Showcase and Discussion of Jewelry Designs by the Alchemists Vessel.
A central place to find our sites all over the web. Custom work may also be discussed. Featured Artists, Crafts, Projects, and Interesting People can all be discovered here.
Since it is the end of the month, I thought it might be fun to recap what was on the List this month just in case you missed something. A featured item "Woodland Witch" Pendulum from Sarah Shannon of Wire Witchery sold and it was on the very first blog of 5 Great Gifts to Give. Networking works!
From Studio RGC and very dear friend, these are sold through Dark Djinn Designs on Etsy, these are incredible and highly detailed! While you're there check out the Tie-Dyed Clothing from the Host Shop!
Zombie Heads! I just love these and should ask for a life size replacement for my own.
The Brick Boutique offers some terrific knit things, like this lovely warm Blue Scarf.
Purple Passion - A Treasury of items on Etsy and curated by The Brick Boutique. Everything is purple! I am honored to be included in this collection.
American Artist, and my friend Allan O. Mudd, has started to offer Giclee Prints of his art work. You'll have to contact Allan on Facebook, via the link below. It will take you to the photo album. The first print is a Tiger's Eye.
This morning we have a couple of new items to show you and a rather neat announcement. Sterling Silver Charm earrings and a new Chain Maille pattern in different colors of wire.
These are very cute. Sterling Silver Flower Charm earrings with Malachite and Azurite or Lapiz Lazuli beads. Only two pair available!
We also have Sterling Silver Feathers, here they are shown with a very pretty green stone, Chrysocolla.
One of my favorite animals is the turtle. This adorable little charm is attached to Malachite and Azurite beads, these resemble the Earth, according to my friend's daughter Bri. In some cultural myths, a Turtle carries the world on his back.
These items will be listed in the store by this afternoon.
Available February 1, 2012, are these fascinating Chain Maille Parures. But Alix, what's a Par... a Paru... it's OK, I can't say it either. A Parure consists of various matching pieces of Jewelry, earrings and a necklace or bracelet, in some cases a ring. In actual terms it is an entire wardrobe or suite of jewelry. Women wore them to denote their stations. No woman would be caught without a complete jewelry ensemble to match their clothing wardrobe.
These earrings are created from Hypo-Allergenic jump rings and purple glass beads, in a "closed" European weave. They have a matching necklace, but I do not have a photo.
This is the same pattern created in Gold tone metal jump rings with gold glass beads.
I hope to take pictures of their matching necklaces today and have them all listed by tomorrow. There is one more set in this collection, but I am leaving that as a surprise!
SHOP ANNOUNCEMENT:
In an effort to keep things consolidated, I will be closing several of the pages around the web in favor of a website, alchemistsvessel.net. Still have some of the kinks to iron out, but we hope to have the new site up by mid-February.
Since yesterday's blog was dry and long let's have a little color and fun today. Below are several links to sites around the web. And I promise to keep the commentary down to a minimum this post.
Dark Mountain Treasures - This is the Website that features my friend's, Zain Orion, Jewlery, which is fun, eclectic, exciting, a little off beat, and truly original. Her "Violet Coil" bracelet shown below and available for purchase in other colors. Visit the site for more details.
Google Tricks - I have never gotten any of these to work
Promotions:
For blog readers only! Now through February 20th, when you enter the Coupon Code LOVEYDOVEY (that's one word ) in the Etsy shop you will received 10% off your total purchase price on ANY ITEM in the store. Any item, public promotion is for any Valentine's Day themed item, for Blog readers it is ANY ITEM listed in the shop! The Alchemists Vessel on Etsy
Do you have a shop, page, place, link or other site or item you would like to see featured on Links and Promotions Friday? Leave me a comment, message or other communique and I will be happy to post it or at least discuss which day would be best to share your link, site, page etc...
Have a wonderful weekend. For the Entrepreneur's work is never done!
After a lengthy discussion with an inquisitive customer, I thought it might be a good idea to post a note on birthstones, what they are, where they come from and the traditional as compared to modern lists we use today. I certainly don't expect anybody to read the whole thing! It would be my idea that one skim through the verbiage and find their own stone or information they are wanting.
There have been many sets of birthstones throughout history, different cultures and countries. In 1912, in an attempt to standardize them The American National Association of Jewelers, Jewelers of America adapted the Traditional to the Modern list below, it is currently the most widely used list in America and other countries such as Australia and Thailand.
In 2002 the AJA added Tanzanite as another or alternate birthstone for December.
