Silver is a precious metal that has been used for thousands of years for various purposes such as ornaments, tableware, jewelry, photography and money. Its value as a precious metal was long considered second only to gold and in Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe, it was often valued more than gold. Silver is stable in pure air and water, but does tarnish when it is exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide, or air that has sulfur compounds present in the atmosphere. Tarnish and dirt on fine sterling silver jewelry can be removed gently using a jewelry polishing cloth. These jewelry polishing cloths are chemically treated with nontoxic cleaning and polishing agents which are specially formulated to restore the fine silver luster.

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Silver constitutes only about 73 parts per billion of the earth's crust. Though silver can be found throughout the world, it is rare enough to stimulate the acquisitive drive in human nature. A theme running through the history of silver is that it was never solely a rich man's pleasure. Silver has always provided an instantly convertible reserve of enduring wealth and security. Silver outlasts paper money and goverments. Melt silver and hide it, and it escapes identification and taxes. Portable and universally accepted, silver became the coinage of trade, the motivation of conquering armies and voyages of exploration. For thousands of years men fought and died to add to their stores of this elusive, glittering metal. Along with gold, silver is the stuff on which empires have been built, and for lack of which they have fallen.

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Silver has universal appeal and a powerful hold on the imagination. To the ancients, the noble metals were objects of wondrous beauty, imbued with the mystic qualities of distant heavenly bodies whose nature they seemed to contain. Classically, gold is seen as the symbol of the sun, silver the moon. The ancient Egyptians called silver "white gold." We search clouds for silver and not copper linings, lend an ear to silver-tongued speeches, and find silver hair distinguished. One famous attribute of silver is its supposed powers against enchantment. Silver bullets were thought to have unique powers against witches and vampires.

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Lustrous, gleaming, pure and without taint, capable of being refashioned again and again, silver is wonderful to work with- soft, malleable, and strong. Silver is virtually indestructible and can be endlessly reworked. Silver can be beaten into an airy thinness, drawn out to form extremely thin wire, or forcibly shaped without crushing or shattering. Silver has enormous aesthetic potential. Silver can be chased, pierced, cast, enamelled, gilded and shaped with extraordinary complexity.

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Unlike gold, silver is almost never found in natural nuggets, but as a component of ores which must be smelted out. In fact, most of the world's silver is actually recovered as a by-product of refining other metals such as lead, copper or zinc. The Greek philosophers believed metals were living things that grew and propagated themselves in the rocks of the earth's core. They reasoned that if the other two kingdoms of nature - animal and vegetable - reproduced themselves by means of seeds given off from their own bodies, then minerals such as silver must do the same. By this logic, it also followed that if a worn-out silver ore field were given a sufficient rest, it would replenish itself and become worth mining again.

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A corollary to the ancients' belief in "living" metals was the notion that the content of the earth's crust was gradually changing from baser metals into more valued ones. Aristotle, in the Fourth Century BC, wrote that "nature always strives after the better." By that dictum, lead ore containing some silver was thought to be in the process of transmutation into pure silver; samples of silver that contained traces of gold, as silver often did, were maturing into gold. For centuries such persistent misconceptions fueled alchemists' vain attempts to create noble metals from base metals such as lead.

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Great durability is a primary quality that sets silver apart from the other 100 or so elements that constitute all earthly matter. Silver is a noble metal, a name that in chemical terminology refers to its outstanding resistance to the corrosion and oxidation that cause base metals such as iron, copper and tin to weaken and disintegrate. Silver is tasteless, nontoxic and resistant to acids. Strong and heavy, silver is at the same time wonderfully malleable.

Of all metals base or noble, silver boasts the highest capacity to conduct heat and electricity, and is also the most reflective of all the metals. No other element reflects light so well and uniformly, qualities that give silver its characteristic pale white luster. Even the thinnest silver sheet will relect 95% of the light striking it. Though only about half as heavy as gold, silver is a strong metal, and relatively heavy as a result of its closely-packed atomic structure. Silver's malleability, a joy to metalsmiths throughout the ages, also helps silver survive the destructive atmospheric forces to which it is exposed in nature. Bonds between metal atoms are unique in that electrons in the individual atoms merge until the entire mass is a group of atomic nuclei spaced at regular intervals in a sea of swimming electrons . Silver malleability is the result of this free electron movement, which allows entire blocks of silver atoms to slip easily in opposite directions when strong force is applied. The silver atoms tend to rebond once the force is removed, and the metallic mass remains in one piece.

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Silver can be used for much more than just fine silver tableware and silver jewelry, with many important industrial uses as well. Silver wires lace silicon solar cells, and silver oxide batteries power hearing aids, calculators, submarines and satellites. Hardened with tungsten or molybdenum, silver is used in electrical switches for cars, telephones and computers. A household appliance timer alone may have over 50 such silver electrical contacts, which open and close without excessive heat or friction because silver is a natural dry lubricant, good reason to plate silver on the bearings of jet engines and diesel locomotives.

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Silver is sterile and anti-bacterial, used since the middle ages by apothecaries and surgeons. Silver activates oxygen to kill bacteria, and in some swimming pools charcoal filters impregnanted with silver eliminate germs and the need for irritating chlorine. Drinking water is purified with silver; surgeons disinfect burns with silver cream and mend bones using cement containing silver salts.

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Pure bullion silver (.999 Fine) is too soft to make into jewelry, so an alloy is made by adding around 6-7% copper and a tiny amount of zinc or nickel. The resulting alloy is identified as .925 or "Sterling" silver.

In rare instances, purity can assay lower than 925 (but still well within the federal Sterling standard) on localized specific solder points in hand-forged (as opposed to cast) jewelry. Precious metal solder is a slightly different alloy in order to give it a lower melting point than the main body of the jewelry. In this way, working a piece of fine silver jewelry with a torch will join surfaces but leave the rest of the work intact. If an item has a great many solder points, it can slightly decrease purity overall, but we have found this to be an exceptionally rare occurence.

Silver can display a fascinatingly diverse range of tones, all the way from jet black, to a dull sheen like a 'tin' steel can, to looking as bright and shiny as polished aluminum foil. Over the years we have had many, many samples tested which looked suspiciously like they might be base metal, but which definitively tested pure by chromo fluoroscopic analysis in a highly reputable specialized independent assay laboratory.

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The most oxidization resistant steels are 300 series steels and are mostly used for material implants as well as for body jewelry.

316 stainless steel also known as surgical stainless steel is the highest grade of purity available that can be used in body jewelry. 316L stainless steel is high corrosion and heat resistance, toughness, low nickel content causes less allergic reaction than many other types of metal jewelry. It is non-porous, which means that bacteria cannot infect the metal and be spread as long as it is kept clean.

Our Stainless Steel jewelry is made with the surgical grade Stainless Steel, high polished along with best craftsmanship. All our pendants are unique and marked with an internal laser engraving "S.Steel".

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Swarovski represents the height of unmatched quality, unique variety, crystal brilliance, latest trend information and cutting edge innovations.
Discerning consumers value Swarovski products and services. Exceptional crystal purity and cutting precision guarantee exclusivity and quality beyond compare.
With its unsurpassed variety and brilliance, the broad crystal spectrum gives customers free creative rein. Crystal enthusiasts throughout the world succumb to the magic of fascinating creations

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Gemstones have been the most treasured items to man on the face of the earth for thousands and thousands of years. Wars have been fought over them and countries have been purchased with them.

Away from Europe, Beads have often served a more spiritual purpose, being used in magical amulets assigned with protective powers. In Africa, brightly colored Beads displaying geometrical patterns with sacral meanings have long played an important role.

In the Indonesian archipelago the preferred color for beadwork is yellow. Ranging from lemon to amber and carved from local materials such as Bamboo, Wood, horn, and Stone, these Beads are then decorated with white, black, green, blue and red accents, displaying an unusual play of textures.

