This iridescent and pearlescent gem has been revered for centuries. If you are a June baby you can claim this gem as your birthstone. Lucky June babies! This gem is predominately white but also can be grey or peach colored. Black inclusions can occur too. These inclusions are actually tourmaline. Personally I prefer the white version. Locations around the world mine this gem. A few of the more prominent are Scotland, India, Norway and Australia.

What I love about this gem is the play of colors in the light. Moonstone formation consists of micro fine lines at right angles to each other. They are rarely visible in the stone since the lines are so tiny. However these lines are what allow the light to reflect the color spectrum in the gem. This iridescence is called ‘schiller’ and it happens during the crystallization process.

Moonstone legends abound.

One of my favorites is from Ancient Rome. Romans believed that moonstone was actually a shard of solid moonlight. Furthermore if you glanced into the stone you would see the Goddess Diana. She then would grant you love and good fortune.

In India this gem is used as a tool to reach divine wisdom and clairvoyance. Moonstone is also a popular wedding gift in this culture. in many Arab cultures moonstone is considered to be a family stone. When worn by women it is believed to produce large numbers of children.

Moonstone is also revered as a tool for healing and as a protection for travelers.

Complementary Gems for jewelry designs

Since moonstone is milky white it essentially complements every gem. I adore using it in combination with turquoise, rainbow quartz, onyx, ruby zoisite and more. The pendant shown here is created using Lace Agate from Indonesia.

When designing with this gem I tend to spend time (sometimes as much as an hour) going over the options for a complementary gem. Not only does the combination of the two have to feel right to me, but the actual shape of the gems is a major consideration. Playing with the options is part of the fun of designing.

Recently I discovered another option to bring out the beauty of this gem. Details are in the video below. Enjoy!

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The post Moonstone; Slice of Pure Moonlight appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Join with me as we learn more about this gorgeous blue/green gem. I want to share some of it’s history and origins.

Turquoise is one of the most iconic and cherished gemstones. Its striking blue and green hues have captivated people for centuries, earning it a special place in cultures around the world. As a jewelry designer based in Arizona, I’ve worked extensively with turquoise. While turquoise is found in several parts of the world, I choose to work with turquoise gems mined in Arizona, Nevada, California and Mexico. Let me take you on a journey to explore its fascinating history, origins, uses, and why it continues to shine in jewelry today.

Where Does Turquoise Get Its Name?

Did you know that the word “turquoise” means “Turkish stone”? While it’s tempting to assume this gemstone comes from Turkey, that’s not exactly the case. The original turquoise stones came from Persia, now modern-day Iran. Centuries ago, Turkish traders brought these exquisite stones into Europe, selling them in markets and bazaars. Over time, Europeans started calling these gems “Turkish stones” due to their connection with the traders, and the name stuck.

Today, turquoise is mined in various parts of the world, including the southwestern United States, northern Mexico, China, and Iran. Major mining areas in the U.S. include Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado. Though some mines still produce turquoise, many of the richest sources have been depleted.

A Southwest Treasure

Arizona is particularly synonymous with turquoise, largely because of its cultural significance and history. One of the most famous sources here is the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is prized for its smooth, solid blue color with minimal veining or matrix. the Cuff bracelet shown at the top of this blog features Sleeping Beauty turquoise.

On the other hand, turquoise from other regions feature unique patterns and inclusions. For example, stones with “spider web” veining are characteristic of turquoise mined in Nevada. Even areas like Bisbee in northern Arizona have their distinct styles, offering a wide variety of looks for collectors and jewelry lovers alike.

From Rough Stone to Cabochon

Before turquoise becomes part of a stunning piece of jewelry, it starts as rough stone, often raw and irregular. To make it usable, the stone is shaped into cabochons, which are polished gemstones with flat bottoms. The flat base makes it easier to set them into jewelry designs, ranging from rings to necklaces to cuffs.

Personally, I’ve been fortunate to work with some high-quality turquoise sourced decades ago. A gentleman I knew had access to turquoise mined from Arizona in the 1950s and 1960s. These stones were transformed into cabochons, and when he retired, I had the privilege of purchasing his collection. Today, these materials are part of my handcrafted designs, keeping their story alive.

Turquoise in Native American Culture

Turquoise holds deep meaning in Native American traditions. Many tribes used it for adornments, tools, and ceremonial purposes. For instance, the Apache believed turquoise brought good fortune. They even embedded small turquoise chips onto their bows, hoping this would make their arrows fly straighter and hit their targets.

Turquoise was often paired with coral, another material steeped in cultural significance. Since coral isn’t native to the Southwest, it’s believed that early Native Americans traded with coastal tribes to obtain it. The striking red coral combined with turquoise creates a bold and timeless contrast, a pairing that’s still popular in jewelry today.

The Versatility of Turquoise in Jewelry Design

One of turquoise most attractive qualities is how versatile it is. You might think turquoise only pairs well with traditional silver, but its beauty shines alongside many metals and gemstones.

