Gemstone Jewelry Blog

Blue topaz is a designer favorite, often adorned to jewelry that captures its cool blue color. The bright and lively gemstone is available in various sizes and shapes.

Ruby, sapphire, garnet, moonstone, cat’s eye-beryl, quartz, chrysoberyl, eye tourmaline, eastatite, diopside, even opal in rare instances — they all share that magic irony of turning dense rutile impurities into blazing asterism. Yet despite the fact that a dozen or so such materials occur around the world, that the price of good rough varies from a few pennies per gram to over a thousand dollars a gram, few lapidaries know how to cut asteriated materials and fewer still make a specialty of it.

Cutting and polishing asteriated gems are a challenge. Besides that, it’s sort of a way to bring home a touch of India to the folks who may never get to the Asea.  You don’t find many star rubies and sapphires in the Midwest.  However, anyone trained in the basics of lapidary can start cutting star stones right away, since the only real change is knowing how to choose and orient your rough stone.

Bad material won’t star for all your labor, and even the best material can’t star is oriented improperly.  Patience is key.  Don’t hesitate to spend a lot of time in between steps. Recheck your orientation. Rewash your hands and your stones and your dopstick. Your rough stone is eons old and your finished gem will last for eons more, so take your time with it.

 

The first step is selecting good material. To do that, you should go to a good importer or a lapidary supply that specializes in asteriated materials. Most lapidary supply houses only handle mine run material, for the best grades can cost a king’s ransom. Nevertheless, you don’t have to cut rubies like a pro. Star garnet is inexpensive in the four- ray variety, at least, and even the six-ray garnet is nowhere near as expensive as other materials. Even some quartz will star, though often so faintly that such stones are actually backed with mirror to reflect more light up through the stone and make the star more visible.

To select material, you need a refractive liquid such as Refractol, which is a heavy oil about like Motor Honey or STP. Such motor products would also work, but refractive liquids are more colorless.  Be sure that you examine your rough under strong sunlight or under clear, unfrosted light bulbs. Frosted bulbs or florescent lighting tends to wash out the star and make it impossible to judge tough. Strong sunlight is by far the best. Even in a finished stone, a star that looks bright and distinct under unfrosted light will gain new brightness and sharpness when viewed in sunlight. The rays narrow in sunlight, concentrating to their full brilliance.

So take the rough into the sun and go star hunting amid the crystal axis. To do this, you have to understand how the crystal is made, so just imagine that Corundum is aluminum oxide that grows like a six-sides tree, up and out at the same time, so that if you slice across it, you expose growth rings inside, like the growth rings inside a tree, except of course, that the “rings” aren’t circles. They are hexagons, radiating out from the center like a six-sided target. There is your star, radiating out of that center with six rays that go to the middle of each side. Each of those rays continues straight down one side.

Now if you cut this crystal like a sphere, you would have two stars, on opposite sides, and the rays would extend down like lines of longitude on a globe, radiating from the poles and touching at the equator. Slice along the equator and you have two star cabochons. Slice each one of these in the same direction, regrind, and you would have more star cabochons. But suppose you cut the other way, taking a slice down the side of the crystal, pole to pole. Then, of course, you would have no star, but only the ray that came down that side of the crystal. Cut it so the ray comes straight down the center of the cabochon, and that is how eat’s eye is made, which looks stunning set in a handmade ring setting.

So now you know how to imagine the orientation of a corundum crystal. If you have a nice six-sided crystal, all you have to do is turn it so that you are looking down on a hexagon and you know that you are looking at one of the ends of the crystal, not at one of the six sides. There in the center of each end will be the center of each star, so it’s there that you’ll put your refractive fluid. That is, if you had a nice six-sided crystal.

But suppose that you’re holding a lump of mine run or massive material that’s so broken or rounded that it doesn’t look like any kind of crystal. This is what you are likely to have, but you can orient it easy enough. First, let’s look at outward appearances.

You have a lump of corundum. If it is any shade of red, it is ruby, and if it is any other color from blue to green or yellow or combinations of those colors, then it is sapphire. They are all the same crystal and star the same, so you begin by trying to figure out where the stars lie. If there are any.