Native Americans have long made great use of Beads in their waistbands, bracelets, bags and other clothes. Leather and suede items are heavily studded with Turquoise and other Beads of green, white, blue and red creating visually stimulating motifs that often also tell a story.

In Russia, Glass Beads have been popular since the 10th century. As well as embroidering beads onto purses, bags, shoes, waistbands and a variety of coverlets, much larger and incredibly impressive items of beadwork were created, including whole items of furniture! Popular patterns included flowers and symbols taken from classical art: angels, hearts, keys and anchors. This folk culture of beading even made its way into Russian orthodox churches where elaborate examples of beading can be found in many ritualistic objects

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Chalcedony (also spelled Calcedony), is a catch all term that includes many well known varieties of cryptocrystalline Quartz gemstones. The two main varieties are Chalcedony, which is uniformly colored, and Agate, characterized by bands/zones of different colors.

Agate is distinguished by its multiple colors that are often vivid. The bands of color may be white, red, blue, grey, brown, or black. These are irregular and sometimes curved, caused by traces of iron and manganese. The parallel bands follow the wavy contour of the cavity where silica gel solidified.

Agate’s name was derived from the site of its initial discovery, the River Achates (now Dirillo), in Southwest Sicily.

Said by the ancients to render the wearer invisible, Agate has been admired by humanity for thousands of years. Its beauty and durability have prompted man to use it in both practical and ornamental forms. Valued by the Ancient Sumerians and Egyptians who used it for amulets, receptacles, and ornamental pieces, Agate is one of the oldest known gems.

The Greeks and Romans carved it into cameos (i.e. a gem carved in relief) and intaglios (i.e. a gem carved in negative relief). In Roman times Agate intaglio signet rings were particularly popular

Agate is mentioned in the bible as being one of the “Stones of Fire” (Ezekiel 28:13-16) given to Moses that featured in the breastplate of his brother and high priest Aaron (Exodus 28:15-30) and a variety of Agate, Sardonyx is one of the twelve gemstones set in the foundations of the city walls of Jerusalem (Revelations 21:19). As compiled by Andreas, Bishop of Caesurae, one of the earliest writers to tie the Apostles with the symbolism of the twelve gems of Jerusalem, the Apostle for Sardonyx is James.

Agate was especially valued during medieval times where one of the more outlandish uses is binding an Agate to each horn of your oxen to ensure a good harvest. The danger here is that your appropriately Agated beasts of burden may then become invisible and a little hard to find!

In 1709 a Brazilian priest planned to use Agates as antigravity devices on an air ship he had designed.

Agate is believed to cure insomnia, ensure pleasant dreams, protect from danger, promote strength, healing and a bold heart. Wearers are believed to become temperate, continent and cautious. In antiquity Agate was regarded as cooling gem capable of reducing fever, quenching thirst, quieting the pulse and ensuring good health and a long and prosperous life.

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Amazonite, a beautiful deep blue-green gem, often with white streaks, is a gem variety of microcline feldspar. Microline is so called in reference to its cleavage properties. The name derives from the Greek “Micros”, meaning small, and “Klino”, meaning lean, because the cleavage planes deviate very slightly from 90 degrees.

Amazonite is often confused with Jade (Jadeite) or Turquoise. Amazonite is named after the River Amazon, and although Amazonite is mined in Brazil, it has never been found near the Amazon.

Brazilian legend has it that Amazon Indians used to give a green gem to men who met them, but that gem was almost certainly Jade (Jadeite) not Amazonite.

Amazonite was used extensively by the ancient Egyptians for both Jewelry and ornamentation. They called it the “Stone of Courage” after the fabled tribe of Amazon women warriors. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the Amazonians were a real matriarchal society that existed during the Bronze Age. Any direct connection between this association and the modern name is unknown but its fun to speculate.

Amazonite is believed by some to enhance creative expression, align astral bodies, encourage unity with life and improve ones self worth. Amongst crystals healers, the deeper the color of the Amazonite, the more intense the effect is said to be.

Amazonite is considered by some to be a soothing gem that offers confidence and works on the throat chakra.

It has also been called the “Hope Stone” because some people believe it inspires confidence and hope. One source actually says it is useful to motivate lazy teenagers!

In general, it is believed to have a soothing effect on the brain and nervous system. It is also believed by some to help one analyze and sort out information and combine this process with intuitive wisdom.

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Dionysus, known for his love of grape juice, was the Greek god of wine, however after a few goblets he became a little confrontational. One day in the forest with goblet in hand, the tipsy Dionysus took insult from a passing mortal that refused to show him respect. The incident provoked his wrath and Dionysus swore revenge on the next mortal that he saw…

Along came Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Dionysus targeted Amethyst as the object of his revenge, and with the snap of his fingers, he summoned two ferocious tigers to devour the girl. As Dionysus sat back to enjoy the spectacle, Amethyst cried out to her goddess Diana. Seeing what was about to happen, Diana transformed Amethyst into a glimmering pure white Quartz statue thus protecting her from the ferocious tigers. Moved with guilt, Dionysus realized the ruthlessness of his actions and began to weep with sorrow. As the tears dripped into his goblet, Dionysus collapsed spilling the tear-tainted wine onto the statue of Amethyst. The white Quartz absorbed the wine’s color creating the colored gem that we refer to today as Amethyst, the “Gemstone of the Gods”.

With the mythology surrounding the origin of Amethyst, it is perhaps fitting that it was once considered a talisman to prevent drunkenness, which explains why wine goblets were once made from this gem. Indeed, it derives its name from the Greek word “Amethustos”, meaning “Not Drunk”.

It is believed that Amethyst holds the power to change anger into tranquility, it is also believed that Amethyst is a protective gem that bounces off psychic attack, reverting negative energy into positive. As a gemstone of great healing and meditative powers, Amethyst is also believed to purify the energies of the mind, body and spirit.

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Fluor-Apophyllite, the most colorful variant, is the type most commonly referred to as simply “Apophyllite”. Hailing from the U.S. this rare and relatively unknown gemstone can be colorless, white, green, yellow or violet. Some specimens fluoresce pale green or yellow under ultra-violet light, a characteristic never found in the other two types of Apophyllite.

Blue, the world’s most popular color, is famous for its calming effect, and out of all the blues available none match the serenity found in Aquamarine. Deriving their name from the Latin word “Water of The Sea”, Aquamarine gemstones embody all that is natural. Aquamarine, the sparkling birthstone for March, ranges from pastel blue to light green its passive tones reminiscent of an invigorating sea breeze.

Since antiquity, Aquamarine has been seen as a gemstone of great vision, its crystals often being used as eyes in the creation of sculpted statues that symbolize power and wisdom. According to legend, any man or woman that set eyes on these statues became a person of great wisdom harnessing the ability to see into the future. On occasions, these statues were placed in strategic positions near the coastline where they could calm the wrath of the god Poseidon, thus insuring the safe return of those on ships at sea.

Aquamarine has long been associated with its ability to capture oceanic energy. When amulets made of Aquamarine were worn, sailors believed that unmatched bravery would be instilled in their souls. These fisherman’s friends accompanied their owners while out on the high seas, and in the event of a storm, were tossed overboard to placate Poseidon’s anger. Interestingly, Thai culture contains a common belief that Aquamarine can ward off seasickness and prevent wearers from drowning. Because of its association with the sea, Aquamarine is considered to be a gemstone of purification and cleansing that washes the mind with fresh clear thoughts and promotes self-expression. Its calming effects make it a popular gemstone for those who practice meditation, as it is also believed to eradicate fears and phobias

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Aventurine is a Chalcedony that contains small inclusions of one of several shiny minerals which give the gem a glistening effect. The glistening effect of Aventurine is known as “Aventurescence”. The color of the Aventurescence depends on the mineral included in the gem. Mica inclusions give the give the gem a yellow or silver glitter or sheen. Goethite and Hematite inclusions give the gem a red or gray glitter or sheen. Fuschite inclusions give the gem a green sheen.

