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Pearl Earrings

November 15, 2010 By 2 Comments

Sterling Silver Amber Chainmail Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Sterling Silver Amber Chainmail Earrings

Pearl Earrings – A Basic Necessity

If you are looking for a classic addition to any outfit, pearl earrings are a guaranteed hit. Simultaneously dazzling and elegant, they are suitable for any formal function or office meeting. Whether chosen for lunch at your favorite restaurant or to complement that floral top or fine-cut summer dress, pearl earrings are the perfect addition to any outfit.

Nature is such a perfectionist, especially when it comes to the pearl. As the only gemstone which does not require any cutting or polishing, it is only expected that craftsmen such as John S. Brana would choose to use these semi-precious stones in their collections. Pearl earrings have been created for centuries, and the image of a lady sporting these shining stones on her earlobes is a picture of style that will last throughout the ages.

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearl Earrings

Hammered Fine Silver Tear Drop Earrings with Blue Freshwater Pearls

Pearl Earrings Come in a Variety of Colors

One attribute to pearls, which makes them almost irresistible for use in earrings, is that they can have different colored hues. John S. Brana has used both the lavender and light blue varieties to create some dazzling freshwater pearl earrings. Whether you choose a long, hanging design, or a simple single stone embedded into the earring, pearls are a definite winner when it comes to fine jewelry.

For a bit of variety, pearls also mix well with other gemstones to create some beautiful patterns and displays of color. One outstanding design example is freshwater pearls combined with garnets in John S. Brana’s hammered fine silver earrings. Of course, there are many more varieties, ensuring that anyone can choose one, regardless of their style or taste.

Matching Sets – Necklaces, Bracelets, and Pearl Earrings

Pearl earrings of any sort will make a fantastic addition to anyone’s personal jewelry collection. They work well on their own, or in creating a set with a pearl necklace or one or two pearl bracelets. Discover the magic of these flawless gemstones today.

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Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: Amber Earrings, Chainmail Earrings, Classic Addition, Definite Winner, drop earrings, Earlobes, Earring, Favorite Restaurant, Fine Jewelry, Freshwater Pearl Earrings, freshwater pearls, Garnets, Gemstones, Hues, jewelry collection, John S Brana, Outstanding Design, Pearl Necklace, Perfectionist, Personal Jewelry, Semi Precious Stones, Silver Earrings, Summer Dress, Tear Drop

Affordable Designer Earrings

November 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Aluminum Brass Small Tear Drop Designer Earrings with Peridot

Aluminum Brass Small Tear Drop Earrings with Peridot

Don’t Be a Plain Jane – Wear Designer Earrings!

With a huge range of affordable designer earrings available now, there is no excuse to be a plain Jane! The period when jewelry was a luxury only pursued by the rich, famous and powerful is now long over. These days, anyone can afford to sport a pair of statement earrings thanks to the creativity of John S. Brana and other professional craftsmen. Their diverse collections are full of affordable handcrafted designer earrings that are perfect for anyone, regardless of their taste, personality, or budget.

Aluminum and Copper Make Great Cost-Effective Designer Earrings

By far, the most cost-effective earrings are made out of either aluminum or copper. While these may not seem to be very glamorous metals, they can form some stunning designs in the hands of a master jeweler. To see this, simply have a look at any online catalog of the more popular handcrafted jewelry designers.

Of course, if you are looking for affordable earrings that are a little more colorful, yet still within your budget, you can find what you are searching for in the range of gemstone earrings currently available. With a selection covering semi-precious stones such as amber, garnet, emeralds and pearls, you will be spoilt for choice when out jewelry shopping.

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Designer Earrings

Serpentine Sterling Silver Chainmail Earrings

Sterling Silver Designer Earrings Make a Great Buy

For those who have a bit more money to spend, but consider gold or platinum jewelry far too expensive, sterling silver handmade earrings can be a great buy. This dazzling metal can be shaped into a multitude of styles, ranging from hoop to chain maille designs, to form a classic look that will suit almost any sort of attire.

With this many choices out there, each as affordable as the next, it is a surprise to see that many women still are not donning a pair of dazzling handmade designer earrings when they are out and about. To find affordable handmade earrings that truly complement both your individual style and the clothing that you are wearing, have a look at the jewelry collections created that feature designer earrings by artisans such as John S. Brana today.

