ABOUT SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES AND CRYSTALS

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).

ABOUT LAMPWORK BEADS

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.

ABOUT SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS

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.

ABOUT STERLING SILVER

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.

CARING FOR YOUR JEWELRY

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!

CLEANING GEMSTONE JEWELRY

The following stones are considered delicate and should not be exposed to ammonia, hot solutions, ultrasonic cleaning, or any abrasives:

 

Amber	Coral	Opals
Emeralds	Pearls	Peridot
Malachite	Mother of pearl	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.

CARING FOR YOUR CRYSTALS

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.

PREVENTING AND REMOVING STERLING SILVER TARNISH

· 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.

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

Amazonite: 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.

Amethyst: “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.

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

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

Aventurine: 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.

Bloodstone: Courage, intense healing, renewal, strength, victory, intuitive decision making.

Carnelian: Promotes peace and harmony. This stone ranges in color from bright orange to dark burgundy.

Chrysoprase: During the Middle Ages, sorcerers carved this stone with magical symbols and used it in rituals. This stone is found in Germany, North America and Brazil. The colors of this stone are most often found in shades of light green and pale yellow. Powers include strength, enthusiasm, and clear communication.

Citrine: Is a yellow form of quartz crystals. It removes fear and ensures a good night’s sleep because it prevents nightmares. It is the birth stone for November and is an anniversary stone for the ninth year of marriage.

Coral: Diplomacy, quieting emotions, visualization.

Crystal Quartz: Intensifying energy, spiritual development, healing, raising consciousnes.

Diamond: Courage, strength, healing, protection, spirituality, mental abilities.

Dumortierite: Self-reliance, stamina, patience, recognition of potential, understanding, communication of ideas.

Emerald: Love, domestic bliss, sensitivity, loyalty, memory, mental capacity, harmony, focus, eliminating negativity.

Fluorite: Works with the conscious mind to calm, increase wisdom and balance. Commonly the colors of this stone include a mixture of greens, purples, and creams. It is called fluorite because it contains hydrocarbons, which make it brightly fluorescent in ultraviolet light. It is found in England, Switzerland, but the largest deposits are located in the US.

Fossil Stone: Accomplishments, improvement of one’s environment, communication, innovation.

Garnet: Legends claim that garnets are healing stones and can cure skin problems and help regulate blood flow. Garnets were once commonly exchanged between parting friends to symbolize their affection and ensure that they would meet again. Garnet is a very common stone and can be found in many areas of the world including the US, India, Brazil and Australia.

Hematite: is sometimes referred to as bloodstone because the dust and powder that result from cutting this stone are a red color. Hematite is actually an iron ore. It is said to make the wearer alert. Assists with memory, inner happiness, and transforming negativity.

Howlite: Awareness, calm, emotional expression, observation, patience, eliminating negativity. Howlite is white with streaks of gray. It is found mainly in California and Nova Scotia.

Iolite: Intuition, spiritual growth, healing, balance, releasing discord, awakening to inner knowledge.

Jade: Is believed to prolong life, aid in fertility, and provide the wearer with a sense of balance and wisdom.

Jasper: Protection, nurturing, joy, awareness; balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies. Native Americans used jasper in rain ceremonies. Mothers-to-be held a piece of jasper to protect and heal them during childbirth.

Labradorite: Alignment, spiritual connection, transformation, clarity, peace, progression, discernment.

Lapis Lazuli: Wisdom, intuition, awareness, objectivity, clarity, creativity, expanded consciousness, dreams, purity, courage, serenity.

Malachite: Transformation, insight, clarifying emotions, fidelity, loyalty, practicality.

Moonstone: Enhances joy and peacefulness.

Mother of Pearl: Mental clarity, intuition, sensitivity, imagination, adaptability, cooperation.

Obsidian: Is volcanic glass and was used by the Aztecs and Mayans to form tools and decorative objects. Clarity, deflecting negativity, protection, healing.

Onyx: Protects the wearer and was worn in ancient times to assist those in battle.

Opal: Creativity, spontaneity, relationships, memory, happy dreams and changes.

Pearl: Classified as an organic gemstone because it naturally develops through a biological process rather than forming from minerals. Pearls are created in nature when a piece of sand or other foreign body makes its way into an oyster. To protect itself, the oyster covers the foreign matter in layers of what eventually becomes a pearl. Pearls are thought to bring love, purity and peace.

Peridot: Warmth, friendliness, understanding, openness in love and relationships, regulation of cycles.

Rhodonite: Worn to calm, cast off doubt and remove confusion. It is pink with streaks and swirls of gray and black throughout. The largest deposits of rhodonite are located in Sweden, Britain, Russia, India, North America, South Africa and Australia.

Rose Quartz: Attracts love. Used for the healing of emotional wounds. The stone color is pink and immediately brings to mind femininity and love. It can be found in Brazil, the US and Madagascar.

Ruby: Nurturing, spiritual wisdom, attainment of values, economic stability, protection from distress.

Sapphire: Joy, peace, beauty, intuition, prosperity, fulfillment of dreams.

Smoky Quartz: Dissolving emotional blockage, clearing the mind, cooperation, personal pride, joy in living, attentiveness to the moment, protection.

Sodalite: Wisdom, logic, calmness, healing, stress reduction, companionship, self-esteem.

Sugilite: Actually a mineral, not a gemstone. The largest deposits come from South Africa, the name of this mineral originated from Ken-ichi Sugi, a Japanese geologist who discovered it in 1944. Sugilite colors vary from black to pink. However, purple sugilite is most often used in jewelry designs. This mineral encourages strength.

Tanzanite: Communication, intuition, protection, symmetry, decision-making, spirituality.

Tiger Eye: Powers include courage and energy. Its name may have come from the stripes of black and yellow that characterize the stone; they are really fibrous minerals.

Topaz: True love, success in endeavors, understanding of interrelationships, expression of ideas, trust, health, personal expansion and growth (member of the quartz family).

Tourmaline: Energizing, soul-searching, releasing.

Turquoise: Associated with Native Americans because large quantities are found in North America, however, is found in Central America and the Middle East. The Aztecs as well as the Egyptians used this stone for decorative purposes. Turquoise is associated with increasing spiritual attunement, cleansing, and healing.

Unakite: Balance, re-birth, foresight, and emotional balance.