Stones With Meaning, Stones for Love

     There are a lot of things a person can learn over the course of their life, some are powerful, and some are just the little lessons life teaches us about how to get through the days to come. Over the past year or so, I have learned more about jewelry and gemstones than I ever thought I could, or would. Who knew something as simple as a small stone could mean so very much in a persons life?

     I have done a few custom cutting, and cabbing endeavors for some folks over the past 6 months. The first was a stone that had moved from place to place with thte same person, for some 40 + years......cut, cabbed, and turned in to some beautiful pendants, and jewelry for her. A gorgeous blue banded Oregon Thunderegg agate, that had travelled from Oregon, to Canada, and every where she lived......wow...what a journey that small rock had.....

 The 2nd, same type of story, only this time, the stone was a gorgeous Onyx egg......cut, cabbed, and turned in to gemstone jewelry for the owner, and her grandaughters, and daughters...... this one too, travelled around....ending up in Canada......

Most recently tho, an online friend sent me some slabs she had, asking me to "do something with them"......they left Texas, and came to Minnesota, where I cut and cabbed them, even wire wrapped a couple of them, and sent them back..........she and her sister are now enjoying those wire wrapped pendants. I so enjoyed making the cabs for her, which her sister now has the task of figuring out a way to create something with......too much fun!!

Lastly, but certainly not least....I have met online, and wonderful person who has been searching for 6 months for someone to create her wedding ring stone. She stumbled across my shop, and took a chance, and sent me a message. I of course, immediately said yes, I would be happy to try. You see, what attracted me to this particular idea, was her story of she and her mother going on Lake Superior Agate hunts, along the shores of Lake Superior. And how she doesn't have the time now days to get there to do it anymore, only on a rare occasion. When i think about the "meaning" behind her search for the perfect Lake Superior Agate gemstone for her wedding ring, I get tears in my eyes.......jsut knowing that a stone I turned in to a small gem.....will have such a deep meaning for someone else.....well....you get the idea.

During the past couple of weeks, I have also been contacted by another person  who was looking for a small pendant for her mother. She found the stone in my shop, and just fell in love with it, but wanted to know if I would create a pendant for her mother. You see, her mother too, now lives somewhere else....as we call it...she has been transplanted......her mother still gets up to the lake on vacations, but she still loves the Agates......this stone too has a deep meaningful love attached to it.

     Sometimes, without even realizing it, we can all run across some people who still believe in the simple, meaningful gifts that God and Mother Nature have magically put together for us all to revel in. The gifts that have been created from these stones, have such love, and meaning attached to them, it is beyond the realm of comprehension, or understanding. I have tried my hardest to place myself in their position, so that the stones and pieces created have the forever feeling of love, understanding and compassion attached to them that they were meant to have.

     There are a lot of articles about the meanings of different gemstones, and what their metaphysical properties are supposed to be, but in the end....it's the "real" meanings that count. The love, the memories, all poured in to one stone, 1 creation.

Jewelry to suit your Lifestyle

Gemstone Jewelry That Suits Your Lifestyle




Author: Gen Wright



Many different kinds of jewelry have been used for decades as a way of adding more color and detail to the body and the outfits we wear every day. As well as choosing from hundreds of different colors, styles and sizes, you can find all kinds of gems and jewels which adorn the jewelry and make them available for either everyday, evening or occasional wear. Wearing the right piece of jewelry can change an entire outfit by bringing out certain colors or aspects of clothing which can enhance or play down specific features. For example, if you take an ordinary plain black top, you can create many different styles and looks through the simple use of adding different combinations of gemstone jewelry that bring color and interest to a simple look. The use of gemstones and semi precious stones means that you need not break the bank in order to accumulate a fine collection of jewelry items that allow you the freedom to create your own style depending on your mood or the occasion. Affordable jewelry is now widely available and the colors and textures of different gemstones allow you to choose items that enhance your natural style and suit your personal likes and desires. Of course, gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies will always be an expensive choice for anyone to consider, though, now we are seeing a lot of the less expensive stones such as aquamarines, quartz and jade being used in jewelry and these create stunning and interesting pieces that people can wear more frequently. As well as being diverse and interesting, these stones can be kept for many years as they retain their brilliance and gleam over long periods and are able to mask scratches and abrasions well. Unlike gold and silver, these stones are less susceptible to becoming tarnished and discoloured which allows them to remain brilliant and attractive for much longer. Another attractive feature of these stones is the fact that just one item of jewelry can be worn with so many different styles and bring out a variety of different aspects of the outfit. A nice bright teardrop necklace and a pair of earrings can be worn with jeans and t-shirt or can be worn with a little lack dress on an evening out, this kind of range and versatility makes the jewelry a brilliant investment and well worth the money. Gemstone jewelry is one of the most popular styles of accessory in fashion in current trends and this allows for people to branch out and find lots of varied and exotic styles to try as well as adapting new old features to all elements of jewelry. The range in price, color, size, style and design creates a chance to become unique, and individual in ones style throughout all lifestyles, ages and genders.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/gemstone-jewelry-that-suits-your-lifestyle-902256.html



