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...]
Color Affects Us: PINK
Do you love the color pink? Is it your favorite color? Then you are most likely loving, nurturing and compassionate! The color Pink conjures up images of cotton candy, bubble gum, and little girls! This combination of red and white is a popular color for branding women's products such as cosmetics or cologne. Furthermore, today pink is a power color for women. Does anyone … [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...]
Jasper ; Fascinating Facts
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...]
