel made from amethyst or wore amethyst you were immune to drunkeness.

This quartz gem gets it’s color from iron. The more iron.. the darker the color.

Does it like the sun?

Amethyst does NOT like intense sunlight for long periods of time. For instance, If you plan to swim or get a suntan, leave the amethyst at home. This gem fades and turns yellowish in prolonged sunlight. Disreputable sellers will heat irradiate amethyst and sell it as citrine.

How large are amethyst geodes

A geode is as small as shown in the ring image above. BUT it also can be VERY VERY large. the largest amethyst geode found weighs 28,660 pounds. It is 9 ft 10″ long, 5 ft 10″ wide and 7 ft 2″ high. Currently is on display in the Shandong Tianyu Museum of Natural History in Shandong, China.

Is amethyst a durable gem?

Yes, amethyst is 7.5 hardness on the Mohs scale. As a result amethyst is one of the harder gems and quite durable. It can be worn in rings as well as cuffs, earrings or pendants. Keep in mind though that the amethyst geode consists of tiny crystals that break off easily. Moreover the geode, if worn in a ring or cuff, must be well protected with a bezel surrounding it.

“Amethyst dissipates evil thoughts and quickens the intelligence” Leonardo Da Vinci

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The post Do you know this about amethyst! appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Most of us are familiar with this vibrant and gorgeous purple gem. Those lucky folk who are born in February get to call it their birthstone. I bet though there are lots of fascinating facts about amethyst that you do NOT know! I am here to share some of these tidbits with you now.

Where does the purple color come from and Where is it found?

Amethyst is a variety of quartz. The purple color comes from the iron in the stone. The more iron it contains, the deeper the purple color is. This gem is mined in many locations around the globe. Right here in Arizona is one of the premier mines called the 4 Peaks Mine. The finest and deepest colored amethyst is also found in Uruguay and Brazil.

How did amethyst get it’s name?

The name comes from the Greek ‘amethustos’ meaning not drunk. It was believed that if you drank from a vessel made of amethyst.. or wore amethyst.. you were immune to drunkenness’. Oh how I wish this was really true!!

Is this gem durable? How large can an amethyst geode be?

The answer is YES, this gem is quite durable and hard. It registers 7.5 on the mohs scale. To put this in perspective let me tell you that a diamond is the hardest gem and it registers 10 on the mohs scale. All quartz such as amethyst are 7.5 and considered quite hard. Keep in mind though that amethyst geodes like the one pictured in this blog have lots of fragile and pointy sections. These will break off quite easily depending upon their size.

The largest amethyst geode weights 28,660 pounds and is 9 feet 10″ long, 5 feet 10″wide and 7 feet 2″ high. It is displayed in Shandong Tianyu Museum of Natural History in Shandong, China.

Now you know so much more about amethyst! I will close with this famous quote.

“Amethyst dissipates evil thoughts and quickens the intelligence” Leonardo Da Vinci.

Follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

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The post Did you Know this about Amethyst? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yes I confess. I am a gemstone and rock junkie. It started out slowly. I began designing jewelry using copper and sterling. Right away I knew that gemstones were going to be part of the designs. In the beginning I learned about a few basic stones and used them exclusively. Amethyst, malachite, turquoise, tigers eye, sodalite, rhodochrosite and picture jasper adorned most of my earlier designs.

Every year I attend the Tucson Gems Shows, I make it a practice to add at least one new gem to my arsenal. As a result, along came red creek jasper, polychrome jasper, serpentine, jade, druzy quartz, coral (ok not technically a stone but still a staple in many designs), onyx, sardonyx, charoite, amethyst geodes and probably a few more that have slipped my mind! Each time I discover a new gem, I research it to find out more about where they are mined and some of the history and legends behind each gem. As a result, many of these are featured in my YouTube channel.

Fast forward to today and my life with gemstones is exploding! I realize now that even though I knew a little about gems and rocks, I was only taking baby steps in this arena.

