Saturday, May 29, 2010
Memorial Day
Monday, May 24, 2010
Handmade gemstone jewelry - bead shapes - a primer - round beads
As you know, gemstone beads come in a wide variety of shapes. These shapes add to the beauty and interest of the gemstones and help the designer create unique jewelry.
Lavender Jade Earrings
Asian Turquoise Bracelet
The round, or sphere shape is the most common and most basic shape. It certainly shows off the gemstone and is the most versatile. It also is a relatively inexpensive cut, and the one that I find is the least likely to be messed up by the stone cutters. Many people who work with gems for healing purposes feel that this shape helps the gemstone emit it's energy most effectively. Really pretty gemstones look beautiful in this plain, round shape, and in some cases it almost ruins the beauty of the stone to do a more complicated cut. The down side to this shape is that unless the stone is quite beautiful it may not create an interesting look. Some round beads remind me of the marbles I had as a kid, or pop-it beads.
Faceted Carnelian Earrings
Pink Opal and Faceted Rhodonite Necklace
Round faceted beads are simply round beads that are cut in facets, or planes on the stone. Faceting makes stones a little more interesting and give some extra sparkle as the light reflects from the facets. Faceted beads are always considerably more expensive than beads that are not faceted, regardless of the basic shape. This is because there is a lot more work involved to cut all those facets! Each facet is a cut made by the stone cutter. Faceting does add interest and beauty to most gemstones. But, as always, it all comes down to personal preference.
I'll write more about other gemstone shapes in future blogs.
Lavender Jade EarringsAsian Turquoise BraceletThe round, or sphere shape is the most common and most basic shape. It certainly shows off the gemstone and is the most versatile. It also is a relatively inexpensive cut, and the one that I find is the least likely to be messed up by the stone cutters. Many people who work with gems for healing purposes feel that this shape helps the gemstone emit it's energy most effectively. Really pretty gemstones look beautiful in this plain, round shape, and in some cases it almost ruins the beauty of the stone to do a more complicated cut. The down side to this shape is that unless the stone is quite beautiful it may not create an interesting look. Some round beads remind me of the marbles I had as a kid, or pop-it beads.
Faceted Carnelian EarringsPink Opal and Faceted Rhodonite NecklaceRound faceted beads are simply round beads that are cut in facets, or planes on the stone. Faceting makes stones a little more interesting and give some extra sparkle as the light reflects from the facets. Faceted beads are always considerably more expensive than beads that are not faceted, regardless of the basic shape. This is because there is a lot more work involved to cut all those facets! Each facet is a cut made by the stone cutter. Faceting does add interest and beauty to most gemstones. But, as always, it all comes down to personal preference.
I'll write more about other gemstone shapes in future blogs.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Handmade Gemstone Jewelry - Fluorite, an unusual gemstone
The name of this fluorite necklace - "by the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea" popped into my head, and my husbands, at the same time. One of my favorite old movies is "Some Like it Hot". It's lighthearted, silly, funny and romantic. And they played the song "By the Sea" many times. So I guess this necklace is great for lighthearted moments. The earrings come with the necklace. They're so cute!
Thai Hill Tribe silver is a classic favorite of mine too. It's pure silver, or almost pure silver. I love the incredible artistry and the wonderful depictions of nature. There's something very innocent and pure about it.
Fluorite is a really interesting stone. It is found in many colors, mostly in shades of purple and green, but also in yellow, blue, pink and black. As you can see in these photos, one stone can contain various colors.
Fluorite is frequently fluorescent under ultraviolet light.
Fluorite cleans the aura and assists meditation. Green fluorite is very healing, and purple fluorite helps open the third eye and increases intuition. So with this necklace you've got it all covered!
Fluorite is a soft stone, 4 on Mohs scale of hardness (a scale of 1-10). It's great for necklaces, pendants, and earrings - not so good for rings and things that may need a harder stone.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Happy Mother's Day to every mother, with gratitude and appreciation!
There is no job in the world more important than being a good parent.
Monday, May 3, 2010
New handmade jewelry added to my web site
I've recently added some brand new handmade gemstone jewelry to my web site - mostly earrings and necklaces. Charm and pendant necklaces to be exact. And several pairs of earrings, with more to come. I hope to add some new handmade bracelets soon.
So come and take a look!
So come and take a look!
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