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Filed Under: Silver Jewelry, What's New Tagged With: Aluminum Brass, Chain Maille, Chainmail Earrings, Designer Earrings, drop earrings, Emeralds, freshwater pearls, Garnet, gemstone earrings, Handmade Earrings, Jewelry Designers, John S Brana, Lily Pad, Master Jeweler, Multitude, Online Catalog, Plain Jane, Platinum Jewelry, Professional Craftsmen, Semi Precious Stones, Serpentine, Silver Earrings, Sterling Earrings, Stunning Designs, Tear Drop

Pearl Jewelry – Wear Nature’s Stunning Beauty

August 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

The Uniqueness of Pearl Jewelry

Amongst all the gems, pearls are the most unique. They are the only stone which does not require any additional cutting and polishing by a master jeweler. Pearls are made of nacre, which is already highly lustrous, meaning that these stunning gems can be added to any piece of jewelry very easily. For this reason, pearls have been used for centuries worldwide. Previously, people had to dive for them in the wilds, whereas now, they are simply farmed. Examples of pearl jewelry are found in John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff collection where it is used for subtle appearance enhancements or to make much bolder statements.

Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls

There are two types of pearls, saltwater and freshwater. Jewelers, such as John S. Brana, use the freshwater variety which comes in a greater number of shapes and sizes. One of the most appealing types is the Keishi pearl which comes in a fantastic array of irregular, but natural-looking shapes. These gems add a very unique appearance to any jewelry that they are added to. Because none of them look alike, they can be used to create necklaces or earrings which are one-of-a-kind works of art. This adds to their overall appeal and makes them highly sought after.

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace

For some examples of how pearls are used within jewelry, have a look at the collection of items from John S. Brana with pieces such as fine silver earrings containing garnets and pearls, and necklaces made of amethyst and Keishi pearls.

The Pearl – June’s Birthstone

With its amazing appearance and versatility, the pearl is a gem which can be worn anywhere on any occasion. Pearl jewelry is a great gift idea for that special someone as it fits in with numerous styles and tastes. The pearl is also the birthstone for anyone born in June, and will make a great belated birthday present!

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Filed Under: What's New Tagged With: Amethyst, freshwater pearls, Garnets, Gems, Great Gift Idea, John S Brana, June Birthstone, Keishi Pearls, Master Jeweler, Mother Of Pearl, Nacre, Pearl Jewelry, Pearl Necklace, Saltwater Pearls, Sea Cliff, Shapes And Sizes, Silver Earrings, Stunning Beauty, Subtle Appearance, Versatility, Wilds

Pearls – June’s Birthstone

June 1, 2010 By 72 Comments
Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with Gold Freshwater Pearls

Hammered Fine Silver Earrings with Gold Freshwater Pearls

June’s Birthstone – The Classic Pearl

June’s birthstone, the pearl, has been a favorite gemstone since the days of the Roman Empire. They are the only gemstone created by a living creature and the only one that needs no cutting or polishing to enhance its value.

Pearls are formed when an irritant enters the shell of a mollusk. The mollusk coats the irritant with a substance known as ‘nacre’, and a natural pearl is formed. Since naturally forming saltwater pearls are so rare these days natural pearls have largely complemented by cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are pearls that are formed due to a small bead or other substance placed inside of a mollusk by commercial pearl farms, which originated in Japan in the early 1900s. Today, most cultured pearls are grown and harvested around the world although most come from China, Japan, and the South Pacific. Even though natural pearls are the most highly prized, the only way to determine whether a pearl is natural or cultured is to have it x-rayed by a jeweler.

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

14K Gold Filled Chain with Freshwater Pearls and Mother of Pearl

Freshwater Pearl Grading

Pearls are graded by color, luster, size and lack of flaws. Pearls that are perfectly round are quite rare, and of course, the larger the pearl, the more valuable. However, pearls of varying shapes are also highly prized. Baroque pearls are pearls that are irregularly shaped. Teardrop pearls are most often used in earrings and pendants. Coin or button pearls and smaller rice or keishi pearls are also popular choices for fashion jewelry.

While white is still the most popular color, cultured pearls are available in several other hues, such as pink, purple, blue, champagne, green and black, with black pearls rapidly gaining in popularity. As these colors are naturally occurring, it can be difficult to obtain enough of the same size and color to form one jewelry piece. White pearls are sometimes bleached and pearls may be dyed to produce new colors or to enhance their original color and luster.