Original
Traditional
Modern
Alternative
Alchemists Vessel
Garnet
Garnet
Garnet
-
Garnet
Amethyst
Amethyst
Amethyst
-
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Aquamarine
Aquamarine
Bloodstone
Aquamarine / Alt
White Spinel
White Spinel
Diamond
Cubic Zirconium
Quartz Crystal
Emerald
Emerald
Emerald
Malachite
Malachite (Alt)
Agate, alexandrite
Agate / Carnelian
*Pearl
Alexandrite / Pearl
Agate / Carnelian
Pearl
Pearl
*Ruby
Ruby
Pearl / Ruby
Jasper
Peridot
Peridot
Jasper
Peridot / Jasper
Blue Spinel
Sapphire
Sapphire
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli
Rose Sapphire
Opal
Opal
Tourmaline
Opal / Tourmaline
Golden Topaz
Topaz (All colors)
Topaz
Citrine
Topaz / Citrine
Blue Zircon
Turquoise
Turquoise
Tanzanite
Turquoise
However, there has been some indecision in regards to June’s and July’s Birthstones. Originally it was thought that your birthstone corresponded to your Zodiac Sign. In later years that changed to the Roman calendar months and the birthstone was associated with the month the sign dominated, not the sign itself. Traditionally Pearl has been July’s Birthstone as it corresponds to Cancer the Crab, as the Zodiac sign is dominate in July. Recently the list has been changed with no date of record, to include Ruby. The lists have omitted Agate and Carnelian for June and replaced them with Pearl. (The Zodiac sign of Cancer begins at the end of June)
It is believed that the birthstones originated from the Bible and are taken from the Breastplate of Aaron, Exodus 28: 15-21; they represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Set in four rows they correspond to the Zodiac at that time. In order they are listed as:
The First Row: Sardius, Topaz, Carbuncle (or Emerald)
The Second Row: Emerald (or Carbuncle), Sapphire, and Diamond
The Third Row: Jacinth, Agate, and Amethyst
The Fourth Row: Beryl, Onyx, and Jasper
The stones may also be taken from the foundations for the walls of the New Jerusalem, and may be found in the book of Revelations 21: 19 -21. Listed in order of the Roman calendar and the layers: Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald, Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysoprase, Jacinth, and Amethyst. There are also twelve gates, each made of Pearl.
Many of the names are a general description for any number of stones. Emerald is a Beryl Stone.
Alexandrite: A grass green “chrysoberyl” that changes color to red in transmitted or artificial light..
Beryl is a mineral made up of silicate of beryllium (a toxic substance) and aluminum.
Carbuncle: Garnet, or a red precious stone
Chalcedony (kal-se-d-en-ee) is translucent quartz in various colors and waxy luster, like Jasper and Chrysoprase.
Chryoprase: An apple green chalcedony.
Chrysolite: also called “Olivine”, it is also a chalcedony.
Jacinth: is a gem orange in color.
Ruby is corundum, a mineral in hard crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Sapphire is also corundum.
Sardius: also called Sard is an iron oxide mineral, usually reddish-brown in color. Sometimes confused with Carnelian.
Sardonyx: Is an Onyx that has bands or stripes of Sard.
Spinel: a mineral consisting of oxide, ferrous iron rich, with zinc and manganese.
The Crystal Wisdom Book, Stephanie Harrison and Barbara Kleiner
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need, Joanna Martin Woolfolk
The Hidden World of Birthdays, Judith Turner
The Complete Book of Astrology, Caitlin Johnstone
The Holy Bible, American Standard Version, 1929
Various Websites
American Jeweler’s Association
Birthstones, Alternatives, Metaphysical Meanings and Facts
January - Garnet (a crystalline stone)
The Stone of Constancy
Physical Description: Deep, red-purple in color.
Metaphysical Properties: Encourages imagination, a stone of devotion to lovers, passion for others and oneself. Self esteem.
Interesting Fact: Garnet comes in several colors, but it is the red variety that is used as a gem.
In the Victorian era garnet was favored in woman’s jewelry; it symbolized fidelity. Sometimes generally referred to as a carbuncle.
February- Amethyst (a crystal)
The Stone of Sincerity
Physical Description: Ranges in color from light, transparent lavender to a deep, opaque royal purple.
Metaphysical Properties: Promotes creativity, intuition, inner peace and spiritual awareness or understanding.