Asterism starring is caused by the density of rutile impurities in the stone. The same impurities that spoil clear rubies and sapphires and turn them into ugly junkite useful only as industrial abrasive, those same impurities can become so concentrated that the optics — and the price — of the stone takes a sudden about face. Enough rutile impurities make stars.

So don’t be surprised if your lump of corundum looks foggy and streaked with rutile, for that’s the stuff that stars are made of. Your problem at this point is trying to determine what part of this lump is the end of the crystal. Here’s how you tell.

As you turn your specimen in the sunshine, you see a faint sheen no more impressive than you might see on a piece of roughed up calcite. On ruby, this satiny sheen will be silver on the sides of the crystal, but more golden on either end of the crystal, where the stars lie. On sapphire, the sheen will be black on sides of the crystal, turning to a lighter silver on the ends. Find an “end” and you find the star.

But sometimes color can’t guide you as neatly as that, so just pick the cleanest surface and try your refractive fluid there. And if that isn’t possible, you may have to grind a little window — anyplace, just pick a place, but remember that you’re grinding away carat weight. Grind a window where you won’t lose much and try the refractive fluid.

The fluid comes out thick like ice cream and it will take a second for the nipple on top of the droplet to settle down into a lens. That lens lasts only for an instant, however, because it continues to flatten, so you only get a glimpse of the star or leg. But fluid is cheaper than rough, so just wipe it off and try it again, and again, and again, if you have to.

If you’re lucky, you may see a star right there. If not, you’ll find only one “leg” or ray of a star, but that’s all right. Just mark the directions of that leg, tracing over it with an aluminum pencil (aluminum welding rod ground to a point makes an excellent instrument for this). Once you know the direction of one leg, you can turn the specimen, following the leg in either direction, and grind another window. In this way you can find where the rays intersect and there is your star. Like the roads around Rome, all rays lead to a star.

It is possible to have a crystal broken in such a way that the star occurs only at the edge, so that into cab can be ground with the star in the center — or you may have to grind a very small cab in order to center the star, but that’s bad luck and there’s nothing you can do about that. Except buy another piece instead. Usually you will have the choice of cutting one very deep cab, or of slicing the crystal so that you get two shallower cabs. And here you have to consider the material. For some reason, ruby seems to star more faintly than sapphire, so rubies should be cut deeper in order to allow the extra stone depth to concentrate the asterism. (By contrast, the star in synthetic stones does not shine up from the stone’s depth, but rather moves only across the surface of the gem. This difference is difficult to see at first unless you have a natural and a Linde stone to compare side by side.)

It is also possible to cut a dome that is too deep to aid a star. If the dome is too high, you can actually cut off the rays of the star and reduce it to a shiny spotlight or irregular patch called a “girasol.” Some rough won’t do anything but girasol no matter how it’s cut, so you have to be careful in your choice.

Now it’s time to dop the stone. If you have a small piece and are going to cut only one cab from it, then pick one of the two crystal ends and grind it flat to use as a base on the dopstick. If you have a longer crystal and want two cabs, you’ll have to slice it in two (remember the equator) and each of those sawed surfaces can then be dopped.

The very best way of dopping these stones is to use a brass dopstick and Epoxy. This makes the strongest bond possible, insures that you won’t have to chase your rough around the room, and is very easy to remove. Just heat the dopstick in a small flame and your stone will fall off. Easy.   So dop your stone with Epoxy and you’re ready to start.

If you're looking to build a beautiful jewelry collection and have something for every occasion, you simply must have a stylish gemstone necklace at the ready. The word "gem-drenched necklace" might have you thinking of sparkling rubies and sapphires, but semiprecious gem necklaces are often more versatile, as you can wear them for dressy or casual occasions. We have many gemstone necklaces in the John S. Brana Jewelry Collection, and you can find the perfect one for your jewelry box in four simple steps:

1. Choose the Colors. With gemstones, it's always best to start your search by thinking about the color that you want. Start by considering what you're planning to pair with your necklace. Are you looking for something that will go with just about anything? A piece in black like our Freshwater Pearl Onyx Necklace is a great choice. If you're looking for a necklace to add color to pieces, think about what color family you prefer. Do you want bold jewel tones like our Carnelian Necklace? Pastels like our Pink Coral Garnet Necklace? Earthy colors like our Baltic and Dominican Amber Necklace? By thinking about what colors you wear most often, you can easily find the right gemstone necklace to bring color to your favorite outfits.




