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.
Good Morning, I know that Thursday's are usually devoted to an artist. The blog ring is on hiatus until next week, and I have run my friends to ground, asking for permission and verbiage to use. They're shy. So instead, this post is all about Metals, Heavy, Precious, Rolled, Filled, and Nickel.
Silver and the variations there of: one of my biggest pet peeves in the industry is Nickel. Nickel is not Silver, it is not "Nickel Silver", there is NO Silver in Nickle what so ever. Not even the tiniest elemental trace. None, zero, zip, nada, nil. Nickle is a copper alloy usually containing 60% Copper, 20% Zinc, and 20% Nickel, it may also contain Tin, also known as "Indian Silver" or "German Silver". Nickel is toxic, and many people are allergic to Nickel and including the word "silver" is misleading and irresponsible. Nickel is a white metal, like aluminum or tin. Adding the word silver also allows sellers to up their price for a common and non-precious item. Don't be fooled, Nickel is not and never will be silver of any kind, ever. Silver and Sterling Silver - Silver depending on where you are in the world can be graded differently. Sterling Silver however is always 92.5% Silver and 7.5% Copper (or other metals). Silver in it's pure state is too soft to make functional items from, and is usually alloyed with other metals to strengthen it without changes its properties or the beauty of metal. Three Nines Fine or Fine Silver is 99.9% silver and used mainly in the creation of jewelry.
Silver plated items are usually .15 to .25mm of Silver adhered to the surface of a base metal, usually copper or brass. Rolled Silver or Rolled Gold have a thicker outer sheath of precious metal adhered to the base metal. This type of plating lasts longer than the traditional plating methods. Argentium - Argent is the Spanish word for Silver, Argentium is actually Sterling Silver that has had some of the copper content replaced with the metalloid germanium. Germanium (Ge) is a chemical element appearing silver-grey in color. The addition or replacement of copper aids in stopping the oxidation process of the metal and makes it less susceptible to tarnish. Gold is weighed or measured in Karats. Carats are used to measure gemstones. I know a little confusing. Karats refer to amount of actual gold a coin or piece of jewelry contains. Pure gold is simply too soft to use in making or creating any kind of functional item and is usually alloyed with another metal to improve strength without marring the beauty of the natural metal. 24 kt - Pure Gold 22 kt to 10kt - are common for most jewelry Rose gold contains 25% copper giving it is reddish or "rose" hue. White Gold is usually alloyed with another white metal like palladium or silver to give it the white color. The world's consumption of available Gold today is counted as 50% used for jewelry, 40% investments and 10% industry (electronics, etc.) Copper is one of the very first metals mined by man, and was principally mined on Cyprus in the Roman Era. It has numerous uses, and makes beautiful jewelry. From trade and artworks in the Ancient World, to modern uses today such as Copper Bottom Cooking pots, building materials, conductor of heat and constituent of various metal alloys. When allowed to corrode, Copper will verdigris or turn green (patina), it is also found as a trace element in food and water and is important to all life, it is part of the respiratory enzyme complex, cytochrome c oxidase. It is also used to create mirrors, and connected with the goddess Aphrodite and Venus, the alchemical symbol for copper is also the modern symbol for women, or the planetary sign for Venus.
Thank you for stopping by and having a look. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Good Morning, Today I thought we might look at some of the things that drive the fashion industry, and like it or not, jewelry is part of that weird world of models and run ways. This year the powers that be in the Fashion Industry have decided that Green is the must have color for 2013. And not just any green, oh no, it has to be Emerald Green, a light, translucent and beautiful natural color. Raw Emerald
Pantone, makers of Printers Ink even has a variation of the color.
The Alchemists Vessel is no stranger to this lovely color. Not only is Emerald the owners Birthstone, it is also one of her favorite colors, and has been incorporated into some of the pieces created by Alixandra, long before the Fashion Industry said so.
Chainmaille Bracelet "Serpent's Spine" - Emerald Green Czech Glass beads and Silver plated jump rings. By The Alchemists Vessel.
A simple Memory Wire wrap bracelet with a contrasting blue bead.