Interesting Fact: Thought to prevent drunkenness, in ancient times wine goblets were lined with or made entirely out of Amethyst. From the Greek word amethystos ("not drunken"). Traditionally ranking members of the Catholic Church wear a ring set with a large amethyst as part of their office.
March – Aquamarine (a variety of beryl)
The Stone of Serenity
Physical Description: Translucent light blue, blue-green or grass-green in color.
Alternative 1: Blood Stone
Alternative 2: Amazonite (a variety of feldspar)
Physical Description: This versatile stone comes in many colors. I have chosen its aqua color for its resemblance to Aquamarine and the soft blue color of water.
Metaphysical Properties: Bestows truth and integrity the wearer.
April - Diamond – formed from coal
The Stone of Purification
Physical Description: Transparent stone with brilliant shine and clarity when expertly cut.
Interesting Fact: In 1912 in an effort o standardize the Birthstones White Spinel was replaced with Diamond as a less expensive alternative.
Alternative: Clear Quartz (a crystal)
Physical Description: Clear Quartz is an excellent amplifier and transmitter. I have chosen it for its clarity and resemblance to the Diamond.
Metaphysical Properties: Balances healing energies, directs and transmits thoughts. Used for divination.
Interesting Fact: In ancient times referred to as "Frozen water from Heaven"; due to its glass-like appearance it was also called "Solidified Light." From the old Saxon quertz meaning “cross vein ore".
May – Emerald (a variety of beryl)
The Stone of Success and Love
Physical Description: a deep to light green translucent stone,
Metaphysical Properties: Traditionally used to enhance memory
Alternative: Malachite (a copper stone)
Physical Description: I have chosen Malachite for its Emerald-like grass green color. Layered with deep, forest-green that mimics the moors. It brings to mind the outdoors, hills, trees, and grass.
Metaphysical Properties: Promotes harmony and emotional balance, and reduces stress.
Interesting Fact: Used as a pigment for paint until about 1800. Malachite has been mined for about 3,000 years at Timna in Israel, also called “King Solomon’s Mines”.
June - Agate (Traditional): Blue Lace, Black, Red and Golden Leaf varieties.
Physical Description: An aggregate of various forms of silica, chiefly chalcedony (a quartz). These lovely stones have a myriad of colors and appearances. I have chosen Blue Lace Agate for its soft blue tones and striations throughout each bead.
Blue Lace Agate: enhances grace and lightheartedness.
Metaphysical Properties: All Agate offers acceptance, emotional and physical balance, connects one to nature and fosters love.
Interesting Fact: In 1912 in an effort to standardize the Birthstones Agate was given the alternative of Carnelian, a variety of agate that when heated becomes a brilliant orange color. Recently the list has changed with no date of record and Pearl has replaced Agate and Carnelian. We offer all three birthstones for this month.
Alternative: Carnelian – a variety of Agate
Physical Description: originates as a dull brown agate but when expertly heated it becomes a bright orange color.
Metaphysical Properties: Protection against envy, fear and rages.
**WE have pearls for June too!
July- Pearl (Traditional) a "gem" created by oysters
The Stone of Regeneration
Physical Description: Fresh Water and Oyster Created Pearls are prized for their white color and high luster.
Interesting Fact: Pearls have many faces, they are said to be dragon tears and lanterns to light one's way. Many ancients depicted their gods wearing pearls as a symbol of their purity and divinity.
Alternative: Ruby – red corundum
The Stone of Leadership
Physical Description: The “Queen of Gems” it is an aluminum oxide mineral in crystalline form.
NOTE: Traditionally Pearl has been July’s birthstone, recently with no date of record Ruby has been included (once associated with Leo) as July’s Birthstone, we offer both of these stones for this month.
August- Peridot a variety of olivine
The Stone of Friendship
Physical Description: A light green color, it is a mineral of complex silicates of magnesium and iron.
Metaphysical Properties: Gives off a warm and friendly energy, brings happiness, aids in overcoming anger or jealousy. Often used to heal bruised egos.
Alternative: - Jasper – a chalcedony
Physical Description: An earthy, terra cotta colors it is Chalcedony; translucent quartz in various colors and waxy luster.
Metaphysical Properties: Aids in remembering dreams, brings balance, thought to warn of or rescue from danger.
Interesting Fact: Jasper means “spotted stone”. Part of the quartz family, its color comes from iron oxide. It was used as an amulet to protect one from venomous creatures, drought and general disturbances.
September – Sapphire – blue corundum
The Stone of Healing, the Stone of Clear Thinking and the Stone of Prosperity.
Physical Description: a Light to deep blue stone, aluminum oxide mineral in crystalline form.