About the AuthorShop from over 6000 colored gemstone rings, pendants, earrings at leading online discount gemstone jewelry store - Livapo

An Alternative to Diamonds?

Original Gemstone Jewelry As A Diamond Alternative










Author: Pierre Perissel







Stop someone in the hallway and ask them, "What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word jewelry," and they will probably reply with, "diamonds." Diamonds have become so synonymous with fine jewelry that people often do not even think of one of the most marvelous alternatives, original gemstone jewelry.







Diamond jewelry is wonderful. However, I think you will agree that despite its allure and popularity, diamonds are just a tad on the colorless side.







Gemstones, on the other hand, come in the most wonderful and spectacular colors. In addition to the different colors, gemstones also often contain unusual visual phenomena inside the stone, as well as attention-grabbing features such as a fossil rarified in the gemstone.







You probably wouldn't treasure an item of jewelry as much when you know that thousands of other women are wearing the same or very similar items. No, for something to be truly treasured, it has to be unique. This is exactly what an original gemstone gives you, a truly unique jewelry item.







Such a unique jewelry item can bring joy way beyond your own lifetime. Think about it. How often do you see children and grandchildren wearing diamond jewelry that they inherited? Or, is it far more likely that they are wearing colorful gemstone jewelry that was passed down to them by their parents or grandparents?







So, even though you might pay a little more for unique gemstone jewelry, you are buying something that will not only give you tremendous joy, but will also give your children and your grandchildren joy. Fifty years from now, picture your granddaughter proudly explaining at a grand evening ball that the unique emerald gemstone necklace she is wearing was her grandmother's. Yes, the exact same one that you are wondering if you should buy now.







Kick your imagination into high gear for a minute or two and imagine how spectacular you will look with an original piece of ruby gemstone jewelry to go with that provocative red suit of yours. Or imagine yourself glowing with beauty in your classy blue gown with that unique star sapphire perfectly rounding off your tasteful elegance.







It is time to express your distinctiveness as a person, and there is no better way than to invest in a few choice pieces of unique gemstone jewelry.







Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-issues-articles/original-gemstone-jewelry-as-a-diamond-alternative-120484.html







About the AuthorPierre Perissel recommends unique gemstone jewelry to express your distinctiveness and beauty as a woman. Pierre has an informative fashion column on TheFashionPro.com.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48359125/handcrafted-large-amethyst-sterling

Gemstone Jewelry

Gemstone Jewelry




Author: Fille



Rose Quartz: The Gemstone Jewelry of LoveRose quartz has long been known to inspire love in all its forms, from self-respect and compassion to platonic and romantic love. Recognized as ' The Love Stone ', rose quartz can help those who are looking for true love, those mending troubled relationships and those improving their love life - an uplifting choice for anyone this February 14!Associated with Venus, the planet of love, rose quartz is a natural choice of crystal to use for inspiring romance. Wearing a rose quartz pendant helps open the hearts of those who are looking for 'the one', while those in need of a stronger bond in their relationship should opt for a delicate rose quartz ring.With its intense pink color, Fille Lilly's gemstone jewelry really stands out. Just take a look at our exceptional collection of premium grade pieces. Each piece is only of the best quality; and since they have almost no inclusions, they are difficult to damage and will last for lifetimes - a premium gift to give!Rose quartz is also an excellent stone for those who have trouble loving themselves. Experts say it heals emotional pain, mostly from loss or self-esteem. As a sweet reminder of your personal love, choose to give a unique piece of rose quartz heart gemstone jewelry - perfectly shaped for Valentine's Day!Rose quartz has been used in gemstone jewelry for centuries and makes for an ideal gift for a loved one, or even yourself! Plus, it's a stunning choice to complement the upcoming spring pastels. Choose one today.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/gemstone-jewelry-844922.html



