Semi-precious stones are both natural and beautiful. They come in many colors, shapes, textures, and types. They are a step down from precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, etc. Prices range greatly as some types are much rarer than others. Semi-precious stones are believed to have special properties (healing and metaphysical).

Sterling Silver has no nickel, so it is wearable by most segments of the population. Sterling is sometimes stamped .925, because sterling silver is made of 92.5% silver, and 7.5% copper. Discoloration on your fine sterling silver jewelry can be removed by gently using a jewelry polishing cloth. The cloth is chemically treated with nontoxic cleaning and polishing agents especially formulated for fine silver in order to restore the luster of the silver.

While there are a number of companies in the world manufacturing crystal beads, the leader in the industry is Swarovski. They have the very highest quality which distinguishes them from the rest. Their cutting and polishing techniques are superior, and they dominate the crystal bead market with their stunning colors.

Swarovski got their start over one hundred years ago when Daniel Swarovski and his three sons began production of crystals in the Alps of Austria. Using lead, glass, and other materials they were able to produce jewelry with a new machine that they patented which cut crystals with exacting precision. Crystals are made of high quality glass (at least 24% lead oxide). To achieve the brilliant iridescent effects seen in crystals such as the (AB), crystals are colored by adding water and layers of metal. When polished and cut, the final result is a very brilliant effect. AB crystals reveal every color of the rainbow.

The art of glass beads began over 3,000 years ago. Handmade artisan beads begin as individually colored glass rods that are melted in a torch by the artist. The torch reaches temperatures in excess of 2300 °F. As the glass turns molten it is wound onto a rod, called a mandrel, to form the hole of the bead. From there each artisan bead becomes a blank canvas for the artist to express their creativity. Each color of glass is carefully placed and layered to achieve the designs you see. Handmade lampwork beads can take an artist hours to create.

When purchasing glass beads ask if the beads have been created by a self representing artist (SRA) and that they are annealed. The annealing process, only achievable in a kiln, relieves any stress that may be in the bead. Without this important step the glass bead will eventually break. Many imported beads are not annealed so it is important that the buyer is aware of this information.

The following stones are considered delicate and should not be exposed to ammonia, hot solutions, ultrasonic cleaning, or any abrasives:   Amber, Coral, Emeralds, Malachite, Mother of Pearl, Opals, Pearls, Peridot, and Unstabilized Turquoise.

Two recommended ways to clean your delicate jewelry: Jewelry Joose - which you can spray on, rub gently and wash off, or else soak several pieces in it. It is safe for all metals and gems. An ionic jewelry cleaner such as SpeedBrite, which is considered generally safe for all metals and stones. Ionic jewelry cleaners do not use heat, sound waves, or abrasives, and they do an excellent job of removing tarnish and dirt very quickly.

Do not use anything for cleaning jewelry that has abrasives or bleach. Both of these damage silver and many stones! That includes toothpaste (especially tooth-whitening toothpastes), scouring powder, baking soda, or creamy opaque jewelry cleaners. Although it’s sometimes helpful to use a small brush for cleaning jewelry, I don’t recommend using an old toothbrush. It’s likely to have a tiny residue of toothpaste on it, which may scratch your metal and stones. Use a brand-new toothbrush and keep it just for scrubbing jewelry!

When not wearing your jewelry with crystals it is recommended that you keep it wrapped to avoid scratching of any smooth surfaces. Velvet or silk pouches are ideal. Wash Swarovski crystals by hand in lukewarm water to which a few drops of a mild dish detergent has been added. Then rinse under running water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid spotting and lint spoiling the shine. Under no circumstances should any abrasive or corrosive detergents be used; glass or window-cleaning fluids should also be avoided, as they often cause streaking.

· For plain sterling silver jewelry (with no stones), you can also get good results using commercial silver dip liquid, polish paste, or polish cloth.

· Steam and other hot methods of cleaning are safe for metals and all but the delicate stones listed above.

· Ultrasonic cleaners are safe to use on most jewelry EXCEPT the delicate stones listed above.

After cleaning jewelry, how do you keep it from tarnishing and becoming dull again?
I recommend keeping jewelry tightly sealed in ziplock jewelry bags with no-tarnish strips (available from most jewelry suppliers) inside with the jewelry. Change the no-tarnish strips every 3 to 6 months, depending on where you live and how fast jewelry tends to tarnish.

TRADITIONAL GEMSTONE LORE - METAPHYSICAL PURPOSES Stones, more than any other earthly element, have been used throughout time as personal adornment. There is archeological evidence that many ancient civilizations, such as Egyptians and Romans created jewelry that included semiprecious stones. Below is a list of stones and the powers associated with each based on traditional myths and legends.

Powers include strength, courage, longevity, love, healing and protection.

Associated with love, truth and honor. Its name is derived from the Amazon River because it originated there. However, this stone is found around the world including the US, Brazil, and Australia.

Amber: Classified as an organic gemstone because it naturally develops through a biological process rather than forming from minerals, as stones do. Amber is actually preserved tree resin that is tens of millions of years old. Powers associated with amber include love and healing.

“The purple stone” is very popular and is mined in the U.S., Madagascar, India and Brazil. It is said to make the wearer gentle and amiable (a member of the quartz family). Quartz was used in Asia to show honor to the gods.

Intellect, achieving results, healing, insight, humanitarianism, meditation, balance, creativity.

Courage, purification, peace, intuition, self-expression, balance, preparedness. Said to assist in thoughtfulness, visualization, and motivation.

Worn to strengthen the eyes, increase creativity, enhance intelligence. Aventurine is a type of quartzite that contains mica, which creates the distinctive color. Adverturine is primarily found in India, Australia, Brazil and Germany.