I discovered this gem last year. Immediately I was intrigued with the history and especially the beauty. Yes it’s true that these gems were formed 20 million years ago in Indonesia. The tree trunks became replaced with quartz while still preserving the wooden features and structure.

The inclusions and patterns are endless but typically are combinations of black and caramel colors. The pattern you see on the ring at the top of this blog is infused with lots of beige or caramel tones.

These earrings on the other hand feature a more delineated design with the black encompassing the bottom area of the gem. Both are gorgeous in my opinion. It is my mission to purchase as many of these gems as possible and create unusual one of a kind jewelry with each and every one! I am up for the challenge.

The other reason I have so many different patterns here in my studio? Recently I had a customer fall in love with a particular pendant and wanted matching earrings. I had lots of patterns to choose from so was able to create the perfect earrings for the set.

Here’s a little more history for this gem.

Much of Indonesia has and had a tropical or subtropical climate. As such, there are also a number of swamps, deltas, and wet areas where conditions without oxygen persist.

Thus, petrified forests in Indonesia are found in claystone which is essentially the dried and aged remains of the bottom of the swamp. Indonesia has one of the largest petrified wood deposits in the world.

Watch for my designs as I create them. Many are featured now in my shop.

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The post 20 Million Years in the Making. Petrified Palmwood Root 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.

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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.

Howlite is a gemstone that is not always recognized for it’s beauty. This gorgeous white gemstone features veins of black and silver. It is sometimes referred to as the sacred buffalo. It has a similar structure as turquoise and as a result it is often dyed blue and sold off as turquoise! What a shame. Not only is howlite beautiful in it’s natural state but coloring it blue is a fraudulent way to sell turquoise.

Howlite was first discovered in Nova Scotia and Originally named for Henry How, a 19th century mineralogist. He was the first to make this discovery. Today it is mined in many countries including Turkey, Mexico, Russia and yes here in the USA. I purchase both the cabochons and the beads to use in my jewelry. Currently I have beads shaped like hearts. This creates a wonderful pair of earrings!

I love it because of the many design elements I create with it. The rich whites and black inclusions allows me to combine it with other gems. It’s color blends well with reds, oranges and black. Shown here is a pair of sterling earrings featuring rich black onyx.

Howlite also has a spiritual meaning.

A stone of infinite patience is what this gem is known for. It brings new ideas into focus and as a result it aids in achieving our ambitions. Howlite is also a gem that can help us stay calm.

Want to know more about this gem? Here’s a video with more fascinating facts.

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The post Is it Howlite or is it Turquoise? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yes believe it or not this rainbow solar quartz gem originates from a stalactite. These are the calcium icicles that hang in a limestone cave. Once they are mined, they are sliced to create this amazing gem. Sadly the rainbow colors are not natural. They are added infused into the gem before the final cabochon is created.

Once I discovered this incredible I had to create one of a kind jewelry. I adore the range of colors and especially love that each gem is unique in the way the color creeps into the gem. You can see my whole collection here

Check out the video, too. I go into more detail about this gem. fascinating!!

If you are intrigued by these designs and want to see more.. please join my Collector’s List.

I invite you to 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

Shop Here for all my Designs.

The post Gemstones from a Stalactite? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Rhodochrosite was first discovered by the Inca’s. They believed that this gem was actually the blood of ancient rulers. Pretty cool! This gem is found primarily in Argentina and Colorado. So it is somewhat rare. In fact certain Indian tribes considered it more precious than gold!

This rich pink gemstone will feature white bands as shown in this pendant.

Want to find out more? Here is the link to my Video on this gem.

Purchase from my online shop HERE

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The post Rhodochrosite; Gemstone of Love appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yes you heard Correctly. In Ancient Egypt malachite was ground up and used in eye makeup. I don’t recommend you try it though. Malachite dust can be toxic to humans. The designs I create use stabilized malachite so you need not concern yourself if you love to wear these gorgeous green gemstones.

Craving more legends about malachite? Russian legend tells us that malachite gives us the power to understand the language of animals. (I sure wish it would help me understand what my kitty is saying Malachite is also said to alleviate depression and anxiety. Cool!

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The post Malachite; Egyptian Eye Makeup? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Here is the 3rd in a series of posts about turquoise gemstones. Today I am going to share many of the legends and lore associated with this gemstone.

Let’s get started! Did you know?

• Turquoise is considered a protective stone. It was used to protect both horse and rider on long journeys.
• In South and Central America, the Aztecs, Incas and the Mayans wore turquoise in ceremonies as a symbol of authority
• In Hindu and Persian lore, seeing a turquoise and the new moon at the same moment would lead to good fortune.
• Navajos used turquoise to bring rain. They threw a stone into the river while praying to the rain god.
• Apache and Pueblo hunters attached a piece of turquoise to a bow to guarantee perfect aim.
• In the Middle Ages turquoise was believed to give women a sense of happiness and contentment.

A fascinating gem with a colorful history !

The post Turquoise Legends and Lore appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Turquoise Gemstones are one of my favorites. The gorgeous blue/green hues blend well with silver and copper metals. How much do you really know about this gem?

Over the next several weeks I plan to stimulate your senses with everything turquoise!

First a few facts:

The name turquoise comes from the French words ‘Pierre Turquoise’, meaning literally ‘Turkish Stone’ You see, turquoise made it’s way to Europe though Turkey. Many European merchants bought the stones from Turkish bazaars.

Turquoise is one of the first gemstones to be mined. Archaeologists have actually found turquoise beads dating back 5000BC.

Ancient Egyptians believed that wearing turquoise gives us the power to keep all evil forces from the body and protect us from an unnatural death.

Did this whet your appetite? Stay tuned for more fascinating facts and lore about turquoise. In the meantime, be sure to check my featured turquoise jewelry selections here.

My designs are all handmade using copper and silver sheet or wire. Each design is crafted with passion and love. Rustic Yet Refined Jewelry Design by Alene’s Adornments.

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

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 attending the Tucson Gem show, I happened upon these small amethyst geodes. Cannot wait to create designs using them.

All February Babies share this love with me, right? after all you are the lucky ones to have amethyst as your birthstone. (I am a little jealous). Yet, the rest of us are allowed to own and savor ‘the purple’ too.

[tweet_box design=”box_01″ float=”none”]Amethyst is considered to be the Stone of St Valentine. He is said to have worn an amethyst ring engraved with the image of cupid.[/tweet_box]

Legend has it that Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, was so angry with mortals that he vowed to feed the next human he saw to the tigers. A maiden named Amethyst was that human. But before Bacchus could incur his wrath, Diana, the goddess of nature, changed Amethyst into a pillar of quartz to save her. Thus was created the first amethyst gemstone.

The Greeks believed that wearing amethyst prevented drunkeness! Hence the greek name amethustos, meaning ‘not drunk’  Dont try this yourself though. I am PRETTY SURE, this is just fable.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]Amethyst has strong healing powers.  This gem is also known to relieve stress and calm the mind. Many wear this gem during meditation  to enhance a spiritual connection.[/tweet_box]

Fascinating Facts:

•  Amethyst is a member of the Quartz family

• Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Scale. This means it is durable enough to  use in almost any setting, including rings. 

• Amethyst is readily found. There are active mines in Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Uruguay.. to name a few

• Cleaning is easy. Ultrasonic works as well as plain old soap and water!

Next time you spot an artisan Amethyst design… jump at the chance to purchase it. I can guarantee you will not regret it.

For more information on Amethyst , refer to Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals

The post Amethyst; My All-Time Favorite Gemstone appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.