Gemstone Jewelry Blog

Amazonite (sometimes called "Amazon stone") is a green variety of microcline feldspar. The name is taken from that of the Amazon River, from which certain green stones were formerly obtained, but it is doubtful whether green feldspar occurs in the Amazon area.

Amazonite is a mineral of limited occurrence. Formerly it was obtained almost exclusively from the area of Miyask in the Ilmen mountains, 50 miles southwest of Chehabinsk, Russia, where it occurs in granitic rocks. More recently, high-quality crystals have been obtained from Pike's Peak, Colorado, where it is found associated with smoky quartz, orthoclase, and albite in a coarse granite or pegmatite. Some other localities in the United States yield Amazonite, and it is also found in pegmatite in Madagascar.

Because of its bright green color when polished, Amazonite is sometimes cut and used as a gemstone. For many years, the source of Amazonite's color was a mystery. Naturally, many people assumed the color was due to copper because copper compounds often have blue and green colors. More recent studies suggest that the blue-green color is due to small quantities of lead and water in the feldspar.

These earrings are made of hammered Fine Silver rings with Amazonite beads on Sterling Silver Chain. The necklace is also made of hammered Fine Silver rings with Aquamarine Italian Mesh Metal Ribbon and Amazonite beads. Both can be found under the Monterey 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.

 

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.

Breathtaking 14K Gold Filled Chainmail Jewelry Garnished with Garnets

Let me unveil the latest addition to my handcrafted jewelry collection – a splendid ensemble of 14K Gold Filled Chainmail studded with various sizes of sparkling Garnets. A symphony of craftsmanship and artistic vision, each piece echoes the natural beauty of Garnets in an exquisite charm. The entire collection – bracelets, earrings, and necklaces – have been laced in ambers, amethyst, pearls, and serpentine. Feast your eyes on my portfolio site under the alluring Sonoma Collection

A Glimpse into the Enigmatic Aura of Garnets Here are some captivating details that make Garnets remarkably fascinating:

A Flamboyant Palette

Interestingly, Garnets are not restricted to the iconic red hue. From plush pinks to mesmerizing greens, vibrant oranges, mellow yellows, classic browns, and profound blacks, they cover a wide spectrum of colors.

A Cherished Gift for Birthdays and Anniversaries

Endowed with the power to bring prosperity and joy, Garnets make a perfect birthday present, especially for January-born individuals. They are also traditionally conferred as 2nd and alternate 6th-anniversary gifts, symbolizing eternal love and affection.

The Widespread Occurrence and Sheer Commonality

Garnets are found across the globe, making it a common yet enthralling gemstone.

Infusion of Positivity and Healing

Garnet emanates an aura of love, courage, and stamina. Additionally, it exhibits healing characteristics. It revitalizes the body, boosts metabolism, treats spinal and cellular disorders, purifies the bloodstream, heart, and lungs, and even regenerates DNA – A true symbol of renewal and reincarnation.

Astonishing Features and Psychological Benefits

Garnets, whether small, faceted, or large opaque pieces, captivate the onlookers with their transparency or translucency. These gems sharpen one's self-perception and perception of others. They dissolve ingrained behavioral patterns, making way for new, positive habits.

Enhancement of Mental Agility and Emotional Liberation

Garnets stimulate mental flexibility, encouraging the discarding of obsolete ideas. Emotionally, Garnet is a liberator – it removes inhibitions and taboos, opens up the heart, and bestows self-confidence – a true friend in the journey of finding one's true self.

FAQ's

1. What are the different sizes of Garnets used in these jewelry pieces?

In our 14K Gold Filled Chainmail collection, we've incorporated three different sizes of Garnets to create an alluring blend of elegance and intricacy.

2. Where can I access this chainmail collection?

You can browse through our complete collection, which includes individual and complete sets, on our portfolio site under the Sonoma Collection.

3. Are Garnets the traditional birthstones for any particular month?

Yes, Garnets are traditionally considered to be January's birthstones. They serve as a perfect gift for loved ones celebrating their birthdays in this month.

4. What kind of healing properties does a Garnet possess?

Garnets are known to possess various healing properties. They rejuvenate your body, stimulate metabolism, treat spinal and cellular disorders, cleanse and revitalize the heart, lungs, and blood, and even possess the ability to regenerate DNA.

5. Does Garnet have any psychological benefits?

Indeed, it does. It sharpens your self-perception and perceptions of others. It helps dissolve ingrained behavioral patterns and encourages the adoption of new, positive habits.

Chrysoprase (also chrysophrase) is a gemstone variety of chalcedony (fibrous form of quartz) that contains small quantities of nickel. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green. It is cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals so fine that they cannot be seen as distinct particles under normal magnification. This sets it apart from rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and the other varieties of crystalline quartz which are basically transparent and formed from easily recognized six-sided crystals. Other members of the cryptocrystalline quartz family include agate, carnelian, and onyx. Unlike many non-transparent members of the quartz family, it is the color of chrysoprase, rather than any pattern of markings, that makes it desirable. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos meaning 'gold' and prason, meaning 'leek'.

 

Due to its comparative scarcity and pleasing green color, chrysoprase is one of the most prized varieties of quartz. Higher quality specimens often rival fine jade, for which it is sometimes mistaken. Cut into cabochons (smooth domed gems with flat backs for use in jewelry), it can be as sought after as fine amethyst. Its use in jewelry dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was fashioned into necklaces, scarabs, and objects of adornment.

Unlike emerald which owes its beautiful green color to the presence of chromium, the color of chrysoprase is due to trace amounts of nickel in the structure. The nickel reportedly occurs as platelets of the talc-like mineral willemseite. Chrysoprase results from the deep weathering or lateritization of nickeliferous serpentinites or other ultramafic ophiolite rocks. In the Australian deposits, chrysoprase occurs as veins and nodules with brown goethite and other iron oxides in the magnesite-rich saprolite below an iron and silica cap.

 

The best known sources of chrysoprase are Australia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Arizona, California, and Brazil.

Last weekend at the International Gem & Jewelry Show in San Mateo, California, I was able to obtain some choice cabochons and beads from one of my long time vendors who’s family owns and mines Chrysoprase in Brazil. Chrysoprase has recently become an alternative to turquoise and coral, and is a great accent color for summer wardrobes. I will be posting pictures of rings, earrings, and necklaces featuring this unique gemstone as they are finished.