Imitation pearls made from shell or glass are popular due to their affordability and similarity to natural or cultured pearls but they are lighter in weight and not as lustrous as natural or cultured pearls.

Pearl wearers should take special care with their jewelry as natural and cultured pearls can be discolored by dyes and solvents. Hairspray and perfumes should be applied before putting on pearl jewelry to avoid dulling the pearl’s creamy, lustrous surface.  By taking special care of your pearl jewelry, you will ensure a lifetime wear of  June’s Birthstone – the Pearl.

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Filed Under: Gemstones, What's New Tagged With: Baroque Pearls, Black Pearls, Blue Champagne, China Japan, Cultured Pearls, Early 1900s, Fashion Jewelry, Freshwater Pearl, freshwater pearls, Irritant, June Birthstone, June Birthstone Jewelry, Keishi Pearls, Mollusk, Mother Of Pearl, Nacre, Natural Pearl, Natural Pearls, Pearl Farms, Roman Empire, Saltwater Pearls, Silver Earrings

Sea Cliff Handmade Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Collection

November 22, 2009 By 12 Comments

Karri Ann Frerichs talks about John S. Brana’s Sea Cliff Collection at his Bloomingdale’s – Stanford trunk show. Just like creatures of the sea, no two creations are alike as each is individually handcrafted by jewelry designer John S. Brana. Make a statement with jellyfish-shaped earrings embellished with freshwater pearls, anemone or starfish-shaped rings set with tiny gemstones and coral reef inspired silver anticlastic cuffs.

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Filed Under: Video Tagged With: Bloomingdale, Bloomingdales, Coral Reef, Creatures Of The Sea, Cuffs, Earrings, Frerichs, Freshwater Pearl Jewelry, freshwater pearls, Gemstones, Handcrafted Jewelry, Handmade Jewelry, Jellyfish, jewelry collection, jewelry designer, John S Brana, Karri Ann, Mp4, Nbsp, Sea Cliff, Stanford, Thumbnail, trunk show, Two Creations, Video Images

John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry Accessorizes Fashion Model 2008

June 13, 2008 By 5 Comments
Amber Citrine Crystal Quartz Necklace

Amber Citrine Crystal Quartz Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Veronica wears Crystal Quartz – Amber – Citrine Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Barbary Coast Garnet Earrings and Gemstone Necklace

Barbary Coast Garnet Earrings and Gemstone Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Garnet Wire Wrapped earrings
and Pink Coral, Garnets, and Citrine necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Barbary Coast Amber Gemstone Necklace

Barbary Coast Amber Gemstone Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Amber and Onyx necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Merissa wears a Green Chalk Turquoise necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection and Fine Silver Anticlastic earrings from the SoMa Collection.

Barbary Coast Freshwater Pearl Wire Spiral Earrings

Barbary Coast Freshwater Pearl Wire Spiral Earrings

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears a Spiral 14K Gold Filled earrings set with White Freshwater Pearls from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Onyx and Crystal Quartz Necklace - Barbary Coast Collection

Onyx and Crystal Quartz Necklace - Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Ashley wears Fleur-de-lis Earrings set with faceted Onyx and a Gold Quartz, Citrine, and Onyx necklace from the Barbary Coast Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace from the Monterey Collection

Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace from the Monterey Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Sivan wears Purple Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon earrings and Amethyst Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon necklace from the Monterey Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Monterey Collection - Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace

Monterey Collection - Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Fernanda wears Orange Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon earrings and necklace set with Carnelian from the Monterey Beaded Gemstone Collection.

Pacific Heights Citrine Gemstone Earrings

Pacific Heights Citrine Gemstone Earrings

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Quincy wears Teardrop Citrine Gemstone earrings from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Pacific Heights Wire Wrapped Gemstone Jewelry Collection

Pacific Heights Wire Wrapped Gemstone Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Fernanda wears a matching set of wire sculpted Citrine earrings, pendant, and ring from the Pacific Heights Collection.

Fold Formed Silver Earrings and Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection

Fold Formed Silver Earrings and Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Sivan wears Fold Formed Fan Coral Fine Silver
earrings and Keishi Pearl necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection.

Sea Cliff Collection Pearl Necklace

Sea Cliff Collection Pearl Necklace

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Jenna wears a Mother of Pearl and Fine Silver necklace from the Sea Cliff Collection.