Interestingly, Aventurine’s name is derived from an accident. During the 18th Century Venetian glass workers were preparing molten glass when copper filings accidentally fell into the batch, producing glass with sparkles. The name Aventurine comes from the Italian “A Ventura” which means “By Chance”.

Aventurine ranges in color from green, peach, brown, blue and creamy green. If a color is not stated with the word Aventurine, it is usually assumed to be green. In the past, Green Aventurine has been miscalled “Indian Jade”.

Besides its use in Jewelry, Aventurine is also used for ornamental purposes like vases, bowls and figurines. Aventurine remains a popular lapidary material today, showing an attractive color when polished or when wet.

Aventurine is found in India, Chile, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Austria, and Tanzania.

Aventurine has been used as a lucky talisman and is a popular gem for gamblers

Legends say that it is an all-purpose healer, used to reduce stress, develop confidence, imagination and improve prosperity. An ancient legend from Tibet tells of its use to help nearsightedness and to improve the wearer's creativity.

Many crystal healers believe that Aventurine has the capacity to calm a troubled spirit, balance emotions and bring an inner peace. It is also believed to enhance leadership qualities allowing the wearer to act decisively, with strong intuitive power.

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Bloodstone, a variety of green Jasper dotted with bright red spots of Hematite, was treasured in ancient times and once served as the birthstone for March. Bloodstone is now the recognized Zodiac gem for those born under the star sign Aries

Bloodstone belongs to the Chalcedony family and is a form of microcrystalline quartz. Also known as “Heliotrope”, this name is derived from the Greek words “Helios” meaning sun and “Tropos” meaning turn. The origin of this name is a Greek legend that held that Heliotrope reflected the sun in the Earth as blood red.

Please be aware that the word “Bloodstone” is sometimes incorrectly used to describe both Hematite and Fancy Jasper.

The ancient Greeks and Roman believed athletes would gain endurance by wearing Bloodstone

Medieval Christians often used Bloodstone to carve scenes of the crucifixion and martyrs. As a result, it is also known as the “Martyrs Stone”. Some sources even suggest that it was worn by early Christians as a symbol of their faith. The Christian legend of the origin of Bloodstone says that it was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained Jasper at the foot of the cross during his crucifixion. A beautiful example of carved bloodstone with the seal of the German Emperor Rudolf II can be seen at the Louvre museum in Paris.

Finely powdered Bloodstone was and continues to be used as a medicine and aphrodisiac in India. Perhaps this explains why it can be difficult to find good examples of Bloodstone.

Bloodstone is believed by some crystals healers to be a “Turn Over Stone”. Described as a powerful energy mover, it is believed capable of sweeping away mental blocks, allowing one to move forward.

Bloodstone is considered by others to be a “Healing Stone”.

Bloodstone is also regarded by some as a “Hero’s Gemstone”, capable of instilling courage in dangerous situations and providing protection from ones own dangerous desires

Bloodstone is also attributed with the ability to revitalize love, relationships and friendships, by helping us to let go of selfish behavior, thereby renewing an idealistic outlook on life. Bloodstone is also believed by some to enhance ones natural abilities, talent and creativity.

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Cornelian has been an important gem in nearly every great civilization the world has ever seen. From the royalty of Ur (the Mesopotamian capital of pre-biblical times), to Napoleon (he returned from his Egyptian campaign with a huge octagonal Cornelian) and Tibetan Buddhists, Cornelian has been revered for its healing, spiritual and creative qualities.

Also known as Sadoine or Mecca Stone and sometimes spelt Carnelian, the name is derived from the Latin world for flesh, “Carne”, due to the gems’s coloring.

A deeply religious gem, Cornelian was used by the Egyptian goddess Isis to protect the dead on their journey through the afterlife.

Cornelian is mentioned in the bible as being one of the “Stones of Fire” (Ezekiel 28:13-16) given to Moses that featured in the breastplate of his brother and high priest Aaron (Exodus 28:15-30) and is also one of the twelve gemstones set in the foundations of the city walls of Jerusalem (Revelations 21:19). As compiled by Andreas, Bishop of Caesurae, one of the earliest writers to tie the Apostles with the symbolism of the twelve gems of Jerusalem, it is the symbol of the Apostle Philip.

To this day Buddhists in China, India and Tibet believe in the protective powers of Cornelian and often follow the Egyptian practice of setting the gem with Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli for enhanced power.

Popular in ancient Greece and Rome for intaglio (i.e. a gem carved in negative relief) signet rings; the Romans symbolically associated dark colored Cornelian with men and light colored Cornelian with women.

Cornelian has been recommended for those with bad memories, creative blocks, befuddled minds, weak voices and a lack of courage. It is said to be beneficial in treating impotence, infertility, insomnia, menstrual cramps, neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, bad blood, lethargy, digestive problems, and skin conditions like acne and psoriasis in both humans and animals. Cornelian is also believed to help hotheaded people overcome anger and establish self-control, and was even believed to protect the wearer from envy and falling objects

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Citrine is a golden yellow form of quartz that takes its name from “Citron”, the French word for lemon. Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold

Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.

Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.

The first occurrences of Citrine being utilized by man were in Greece in the Hellenistic period (end of the 4th to the end of the 1st century BC).

The first use of Citrine by the Romans was in intaglios and cabochon in the first centuries after the birth of Christ

In former times Citrine was commonly used as a protective talisman against evil thoughts, snakebites and other venomous reptiles.

Citrine promotes creativity, helps personal clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies.

Amongst its many medicinal uses Citrine is believed to aid digestion, remove toxins from the body, and be useful in the treatment of depression, constipation and diabetes. Citrine is believed to be the gemstone of happiness.

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For more than 4,000 years, the deep “Green Fire” of Emeralds has been treasured as a symbol of eternal spring and immortality

Shrouded in myth and lore, the birthstone for May isn't just a beautiful gem, Emeralds are also ornaments of power and politics that have created legends and molded world history.

Prized by Egyptians, Romans, Aztecs, Crowned Heads of Europe, and today, gem connoisseurs the world over, Emeralds, more than any other precious gemstone have sparked the eternal fires of our collective imagination.

Spring is a time of growth and rejuvenation. Nothing reflects this more than the intense green shades of Emeralds, May’s birthstone.

Emeralds are regarded by many cultures as a symbol of personal development. It was once thought that Emerald’s possessed the power to soothe the soul and sharpen wit.

Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth and patience. And as any couple would agree, all of these qualities are essential for lasting love. This may explain why a gift of Emerald is considered symbolic of love and devotion. Emeralds are even believed to change color upon infidelity!

Emeralds have long been thought to possess healing powers. While today we know that Emeralds are not a cure for all medical and psychological problems, many people still use emeralds to sooth their eyes and bring them good health. In fact, green has long been considered a soothing color and it is no coincidence that the “green room” in theaters and TV studios is supposed to relax a performer after the stress and eyestrain of studio and stage lights.

A truly ancient gemstone, there is archeological evidence that the Babylonians may have been marketing Emeralds as early as 4,000 B.C.

The history of Egyptian Emeralds dates back over 4,000 years. Located in Egypt’s Eastern desert region, ancient miners braved extreme heat, scorpions and snakes to search for the “Green Fire”. Interestingly, Greek miners once labored there for Alexander the Great.