Green evokes a feeling of open spaces and large fields, a feeling of openness, calmness and peacefulness. The color is also most famous as "The Emerald City" in the Wizard of Oz. The color Emerald represents, harmony, wisdom and love. Thank you for stopping in and having a look. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Happy Tuesday, Christmas is just a week away and today instead of offering shopping venues and present ideas, I would like to take a moment to discuss other ways to give and be in the Spirit of the Holiday without spending money (well maybe a little), or rampant consumerism.
I'm not even talking handmade items that you can whip up at the last minute. I am talking about the gift of giving, giving of yourself, your time, your smile, a kind word, a helping hand.
This time of year there are lots and lots of pleas for your hard earned dollars for this or that charity, cause or fundraising event. Instead of writing a check, why not offer your time, volunteer to serve a meal or two at a soup kitchen, offer your gently used blankets, or clothing your kids have out grown to shelters, grab an extra bag of cat or dog food when doing your own shopping and drop it off at the local animal shelter, put a toy in the Toys for Tots bin. These are simple small acts that will be felt and appreciated in ways that you can only image.
Be kind to each other, let some one go ahead of you in line, smile just because you are capable of doing so. People are rushed and hurried this time of year, take a moment to breath, slow down, instead of shouting at the idiot that just cut you off, focus on the song on the raido, sing at the top of your lungs, you'll feel better, and it's better for you.Sit down and have your favorite beverage and write your friends a letter, I said a letter, not an e-mail, a letter, with pen and paper. Remember those? A short "I was thinking about you" note is always more than welcome and a lovely surprise. I know in this day and age it is a risk talking to a stranger, or offering assistance, put if we all did just one little thing, one small act of kindness a day, without thinking about ourselves or what we'll possibly get out of it, the world would be a gentler, better place to inhabit. Thank you for stopping by and having a read. The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
Every Tuesday I try to list five (5) great gifts to give or gift giving ideas, sites and the occasional link. However this week I thought instead of gift ideas, a discussion about gifts might be interesting.
gift/gift/
Noun:
A thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present: "a gift shop".
Verb:
Give (something) as a gift, esp. formally or as a donation or bequest: "the company gifted 2,999 shares to a charity".
Now that the definition is done with, what is a gift and how do you shop for one or decide if something is appropriate for gift-giving.
Is it the amount of money spent? No.
Is it the thought that counts? Yes. But that only goes so far.
An article I read several years ago had a check list for Gift Buying and comments on receiving them and what an appropriate response might be to getting one that isn't exactly pleasing.
CHECK LIST:
How much thought did you put into the present?
Did you spend Five minutes, Five Hours, Five Days, grabbed a chap-stick off the impulse rack at the local Wal-Greens?
Does it reflect the recipient's taste or style?
Is it something the recipient would buy for themselves?
Did you buy it because you like it, or because the recipient will like it?
(Don't fall into that trap, just because you like it doesn't mean the recipient will! Remember you are buying something for someone else, not for you.)
Would you wear it?
(Here's a hint, if you won't, neither will the recipient). Ask yourself again if it is to the recipient's taste or style.
Have you ever seen the recipient with something similar?
If yes, the item in question is probably a "safe" gift idea.
Is this an appropriate gift?
If your spending $400.00 to impress someone, it is not a good gift.
If your spending $10.00 for the item and the recipient will love it (addition to a collection, a favorite Band's CD, or something they have specifically asked for), then it's an excellent gift.
What do you do when some one gives you something you really don't like, isn't to your taste or style and there is no way you are ever going to use it or wear it?
Always be gracious, say "Thank you", and smile politely, and be appreciative, do not make a fuss over it, and try not to look too disappointed. For heaven's sake DO NOT re-gift it! That is just tacky. Instead try a couple of the following.
Recycle! Find a use for it. There has got to be something you can do with whatever it is...
Charity! A six month waiting period is usually appropriate before giving the unwanted item to your local Auxiliary, Junior League or Thrift Shop. There are folks less fortunate that would love to own what you don't want or need (or like for that matter).
Re-Design or Re-Purpose! Almost like recycling think of it as today's Artisan fun buzz word "Up-Cycling". Cut it up, take it apart, make something else out of it. Get creative and figure out some unique and different use or pattern for it.