About the AuthorFillelilly is an online Gemstone Jewelry store.We carry more than 50 diffrent stones and all are stones are studded in sterling silver .All our designs are unique and one of a kind.

Gemstones...Rivals to the Diamond

Gemstones – Emerging Rivals Of Diamonds




Author: Vibha Raj



While "Diamonds are forever" is a relatively new marketing punch line created by a diamond company, colored gemstones have actually been parts of human civilization since forever. There have been traces of gemstone usage from early human history with mention of gemstones in the holy Bible also. The emperors and royals of ancient ages had special affiliation to colored gemstones. Ancient cultures across the world sanctified colored gemstones and associated different beliefs and mysticism to gemstones. Recently colored gemstones have made a dramatic comeback with colored gemstones like ruby, emerald, sapphire, aquamarine, tanzanite, amethyst and many more dominating the runways, fashion circles, red carpet and of course our jewelry boxes. Here are a few reasons why colored gemstones score over diamonds. Cost The most defining characteristic that makes colored gems score over diamonds is the cost. In the cost of one diamond ring (I carat diamond) one can have around 7-8 gemstone rings with good quality gemstones in at least 6x4 sizes. So one can own a lot of gemstone jewelry in place of counted pieces of diamond jewelry. Bigger jewelry like bracelets makes much more sense in gemstones than in diamonds for the obvious cost benefit. Designs and styles Jewelry in colored gemstones has more fun and character. With the wide variety of colors and hues available, there are a whole lot of designs to choose from. Colored gemstones can be perfect accessories for all occasions from casual wear to sophisticated party wear to every day office wear. Colored gemstones can be combined in different colors to compliment multi-colored dresses. Variety Gemstones have a wide range of colors, styles and costs you could choose from to suit your preference. Even if you are looking for a gemstone of a particular kind, you still have a sea of choices in terms of color and quality available. You could also look for specialty gemstones like the star gems, cats eye species etc. With colored gemstones you can be never run out of options when ever you feel like dressing up differently. Exotic mysticism Gemstones have been associated to the occult since ancient times. In olden days gemstones were used as talismans to ward off evil and attract good luck. There is a different belief associated to each gem like sapphire is associated to purity in love; aquamarine is associated to happy marriage, emerald to verdure, amethyst to disciplined habits and so on. Gemstones are also believed to provide healing power.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/gemstones-emerging-rivals-of-diamonds-804362.html



About the AuthorI am a jewelry enthusiast, working with a well known online e-trailing jewelry company. Writing has always been the area of my interest and writing for jewelry doubles my zeal towards this creative field.

Significance of Colour!

Gemstones, the Significance of Colour




Author: Helen Quenet



Our response to colour is actually much more complex than most people realise. It's a mixture of instinct, cultural conditioning and the result of personal experiences and associations. We can see instinctive responses in nature, warning colours like red, orange and acid green are associated with being poisonous and animals have evolved to avoid those colours (as other animals have evolved to mimic those warning colours as self-protection. Associations of colours naturally come from our environment too, the blue of the sky, the gold of the sun, the green of grass, the red of blood and orange of fire, all produce memories and emotions. However, the memories and emotions about fire colours for example would be very different for someone who associates them with a log fire on an winter evening and someone who has had the isfortune to be caught in a house or car fire. Often negative memories mean a "gut response" to a colour; the person might not even be aware on a conscious level why they just "don't like" a colour. These individual responses are one of the reasons why you should wear colours and jewellery that you are drawn to, rather than wearing things that you are "told" are right for you. You can't feel confident and relaxed in clothes that you don't feel comfortable in.