• Turquoise and Sterling Silver: Sterling silver enhances turquoise vibrant hues, creating timeless elegance.
  Turquoise and Copper: Copper’s warm tone makes turquoise pop, adding a rustic, earthy charm.
  Turquoise and Ruby: The vivid blue of turquoise and the rich red of ruby create a dramatic and unforgettable pairing.
  Turquoise and Amethyst: Who says opposites don’t attract? The cool blue of turquoise complements the deep purple of amethyst beautifully.
• Turquoise and Gold. Two rich companions creating a spectacular

Beyond these combinations, turquoise works well with a variety of gemstones, making it a go-to choice for custom designs.

Turquoise carries centuries of history and cultural significance. It connects us to ancient civilizations, trade routes, and traditions. From its use in Native American ceremonies to its European trade origins, every piece of turquoise has a story.

For collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, turquoise is more than a gemstone—it’s a conversation starter. Whether it’s a cabochon set in silver or a bold cuff paired with copper, turquoise brings artistry and history together in every piece.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning of what there is to know about turquoise. From how to identify real stones to understanding the factors behind its color variations, there’s much more to uncover. Stay tuned for future posts where I’ll dive deeper into these topics, including how to care for your turquoise jewelry.

Until then, if you’re as smitten with turquoise as I am, explore your local shops, online creations, or even vintage collections. You just might find a piece that tells a story you’ll cherish forever.

Follow me on my design journey and become a collector. Not only do my collectors receive first look at my newest designs but the also have the advantage of Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. In addition you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

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The post Did you know this about Turquoise? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Hello! I’m Alene, a jewelry designer with a passion for gemstones. Based in Arizona, my studio constantly showcases a variety of stunning stones, including some you may have never heard of before. Today, let’s dive into the captivating world of Howlite.

What is Howlite?

Howlite is a mesmerizing white gemstone with striking black veins that run through its surface. This stone can be found in slab form, often cut to create beautiful cabochons. Depending on how a lapidary artist cuts the stone, the result can emphasize either the pristine white parts or the intricate black veins, showcasing the stone’s unique beauty.

Originally discovered in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Howlite can now be found in various locations around the globe. It is an economical gemstone, not cheap, but reasonably priced, making it accessible for many. I do love the simplicity and beauty of this black and white gem.

The Deceptive Practice: Howlite vs. Turquoise

One reason you may not have heard of Howlite is its frequent misidentification. Due to its affordability and appearance, Howlite is often dyed to resemble the more expensive turquoise. When Howlite is dyed blue, the black veins mirror those found in natural turquoise, causing confusion among buyers. I feel sad that this beautiful gem is not given it’s due. In addition, those who purchase the dyed version mistakenly feel they own the more rare form of turquoise. What a shame. Here are a few tips to help you avoid making that error.

Tips for Turquoise Buyers

• Purchase from reputable sources: Ensure that the seller is trusted and can guarantee that the turquoise is natural.
• Check for authenticity: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Genuine turquoise will often be higher in price due to its rarity and beauty.

The Natural Beauty of Howlite

Despite its common counterfeiting, Howlite in its natural state is incredibly beautiful. Its calming white color juxtaposed with black veins makes it a stunning addition to any piece of jewelry. Whether paired with vibrant gems or classic stones like onyx, Howlite stands out with elegance.

Howlite and Onyx: A Perfect Pairing

When combined with black onyx, Howlite’s beauty is significantly enhanced. The contrast between the pure white stone and the deep black onyx creates a visually striking piece that is sure to catch the eye.

I also love pairing this gem with more bold and vibrant gems like rich deep orange Carnelian or luscious purple amethyst.

Benefits and Significance of Howlite

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Howlite is known for its soothing properties. It is often considered a calming stone, believed to aid in breathing and promote tranquility. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of serenity to their lives.

Birthstone for Gemini

Geminis, take note! Howlite is recognized as your birthstone. Wearing Howlite can be a lovely way to express your astrological sign while enjoying the stone’s calming benefits.

Howlite and Wellness

Howlite is known as the “calming stone” and is said to have a soothing and peaceful energy.  Some believe it can help with feelings of being overwhelmed. Howlite creates a tranquil atmosphere; releasing stress.

Wearing Howlite is often equated to spending an hour in a wellness spa. Imagine that level of relaxation infused into your daily life simply by accessorizing with this gemstone. Personally, I think wearing Howlite and still visiting a wellness spa sounds like the best of both worlds!

Conclusion

In summary, Howlite is a gemstone that offers both beauty and benefits. Whether you are drawn to its calming properties or its striking appearance, it is a stone worth considering for your jewelry collection. If you are intrigued and want to explore more gemstones or learn about Howlite in greater depth, I invite you to connect with me further. I invite you to experience serenity when you wear this gem!

Follow me on my design journey and become a collector. Not only do my collectors receive first look at my newest designs but the also have the advantage of Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. In addition you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

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The post Is it Howlite or is it turquoise? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Rumble is an alternative site to YouTube. It has been growing in popularity for the last 2 years. I am excited to finally be a part of this exciting new platform. Currently I have downloaded about 12 videos and expect to get another 20 downloaded in the next few weeks.