2. Select the shape. After you determine what colors you like, you should think about the shape of the necklace. A V-shaped necklace like our 14K Gold-filled Garnet Chain Maille Necklace will suit plunging necklines like halters and V-necks. Rounder necklaces like our Keishi Cornflake Pearl Necklace are better for round necklines like scoops and crewnecks. An asymmetrical necklace like our Faceted Garnets and Citrine Flower Necklace will look perfect with an off-the shoulder or strapless look. Because you want to be able to wear your necklace with many wardrobe pieces, take some time to look at the necklines of some of your tops and dresses when selecting a shape. 






 
3. Determine the Length. Once you have made decisions about color and shape, you need to figure out just how long of a necklace you need. You may want to use string or yarn to see how necklaces of different lengths will fit. Another option is to pick a necklace that allows you to adjust the length like our Apatite Wire Wrapped Fine Silver Necklace or our Blue Chalcedony White Coral Necklace. This will give you the flexibility to alter the length to match the necklines of whatever you're wearing. 






4. Picking Your Style. Now that you've made decisions about the color, shape and length, you'll find that your gemstone necklace options have been narrowed to just a few styles. This leaves you free to select the one that best suits your individual tastes.

There you have it--four simple steps to finding the perfect gem-drenched necklace to add to your jewelry box. Now, you're ready to explore all of the gemstone necklaces in the John S. Brana Handmade Jewelry Collection to find your favorite.

Peridot Jewelry for your August Birthday

Peridot is a lime green gem recognized as the traditional birthstone for the month of August. Giving someone a piece of jewelry containing this birthstone is thought to bring the wearer protection and good luck. Peridot is associated with faithfulness, love, truth, and loyalty. It is also thought to have healing properties, especially to illnesses relating to the lymph, lungs, sinuses, and breast. The name Peridot originates from the Arabic term “faridat”, meaning gem. It was believed that the Peridot continued to glow with light even as the darkness fell. This may be the reason that the Peridot is often referred to as the “evening emerald”. Learn about August’s birthstone – the Peridot.

Color of the Peridot

Peridots are green in color, although their green shade can slightly vary depending on the iron content of the gem. The meaning of the colors is often represented in various aspects of life, including biblical, social, religious, and Christian symbolism. It is often associated with nature and life. Many people opt for Peridot jewelry where the stone is a sparkling lime green, with an olive or brownish cast. While lime green is a favorable hue for the Peridot, the stone can also be found in yellowish-green, medium green, dark green, and a lovely olive green.

Selecting a Peridot

When choosing Peridot jewelry, there are several things one should look for. These include the four C’s: cut, color, carat, and clarity. The color of the stone will be the first thing that most people notice, whether it’s a yellowish green or a dark forest green. When looking for a Peridot, try to find a stone that has a bright green color that is uniform in tone without blotches. This may require some shopping around. A major advantage of choosing a Peridot for your August birthstone is that the stones are far less likely to have marks or inclusions, compared to other gemstones. It’s not at all difficult to find a desirable green Peridot birthstone that has a sense of clarity and intense color. The cut of the Peridot stone will also help to maximize its potential beauty.

Like with any stone, the larger the gem, the more expensive in most cases. Peridots tend to be soft in nature, making them better for necklaces, earrings, and brooches, as these areas do not get as much wear as rings and bracelets. To prevent damage to your Peridot stones, it’s important to invest in a quality piece of jewelry. With proper care, your Peridot jewelry has the ability to last for many years. It is the perfect gift for a loved one on his or her birthday, or for any special occasion.