The ancient mines of Egypt were rediscovered in 1818 by the French explorer Caillaud. Finding the mine with the help of the Egyptian government, he noted that Emeralds were probably worked there long after the Kings and Queens of Egypt ruled the land.

The Egyptians were known to engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage to represent eternal youth, burying these jewels with their dead.

Emeralds were said to be the favorite gem of Cleopatra. She often wore lavish Emerald Jewelry, and bestowed visiting dignitaries with large Emeralds carved with her likeness when they departed Egypt.

Egyptian Emeralds were first minded some 2,000 years before Cleopatra’s birth. During her reign, Cleopatra claimed these Emerald mines as her own, as well as the world’s oldest source of peridot, the fog-wrapped, desert isle of Zeberget (St. John’s Island). Zeberget peridot has a uniquely Emerald-like color, due to its high nickel content. This is probably why many of Cleopatra’s “Emeralds” were later found to be peridots.

The discovery of Gallo-Roman earrings featuring Swat Valley Emeralds highlights the history behind the Mingora mines, located in Pakistan’s Swat Valley.

The ancient Romans associated Emeralds with fertility and rebirth, dedicating it to Venus, their goddess of love and beauty. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder once said of Emerald’s “Nothing green is greener”, and recorded that the Roman Emperor Nero, while presiding over gladiatorial fights, wore spectacles made of Emeralds.

Gemologists of today surmise that this is highly unlikely as the ancient Emerald mines in Egypt produced crystals of insufficient size and clarity needed for such an instrument. Historians now believe that green beryl or aquamarine were more likely to have been the gem types used.

The legends and lore surrounding Emeralds would not be complete without recounting the infamous stories of the Conquistadors, Hernando Cortés, who started his campaign against the Aztecs in 1519, and Francisco Pizarro, who commenced his military operation against the Incas in 1526. When Hernando Cortés planted the Spanish flag on Aztec soil, he snatched from the berated Emperor Montezuma an enormous pyramid shaped Emerald, so big it could be seen from 100 yards away!

Interestingly, the Incas worshiped Emeralds as a deity, and one particular ostrich egg sized Emerald called the “Goddess Esmerelda” had the peculiarity of enjoying the sacrifice of smaller Emeralds. Amazed to find the native people wearing Emeralds larger and more magnificent than any they had ever seen, the Spanish demanded to be told their source, but so intense was their religious worship of Emeralds that many Inca’s died keeping the mine’s location secret.

Both Cortés and Pizarro were taunted by myths of Eldorado. Native Colombians were rumored to adorn their newfound King with sticky resin and then coat him with gold and Emeralds. The heir apparent would then be taken to a remote mountain lake called “Guatavita” and would be bathed by priests while offerings and adornments of gems and gold were tossed into the depths of the lake.

During their search for Eldorado and its untold wealth, Cortés and Pizarro began systematically stripping the Americas’ of Emeralds, sending them back by the boatload to Spain. Here they were distributed amongst their own families, royalty and noblemen throughout Europe and Asia, awaking much interest and adoration for the radiant green gem.

But the task of securing these highly prized gems certainly wasn't straightforward. Combing the dense mountainous undergrowth the Spanish Conquistadors came across the Muzo Indians. The Muzos fiercely resisted for over 20 years, but with the help of Juan Penago, the Spaniards pressed on unabated. In 1555 during a bloody battle Penago's horse kicked up a shower of large gleaming green crystals from the bed of a bubbling stream, and in doing so uncovered the source of the fabled Muzo Emeralds, which today are still considered the world's finest. From that day, terror and wrath belay the Conquistadors’ attempts to mine the “Green Fire”.

Even after King Felipe IV's declaration that the area was now to be a “Royal Mine”, the native Indians called on all their cunning and wile to foil, as much as possible, the Spanish excavations over the next 250 years.

Much later, irony would play its bittersweet hand as the liberation of South America from the Spanish, lead by the legendary Simon Bolivar, was partially funded by the very same Muzo Emeralds that drove the Spanish to conquer the New World!

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Garnets - aren’t these the wonderfully deep red gemstones which are often found in antique jewellery? Well, this is only the partial truth, as a warm and deep red is indeed the most frequently occurring colour for Garnets. But unfortunately only few people know that the realm of Garnets holds many more bright and beautiful colours. The traditional image of Garnet has been brightly transformed by spectacular founds, mainly from Africa. Although red remains the major colour, Garnets today easily adapt to any new colour trend in fashion due to the rich range available. And because of the new founds, there are reliable sources for steady supply in these fancy colours. All this explains why this very gemstone family manages to keep on providing new impulses for the jewellery events in our days.

An expert will understand "Garnet” as the denomination for a group of over ten different gemstones with a similar chemical structure. Although the colour red is the one which occurs most frequently, there are also Garnets showing different shades of green, pale to bright yellow, fiery orange and fine earth- and umbra-shades. Only blue is a colour which is not available in Garnet. Garnets are gemstones which are in high demand and are often worked into pieces of jewellery - especially since today not only the traditional gemstone colours red, blue and green are cherished by the consumer, but the intermediate shades and hues are also very popular. Besides the realm of Garnets also possesses rarities such as asterism or atones which change their colour from daylight to artificial light.

What else characterises this gemstone family? First of all, there is the excellent hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs’ scale. This applies, with minor variations, to all the members of the Garnet group. And this is also an explanation why these gemstones are so excellent to wear. Garnets are quite sturdy and resistant to everyday wear and tear, and uncomplicated to work into jewellery. Only to hard impact or uncontrolled heating they will react adversely. Another point in favour of Garnets is their high refraction of light, the reason for the amazing brilliance of Garnets. The shape of the rough crystal is also interesting. Garnet, after all, means something like "the grainy” and is derived from the Latin word "granum” meaning "grain”. This refers to the typically rounded shape of Garnet and also reminds of the seeds of the pomegranate. In the middle ages, Garnet was also called "karfunkel” in German, referring to the glowing red reminding of the sparks of fire. Today there are a lot of imaginative names used in the trade, such as Arizona Ruby, Arizona Spinel, Montana Ruby or New Mexico Ruby.

The Garnet illuminated already Noah’s Ark

Garnets have been widely known for thousands of years. Even Noah, it is reported, used a lantern from Garnet in order to safely steer his Ark through the darkness of the night. Garnets are found in jewellery from ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras. Many courageous discoverers and travellers wore Garnets for protection, as they were considered popular talismans and protective stones, because it was believed in those days that Garnets illuminate the night and prevent their wearer from any sort of evil. Today science explained to us that the proverbial luminosity of Garnet is caused by its high refraction of light.

Garnets come not onlyy in many colours but also under many names: Andradite, Demantoid, Grossularite, Hessonite, Pyrope, Rhodolith, Tsavorith, Spessartine, Uwarowite etc.. Let us focus on the most important ones, and let us start with red Garnets. First of all, there is fiery red Pyrope. Its fierce and often slightly bronze coloured red was highly popular as gemstone colour in the 18th and 19th century. Worldwide renowned in those days were the Bohemian Garnets from an occurrence in the north-eastern part of the former Kingdom of Bohemia - small stones in a wonderful colour. In Europe they were frequently used for jewellery in Victorian times. This genuine Bohemian Garnet jewellery is traditionally decorated with many small stones which are tightly arranged along each other like the seeds of a pomegranate. Today Garnet is still found in the Czech Republic, and the stones are still arranged in the traditional way, tightly joined, so that the attraction of the classical Garnet jewellery is caused by the beauty of the stones only.

The large central stones of the typical "rosette" arrangements are usually also Garnets, but these come from another category. Almandines, named after the ancient gemstone city of Alabanda in Asia Minor, are c a little different in their chemical structure from Pyropes. Why these are preferred as central stones? Well, Nature only grows Pyropes in small sizes, but allows for Almandine crystals in larger dimensions.