Tuck It Away! At some point we have all had something that was given away and we needed, wanted or wished we hadn't parted with years later. This is not to say keep everything for an eternity, but tucking something away only to be found later can be like discovering treasure. If you have put the item away, and come across it again, still don't like or can not think of an alternate use, then you may wish to reevaluate the item, and either put it away once more or select a more decisive course of action and choose one of the above options.
If nothing else a gift should be heart-felt, and be accepted in kind.
Thank you for stopping by. Food for thought is always good.
I know, Tuesday's are usually reserved for Five Great Gifts To Give, but it is good to change things up every now and again. Need to keep you all on your toes. We will have a gift idea post this week, I promise.
The Alchemists Vessel is pleased to announce that the owner and principle designer, Alixandra, will be returning classes next month. Always interested in updating her skills, learning about new materials and machines currently out on the gemstone and lapidary jewelry suppliers market, as well as obtaining certification for precious metals, repair, gemstone / metal testing equipment, and general jewelry-smith training. Also on the list of continued education is lamp-work or glass bead crafting.
Continuing education is an important part of keeping up with today's market. If one expects to succeed, one must continually polish and up grade their skills and general knowledge of available materials; new, old, and in some cases the new composites currently out on the market. Current trends and fashion styles may dictate color and components used, they are strong contributors to the creation process, as are new tools, treatments and techniques. All play a part in creating beautiful, unique, durable and sustainable hand crafted jewelry.
Costume or Fine, Folk Art or Artisan, adornment / jewelry or other accessories, have been a staple of trade, social interaction and celebrations in many cultures across our world. The fascination continues today, and there is a certain satisfaction in making something beautiful with your own hands. Self taught or classroom trained, each hand and eye bring their own flair and sense of balance to a piece. Sculpture, paintings, landscape, home decor, all have a rhythm and flow that make them work and the same applies to jewelry. Sparks of light and flashes of color draws the eye, intrigues the observer, and delights the wearer. It appeals to a variety of tastes from bold and bright, to delicate, feminine and understated. Great jewelry design is always in style and can be worn with a multitude of things and never loses its emphasis or over powers the wearer or outfit. Jewelry as an accent, can also be the main attraction.
Wednesday is here and I am in my studio creating wonderful things.
In a continuing effort to bring variety into the shop, and after several requests for things with a darker theme, I have some fun and spooky things soon to be incorporated into jewelry pieces.
There is only ONE of these available. Sterling Silver Hinged Jaw Skull Charm.
We also have a very limited selection of Sterling Silver charms and beads along with a a variety of dyed gemstone carved skull beads.
We also have some some Bats, sterling silver charms for earrings, bracelets, or chain decoration. Too small to be a focal point, they are very cute and very tiny.
Can't have bats without spiders! These eight-legged lovelies are more spider than charm, but they are shiny and lend an thread of spookiness to any piece they adorn.
I have several requests for Metaphysical Jewelry, from Healing Bracelets to Ritual Wear and Malas (Prayer Beads) to Rosaries. We're working on this, but in an effort to keep up with requests we have this Sterling Silver "First Degree" Pendant.
Not pictured: We also carry Hand-wrapped Clear Quartz Crystal Points, Snowflake Obsidian and Rose Quartz Pendulum / Focal Point points.
That's all for today. Thank you for stopping in, keep your eye out for completed pieces with these beauties in the shops soon!
Today we are going to show case some of the items in the new Shop section: Supplies. These are de-stash items and quantities are limited. Check out Wednesday's, 2/15/12, blog "In My Studio" for some of the new inventory and materials we have in stock to create more beautiful things for you! These items are for sale via the internet only!
These are cute, useful and multi-purpose. Antiqued Silver Bead Ends / Knot Hiders, these little accent finishers come in three styles, Swirl Pattern and Star Shaped, the third is a smooth ball with a crescent stamped into the side of the metal (not shown). Add a little secret to your necklace or bracelet clasps. Great for small gauge Wire, Tiger Tail, and thread, or connecting thread or wire built sections on to chain!!!!
Star-shape
Next we have these wonderful Sterling Silver Zodiac Sign charms, perfect for earrings, necklace or bracelet accents. All twelve signs are here and stamped 925 on the back. The set includes all 12 signs, packaged separately in 20 count bags, each bag contains 20 or more jump rings. That's 240 pieces plus additional materials. An over purchase, I would like to share at a discounted rate.