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Stunning Amber and Citrine Crystal Quartz Statement Necklace

For those who love a statement piece, the Barbary Coast collection is perfect for those who choose to build an ensemble around their jewelry. Catch the light and also plenty of admiring glances with this Amber, Citrine, and Crystal Quartz necklace. Round smooth Crystal Quartz and Citrine gemstone beads are mixed throughout with a selection of Amber and Gold Freshwater Pearls. Fine Silver beads accent the necklace with a touch of sparkling shine.

 

Nature is already a work of art, so using it as an inspiration to create alluring jewelry is an easy trend to get behind. Celebrating the rich colors and textures of the forest, Handmade Jewelry by John S. Brana brings you this amazing hand crafted necklace. Citrine, the most common color of quartz, is best known in the world of crystals and alternative medicine as a gem containing the solar energy of the sun, and many believe it has special healing qualities. Amber is known for its rich color and warm tones. Made from fossilized tree resin, this historic gem has been around since the first caveman gave a pretty stone to his beloved. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral on Earth and is able to catch the light brilliantly.

 

These three gems combined make a unique and relaxing combination of cascading stones that will compliment any outfit. If you’re hoping to give this necklace as a gift we do ship in a super cute gift box. This popular collection has been known to inspire brilliance, relaxation and warm feelings of zen. Maybe it’s the deeply vibrant colors or perhaps the tumbling string of gems. Either way, you’ll be happy to have this piece in your jewelry box!

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Varieties of Amazonite 

Amazonite is a colorful gemstone often used in jewelry, ranging from green, blue-green, to yellow-green. As a green variety of microcline feldspar, amazonite can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and hues. Its name comes from the Amazon River found in Brazil, from which green stones were originally obtained. The name may also refer to the green shades of the rainforest along the river that were reflected in the gemstones. Due to its desirable bright green color, amazonite is commonly cut and used as gemstones in jewelry. It is generally cut en cabochon, featuring a convex and rounded polished surface. For many years, the source of amazonite’s unique colour was a mystery. Many people believed that amazonite contained copper, as copper compounds are often found with green and blue colors. Modern studies suggest that the blue-green color of amazonite results from lead found in the feldspar.

Colors of Amazonite

Amazonite can vary in color, but is most often see in green, blue-green, or yellow-green varieties. Some pieces of amazonite gemstone can also be seen with fine white streaks. The overall color of the stone will ultimately depend in the variety. Traditional amazonite, also referred to as amazon-stone, is typically seen in a pale blue-green colour. Sometimes the color sways more towards a richer sky blue. Russian amazonite is a deeper blue-green color with streaks of white. While rarer, Russian amazonite is primarily collected in areas throughout Colorado (US) and Russia.

Benefits of Amazonite

Amazonite gemstone jewelry is often given as gifts for a variety of occasions due to the host of benefits they are believed to bring the wearer. The power of an amazonite is thought to balance the masculine and feminine energy of a male and female. It is also supposed to promote practicality and kindness and help balance one’s emotions. Amazonite has several other benefits, such as giving the wearer physical stamina and balancing the throat chakra. For jewelry artists, amazonite provides a useful stone for jewelry-making.

Amazonite Cut and Clarity

Amazonite gemstones tend to be opaque to translucent; however, they are rarely transparent. Whether set in silver, gold, or other popular jewelry metals, amazonite gemstones can be used to create beautiful jewelry. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants, and brooches can also be encrusted with colorful gemstones of various sizes and shapes. The style of cutting known as cabochon, results in a convex form that is highly polished but not faceted. It is often seen with a flat or has a subtle domed base.

A cabochon can be cut into nearly any shape, depending on the design of the artist, although oval is by far the most common of shapes. Amazonite has been used throughout history for ornamental decoration due to its lovely blue-green colors and diverse look. The stone can be found in the United States, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Russia, Namibia, and Australia, and the soft stone ranges from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Whether you’re buying the piece for yourself or for someone that you care about, use the power of amazonite jewelry.

