What is Tiger Eye?

Tiger Eye (or tiger’s eye) gems are a form of quartz. They are easily recognizable by the golden colored band in the brownish gold gem. Since they are opaque, they reflect light. This gem is so named because it resembles the eye of a tiger! It has a hardness of 6 to 7, which is typical of a quartz. This makes is ideal for creating cabochons and beads for jewelry design.

I love working with this gem. Early on in my design career, I used this gem as part of my Sacred Spiral jewelry Collection. I created Pendants, rings and earrings using tiger eye as the focal point.

the image above gives you a wonderful overview of this gem.

What is Tiger IRON?

As the name suggests, this gem has many of the properties of tiger’s eye. the Golden bands are still present but not as prevelant. This gem also includes hematite, red jasper and iron ore. These three minerals add the rich red tones to the gem. I discovered this gem a couple of years ago when visiting a supplier booth during the Tucson Gem Show. I fell in love with it and purchased my first cabochons that very moment. Since then I have sourced more pieces to add to my growing gemstone collection. You can view my current designs here.

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The post Tiger Eye or Tiger Iron.. what is the difference? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Did you know that Tiger’s Eye gemstones are so named because because the light band that runs through the gem resembles the eye of a tiger. Fascinating isn’t it?

Furthermore, Tiger’s Eye is traditionally considered a protective stone and is often worn as a talisman.

Perhaps you just LOVE the essence of this gorgeous gem. A great reason to own a design of your own. Shop HERE for more tiger’s eye.

Shop my Entire Jewelry Collection here.

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The post Peer into the Eye of the Tiger appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

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.

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

The post Tiger’s Eye Gemstone: Legends and Facts appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.