legends Archives - Alene's Adornments Blog

Turquoise; Legends & Facts

Alene Geed — Wed, 17 May 2023 17:42:09 +0000

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 color depending upon the amount of iron and copper that is present.

Where can you find turquoise?

This precious blue/green gem is found right here in the Southwest. There are still operating mines in Arizona, Nevada, California and Northern Mexico. Persian turquoise is still available. Lastly there are mines in China as well.

My designs feature turquoise from these USA and Mexico mines. I love the quality and deep blue colors especially.

A few Turquoise legends

In South and Central America, the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans wore turquoise in ceremonies as a symbol of authority

Navajos used turquoise to bring rain. They would throw a stone into the river while praying to the rain God.

In the Middle ages turquoise was believed to give women a sense of happiness and contentment.

Turquoise is considered a purification stone, dispelling negative energy and aligning the chakras when worn. It is also said to stabilize mood swings and enhance an inner calm.

See my current turquoise gemstone designs here.

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What is Artisan Jewelry?

Alene Geed — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 21:48:57 +0000

We hear this term a lot at craft shows, museums and in galleries. Ever wonder what it really means?

The word artisan originates from the Italian word artigiano. it’s defined as a skilled craft worker who makes or creates things by hand. These products may be functional or decorative. (in the case of jewelry)

Artisan jewelry is custom made by a highly skilled craftsman.

Artisan jewelry is known to have existed as far back as 7000 BCE. These first handcrafted ornaments, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings were made of gold and copper. Furthermore they were often sculpted to depict human and animal forms. Today handmade artisan jewelry is made of metals, gemstones, beads and many other materials. Every piece of handmade jewelry looks and feels unique.

As a result of this uniqueness, custom handmade jewelry pieces can have a high price and a high monetary value. The price not only reflects the individuality of each piece, but it also shows the high quality of the materials that are used to make each item. The best materials combined with the distinctive look of handcrafted artisan jewelry pieces often land in museum exhibits around the world.

Copper, Sterling and Amethyst Cuff

Because each of my designs is created by hand I get to feel and see the progression of the design. Each time my hammer hits the metal to create a texture I feel the connection to artisans from centuries past. I am inspired by their work and their commitment to their craft. This gives me endless pleasure!

My wish for you is that you experience this same pleasure each time you wear one of my custom designed jewelry pieces.

Shop Here for my Rustic Yet Refined Jewelry

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Alene Geed

Arizona designer Alene Geed is the creator of artisan copper, sterling and gemstone jewelry. Her designs are unique, artsy and feminine with an American Southwest Influence. Designs are available for purchase at http://www.alenesadornments.com

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Evolution of a Jewelry Collection

Alene Geed — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:38:31 +0000

A collection is defined as a group of similar things that you have deliberately acquired, usually over a period of time.

Amethyst Dare to Dream Pendant

My jewelry designs for the most part are grouped into collections. When I first began designing, I played around with anything and everything. Then I began to notice patterns in what resonated with me. Sometimes this is as simple as absolutely loving a particular stone or design and creating a collection around that. Other times it is about a story or event in my life that affected me personally. I want to recreate the feelings in my work. Either way, a collection is the way I express myself through jewelry.

Amethyst and Sterling Dare to Dream Ring

If you are already a fan you know that these collections tend to evolve with time. What seemed so important to me a year ago, now tends to land in the background. I am already on to some new idea for a collection. Isn’t it Fun to be a designer?

Inside the Mind of a Jewelry Designer … (my book about my journey into creativity) goes into more detail on many of my collections… highlighting processes used and photos.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]”Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” Henry Ward Beecher[/tweet_box]

Two of my favorite, and enduring collections are the Dare to Dream designs and the Sacred Spiral designs

Red Creek Jasper Sacred Spiral Pendant

Dare to Dream is the collection that embodies our desire to dream. Our wish is to allow our dreams to permeate our existence, grow, expand, morph into even bigger dreams and become reality. Every design is a limited Edition of ONE. The fusing process is like our dreams. It starts with a concept (in this case my idea for the piece) and then it takes its own leap into the final design; one that I could not have imagined or predicted. Dream Big and Take the Leap forward!