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Stunning Blue Chalcedony Beaded Gemstone Statement Necklace

Take the powerful imagery of the ocean with you wherever you go! This necklace is nothing less than a wearable work of art. Handcrafted, each piece is totally unique! You’ll be sure to spark a conversation and total strangers will be enticed to ask you where you found this rare beauty!

Dazzle your senses with shimmering cool shades of ocean blue Chalcedony with Stick Coral. Handmade Aqua Venetian Glass beads, Clear Crystal Quartz, and Aqua Freshwater Pearls are accented by glistening Fine Silver Wire accent beads, creating a necklace with eye-catching bursts of color.  

Part of John S. Brana’s signature Sea Cliff collection, this necklace perfectly displays Brana’s flair for naturalistic inspiration. Both the ocean and forestry are strong themes through his popular jewelry line. You won’t find anything like it in stores; this item is one of a kind. Chalcedony has a waxy luster and is commonly white, grey and brilliant shades of blue in color. It has been used in jewelry making and for decoration since ancient times. The color goes perfectly with ocean themed designs and lends itself well to this mixture of gem, coral and beads.  

This necklace truly captures the ebb and flow of ocean waves with the chalcedony, glass beads and coral all cascading and tumbling together. A dream for any ocean or nature enthusiast, this makes the perfect gift to remember the perfect trip you took together for all times. These semi-translucent shades of blue and white look fantastic on blondes with cool skin tones but can easily be worn by almost enough because of their multicolored nature. You can’t go wrong with this charming handcrafted necklace that is perfect for dressing up, casual wear or the ultimate accessory for drinks and dancing on an island excursion.

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Stunning Mystic Quartz Silver Statement Ring

Feel like you’re living in a fantasy world with this magical gemstone ring.  Looking like it came straight from the pages of your favorite Tolkien novel full of dragons and fairies and majestic castles, this ring will certainly demand attention! This 18.5 carat cushion cut gem has a certain allure, containing all the colors of the rainbow and providing a different look when viewing it from different angles. It goes well with just about any outfit, from your jeans and ballet flats to a stunning black or red cocktail dress. With such a varied color and style, this ring just might become your favorite pieces for every day or special occasion wear. One thing is for sure, none of your friends will have anything like it! 

What is Mystic Quartz?

Quartz is one of the most abundant gems in the world with the colorless variety being one of the most popular. Available in a wide range of colors and cuts, quartz is diverse and affordable. To create the Mystic Quartz a high-tech enhancement is applied infusing the gem with a rainbow of colors. The result is a mesmerizing effect applied to a timeless classic.

A Memorable Setting:

This Mystic Cut Quartz Ring comes in our signature tree branch setting of sterling silver. The gnarled and twisting tree branch adds the perfect touch of mystery and wonder to an already gorgeous gem. You’ll find that our tree branch setting is a customer favorite.

One Of A Kind Jewelry

Our jewelry is hand crafted and unique. Making a stunning gift for any occasion, these one of a kind pieces are enchanting and original. From the fantasy and nature inspired design to the quality craftsmanship, there is nothing in the world like it.

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Make a Statement with Beaded Gemstone Necklaces

Popular, trendy and artistic; the beaded gemstone necklace is a handcrafted thing of beauty which can be made to fit with many styles and color pallets. In fact, the beaded gemstone necklaces you will find here on this website are made from hand-selected semi-precious stones. Textures and colors are combined to create vibrant and fully expressive accessories.

Some of the exquisite stones include; African Opal, Amazonite, Apatite, Carnelian, Chalk Turquoise, Citrine, Garnet, Onyx, and Prehnite.

The practice of wearing beads and gems as jewelry can be traced back 70,000 years ago when the gems were discovered and admired for their beauty. Back then people didn’t have pockets to keep their possessions in so these gems were attached to leather straps and worn around the neck or wrist. Beads, gems and shells have all been used directly as currency for trade in the past as well.

You can find something to fit any style or taste. Use one of these signature pieces to complete your signature look.

Prehnite Amethyst Carnelian Necklace

Brilliant natural colors and a multi-textured design make this necklace a favorite of many. This tri-colored necklace is made from Prehnite, Amethyst, and Carnelian. Freshwater pearls help create the illusion of an underwater adventure.