Another red Garnet variety is Rhodolith, a crystal mixture from Almandine and Pyrope This popular red Garnet shows a wonderful velvety red with a fine purple or raspberry coloured undertone. Originally discovered in the USA, it is mainly found in gemstone mines in East Africa, India and Sri Lanka nowadays.

Colourful World of Garnets

The fantastic found of an up to then extremely rare Garnet variety puzzled experts all over the world some years ago. On the Kunene river, on the border between Namibia and Angola, there was the surprising and spectacular discovery of bright orange to red Spessartine Garnets , which were originally named after their occurrence in the German Spessart mountains. Until the legendary mine was discovered in Namibia, Spessartines had existed as mere collector’s items or rarities. They were hardly ever used for jewellery because they were so rare. But the found changed the world of jewellery gemstones. From this time on, an exceptionally fine and brightly orange-red gemstone has completed the offered range. The trade name " Mandarine -Garnet” was coined, and the wonderfully orange coloured Fine Garnet became world-famous almost over night. Unfortunately the mine in the remote Namibian mountains could only be exploited for a few years. Prospecting for the gemstones in the isolated bush land became more and more complicated and expensive It had to be expected, then , that the very upstart among the quality gemstones would only be available in limited amounts from the stocks of few cutters. However, another sensation was caused by discovering another occurrence of the orange-coloured treasures, this time in Nigeria. In colour and brilliance they are so similar to the Namibian stones that only experienced experts will be able to tell them apart.

Green Amethyst is a confusing gem as it is traded under a variety of names and is also occasionally mistaken for other more expensive gems including Green Beryl, Peridot and Tourmaline. The green variety of Quartz, Green Amyethst is also known as Vermarine, Lime Citrine or by its gemological name, Prasiolite. Although inexpensive, it is relatively rare and remains a collector's gemstone.

Green Amethyst’s gemological name Prasiolite is derived from the Greek words “Prason” meaning leek (due to its color similarities with the vegetable) and “Lithos” meaning stone.

Green Amethyst is believed by crystal healers to facilitate the gap between the physical and spiritual aspects of life, attracting prosperity through strengthening the mind, emotions and will.

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Hematite is variable in its appearance; it can be reddish brown, dark silvery-grey, dark-grey and black. What all varieties have in common is a rust-red streak.

Hematite (also spelled as Haematite), is the most important iron ore and takes its name from the Greek word “Haem” for Blood, which describes the color of its powdered form.

Ground and powdered, it was used by pre-historic man to make cave paintings, by the Egyptians to decorate tombs of pharaohs and by Native Americans as war paint. Today, it is still used as red ochre pigment and as metal polishing powder call “jeweler’s Rouge”.

Ancient superstition held that large deposits of Hematite formed from battles that were fought and the subsequent blood that flowed onto the ground. Hence, Haematite was once believed to stop the bleeding of a wound

The black varieties of Hematite were once used for mourning Jewelry.

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A gemstone of unique symbolic energy, and unique in the myths that surround it. With its beauty and wide-ranging expressiveness, jade has held a special attraction for mankind for thousands of years.

This gem, with its discreet yet rather greasy lustre, which comes in many fine nuances of green, but also in shades of white, grey, black, yellow, and orange and in delicate violet tones, has been known to Man for some 7000 years. In prehistoric times, however, it was esteemed rather more for its toughness, which made it an ideal material for weapons and tools. Yet as early as 3000 B.C. jade was known in China as yu, the 'royal gem'. In the long history of the art and culture of the enormous Chinese empire, jade has always had a very special significance, roughly comparable with that of gold and diamonds in the West. Jade was used not only for the finest objects and cult figures, but also in grave furnishings for high-ranking members of the imperial family. Today, too, this gem is regarded as a symbol of the good, the beautiful and the precious. It embodies the Confucian virtues of wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty and courage, yet it also symbolises the female-erotic. A visit to the jade market, be it in Hong Kong or Rangoon, or at one of the Hong Kong jade auctions organised by Christie's, can give some idea of the significance this gem has for the people of Asia.

However, as long ago as the pre-Columbian period, the Mayas, Aztecs and Olmecs of Central America also honoured and esteemed jade more highly than gold. New Zealand's Maoris began carving weapons and cult instruments from native jade in early times, a tradition which has continued to the present day. In ancient Egypt, jade was admired as the stone of love, inner peace, harmony and balance. In other regions and cultures too, jade was regarded as a lucky or protective stone; yet it had nowhere near the significance that it had in Asia, which was presumably due to the fact that people knew relatively little about this fascinating gem. Fortunately however, in recent times, people's understanding of this gem, which fascinates not only the connoisseurs by its perfect interplay of hardness and toughness with an enchanting range of colours and fine lustre, has improved; and their esteem for it has been on the increase all over the world.

'Jade', or yu, as it is called in China, is strictly speaking a generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. The name is derived from the Spanish piedra de ijada, loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as lapis nephriticus. That, indeed, is where the term 'nephrite' came from.

Jadeite and nephrite are both regarded in China as zhen yu, 'genuine jade'. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that mineralogists and gemmologists started to differentiate between them, since they bear a considerable resemblance to each other in terms of their appearance, their hardness and the properties they exhibit when being processed. Both are tough, since they consist of dense, close-grained, matted aggregates, but they differ from one another in their chemical composition and colours. Nephrite ranges mainly from mid to dark green or grey-green, but it can also be white, yellowish or reddish. Rarer, and somewhat tougher, jadeite displays hues which include green, but also white or pink, and reds, blacks, browns and violets. In both minerals, the way the colour is distributed varies a great deal. Only in the very finest jade is the colour evenly distributed. Both nephrite and jadeite often have veins, blemishes and streaks running through them, though these may not always be regarded as flaws. On the contrary, some of these patterns are considered particularly valuable.

The Chinese have traditionally believed that jade increases energy and prolongs life. Like a skim of ice over a mountain stream, green-white jade reminds us that there is more to life and to who we are than we see on the surface. Something powerful and beautiful is moving inside us. Jade gives balance to what we see (body) and what we don't see (spirit), so each revitalizes the other.

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Available in brilliant pastels and deep gold colors, Labradorite is a stunning gemstone perfect for wardrobes of all seasons.

Labradorite is named after the Labrador Peninsula in Canada where it was first discovered.

Calling it “Firestone” because of its captivating play of color, the Native Indians of Labrador attributed mystical qualities to Labradorite, using the powdered gem as a magical potion to cure their ailments.

Interestingly, some modern mystics believe that Labradorite is a gem that assists the practice of magic, unleashes the power of the imagination and helps to overcome personal limitations.

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Mined in Kochka river valley of Badakhshan, Afghanistan for over 7,000 years, the “Armenian Stone” is an enduring rock - and yes it is a rock! Lapis is a contact metamorphosed limestone that contains Lazurite, Pyrite and Calcite. Unlike other gems, it is a composite of several materials with sparkling flecks of Pyrite, or fool’s gold, adding to its mystical allure.

The word “Lapis” is the latin word for stone. The names of both “Lazuli” and Lazurite are derived from the Persian word “Lazhuward” and Latin word “Lazulum” that means blue or heaven. The Lapis Lazuli name, often shortened to Lapis, is sometimes mistakenly used for the mineral Lazurite.

When Lapis was first introduced to Europe, it was called Ultramarinum, meaning beyond the sea. Lapis was once powdered and mixed with oil to produce the pigment ultramarine, which is seen in the beautiful blues of Renaissance paintings. Ultramarine has been made synthetically since 1828.

Lapis Lazuli is the second most popular gem for men’s Jewelry, second only to black Onyx, whereas in women’s Jewelry it most commonly appears as beads or earrings.

