Good morning from the sunny and extraordinarily warm Arizona! Today, I delve into the captivating world of malachite. This gemstone that has not only fascinated jewelry lovers but also held a significant place in the annals of history due to its distinct color and the legends that surround it. In this exploration, we travel from ancient Egypt to the opulent settings of Russia, uncovering the colorful tales and uses of malachite.

The Magnificent Malachite: A Primer

Before we embark on our historical journey, let me introduce you to malachite. This gemstone, with its mesmerizing green hues, is often found in its raw form, directly extracted from the mines. The piece I’m showcasing today, a gorgeous faceted malachite ring from my Sacred Spiral collection has been carefully treated transforming it into the perfect jewelry design without losing its natural allure. Coupled with an emerald, the vibrant greens of malachite create a stunning visual symphony, a testament to its beauty and versatility.

I really adore working with this gem! in my humble opinion, the vibrant green hues are unmatched by any other gem. Not only is this gem perfect as a stand alone design, but it complements other gems such as moonstone, druzy quartz and amber.

Stop by my online shop and view all the Malachite designs currently available. Keep in mind that each design is created by me in my Arizona Studio. And each is a one of a kind jewelry piece.

A Glimpse into Ancient Egypt

Our journey begins in ancient Egypt, a civilization that not only admired malachite but also integrated it into their daily lives and spiritual practices. The Egyptians were known to grind malachite into a fine powder to use as eye makeup. Malachite adorned both men and women with its vibrant green, symbolizing both beauty and protection. Moreover, Pharaohs embedded malachite into their headdresses, believing it elevated them to a higher vibration, enabling them to discern truth from falsehood in counsel. This profound connection with malachite was also intertwined with mythology, with tales of a sky goddess who adored the stone, claiming that it was formed from stars that fell to Earth.

The Roman Connection: Malachite and Juno

As we traverse through time to ancient Rome, we find malachite revered in a different light. Here, it was known as the “peacock stone,” largely due to its association with Juno, the Roman goddess who had a particular fondness for peacocks. The swirling patterns and rounded shapes within malachite mirrored the eye-catching feathers of a peacock, enchanting the Romans. They believed in the protective power of malachite, fashioning amulets for children and placing them in cribs to safeguard the newborns.

Malachite in the Heart of Russia

Our final destination takes us to Russia, where malachite was not only cherished as a gemstone but also utilized in grand architectural designs. The Winter Palace and St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg stand as testaments to the Russian fascination with malachite. The Winter Palace boasts a salon adorned with malachite columns and fireplaces. St. Isaac’s Cathedral features an entire room dedicated to this splendid stone. Beyond its decorative uses, Russian legend held that drinking from a malachite chalice could grant the ability to understand the language of animals, weaving a magical connection with nature.

Conclusion: The Timeless Allure of Malachite

Now we conclude our journey through the colorful history of malachite. It’s clear that this gemstone is more than just a piece of jewelry. From the ancient Egyptians and Romans to the opulence of Russian architecture, malachite has woven its way through various cultures, leaving a mark of beauty, protection, and mystique. Its vibrant green hues and intricate patterns captures our imagination, making it a treasured gem in the modern world. Whether adorned as a piece of jewelry or marveling at its historical significance, the allure of malachite remains as captivating as ever.

Thank you for joining me on this enchanting journey through the legends and lore of malachite. If the stories of this beautiful gemstone have sparked your interest, stay tuned for more explorations into the fascinating world of gemstones, jewelry care, and design tips.

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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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One of my original Collections is still a strong part of my line. The SACRED SPIRAL story is near and dear to me. I strive to live my life employing it’s principals.

Sacred Spiral Collection; Because Kindness Matters

Each design is created by me in my Arizona Studio. 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. Each of our actions…a quick smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend.. seems like a small gesture but the ripples of joy it causes is infinite.

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”      Margaret Mead

My hope is that all of us follow these principals. What a wonderful world we would create.