One of the biggest cultural differences in the symbolism of colour is with black and white. In the West white is the colour of purity, innocence and marriage, in the Eastern traditions white is the colour of mourning and grief, while black is the colour of funerals and death in the West.



The power of colour to enhance or detract from our appearance is very marked, if you have ever experienced having a personal colour analysis session you can't have failed to be amazed how with some colours draped round your neck you look old, wan and even lopsided! Yet with others, you look younger, prettier and more vibrant. Basically, what colour analysis does is to examine your natural skin tone and classify it as "cool" fair complexion with a cool bluey undertone or "warm" where your skin tones are peachy to golden yellow. This dual classification is then subdivided once more according to how intense your other colouring (eyes/hair) is. Of the two cool skin tones the darker colouring is termed "Winter", she has dark, black or steel grey hair and looks best in clear, bright, true primary colours. The "Summer" person has ash blonde to mid brown hair, they look best in clear cool, subtle shades. The two warm skin tone classifications are "Spring" and Autumn". Autumn people have dark brown hair with reddish lights, they look best in warm, earth like tones which work with the natural glow of the skin. Spring people have lighter hair, normally blonde or red and look best in the lighter, warm colours. Although this may seem a very prescriptive way to choose outfits it doesn't in fact mean you can't wear any colours, it's just the shades you need to be careful of.



I'm going now to look at the colours of gemstones and detail some of the associations with stones of particular colours.



Blue Gemstones



Blue Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite, Sapphire, Topaz, Chalcedony, Iolite, Sodalite, Azurite, Blue Tourmaline, Spinel, Aquamarine, Blue Goldstone and Blue Moonstone are all blue stones.



Blue is said to induce calm, peace, creativity and serenity in the wearer. It is also linked to clarity of mental thought, inspiration and helps with meditation.



Yellow Gemstones



Amber, Citrine, Carnelian, Sapphire, Garnet, Tigers Eye, Topaz, Beryl, Jasper and Tourmaline all have yellow forms.



Yellow stones are said to draw attention to the wearer and build self esteem and confidence. Like the sun they illuminate, warm and cheer the wearer.



Orange Gemstones



Coral, Chalcedony, Zircon, Citrine, Sardonyx, Sapphire, Garnet, Fire Opal, Amber, Sunstone, Carnelian, Topaz, and Agate all have orange forms.



As with yellow stones, the flamboyance of orange draws attention to the wearer, it is linked with creativity, energy and sexual ttractiveness. It's a "notice me"! "Pay attention" colour to wear.



Red Gemstones



Garnet, Ruby, Poppy Jasper, Sponge Coral, Sapphire, Red Jasper, Beryl, Tourmaline, Alexandrite and Spinel all have red forms.



Red is associated with excitement, energy and passion. It's bold, fiery and linked with courage. A red gemstone is probably the most popular choice for jewellery because of it's boldness and eye catching quality (red and orange are the colours that we see first at a distance).



Green Gemstones



Tsavorite Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Malachite, Serpentine, Jade, Peridot, Gaspeite, Tourmaline, Emerald, Jadeite, Jasper, Zircon, Beryl, Adventurine,Topaz and Alexandrite all have Green forms.



Green because of its vegetative associations is linked with fertility and wealth, it is also said to the be most relaxing colour of all to look at and hence to be soothing and calming to wear.



Violet



Flourite, Amethyst, Charoite, Suglite, Jasper, Tanzanite, Garnet, Sapphire, Topaz, Agate, Chalcedony, Tourmaline and Spinel all have purple/violet forms.



Purple has been associated for centuries with royalty, power and wealth, more recently it has been liked with spirituality, creativity and insight.



Black



Onyx, Agate, Snowflake Obsidian, Jet, Black Spinel, Black Pearl, Haematite.



Black or the absence of colour/light has many symbolisms, the colour of mourning and grief, the colour of high fashion and chic, sexy dressing. In jewellery, black stones are said to protect the emotions of the wearer from being displayed, allowing the wearer to remain mysterious.