The ancient Egyptians used Lapis extensively in religious ceremonies (it appears in various passages in the Egyptian Book of the Dead), and Lapis items were found in tombs near the ancient city of Ur, including that of Tutankhamen. The ancient city of Ur had a thriving trade in Lapis as early as the fourth millennium BC.

Lapis was mentioned in writing in 2650 BC in the Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh and in the Book of Exodus in the Bible.

The Greeks and Romans used it as a reward for bravery and the Romans (typically) also believed Lapis to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The Greeks and Romans also employed it for inlaid work and for Jewelry, amulets and talismans. They named it “Sapphirus” (i.e. blue), which is now used for blue corundum variety of Sapphire.

Attributed with great healing, purifying and curative properties, Lapis allegedly points the way to enlightenment, and aids in the opening of the Third Eye. Popular with ancient alchemists, it was used in medicine, cosmetics and paintings. It was also believed to confer ability, success, divine favor, ancient wisdom and cure sore throats. No wonder it was once as valuable as gold!

In the Middle Ages, it was thought to keep the limbs healthy and free the soul from error, envy and fear. In the 17th Century, it was used in medicine to prevent miscarriages, epilepsy and dementia.

The Arab geographer Istakhri record a visit to the Afghanistan Lapis mines in the 10th Century and Marco Polo visited and wrote about them in 1271

The finest quality is a dark “Royal Blue” color and the quality of its cutting is also a value consideration.

Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, Angola, Canada, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and U.S.A.

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Jasper is an ornamental rock composed mostly of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, in association with other minerals, which give it colorful bands and patterns. Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin.

Jasper is often named according to its pattern: landscape jaspers, the most popular, offer a small worldscape in stone. Ribbon Jasper, Picture Jasper, and Orbicular Jasper describe other designs. Jasper is found in many countries. It is sometimes used to create bowls and other objects and to adorn buildings, such as the Saint Wenceslas Chapel in Prague.

Jasper is an opaque and fine grained variety of Chalcedony. It is found in red, brown, pink, yellow, green, grayish white and shades of blue and purple.

Jasper is normally cut as cabochons and has traditionally been used as a gemstone for Jewelry such as brooches, earrings, necklaces, pendants, intaglios (i.e. a design carved into or beneath the surface of a gemstone) and cameos (i.e. a gem carved in relief), as well as carvings and mosaics.

Jasper is found in U.S.A., Madagascar, Germany, India, France, UK, Mexico and many other countries.

Jasper was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who carved portraits and ornamental objects such as amulets. It was believed that the person wearing Jasper would be protected from illness, especially stomach problems.

Jasper was a favorite gem in ancient times and is referenced in Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian and Latin literature. For example Jasper is one of “The Stones of Fire” (Ezekiel 28:13-16) who were given to Moses at the Mountain of God and said to possess the power to summon angels. Moses then decreed them mounted into a sacred breastplate for his brother, the high priest Aaron (Exodus 28:15-30). In the New Testament (Revelations 21:19), Jasper is one of the twelve gemstones set in the foundations of the city walls of Jerusalem. As compiled by Andreas, Bishop of Caesurae, one of the earliest writers to tie the Apostles with the symbolism of the twelve gems of Jerusalem, Jasper was for the Apostle St. Peter.

In some Native American cultures, Jasper is considered to be the symbolic blood of the Earth, and was thus thought to be one of the best gems for connecting with the deep, stabilizing energies of the Earth.

According to crystal healers, Jasper is an intensely protective gem, acting to stabilize the aura and rid it of dysfunctional energy thereby facilitating relaxation, contentment and compassion.

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A secondary copper mineral, Malachite is a popular gem that has light and dark vivid green banded areas. Many beautiful specimens of Malachite contain special combinations with other minerals, such as Azurite, Cuprite or Chrysocolla.

It is named for the Greek word “Moloche” for “Mallow”, a green herb, due to its similarity in color to mallow leaves.

Its banded light and dark green designs are unique, and give it an ornamental quality unlike that of any other gem. The light and dark green bands are so distinctive that Malachite maybe one of the mineral most easily recognized by the general public.

Usually cut into cabochons, Malachite is also use in beads, tabletops, bowls, vases and carvings.
Malachite can be found in Zaire, Russia, Germany, Congo, Zambia, France, UK, Chile, Australia, Israel, Sweden, Mexico and U.S.A.

Malachite was crushed as a green pigment in the Bronze Age and has been valued as a gemstone since ancient times. Later, the Russian Tsars used it as a decorative stone, quarrying vast deposits in the Ural Mountains to create magnificent structures, such as the columns of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Popular with the ancient Egyptians, according to legend, their hippo goddess Toeris (also associated to Hathor) wore a necklace of many beads including Malachite.

The Greeks and Romans fashioned vases and sculptures from Malachite and wore it as amulets to ward off evil spirits and illnesses. Malachite was especially admired by ancient Greek followers of the Goddess Venus and thought to possess great powers. In Rome it was called the “Peacock Stone” and dedicated to the Goddess Juno, who protects against lightning and other perils of nature. Continuing these ancient traditions, to this day some Italians wear Malachite as protection from the evil eye.

According to legend, it was worn to detect impending danger, and is assumed to break into pieces when danger was near. Hence, it was often regarded as the guardian gem of travelers.

According to modern crystal healers its powers include: protection, power, peace, hope, love, and success in business.

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Popular with the Romans, who thought it was formed out of moonlight, and in India, where it is considered a sacred zodiac gem, Moonstone is the most valuable variety of Feldspar. In India, Moonstone is believed to possess sacred properties including the ability to control temperament, erratic behavior, insomnia and marital problems.

A symbol of the Third Eye, Moonstone was once believed to balance yin/yang, protect against epilepsy and sun stroke, cure headaches and nose bleeds, and ensure a high yield in crops. Today, crystal healers believe that it can help men open their feminine emotional aspects.

In antiquity, men used Moonstone to predict the future by placing them in their mouths during the full moon!

A favourite of Art Nouveau jewellers, Moonstone is a highly prized gift for lovers as it is believed to arouse tender passion. In some cultures, it is also believed to accentuate the wearer's nature, whether positive or negative.

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Mother Of Pearl is the smooth lining of iridescent luster found in some mollusk shells such as large pearl oysters, abalones, pearl mussels and paua shells. Also known as Nacre (from the Arabic word for shell “Naqqarah”) it is composed of thin layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin in the form of aragonite or calcite that is secreted by the living mollusk organism.

While Queen Elizabeth I gave Mother Of Pearl (i.e. shells are the “mother” from which pearls are harvested) its name in the 15th Century, the beauty of Mother Of Pearl has been used in the decoration of jewelry and ornaments 3,000 years before the birth of Christ

In the 1920s, a series of tombs were excavated to the east of the site of Babylon in the Middle East. The tombs were of Sumerian royalty from ancient Mesopotamia and yielded a treasure of gold, silver gemstones and several beautiful wooden ornaments and musical instruments inlaid with Mother Of Pearl (a testament to the sophistication of this ancient culture). The Silver lyre of Ur, found in one of the graves in the Royal Cemetery, dates back to between 2600 and 2400 BC. The lyre was entirely covered in sheet silver and inlaid with Mother Of Pearl.

In Asia, centuries before the birth of Christ, the Chinese learned that beads or tiny figures of deities slipped between the soft mantle and the shell of a living mollusk soon became coated with Mother Of Pearl. These beads and carvings were then taken to the temples and offered to the gods in the hope that they would bestow good luck. Mother Of Pearl, soon held a position of high status in Chinese society and became interlinked with stories of gods and mythical creatures. The Chinese also used Mother Of Pearl in medicine, prescribing it for over a thousand years as an aid to reduce heart palpitations, dizziness and high blood pressure.