Freshwater Pearl Onyx Necklace

Get swept away with this stunning Moss Green Freshwater Pearl and Onyx Necklace. Black Lava, hand-carved Onyx Flowers, Swarovski Crystals, and Fine Silver beads carry the natural theme to its fullest potential.

Pink Coral Garnet Necklace

Get into the “pink of things” with this princess-worthy beaded gemstone necklace. Garnet and Pink Coral Tear-drop beads clamor over each other, creating a string of alluring beauty. This necklace makes a perfect gift for those who dream in shades of pink. Just a small sampling of the amazing handcrafted necklaces shows you the potential this style holds. This type of jewelry lends itself well to nature inspired designs that can flatter any woman’s appearance.

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Amber is an attractive, yet delicate, fossilized resin extracted from coniferous trees. It has been popularized due to its deep golden color, fashionable versatility, and geological significance. Amber is often recognized in the form of necklaces, rings, and other pieces of jewelry, with some pieces of the gemstone dating back millions of years.  Whether in the form a bracelet or earring, amber is mesmerizing to look at and with the proper care, can last a lifetime.

Brief History of Amber

Amber has a rich history with the oldest pieces dating back 320 million years ago. The gemstone has been traded for more than 13,000 years, believed to be one of the first commercially-traded goods. It remains popular in cultures throughout the world, especially across Europe. Unlike many other types of gemstones, amber has several unique features. Due to its ability to naturally store static electricity, amber is warm to the touch. This adds value to authentic amber jewelry, as well as a great addition to any wardrobe. Amber can be found in more than 256 different colors.

Varieties of Amber

 
There are a multitude of types of amber commonly used in jewelry today. The most expensive, and the best value, is authentic amber. Since these pieces are already very old, they are sure to last many more generations and are often passed down from family to family. Imitation amber jewelry is less expensive, but is just as beautiful as its authentic counterparts. Amber can be found in various color variations, from pale greens and yellows to dark browns and honey-colored pieces. Amber is available in nearly all types of jewelry, including brooches, bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings. It is often paired with silver or gold, but can also be encrusted in copper, brass, aluminum, and other metals. For those who prefer natural jewelry, amber can also be designed with hemp. Many people love amber for its geological history. Some pieces of authentic amber can be found with fossils, insects, and other true specimens forever sealed within the resin.

What to Know about Amber

 Amber is a much softer material compared to other types of gemstones. It requires special care as it’s more susceptible to damage. Even mild chemicals and sudden changes in temperature can cause amber to crack or break. Most authentic types of amber jewelry are rated on a scale of hardness from one to ten. From the Baltic region, Baltic amber is the hardest, making it a popular option for jewelry designers.

Caring for Amber Jewelry

Due to its fragility, amber requires careful care and storage to maintain its bright appearance and to prevent damage to the stone. Amber should not be exposed to any type of chemicals, including hairspray and makeup. If these products must be worn, apply them prior to putting on the jewelry. Perfumes can also cause damage to amber stones, and should not be sprayed on the area in which the jewelry is worn. Amber jewelry is relatively easy to clean. Simply use a soft cloth dampened with luke-warm water. Felt can also be used to gently clean the exterior of the amber stone. Avoid using any chemical-based cleaners or soap to clean the stone, as these can cause irreversible damage. Amber can also be wiped clean if the stone is only dusty or wet. To polish the stone, use a soft cloth with a dab of olive oil. Again, felt works great but a new cloth should be used each time for cleaning. It’s important to store amber properly or it can quickly become dull and tarnished. Keep your amber jewelry in a satin bag or soft, dry cloth whenever you are not wearing it. This will help to prevent it from becoming damaged with other pieces of jewelry. Each piece of amber jewelry should be stored separately to avoid scratching. Whether you choose authentic amber of an imitation piece, you won’t be disappointed with the unique look that amber provides.