Shop Sacred Spiral Designs Here

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I am over the moon for this deep rich green gemstone. Did you know that each stone is one of a kind? No two are exactly alike due to the many inclusions found in this gem. Want to know more?

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector today.

Just provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts.

The post Malachite Madness appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Creating and designing jewelry is my passion. And I love it when you, as my customer, are excited to wear your piece knowing that it reflects your own personality.

• Handmade jewelry is unique. You will not see your design every time you attend an event or go shopping.
• Handmade designs are created with love and passion. Don’t you love knowing this?
• Handmade designs are finely crafted. The designer takes special care to make sure each design meets his or her high standards
• Handmade designs are the perfect heirloom jewelry. Moreover Your selection can be passed on to your children and grandchildren
• Handmade designs carry the mark of the designer.

Food for thought when shopping for jewelry! Visit my Online Store today.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector today.

Just provide your Email and first name to Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts.

The post What’s so special about handmade jewelry? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yep. it’s the only way to describe a trip to Tucson for the once a year Gem Shows event.

I use the plural for shows because there are virtually 43 different shows during this 3 week time frame (late January through mid February) Each show highlights different products. Some specialize in tools and equipment, while others are known for their precious gems. Even more feature beads and cabochons or large rocks that can be made into gems by a lapidary.

Every potential venue in Tucson is Full this time of year. Just try getting a hotel room and you will soon find that this is true!

over time I have narrowed myself to 2 shows that feature primarily cabochons and beads.

Want to see a few of my ‘finds’ from the show?

I carry a list with me. Certain gems are needed this year to complete my work. Plus I am always on the lookout for something new. I want something to jump out at me and say ‘Buy me’ ‘Design with me’

this image to the left shows everything I purchased.  I did go a little crazy as you can see.

Now for some closeups

Keep checking my web site so you can see the designs I create with these gorgeous specimens. Better yet, join my Collectors Group to have FIRST LOOK at new designs, plus Collector only discounts and Specials.

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I am quite obsessed with the rich green color of malachite. Of course it helps that malachite and copper belong together. In fact you will find them both in the same mines. Moreover, Malachite is considered a copper bearing mineral. What I love most are the concentric circle inclusions normally found in this gem. Each stone is different.

[tweet_box design=”box_01″ float=”none”]Malachite Fun fact: Did you know that Ancient Egyptians used malachite as eye makeup? Fascinating isn’t it?[/tweet_box]

I have a LOT of malachite designs on my bench now. These designs combine malachite with emerald, rhodochrosite and ruby.

For now here are the current designs now for sale in my store.

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Over the years I have experimented with and designed a multitude of jewelry pieces. Since I do a lot of work in copper, most of my designs fall into the ‘moderately priced’ category. 

Yet sometimes I will come across an unusual gemstone that screams.. “Mount me in something spectacular”!  Not wanting to disappoint the gem… I figure out how to make it even more special and beautiful than it already appears to be.

Voila, the Gallery Collection is born!

[tweet_box design=”box_01″ url=”http://www.alenesadornments.com/gallery-collection/” float=”none”]The Gallery collection features rare and One of a Kind Jewelry designs that can remain in your family for generations[/tweet_box]

What is so special about this collection?

• Each one features at least one unusual gem.
• Each is designed in sterling or fine silver.
• Each design was created by my hand alone.
• The Silver has been hand forged, hammered, sawed and shaped to make it a very special piece of jewelry.
• The gemstones were hand selected for each particular pendant, earring, ring or bracelet.
• You can purchase and wear any of these pieces knowing that you alone own this original design.

As you may imagine, the price point on these beauties a little higher than my standard jewelry line. Prices for the pendants range from $200-$300 each. Rings and Earrings from $80-$150 each.

A few of my favorites:

Sterling Silver with a lab grown ruby. I started with a piece of silver. Then forged in sterling components and allowed all to meld together. The result is a lot of texture and a very substantial hunk of silver.