Brick red, and rust colors are in this year, and nothing says brick red like Cinnabar. Styled with Chinese Motifs there is a set of 2 Dragons, 2 Fu Lions and 6 Chinese Character beads. All are carved on either side and range from 1" to 1-5/8" tall. Sold individually, why not try pairing them together. These are sure to make a statement in any piece they adorn.
Cinnabar Dragon pair 1-1/4" x 1-5/8"
Cinnabar Fu Lion pair - 1-1/2" x 1'3/4" - He comes with a buddy!
Chinese Character Rectangular beads
We have one assortment of Glass Leaf-shaped beads left. Comes in a 12 color variety, and differing counts, not a bag under four leaves.
We also some fun base metal things. Triangles with a Celtic or mid-eastern feel swirl design and very cute filagree or cut-out heart circular earring findings. Comes in sets of five and three pair.
I have to save a few surprises for the shop! Feel free to click on through and see what else is listed. There are gemstones, red coral (dyed), more silver plated findings to help you create that special piece or bring your jewelry vision to fruition!
Feel free to contact me on Etsy, leave me a comment here, e-mail me via any of the links to the right, visit alchemistsvessel.net, "Like" us on Facebook. Ask me about multiple item and larger lot discounts! Remember these items are limited to supplies on hand, once they are gone, they are gone!
If you have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing, I have spent the last several days creating a Website. It was published yesterday and I think I look quite professional.
Business Site $10.95 / month (There are cheaper options)
Toll Free Number for your business (rings through your regular line)
And any other number of goodies for you and your site.
It should be said here that I was looking for a site similar to that of Dark Mountain Treasures, and I am in way over my head with Host Gator, they are a fantastic and powerful site, with a lot of wonderful tools, 3/4 of which I don't need, get, or have a clue on what to do with. The site was created with a pre-made template and I dragged, dropped, added, typed and edited, all with in their BaseKit Sitebuilder, it was a very pleasant experience. Yes, I said pleasant experience, no screaming and tearing of hair or renting of clothes. The builder is simple and intuitive. They have live chat assistance or you may call them 24/7 at a 1-800 number. I have used both and was thrilled with the results of both help lines.
I am also a .net, I had a site alchemistsvessel.com for years on Yahoo, no one ever used it or even looked at it, never made a sale or anything. Due to the way Domain registration works, I am now alchemistsvessel.net, you must type http:// instead of www. to reach a net site. Not a biggie.
Thank you for stopping by. Now back to the work table to do what I do best, make jewelry!
I have been busy working on several new pieces for the store and reacquainting myself with soldiering and the various processes thereof, and remember now why I do not make those things any more!
First up from the Work table are two Chain Maille parures. What's a parure? It is a matching set or suite of jewelry, usually including a necklace, earrings, sometimes a ring or a bracelet is part of the set as well. I just really like that word!
This is "Pink Parure" for lack of a better name or term. Silver Grey colored Copper wire is hand spun and cut (the copper does show through the cuts if scrutinized long enough), jump rings are linked together to form a 16" length of Chain, additional jump rings are added for the decorative drops that form little points ending in a pretty and very pink glass bead. Woven in a "Speed Maille" version of European 4 in 1 traditional weave. This is an open pattern.
Matching earrings are are created from the same coil of Silver Grey Copper wire, and are formed in the traditional European 4 in 1 Weave closed pattern. They are created on a Horizontal line, the necklace is created on a Vertical line. The Earrings mimic the drops of the necklace.
This is the same pattern as above, with a very different look. Created in Gunmetal Wire jump rings, it has a monochromatic appeal as the silver glass beads match the wire nicely. Not black, a very deep steel blue color with a high sheen. Finished with a manufactured toggle clasp in the shape of a heart.
The earrings (as above) mimic and match the choker / collar wonderfully.
Last but not least is this "Upcycled" pendant. Created with Citrine both faceted and natural gemstones, and sterling silver wire, the piece was built up and added to from the manufactured bail that I believe is also Sterling Silver but not stamped (and not all 925 items are stamped). Pretty, interesting, or pretty interesting, I think it resembles an insect of sorts. This is the only piece available! $50.00, soon to be available on alchemistsvessel.net.
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.