Aqua/Turquoise Stones



Aquamarine, Topaz, Turquoise, Amazonite, Opal, Tourmaline, Apatite.



The colour of water or of the sea these stones are loved for their associations with the coolness and cleanliness of pure water. Blue/green stones are said to promote feelings of tranquility and help with meditation as well as inspiring creativity in the wearer.



Pink



Beryl, Kunzite, Sapphire, Rubellite Garnet, Pink Jasper, Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Topaz, Pink Pearls, Strawberry Quartz, Champagne Quartz.



Pink has many of the same qualities as red, only as you would expect, they are gentler and more muted. Said to help with feelings of anger and isolation. Pink represents friendship, love and trust.



White/Clear Stones



Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, Moonstone, Topaz, Pearls, Beryl, Zircon



White and clear stones represent purity and truth and are often used as protective stones. Associated with the moon and femininity they are often given to celebrate loving landmarks in peoples lives such as engagements, weddings and anniversaries.



Brown Stones



Amber, Agate, Smoky Quartz, Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond, Tourmaline, Zircon



Brown is the colour of the earth and the simple truths in life. Brown stones are said to promote wisdom, health, gravitas and stability in the wearer.



To summarise then, colour is a very powerful tool to use in projecting yourself to other people. It is also helpful in creating a desired mood or feeling through its personal assocations. Use it with care!!





Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/jewelry-articles/gemstones-the-significance-of-colour-169519.html



About the AuthorAbout Author:

Helen Quenet is a jewellery designer and silversmith working in the UK. She runs two websites stonesandsilver.co.uk and helenquenet.co.uk

Gemstone Pricing Factors

Gemstone Jewelry Pricing Factors - Gemstone, Design, And Craftsmanship




Author: Gen Wright



When it comes to pricing gemstone jewelry, the main factors that are looked into relate to the stone itself rather than the findings. Gemstones are priced using the very specific guide which is famously called the 'Four Cs'. The four factors, namely, colour, clarity, cut and carat, the most important of these being the color. Even though there are basic colors that we all know of such as sapphires being blue, rubies are red and emeralds are green, there are many gemstones that are very alike in color and it is important to make the correct distinction between them before pricing so that the correct value is being upheld. The general belief is that the brighter and more vibrant the color, the more expensive the stone. Clarity is the second most important factor that will need to be assessed is the clarity of the stone used in the piece of jewelry. The number of flaws and the clearness of the stone will affect the value placed on the jewelry, as the more clear and transparent the stone, the more value is attached to it. As well as just having an aesthetic affect on the beauty of the stone, cracks and scratches can cause the stone to be weaker and more prone to breaking which, again, will bring down the price and value of the item of jewelry. The third factor that will affect the pricing of gemstone jewelry is the cut of the stone itself. This is most recognised in the pricing of diamonds as they have vey specific cuts which create different styles and designs. The way that a stone is dealt with as it is processed from its raw natural state through to the finished product has a much marked affect on the value of the end product. The different cuts are designed to show of and amplify certain aspects and characteristics of the stones so that they are shown in the best way possible. Cut styles vary depending on whether the stone is being used for earrings, necklaces or pendants, each type of jewelry requires different shapes and sizes to be used in order for the piece to be designed to fit the style of the jewelry. The final factor which needs to be assessed when pricing gemstone jewelry is the weight of the stones used. Gemstones are measured in 'carats' which is a unit of weight equal to 0.200 grams. The higher the carat of a stone the higher the value will be which will increase the cost of the jewelry. As well as all these factors being important when pricing gemstone jewelry, there are of course some more aspects that will affect the final price of which an item of jewelry will be sold. The demand of the specific designer and the metal which is used in the findings will affect the price as well as the design specifications and rarity factors.All of these points will culminate once an item of jewelry has been completed and combine to determine the price of that specific piece of gemstone jewelry.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/gemstone-jewelry-pricing-factors-gemstone-design-and-craftsmanship-904272.html



About the AuthorShop from over 6000 colored gemstone rings, pendants, earrings at leading online discount gemstone jewelry store - Livapo

Sale on individual sections!

SALE!!!