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection

Nob Hill Filigree Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Photographer Sarah Ross wears
Large Tear Drop Filigree earrings from the Nob Hill Collection and Hammered Fine Silver necklace from the
SoMa Collection.

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Chalk Turquoise Necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Merissa wears Fine Silver Anticlastic earrings from the SoMa Collection and a Green Chalk Turquoise necklace from the Barbary Coast Collection.

SoMa Hammered Silver Jewelry Collection

SoMa Hammered Silver Jewelry Collection

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears Brazilian Fire Agate
Hammered Fine Silver necklace and Hammered Fine Silver earrings from the
SoMa Collection.

Hammered Copper Jewelry - Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings - Fold Fomed Copper Cuff - Hammered Copper Neckwire with Brazilian Fire Agate Pendant

Hammered Copper Jewelry - Fold Formed Copper Leaf Earrings - Fold Fomed Copper Cuff - Hammered Copper Neckwire with Brazilian Fire Agate Pendant

Fashion Model 2008 – May 24, 2008 – San Francisco, CA – Liz wears Brazilian Fire Agate Copper Necklace, Copper Leaf Earrings, and Copper Fold Formed Bracelet from the Handmade Copper Jewelry Collection by John S. Brana.

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Filed Under: Events, Press Tagged With: 14K Gold, Accessorize, amber, Amber Gemstone, Amethyst, Anticlastic, barbary coast, beaded gemstone, brana, citrine, Citrine Crystal, copper, crystal quartz, Earrings, fashion, fashion model, Filigree, Fine Silver, Freshwater Pearl, freshwater pearls, Garnet, Garnets, Gemstone, Gemstone Collection, gemstone earrings, gemstone necklace, gold, gold quartz, Handmade Jewelry, italian mesh metal ribbon, Merissa, mesh, Mesh Metal, monterey, Nob Hill, onyx, Onyx Necklace, Pacific Heights, Pearl Wire, pearls, San Francisco, san francisco ca, Sea Cliff Collection, silver, soma, Turquoise Necklace, Wire Spiral

New Beaded Gemstone Earrings – Barbary Coast Collection

February 21, 2008 By 2 Comments

Are you ready for something different? I have been working on an innovative style of wire wrapped beaded gemstone earrings for spring to the Barbary Coast Collection. These new earrings feature various semi-precious gemstone beads in either Fine Silver, 14K Gold Filled, or 14K or 18K Gold. Current selections include Apatite, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Crystal Quartz, Garnets, Freshwater Pearls, and Peridot.

Aquamarine Wire Wrapped Earrings in

Garnet Wire Wrapped Earrings in 14K Gold Filled

Limited quantities are available online as well as through selected Bay Area retailers.

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Filed Under: Gemstones Tagged With: 14K Gold, 18k gold, apatite, Aquamarine., barbary coast, Beaded Earrings, beaded gemstone, crystal quartz, Current, Earrings, Fine Silver, freshwater pearls, Gemstone, gemstone earrings, Limited Quantities, precious gemstone beads, semi precious gemstone beads

New Autumn Additions – Barbary Coast Jewelry Collection

September 6, 2007 By 1 Comment

I recently finished a few new gemstone necklaces that incorporate upcoming fall colors. This necklace features faceted Crystal Quartz, Pineapple Quartz, Citrine, 24K Gold foil Venetian Glass, Amber, Butterscotch Amber, Black Lava, Buffalo Horn, Obsidian, Abalone, and hand-carved Onyx beads. The piece is accented with 22K Gold Vermeil granulated beads and is 23 inches in length.

Crystal Quartz, Citrine, and Onyx Necklace

Carnelian is a very traditional and popular fall gemstone. This necklace features unique hand-carved round Carnelian beads, accented with Amber, Gold and Copper colored Freshwater Pearls, and 22K Gold Vermeil beads.

Carnelian Necklace - Round

In addition to Carnelian, Amber (fossilized resin) is another highly featured fall “gemstone.” In addition to two varieties of Amber – Baltic and Madagascar, this necklace also features Citrine, Brown Lava (natural), Onyx, Freshwater Pearls, accented with 22K Gold Vermeil beads.

