Did you know that turquoise is one of the first gemstones to be mined? In fact, turquoise beads were found in Mesopotamia dating back to 5000 BC! Turquoise was found in Egypt from the reign of Pharaoh Semerkhet in 2900BC. This ancient gemstone is still prized today and used in many different cultures including the American Indians. This blue/green stone varies in … [Read more...]
Video Fun with my Designs
Right now I am in the learning curve for this new incredible equipment. While the Gem Light Box is easy to set up and use, I am still testing ways to take the videos and images. Since a couple of additional lighting options are included, I am taking photos and videos several times to see what works best for my particular style of jewelry design. For example, some of the … [Read more...]
From the Heart Designs; A symbol of love
The heart symbolizes compassion, love and commitment. The shape we use for heart designs is not the true shape of our human heart. That being said, this stylized shape represents the heart and has for centuries. Some indicate that it's simple lines and form make it easy to visualize. Legends surround the heart Egyptians believed that the heart is the giver of life. … [Read more...]
Ever Heard of the Mohs Scale?
If you are in the jewelry business then you know how important this scale is. we use this tool to identify hardness of minerals. First a little history: Carl Friedrich Christian Mohs was a German geologist AND mineralogist. In 1822 he created the Mohs scale. He determined that you could tell which minerals were harder based upon the scratch test. Using several harder … [Read more...]
Why Did Pirates Wear Earrings?
And more fascinating facts about earrings. Ancient pirates and sailors wore earrings! Earrings were a sign of their travels. Newer sailors got earrings after their first crossing of the equator or once they have rounded Cape Horn. In addition, earrings were said to improve or even cure poor eyesight. Other legends suggest that piercing your ear (and wearing an earring) … [Read more...]