Sterling Ring with two Lab-grown emerald gemstones. I domed the silver band and then added the braided sterling border. Elegant and perfect for every occasion.

I found 4 of these Madagascar Jasper gemstones at the Tucson Gem Show 2 years ago. Each one is a different shape. I adore the inclusions. I decided to antique this design and add the Spiral to the piece. The Sunstone gemstone in the spiral complements the colors in the Jasper. Plus it has an almost glittery sheen. Hence the name Sunstone!

If you want to treat yourself to something special. Jewelry that you will wear frequently for many years, please stop by my store and have fun choosing your special design.

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I know what you are thinking now… What IS a cabochon and why would someone be crazy about them?  [tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Here’s the simple answer to both those questions. A cabochon is a gemstone that is highly polished, raised and rounded but not faceted. It features a flat bottom.

The word is derived from the middle French ‘caboche’ meaning head. 

Now for the other question. Why Am I Crazy about them?

• First –  they are gemstones. And I LOVE all kinds of gemstones.

• Second – these gemstones have flat backings so they can easily be set into a bezel. That being said, there is an art to setting cabochons.  This skill emerges with lots of practice.

• Third – they are addictive!

• Cabochons are particularly good when the stone is softer. The faceting process in this case would create more scratches and damages to the stone.  Gems, like this Tigers Eye requires this kind of shaping in order to show off the lighter shades , or the eye. this applies to sapphire too. The star inclusion would not be visible in a faceted gem.[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]

The photo of my cabochons shown throughout this post give you an idea of the versatility and range of shapes. A few years ago I had the opportunity to purchase a large quantity of stones from a jeweler who could no longer work (due to his failing eyesight). Over the years he had not only accumulated many cabochons for his own business… but he had done much of the lapidary work as well. I am so privileged to have this collection to use in my own designs.

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This turquoise cabochon is part of the collection. You can see the original stone and ultimately the jewelry design that now proudly houses this amazing turquoise specimen.

Just in case you think I already have enough gems to last a lifetime (you are right of course)… I always seem to find some new treasures during the GEM SHOW in Tucson twice a year. When something catches my eye my mind starts spinning with ideas on how to use this in my designs. Then I am hooked and happily purchasing more and more.

Someday, I am sure the remnants of my collection will be passed on to another emerging artist. He or she can experience the same joy and passion I feel every time I look at my cabochons and decide which ones will be incorporated into my next masterpiece!

Visit my Web site today to see more designs created with cabochons

The post I am Crazy About Cabochons! appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Malachite is the rich deep green gemstone that is often seen in Southwestern Designs.

It is always found mined with copper…. which is why you often find malachite settings in copper. The two are just meant for each other.

 Malachite is derived from the Greek malakos, meaning soft.  

This gemstone is one of the softer stones so it needs to be set into pieces that won’t get a lot of wear and tear. (not that any jewelry survives much bumping and scraping)  Pendants, earrings and bracelets are great for the most part. Rings are a little trickier.

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When you purchase a malachite ring, take note of the setting. It needs to protect the stone as much as possible.

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Did you know that malachite is considered one of the most important minerals in humankind history?

Around 4000 BC it was discovered that heating malachite in a hot flame reduced it to native copper. This first smelting of metal from ore led to searches for other ores and the development of metallurgy!

That being said.. I just love the BEAUTY of the stone. the black inclusions add such character.

Ancient Egyptians ground malachite and used it in wall painting and as eye makeup.  It was believed to ward off eye infections when worn.

Malachite is considered a protection stone. When worn it absorbs negative energies and pollutants from the atmosphere. It is even said to encourage emotional growth and change.

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Walt Whitman applauded malachite for it’s deep green tones.

“A field of ripe cabbage with their prevailing hue of malachite green”  Walt Whitman, from Straw-Color’d and other Psyches– 1892

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All in all, this spectacular green gemstone is something to treasure.  

For more Malachite  and other gemstone designs…. Alene’s Adornments

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