Metaphysical Properties: Eliminates frustration and fulfills dreams.
Alternative: Lapis Lazuli – a rock
Physical Description:. This beautiful stone is a dark blue or soft denim color with streaks or flecks of pyrite through out the bead. To be a mineral it would have to have a single constituent, Lapis is made up of several and therefore it is a rock.
Metaphysical Properties: Aligns the ethical, spiritual and mental bodies, all knowing, invoking wisdom and expression. Traditionally it is the Stone of Royalty.
October – Opal – a silica
The Stone of Clear Thinking
Physical Description: a mineral of hydrated silica softer than quartz, noted for its iridescence or “fire” play across the stone’s surface.
Metaphysical Properties: Used to invoke visions and enter “dreamtime”.
Interesting Fact: The Aborigines say that opals were born when the Storm god, jealous of its beauty, shattered the rainbow with a lightening bolt.
Alternative 1: Tourmaline - a borosilicate
Physical Description: a stone of various colors, valued as a gem when transparent and cut.
Interesting Fact: Tourmaline was once thought to be an evil stone that connected one with the dark powers of the universe
Alternative 2: Rose Quartz (a crystal)
Physical Description: Delicate and soft, the variation of pink mimics the qualities of Opal.
Metaphysical Properties: Forgiveness, comfort, representing unconditional love and harmony. Used to heal broken hearts.
Interesting Fact: Natural crystals are rare and are usually seen as rounded beads or tumble stones (Alchemists Vessel uses natural beads and nuggets). In some instances when cut, the stone may produce a star-like effect, caused by inclusions of rutile needles.
November: Golden Topaz – a mineral
The Stone of Fidelity
Physical Description: a mineral of silicate of aluminum, it is the golden variety that is used for November’s Birthstone, Topaz also appears in white and blue variations.
Alternative 1: Citrine – variety of quartz
The Stone of Wealth
Physical Description: A yellow or golden variety of quartz crystal
Metaphysical Properties: used to attract wealth and ward off evil thoughts.
Alternative 2: Snow Quartz
Physical Description: Snow Quartz is an opaque soft white color.
Metaphysical Properties: Purity, associated with blessings and initiations, aids in cleansing and rejuvenating mind and spirit.
Interesting Fact: It is a physical representation of pure white light. White light is made up of all the colors of the spectrum - therefore this stone holds all the colors of the rainbow and creates perfect balance and harmony.
December - Turquoise –a mineral
The Stone of Communication
Physical Description: Sky-blue in color with a black matrix, a basic phosphate of copper and aluminum
Metaphysical Properties: Sometimes worn as a healing stone or a stone of protection.
Interesting Fact: Symbolizes the sky. Highly prized for its appearance when sky-blue, it is primarily mixed with or set in silver for rings, necklaces, earrings and other adornments.
I got a rather pleasant surprise yesterday as I cam across some components that I had completely forgotten about, as I was searching for the ever elusive clasp to finish the piece I was stringing. I love that! Now I have to figure out what to do with them. Zodiac Pictoglyph Sterling Silver Charms and these things are very small. I can't measure them with the calipers. In fact they are so small, I wrote the supplier and asked if I could use their photos of the charms. They agreed, bless their hearts and sent me the files to all twelve! All twelve signs are here and I have a lot of them. I want to incorporate them into earring, necklace and bracelet designs and if I can figure out how I want to offer some for sale as components and supplies on the shop. In order of the Zodiac, they are shown below. The pictures are enormous to show the detail of the charm.
I am telling you these things are tiny! They are also stamped 925 on the back. 925 is the number of Sterling Silver, it is 92.5% Silver, and 7.5% copper.
I also came across some Antiqued Silver Bead Tips, Wire Ends, Cord Ends, Knot Covers... they are called a variety of things they come in three styles Star Shape, Swirl pattern and Crescent Pattern. The photo below is of a plain undecorated one. They are also very small and although I use them, I have WAY to many and again would like to offer them through the shop as supplies as well.
Here are the ones with designs and shapes
No slouches here at The Alchemists Vessel, we are also working on other things as well, like these very pretty Sterling Silver Flower Charm earrings with Malachite and Azurite or Lapis Lazuli beads. Two pairs available and they will be listed for sale soon.
Please note: The Zodiac Charm pictures are the property of Silver Enchantments of Arizona, and are used by permission. None of the photos of the charms above may be copied or used without the EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT of Silver Enchantments, Arizona, U.S.A.