Today I continue to add new gems and yes RAW rocks to my collection. Because many of these gems are new to me I continue to learn . It turns out there are endless varieties of gems and rocks because each time another element in added to a gem it is renamed to include either the name of the mine or the person who first discovered it. What can I say? I am HOOKED and never plan to look back. Investing in many gemstone and rock books helps my education. To date my gem and rock collection now includes peridot, blue chalcedony, rainbow solar quartz, Baltic amber, crazy lace agate, leopard jasper, labradorite, iolite, citrine, garnet, ruby zoisite, moonstone, rose quartz, petrified palmwood root, moss agate, carnelian and more. Life is good.

Follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

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Charoite is a gorgeous lavender gemstone that I work with in my designs. It is gorgeous on it’s own of course. But pair it with amethyst or moonstone and the gem just pops.

Early on in my work with the gem, I researched it and discovered that it is only mined in Russia. This is one of the details about charoite that makes it even more unique and desirable.

Recently I was exhibiting at an art show. Several of my Charoite designs were on display. One woman approached the booth along with her teenage son. She was inquiring about one of the cuffs and I proudly told her that charoite is only mined in Russia. Her son promptly asked me “Where in Russia?”. To which I had no response. I felt pretty silly acting as the so called expert and yet I did not know this simple fact.

When I had a chance I knew I had to find out the answer to this basic question. Yes I am aware I could have Googled it but it turns out I did not need to do that. I approached one of my gemstone/rock vendors (who is Russian) and asked him.

The answer, in case you are curious… Charoite is mined in Eastern Siberia! Case closed. Want to know more about this spectacular gemstone? Here’s the link

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The post Where in the World can you find Charoite? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

This vibrant color makes us feel luxurious and rich! Purple combines the energy of red and the calmness of blue. It is furthermore associated with spirituality and the higher self. Purple’s elite status stems from the rarity and cost of the dye originally used to produce it.

Historically purple is considered the color of royalty. Purple was expensive and as a result only the wealthiest people could afford purple garments. In fact, Queen Elizabeth the First had forbid anyone except close members of the royal family to wear it. To get one ounce of purple fabric, the mucus from 336,000 spiney dye-murex snails had to be harvested.

I love working with amethyst. Yes it happens to be purple. More than that though, it speaks to me somehow. It always has. Even before I became an old woman

My Amethyst collection is called BURIED TREASURE. Take time to explore all the designs I have created!

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Purple is well known as the color of royalty. Want to know why? In ancient times the only way to replicate purple dye was by harvesting thousands and thousands of murex sea snails . As you can imagine this was not an easy task. It was time consuming and expensive. Only the very rich royalty could afford it. Since purple was relegated to royalty it was only fitting that deep rich purple amethyst gemstones would be their choice as well.

Now of course we all have access to amethyst and purple. Wear some purple today and feel like royalty.

Shop my Amethyst designs today

Want to know more about amethyst? Here’s a video with more fascinating facts and tidbits.

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The post Love Purple? You Might be Royalty! appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yep. it’s the only way to describe a trip to Tucson for the once a year Gem Shows event.

I use the plural for shows because there are virtually 43 different shows during this 3 week time frame (late January through mid February) Each show highlights different products. Some specialize in tools and equipment, while others are known for their precious gems. Even more feature beads and cabochons or large rocks that can be made into gems by a lapidary.

Every potential venue in Tucson is Full this time of year. Just try getting a hotel room and you will soon find that this is true!

over time I have narrowed myself to 2 shows that feature primarily cabochons and beads.

Want to see a few of my ‘finds’ from the show?

I carry a list with me. Certain gems are needed this year to complete my work. Plus I am always on the lookout for something new. I want something to jump out at me and say ‘Buy me’ ‘Design with me’

this image to the left shows everything I purchased.  I did go a little crazy as you can see.

Now for some closeups

Keep checking my web site so you can see the designs I create with these gorgeous specimens. Better yet, join my Collectors Group to have FIRST LOOK at new designs, plus Collector only discounts and Specials.

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