Citrine and Amber Necklace

If you would like more information on upcoming trends and fashion forecasting, check out FashionTrendSetter.com

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: 24k gold, abalone, amber, Amber Baltic, Amber Black, black lava, buffalo horn, Butterscotch Amber, Carnelian Beads, citrine, crystal quartz, Fall Colors, Fashion Forecasting, Fossilized Resin, freshwater pearls, gemstone necklaces, Gold Foil, gold vermeil, jewelry collection, obsidian, onyx, Pineapple, venetian glass, Vermeil Beads, Would Like More Information

Amethyst – February’s Birthstone

February 1, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Faceted Amethyst Necklace - Barbary Coast Collection

Featuring faceted Amethyst, Purple Freshwater Pearls, Cranberry Freshwater Pearls, Rose Quartz, and accented by Vermeil beads, I recently added this necklace to the Barbary Coast Collection.

Amethyst was used as a gemstone by the ancient Egyptians and was largely employed in antiquity for intaglios (cameos). Beads of Amethyst are found in Anglo-Saxon graves in England. It is a widely distributed mineral, but fine, clear specimens that are suitable for cutting as ornamental stones are confined to comparatively few localities. Such crystals occur either in the cavities of mineral-veins and in granitic rocks, or as a lining in agate geodes. A huge geode, or “Amethyst-grotto”, from near Santa Cruz in southern Brazil was exhibited at the Düsseldorf Exhibition of 1902. Many of the hollow agates of Brazil and Uruguay contain a crop of Amethyst crystals in the interior. Much fine Amethyst comes from Russia, especially from near Mursinka in the Ekaterinburg district, where it occurs in drusy cavities in granitic rocks. Many localities in India yield Amethyst; and it is found also in Sri Lanka, chiefly as pebbles.

Usually Purple to Lavender, several descriptive terms have been coined in the gem trade to describe the varying colors of Amethyst. “Rose de France” is usually a pale pinkish lavender or lilac shade (usually the least sought color). The most prized color is an intense violet with red flashes and is called “Siberian”, although gems of this color may occur from several locations other than Siberia, notably Uruguay and Zambia. In more recent times, certain gems (usually of Bolivian origin) that have shown alternate bands of Amethyst purple with Citrine orange have been given the name Ametrine. Purple Corundum, or Sapphire of Amethystine tint, is called Oriental Amethyst, but this expression is often applied by jewelers to fine examples of the ordinary Amethystine quartz, even when not derived from eastern sources. Professional gemological associations, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gemological Society (AGS), discourage the use of the term “Oriental Amethyst” to describe any gem, as it may be misleading.

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: Agate Geodes, Agates, Amethyst Crystals, Ancient Egyptians, Anglo Saxon, barbary coast, Cameos, Cavities, citrine, Corundum, freshwater pearls, Gem Trade, Geode Amethyst, Granitic Rocks, Grotto, Ornamental Stones, Pebbles, Several Descriptive Terms, Southern Brazil, Vermeil Beads

Spring Colors for the Barbary Coast Collection

January 28, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Tropical Garden Necklace - Amethyst, Jade, Freshwater Pearls, Amber

These are a few of the color combinations I am currently working on for my Spring 2007 additions to the Barbary Coast Collection.

The first necklace features Peridot nuggets, Champagne Quartz, Yellow and Lavender Jade, various colored Freshwater Pearls, Amber, and Ametrine nuggets accented with Vermeil beads. Ametrine, also known as trystine or by its trade name as bolivianite, is a naturally occurring variety of quartz. It is a mixture of Amethyst and Citrine with zones of purple and yellow or orange. Almost all commercially available Ametrine is mined in Bolivia, although there are deposits being exploited in Brazil and India. The color of the zones visible within Ametrine are due to differing oxidation states of iron within the crystal. The different oxidation states occur due to there being a temperature gradient across the crystal during its formation.

The second necklace features rare hand-carved Onyx, Freshwater Pearls, Lava, Stick Pearls, Faceted CZ Tear Drop beads, and is accented with Fine Silver Bali beads.

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Filed Under: Events Tagged With: amber, Amethyst, Ametrine, Bali Beads, barbary coast, Champagne, citrine, Color Combinations, freshwater pearls, Lava, Lavender, Nuggets, Oxidation States, Peridot, Quartz, Rare Hand, Spring Colors, Tear Drop, Temperature Gradient, Vermeil Beads