The Yaqui Indians of Mexico, immortalized in the shamanic tales of Carlos Castaneda, wear a necklace called the “Hopo’orosim”. The necklace is made of Mother Of Pearl and is believed to provide the wearer with protection from evil.

By the 1500s Europe's growing demand for Mother Of Pearl for use in gold and silver rings, necklaces, brooches and buttons had all but depleted the supplies of Mother Of Pearl in the Persian Gulf.

In 1568 the Solomon Islands, known as “The Pearl of the Pacific”, were discovered by the Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana. On discovering the Islands rich bounty of gold and Mother Of Pearl, he gave the archipelago its current name, believing that he had found the mythical source of King Solomon's mines.

In Polynesian lore, the iridescence of Mother Of Pearl is attributed to the spirits of coral and sand, Okana and Uaro, who as legend has it adorned the Tahitian oysters in glistening cloaks covered in all the colors of the fish of the ocean. It is also said that Oro, the Polynesian god of peace and fertility, came down to earth and offered a special pearl called Te Ufi, the black pearl, to the beautiful princess of Bora Bora as a sign of his love.

In the 1920s it was discovered for the last time on a remote Island of the New Hebrides. Explorers Sperry and Evans stumbled upon an unusual use for Mother Of Pearl. A line of mummies were placed as a barricade, with huge eyes of Mother Of Pearl that shone through the gloom. Amazingly, the mummies weren't ancestral members of the tribe, but were the bodies of a rival tribe of cannibals!

In 19th Century America, where it had been previously used as an inlay in furniture, Mother Of Pearl found a new use in fashion, as buttons. Iowa became the center of the trade, shipping billions of iridescent fasteners until World War II. Around the same time, new-cultured farming techniques in Japan saw a return in numbers and availability of Mother Of Pearl producing oysters.

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In Jewelry design as in fashion, colors look crisper against a black background. In fine Jewelry, the black backdrop is often supplied by Onyx, a Chalcedony quartz with a fine texture and parallel bands of alternate colors (typically black and white). Interestingly, the name Onyx is often only applied to the black bands.

Commonly known as “Black Magic”, the name comes from the Greek word “Onyx”, which means finger nail or claw. Legend says that one day while Venus was sleeping Cupid cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into a gem which later became known as Onyx.

Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans. In Greek times, almost all colors of Chalcedony from fingernail white to dark brown and black were called Onyx. Later, the Romans narrowed the term to refer to black and dark brown colors only. Today when we think of Onyx we often preface the word with black to distinguish it from other varieties of Onyx that come in white, reddish brown, green, brown and banded. Onyx which is reddish brown and white is known as Sardonyx.

With its consecutive layers of different colors, Onyx is an excellent material for cameos (i.e. a gem carved in relief) and some variegated pieces are used for the carving of multi-colored figurines.

The ancient Romans carved different patterns in each layer of a multi-layered Onyx and often used the gems for their seals, carving a design in negative relief to produce the raised print. Sardonyx was highly valued in Rome, especially for seals, because it was said to never stick to the wax. Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio was known for wearing lots of Sardonyx.

Onyx is mined in Brazil, India, Madagascar, U.S.A. and Uruguay.

Hard, tough and durable, Onyx is ideal for carving and engraving or fashioning into beads, spheres and bowls, making paper weights, pen holders, book ends and boxes. Used in Jewelry, Onyx is ideally suited to inlay work, where it shines as a backdrop for color play.

Ideally suited to men, Onyx is associated with instincts and intuition. It is believed to give one the power to deeply analyze a situation before reacting to it, as well as better business acumen and management skills. Crystal healers also believe that it restores confidence in life and love, thereby increasing your happiness.

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Known as the "Gem of the Sun" to the Ancient Egyptians, Peridot was a favorite gemstone of Cleopatra and was frequently mistaken for emerald.

The pronunciation of this popular gem is often confused and should be pronounced pair-ee-doh, as opposed to pair-ee-dot.

Peridot is the birthstone for August and gem for Librans

Common in early Greek and Roman Jewelry, Peridot has been popular since 1500 BC when the Egyptians started mining it on Zeberget, later known as St. John’s Island, about 50 miles off the Egyptian coast in the Red Sea.

Peridot mining was traditionally done at night when the stone’s natural glow is easier to see, the ancient Egyptians even believed that Peridots became invisible under the sun’s rays.

Hawaiian natives believe Peridot is the goddess Pele's tears, while biblical references to the gem include the high priest's breastplate studded with a stone for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, one being Peridot.

Cleopatra reportedly had a fine collection of “emerald” Jewelry, which was really Peridot.
The Ottoman Sultans gathered the largest collection during their 600-year reign from 1300-1918, with an impressive array of both loose gemstones as well as Peridot earrings, Peridot rings and other Peridot Jewelry.

Powdered Peridot has been used to cure asthma and a Peridot placed under the tongue of someone in the grip of a fever was believed to lessen their thirst. Legend has it that drinking from a Peridot goblet can increase the potency of medicines.

Pirate’s believed Peridot had the power to drive away evil spirits (and the night’s terrors), especially if set in gold. But as protection from evil spirits they believed it must be pierced, strung on donkey hair and worn on the left arm.

Possibly the most unusual Peridot is that which comes from meteorites called pallasites. Some have even been facetted and set in Jewelry, one of the few extraterrestrial gemstones known to man.

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Pyrite, one of the most common and widely distributed sulphide minerals, has a shiny golden yellow color and a metallic luster.

The name comes from the Greek word “Pyr” word meaning “a gemstone which strikes fire”. This is due to the sparks produced when Pyrite strikes iron. Pyrite is often mistaken for gold, however the two are quite different and it is not difficult to distinguish the two. Pyrite grains are lighter and tougher than gold, and have broken faces, properties that are not normally found in gold. Thus only a fool would mistake it for gold, which is why Pyrite is also known as “Fool’s Gold”.

A special mention needs to be made of the use of the word “Marcasite” as a Jewelry trade name. The term is applied to small polished and faceted gemstones that are pavé set in Sterling Silver. Although they are called Marcasite they are actually Pyrite as true Marcasite is unsuitable for Jewelry due to a condition known as “Pyrite Decay”.

The confusion between the two dates back several hundreds years due to their similar appearance. Marcasite Jewelry (Pyrite) is a popular style that became fashionable during Queen Victoria’s reign. Marcasite Jewelry normally uses Pyrites cut and polished in a circular outline (square cut gems are occasionally used) and pavé set between Sterling Silver beads to enhance their brilliance. They were originally used because they catch the light and glow like small diamonds.

Today, Marcasite Jewelry is often fashioned into 925 Sterling Silver rings, earrings, pendants, broaches, necklaces and bracelets.

The Ancient Greeks polished Pyrite to make pins, earrings and amulets. Pyrite gemstones were popular in Victorian Britain, but today are mostly used as accent gems.

Pyrite was polished by Native Americans and used as mirrors.

Pyrite has been used to start fires since pre-historic times, and is now sometimes used to produce Sulphur, Sulphuric Acid and Iron Sulphate.

Pyrite is also known as “Healer's Gold” and is highly regarded by crystal healers as a gemstone of intellect and protection. They believe it enhances intelligence, mental stability, logic, analysis, creativity, memory and psychic development.

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Taking its name from the Greek word, “Rhodos” meaning pink, Rhodonite is popular with Jewelry enthusiasts and gem – collectors alike.

Rhodonite was first discovered in the 17th Century. During the 18th Century it was extremely popular at the Russian court and was for many years considered the national stone of Russia, used not only in Jewelry but also for architectural ornamentation, such as wall paneling

Rhodonite is believed by crystal healers to be calming and soothing and to imbue the wearer with confidence in matters of the heart. It is sometimes called the “Singer’s Stone”, because it is said to enhance sensitivity to sound.

