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. This is an epoxy resin added to help stabilize the gem.

• The bright blue turquoise is caused by the presence of Copper, while the greenish turquoise is caused by the presents of iron. Both are so beautiful!

• This gem gets it’s name from the French words.. ‘pierre turquoise’ which translates to Turkish Stone. Many of the trade routes were through Turkey and local merchants took the opportunity to buy the gems and sell in local markets.

[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]Ancient Persia and Hindu beliefs say that seeing a turquoise and the new moon at the same moment will lead to good fortune.[/tweet_box]

 Native Americans have mined and used turquoise for over 1000 years. Pueblo, Navajo, Zuni and Apache Indians all believe that turquoise has healing and protection qualities. It is used extensively today in Native American jewelry designs. More recently many modern designers have discovered turquoise as a treasured gemstone. Tiffany and Cartier are two of the more well know luxury designers that now offer turquoise designs.

[tweet_box design=”box_05″ float=”none”]Turquoise is said to aid in creative expression and self acceptance… so get out your turquoise and wear it today![/tweet_box]

Please take a moment to look over my turquoise designs.   Alenes Adornments

The post Turquoise Gemstone: Legends and Fascinating Facts 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.

[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Throughout recorded history, Jade has been the most highly esteemed stone in China.

It is valued for it’s beauty, strength and powers of healing.

First of all there are two different minerals that we call jade. One is Jadeite. It is found mainly in Burma. It is more rare than it’s counterpart, Nephrite. Imperial Jade is a translucent emerald green version of jadeite. It is rare and the most valuable of all these gems.  It is considered to be so precious in China –  evidenced by this saying. “Gold is valuable; Jade is Priceless”

Both are extremely dense and tough. For this reason, many cultures used jade to create knives and weapons. Jade carvings are also prevalent.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]In ancient China jade was called ‘yu’, meaning ‘heavenly stone’ It was believed to embody ‘yang’ or cosmic energy.[/tweet_box]

Young men in China would present a bride-to-be with a jade butterfly as a symbol of faithful and eternal love. Taoists believe that is guaranteed immortality.

Mayans and Aztecs believed that jade could cure pains in the side of the body. In fact, the name originated from this myth. Early Spanish explorers named it ‘piedra de ijada’ meaning ‘stone for the pain in the side.

This gem is said to stimulate the flow of energy through the body. This releases negative thoughts, soothes the mind and makes tasks seem less complex.

Now on to my favorite part of this topic.. Jewelry!  

Jade is the birthstone for August.  You LUCKY  August babies!

Since this gem is so tough, it is used in rings as well as pendants and earrings. Rings tend to get scuffed (no matter how hard we try to prevent this). It is especially relevant that harder stones will take the beating.

This ring is one of the current designs available at Alene’s Adornments. Gorgeous jade gem is the focal point on this signature Snake Designer Sterling silver.

In conclusion, I encourage you to add jade to your jewelry collection.

Craving more Gemstone myths? Check out this blog on Peruvian Opal

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