If you are already a part of this community, Please follow my page. You will discover lots of information about a variety of gemstones, as well as some behind the scenes look at my jewelry processes.

Here are a few of my current offerings.

Please check out the site for the complete listing. Follow me and please comment to let me know what other types of jewelry and gemstone related videos you want to see.

Follow me on my design journey and become a collector. Not only do my collectors receive first look at my newest designs but the also have the advantage of Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. In addition you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs

The post Are You Ready to Rumble? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

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

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.

Follow me on my design journey and become a collector. Not only do my collectors receive first look at my newest designs but the also have the advantage of Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. In addition you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs

The post Turquoise; Legends & Facts appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Howlite is a gemstone that is not always recognized for it’s beauty. This gorgeous white gemstone features veins of black and silver. It is sometimes referred to as the sacred buffalo. It has a similar structure as turquoise and as a result it is often dyed blue and sold off as turquoise! What a shame. Not only is howlite beautiful in it’s natural state but coloring it blue is a fraudulent way to sell turquoise.

Howlite was first discovered in Nova Scotia and Originally named for Henry How, a 19th century mineralogist. He was the first to make this discovery. Today it is mined in many countries including Turkey, Mexico, Russia and yes here in the USA. I purchase both the cabochons and the beads to use in my jewelry. Currently I have beads shaped like hearts. This creates a wonderful pair of earrings!

I love it because of the many design elements I create with it. The rich whites and black inclusions allows me to combine it with other gems. It’s color blends well with reds, oranges and black. Shown here is a pair of sterling earrings featuring rich black onyx.

Howlite also has a spiritual meaning.

A stone of infinite patience is what this gem is known for. It brings new ideas into focus and as a result it aids in achieving our ambitions. Howlite is also a gem that can help us stay calm.

Want to know more about this gem? Here’s a video with more fascinating facts.

Follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs.

The post Is it Howlite or is it Turquoise? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Yes there is a difference in types of turquoise! This gem has been imitated often. For instance, African turquoise is really a quartz agate stone that is a turquoise color. Furthermore the gemstone called Howlite (which is white with black inclusions) is colored blue and sold as turquoise. And lets not forget the other stones, or resins that are colored blue and sold as turquoise.

It pays to work with a reputable jeweler who will disclose where the gems were mined and what the materials are!

I work only with natural turquoise, no fakes! While I do have some inventory of natural Chinese turquoise from Mines in China, the bulk of my designs feature natural turquoise from Arizona, Nevada or Mexico.

Shop my turquoise designs here.

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The post Stunning, Natural Turquoise appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

The OPEN SPIRAL Pendant! I have been playing around with new pendant designs centered around the Sacred Spiral. From all this playing emerged the Open Spiral concept. The frame is copper with a sterling silver spiral. And of course I have to add gemstones! These natural turquoise beads are from the Sonoran mine in Mexico.

The neck chain in sterling silver is 36″ long! this means you can wear it doubled up as shown here… or Super long as shown below.

The Spiral is an ancient symbol representing growth and evolution. A Spiral starts as a smaller tight circle expanding quickly to infinity. Each of our actions.. a quick smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a kind word to a friend..seem like small gestures but the ripples of joy created is infinite.  “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop

Shop my entire Sacred Spiral collection here.

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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 New in Spirals? appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

When you put on a certain color in the morning… does it make you feel energetic? empowered? calm? Do you tend to gravitate towards certain colors in your home and wardrobe?

How about the jewelry you wear? are you attracted to certain gemstones and colors?

Blue is one of my favorite colors! It is associated with open spaces… like the sky and the ocean.  Furthermore blue is a friendly color. Did you know that almost everyone likes some shade of blue! Furthermore corporate America embraces blue as well. Business (power) suits, ties, company logos … and the US FLAG all use blue. The key feelings associated with blue are: calmness; confidence; unity; intelligence; conservatism

If Blue is your favorite color you :

• are Reliable, trusting and conservative

• love to be needed & tend to rescue others to gain the love

• are approachable and friendly

• prefer to stay within your comfort zone

• most of all you are spiritual and devoted to family and God

As a result gemstones in blue (lapis, sapphire, chrysocolla and turquoise) aid in relaxation and open the flow of communication.

Check out my blue designs today

Become a Collector.  Why? Because you get First-Look at new designs, gemstone legends and tidbits, jewelry care tips plus collector-only specials and discounts.

The post The Color BLUE; Calming and Stabilizing appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

I shared a lot of turquoise gemstone tips and tidbits with you in the last few posts. Wonder where I found all this juicy information? Books of course! I love to read and learn from books. especially the kind I can hold in my hand and physically turn pages. Would you like to learn more about turquoise? Here are the books I referenced.

The book shown above is a series of articles published in New Mexico. Each one offers fascinating insights into the world of turquoise.

Turquoise Unearthed is another delightful book by Joe Lowry. He is also featured in a YouTube Video about turquoise.

Finally I found lots of information in a variety of books that highlight lots of gemstones. Here is a sampling.

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The post Everything’s Coming Up Turquoise appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.