Today I am offering my "economical pendants" section in my shop for 10% off the shown price! There are 66 different gemstone wire wraps in this section to choose from, all are economically wire wrapped in silver or gold plated wire, so you may have beautiful jewelry without paying a big price for it! Just mention it in the message to seller when purchasing! These pedants are already priced at very reasonable rates, so this makes it even that much better!
I am also offering my "Bookmarkers section" at 25% off! These are great gifts for the teachers, and avid book readers in your life. Thes book marks are hand crocheted, and have a small Lake superior agate attached to the ends of them, as well as coming in multiple different colors to choose from! Stop by and check them out as well!
Economical pendants section -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/superioragates?section_id=6735446
Bookmarkers section-
http://www.etsy.com/shop/superioragates?section_id=6732180

Will be adding mor pendants to the Sterling silver section soon!!!

The addiction begins

In May of 2009, after a few years of working 70 or more hours a week at a local casino, I was terminated. You know that feeling, what am I gonna do, where will the money come from to pay the bills, etc. In this economy, there are no jobs, nothing at least in this area of the northern U.S. For the first time in 25 years I find myself out of work, the feeling of emptiness was extreme, to say the least, not at all to mention that feeling of "what will I do now". My self confidence was destroyed, as, I am one of those people who "lives to work".
The 2nd week after I was fired, I needed something to do to fill a little time in my days, so I started planning a garage sale. This does 2 things for me, it fills some empty space and time, and it makes a little money as well. So I started marking everything I could live without, and not feel like I had lost anything in the process. The 3rd week after I was fired, I set up the garage sale outside my garage, and people started coming, buying things here and there, but nothing spectacular, really. As I am wheeling and dealing with someone, another guy comes up and asks me if I would allow him to go "agate Picking" behind my house. You see, we have a fairly large rock and sand pit about 200 feet behind us. Now I had NO idea what he was talking about, so I ask him....what's an agate? He starts to explain the "waxy" looking rock, and I must have had an "I'm stupid" look on my face, because after only a couple of minutes talking he decides to look around my driveway. I am thinking, "this guy must be nuts", as he looked all over the ground for an agate. The guy finds a tiny chip of an agate and shows it to me, and just as he described, it was a waxy looking, kind of shiny little thing. Cool, now I know what an agate is.
On Sunday following my garage sale, I decided to see whether I could find anything or not, so off I go, no bucket, no tools, just empty pockets. We found tons and tons, of what I now know would not even qualify as aquarium rocks, but it was fun, none the less.......but now.....I am hooked. Every single day I went hunting after that, and with every single day, I found bigger and bigger pieces of Lake Superior Agates. Some days I would spend 8-10 hours hunting these rocks, and not even realize I was gone that long. Before I knew it, someone was coming down to the pit to get me, either to cook supper, or eat what they had cooked! My back and neck would ache like you wouldn't believe, and Advil became one of my very best friends.
Now...I had no idea what I was going to do with these rocks, I was just collecting every one I could find, and putting them in buckets in my spare room. I started doing research to find out what other people were doing with their rocks, and I found tumbling! I bought a tumbler, one I could afford at the time, and started the process of shining my rocks. I was so excited when the first batch came out, I couldn't stand it. They were just so pretty! I had NO idea what I was going to do with them, but they were pretty anyway. In between the tumbling, and the hunting, I did even more research, and started seeing what other people would do with their rocks after polishing and all was done. I accidently ran across a website, http://www.rocktumblinghobby.com/, where people talk about the processes, the ups and downs, and show off what they were making with their rocks. So much stuff in there, and some really nice people, too. Every single one of them is willing to help a person out, answer questions, or whatever you might need when it comes to rocks. I love that site!!!
I recently became interested in wire wrapping cabochons, made from rocks. I have worked and worked on this with practice wire, even sold some of them already, so that is exciting! I still hunt for the agates, jaspers, or any other pretty material that might make a nice piece of jewelry, and the rock tumblers are still going...I now have 3....but now I am also in to wire wrapping!
Next stop....or addiction......Cabochon making!!!
I have a new Etsy store! check it out!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/superioragates?ga_search_query=superioragates&ga_search_type=seller_usernames