In this section, I will explain what I have learned about the palette of stones that I use in creating my jewelry. Most of the information relating to the physical characteristics of each stone is based on information from "Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann. As often as possible I have included information as to the holistic properties, historical importance and general interesting tid bits I have learned. I am hoping this page will prove to be informative and interesting. If you have any additional information I should include or questions about what I have included, please e-mail me.
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*** Topaz *** Topaz is a very hard and durable gemstone that can be found in a wide range of colors, of which blue and smoky brown are the most prevalent. It is the birthstone for November and people born under the sign of Sagittarius. In the language of the ancient Hindus, topaz meant "fire". It is thought to bring its wearer light and warmth, and has been used to combat insomnia and prevent colds. Topaz has also been used to help calm stress and restore emotional balance. The three most prevalent colors of blue topaz are Sky blue, London blue and Swiss blue. Sky blue is a pale color and can occur naturally. Because it is lighter, it is not practical for use in designs requiring small stones because in thinner cuts it tends to be too pale. In thicker cuts, however, sky blue's blueness is very similar to that of aquamarine even though it's one tenth the price per karat. London blue is a deeper smokier blue and Swiss blue is a bright vibrant light blue. The London blue and Swiss blue colors are achieved by heat treating or irradiating the stone and these expensive processes make them more expensive. Smokey Topaz is used to refer to smoky quartz. |
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*** Sterling Silver *** Yeah, I know, Sterling Silver is not really a gemstone, but this is about the best place to provide you some information about it. Pure silver is referred to as "fine silver", but you very rarely find it made into jewelry, because it is too soft. Silversmiths have found that adding a small amount of copper to pure silver, creates an alloy (mixed metal) that is much harder. "Sterling silver" is a mixture of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The addition of this small amount of copper more than doubles the hardness. Sterling silver, because it is harder, holds a polish better, can be used to make bezels that hold stones more securely, and can be used to make designs that are delicate and yet tough. Because Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, it may be stamped ".925" when it is not stamped "sterling". BEWARE: Just because it is stamped "sterling" or ".925" does not always mean it really is. Stamps are easy to buy and there is little regulation and even less enforcement of people who misuse them. So, the big question is how can you tell whether a piece is really sterling. There is no easy answer except to buy it from a person that you trust. |
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*** Garnets *** Garnets are a silicate gemstone most commonly found in a rich dark red color. Garnets are commonly found in smaller pebble like form. Because they are plentiful in small sizes and very rare in larger sizes, garnets can be very reasonable when smaller and jump dramatically (10 to 50 times) in price once they reach about 2 Karats. The name garnet has been used to refer to a fairly wide range of red colored gemstones. The common Indian Garnet is a dark wine colored red and is common and reasonable especially in smaller sizes. The rhodolite garnet is a more purplish color and, because it is rarer, is 10 to 20 times more expensive. Garnet is the birthstone for January and people born under the sign of Aquarius. The Garnet's blood red color has earned it a reputation for being useful in the treatment of fevers, wounds, and diseases of the blood. It's fiery nature is thought to be restorative to one's creativity and productivity. As a n energy stone, a garnet can stimulate desires, encourage success in business, and increase positivity |
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A purple crystalline quartz, amethyst is most commonly found in South America and Africa. It is found in a wide variety of shades of purple and it's price is more determined by color and clarity than size. Lighter stones can be made darker by heat treating, but this process is expensive and the availability of darker stones makes it's use rare. Amethysts are commonly used as both faceted and cabachon stones. It is sometimes found in crystal combination with yellow citrine and the resulting yellow and purple stone is called ametrine. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and those born under the sign of Pisces |