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June Birthstones - Several Options

People who celebrate June birthdays have the option of choosing between several beautiful June birthstones, including pearls and moonstones. Known for their unique luster, pearls can be creativity mounted into pins, earrings, necklaces, and rings. Moonstones maintain an elegant iridescence and can be polished, carved, or set into nearly any piece of jewelry. Both of these gems provide a one-of-a-kind look when used in combination with June birthstone jewelry.

About June Birthstones:

Pearls

Pearls have been used for centuries as an adornment. The 1500s were known as ‘the pearl age’ and the gem was favorable by the Roman Empire, and later in Tudor England. They are truly unique as they are the only type of gem formed from living sea creatures that require no polishing or faceting to reveal their natural beauty. Pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped within a mollusk. The irritant is then coated with a substance known as nacre by the mollusk, creating a beautiful pearl.

Pearls can occur spontaneously through nature or can be man-made. When created through human intercession, they are known as cultured pearls. Natural pearls possess a delicate luster that places them amongst the most valued type of gemstone. The color primarily depends on the species of mollusk that produces it, as well as its environment.

Pearls come in a wide array of shades, including gray, cream, black, yellow, blue, green, lavender, and mauve. They also come in various sizes. The largest pearl in the world is believed to be the Pearl of Asia, measuring three-inches in length and two-inches in width. This pearl weighs one-third of a pound and was a gift to the wife of Shah Jahan, for whom he built the famous Taj Mahal.

Moonstones

Moonstones have a very unique appearance and are a form of feldspar. They were given their name from Pliny, a Roman natural historian who wrote that the stones appearance altered with the phrases of the moon. Layers of feldspar and albrite give the moonstone its textured appearance. They are generally blue with layers of white, and have a similar resemblance to that of scratched blue glass. Jewelry that features moonstones is an ideal choice for people who love fantasy, as well as those who prefer the bluish-greyish hues of winter. Considered a sacred gemstone in India, the moonstone is often displayed on a background of yellow which is a sacred color. They are believed to encapsulate a spirit within the stone whose purpose is to exude good fortune, making it a great choice for June birthstones .

May Birthstones - Emerald, Carnelian, and Chrysophrase

Birthstone jewelry is a reflection of individuality and can promote a sense of style. The birthstone for the month of May is emerald and this traditional green gem has a rich history. From the Egyptians to the Irish, emeralds have been treasured by many ancient and modern societies. Gold and silver necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings encrusted with a May gemstone are the perfect way to accessorize while wearing a piece of jewelry that symbolizes yourself, your family, and people important in your life.

History: Emeralds are believed to have first come from emerald mines belonging to Cleopatra in ancient Egypt, dating back to 330 B.C. The Spanish also prized emeralds and many were brought back from Latin America during the 16^th century. Emeralds have a vast history of being a holy stone – in the past and present – and were desired by many cultures, including the Aztecs.

Features: Belonging to the beryl family of gemstones, emeralds have a rating on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness of 7.5 to 8, making them ideal for daily wear. Many pieces of May birthstone jewelry are highly scratch-resistant and durable.

Cuts: Emeralds can be cut in a wide range of shapes to show off their vibrancy. Oval, round, pear-shaped, and hearts are popular shapes used in May birthstone jewelry. The emerald cut maintains a high percentage of the original gemstone, making it the perfect keepsake due to the value.




Colors: While emerald green is the traditional hue associated with May birthstones, there are several shades that help to indicate value. The most costly gems consist of a warm green color. Emeralds that appear too dark or have blue or yellow undertones are usually less valuable. May gemstones that contain a blue-green hue tend to be rare and are pricier then the others. When shopping for May birthstone jewelry, select a hue that appeals to your personality.

Alternative May Birthstones

Green is not the only color of May birthstones, as Carnelian and other bright gemstones are available. Chrysophrase and agate are also acceptable May birthstone colors commonly used in birthstone jewelry. Agate gemstones can be found in many colors, including blue, green, white, and grey. Chrysophrase is typically found in apple green and may have traces of jade. Emerald and alternative colored stones are often incorporated into jewelry and presented as gifts to those born in the Month of May. Ranging in hues from light to deep green, May birthstones are highly fashionable and fit nearly any modern style.