Sacred Spiral Collection: The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. It has been found in cave carvings, shells and even in the milky way. A spiral starts as a smaller, tight circle and expands quickly all the way to infinity! Just like the spiral, each of our actions;a quick smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend. These seem like a small gesture but the ripples of joy created is infinite.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]”A Small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead[/tweet_box]

As you probably have guessed, I am designing a brand new collection as we speak. I am excited about the designs. Check the web site or Facebook page for more updates.

Enter to win this Pendant: Now through August 16. Good Luck!

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Hematite Gemstones; Gorgeous but NOT Magnetic

Alene Geed — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 20:53:20 +0000

Yes that’s right. Contrary to popular belief, hematite is metallic but NOT magnetic. However, many specimens contain enough magnetite to be considered such.

What is so special about Hematite?? A lot!

Hematite is a dense material with over 70% iron content.
it’s metallic luster when polished is beyond beautiful
Many suggest that this gem will stimulate our concentration and focus (who among us couldn’t use more focus )
Hematite is claimed to create a protective ‘shield’ around those who wear it.

The name hematite is derived from the Greek ‘haimatitis’ meaning blood-red. So where is the red you wonder? When this gem is scratched or scraped, it ‘bleeds’ and forms stains that appear like blood. Pretty neat isnt it?

Furthermore, the bones of neolithic burials have been found smeared with powdered hematite. In later times hematite was worn to protect the wearer from bleeding.

Last year while at the Tucson Gem Show, I purchased 2 sizes of heart shaped hematite stones.

The reflective and shiny surface on these gems is creating some amazing designs in my collection.

Here are two of the current designs available at alenesadornments.

If you liked this you might like Tigers Eye Legends and Facts.

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What’s so Special about Peruvian Opal?

Alene Geed — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 17:00:40 +0000

and the Answer is… everything!

For starters this vibrant blue/green gem is the national stone of Peru. I just love knowing that these gems are only found in the Andes mountains. How amazing is that?

This rare stone can be as clear as the color of the Caribbean sea. Or it may feature some darker inclusions as you can see in the stones shown here. One single specimen of this gem can feature both.. as well as some pink inclusions.

You may have also heard this stone referred to as Andean Opal.

Legend has it that these gems are considered a gift from Pachamama, the earliest Inca Goddess of Mother Earth

This gem is considered a calming influence. It can pacify the mind and even help give us better sleep.

I purchased several of these cabochons (finished pieces ready for mounting) 2 years ago during the Tucson Gem Show. Many have been used in my designs already. These two are available online.

The remaining pieces are all awaiting my inspiration and the perfect sterling or copper setting! It’s so much fun to play with these stones.

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Tiger’s Eye Gemstone: Legends and Facts

Alene Geed — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:41:57 +0000

Tiger Eye (also called Tiger’s Eye) is a semi-precious gemstone from the quartz family. It is easily spotted by it’s luminescent band that resembles a cat’s eye (or tiger in this case!!)

Mostly you see these in brown tones, but they can also be seen in red tones or yellow tones… all with the tell-tale band.

I love working with this gem. The brilliant ‘band’ seems to move about as you gaze at the gem. Since there are so many brown and gold tones in tiger’s eye, it blends so well with silver metals and sparkly champagne colored CZ’s. This ring I wear shows you what I mean!

The Tiger Eye was traditionally carried as a talisman to ward against ill wishes and curses. It is considered a balancing stone, reeling us in when we want to go to extremes. This stone has high energy so wear it when you want to increase your vitality and strength.

Legend says that tiger’s eye helps us be more creative. (cool!)

The Solar Plexus is the corresponding Chakra for Tiger’s Eye.

Check out my web site for Tiger’s Eye and other gemstone designs.

If you liked this post you may like Amethyst Gemstone

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