Rhodonite’s rose-pink body is laced with black/green veins of manganese oxide, called dendrite, which form bands, dots or intricate, web-like patterns. In color, Rhodonite is similar to Rhodochrosite, but Rhodonite is distinguished by its dendrites.

Rhodonite commonly occurs in association with manganese ore deposits in hydothermal or metasomatic veins, or in regionally metamorphosed manganese- bearing sediments. Major deposits are found in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, and the Urals of Russia, but it is widely distributed. Initially, it may appear black due to oxidation, but its characteristics pink tone appears once it is polished.

Transparent crystals are rare and highly sought after by collectors. Mostly Rhodonite is cut and polished as cabochons.

Rhodonite is typically pink, red or orange with black or green and is found in Russia, Australia, Sweden, Brazil and U.S.A.

Taking its name from the Greek word, “Rhodos” meaning pink, Rhodonite is popular with Jewelry enthusiasts and gem – collectors alike.

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One of Earth’s most abundant minerals, Quartz is also one of the most interesting! It makes up about 12% of the Earth's crust, occurring in a wide variety of rocks. The gem varieties of Quartz have been used as gemstones and other ornamental objects for thousands of years.

As well as being used for ornaments and gemstones, Quartz is used today in the manufacture of abrasives, concrete, cements, porcelain, paints and glass. It is also used as a chemical raw ingredient in the manufacture of numerous industrial materials. Rock Crystal Quartz is made into lenses and prisms for optical instruments. Due to its electric properties, it is used as a radio component and is utilized in watches and clocks where a tiny Quartz plate is used to control precisely the radio frequency of the electronic circuitry.

The Greeks originally named Quartz “Krystallos” meaning “Ice”, but this term was soon applied to any crystal. In fact, the modern name of Quartz is derived from the Saxon word “Querklufterz” meaning “Cross-vein-ore.

Quartz’s influences echo through history stretching thousands of years into the past to the origins of civilization and the first tools made of “Flint”, a variety of Quarts.

The ancients of India considered Quartz to have special properties as transformers as well as keepers of energy. To this day Quartz crystals are used universally in meditation, as they are believed to possess healing properties and other diverse metaphysical powers.

Folklorists classify Quartz as a receptive gemstone credited with the ability to attract positive energies, such as peace and love. The subtle energy of Quartz is said to balance the emotions, giving inner peace, harmony and Enhancing the bonds of relationships. It is also said to calm aggression and increase self-esteem.

Quartz varieties are commonly separated into two groups based on the size of the individual grains or crystals:

Macrocrystalline Quartz in which individual crystals are distinguishable with the naked eye. Some of the Macrocrystalline Quartz varieties are Amethyst, Ametrine, Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Rose Quartz, Rutilated Quartz and Smoky Quartz

Cryptocrystalline Quartz in which the individual crystals are too small to be easily distinguishable under a 10x loupe. Chalcedony (also spelled Calcedony) is a catch all term to describe these varieties and includes including Agate (banded varieties), Carnelian (red to reddish brown), Sard (light to dark brown), Chrysoprase (apple green), Bloodstone (green with red spots), Jasper (generally red but sometimes yellow, brown, green and grey blue) and Flint (dull grey to black).

Phenomena sometimes observed in Quartz include Asterism (Star Effect) and Chatoyancy (Cat’s Eye Effect).

Quartz comes from a thousand different locations around the globe. Brazil’s Minas Gerais state is the renowned mining source for Quartz. Southern Africa also yields multiple deposits of good-quality Quartz. Other small global deposits of Quartz varieties are located in U.S.A. (Arkansas), Sri Lanka, Mexico and France. Scientific reports have even revealed that Quartz has even been discovered in rocks taken in lunar explorations.

Amethyst is the queen of the Quartz varieties and in better qualities it is the most expensive of the Quartzes. Amethyst ranges from pale to dark violet. Also see “Amethyst”.

Ametrine is a bi-color variety that is part Amethyst colored and part Citrine colored. It was first discovered in Bolivia. Generally Ametrine is cut into octagon or emerald cut shapes to emphasize the two colors. Ametrine has been carved into some very interesting gem art works. Also see “Ametrine”.

Citrine is a golden yellow form of quartz that takes its name from “Citron”, the French word for lemon. Also see “Citrine”.

Phantom Quartz (also known as Ghost Crystals, Specter Crystals and Shadow Crystals) is an unusual gemstone that exhibits a phenomenon called a “Phantom”. Phantoms can sometimes be seen in the interior of Quartz Crystals as a permanent record of earlier stages in the crystal's formation, much like growth rings in a tree. These phantoms are typically other minerals such as Chlorite, Goethite or Hematite or are other varieties of Quartz (e.g. Smoky Quartz, Citrine, Amethyst etc.). A “Phantom” develops when the growing environment of the crystal changes, causing a colour or another visible shift in the crystal. The Quartz Crystal then resumes its crystallization capturing the Phantom Crystal within. Easily recognizable for its characteristic “Phantom”, Phantom Quartz is usually seen in Rock Crystal but is also found in Smoky Quartz, Citrine and Amethyst. Metaphysically, Phantom Quartz is believed by some to foster an understanding of the various stages of life, both past and present.

Prasiolite is a confusing gem as it is traded under a variety of names and can easily be mistaken for other gem types. Prasiolite, also known as Vermarine, is quite simply Green Quartz.

Rainbow Quartz is visually similar to Mystic Topaz and is produced using the same Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating process. Applied to top quality natural White Quartz, the treatment is permanent with normal wear. Its color is enhanced by the application of a bonded layer coating of fine Titanium atoms. The process is covered by U.S. patent number 5,853,826 for Azotic Coating Technologies Inc. (Founded in 1993). When this oxide treatment falls within certain limits of thickness, the phenomena of optical interference produces colors that vary according to the thickness of the film, creating a flashing rainbow of iridescent colors across the surface of Rainbow Quartz like light moving through a prism. Mysteriously shimmering with a wide variety of scintillating colors, Rainbow Quartz ideally complements today’s fashion trends and is increasingly being used by well-known Jewelry designers.

Smoky Quartz is brown transparent Quartz of all shades and generally has a slightly grayish cast. Also known as “Champagne on Ice”, Smoky Quartz is an earth toned transparent Quartz that gets it rich warm color from aluminum. A variety of Smoky Quartz is Cairngorm, which owes its name to the legendary source in Scotland. Smoky Quartz is the national gem of Scotland, whose national scepter includes a large Smoky Quartz on its top. Also see “Smoky Quartz”.

Rock Crystal is colorless Quartz. Also see “Rock Crystal”.

Rose Quartz is the pink variety of Quartz; it is rarely transparent. Facet grade material will usually be a bit "misty" in appearance. Rose Quartz is used extensively for beads, carvings and also as delightful gems in a variety of Jewelry settings. Also see “Rose Quartz”.

Rutile Quartz (also known as Rutilite) is colorless, displaying golden needle like inclusions that appear as long threads forming intriguing natural patterns. Also see “Rutile”.

Smoky Quartz Also see “Smoky Quartz”.

Tiger's Eye is simply Chatoyant Quartz. Also see “Tiger Eye”.

Star Quartz is a fascinating gem that clearly displays Asterism (Star Effect) and is either colorless or pink. The stars are six-rayed and roll around the gem as it is moved.

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The transparent colorless variety of quartz is still known as rock crystal. Long ago, people believed that rock crystal was a compact form of ice: crystallos actually means "frozen." The best rock crystal has the clarity and shimmer of water. Although colorless quartz is relatively common, large flawless specimens are not, which is why crystal balls these days are made of glass, not quartz. Rock crystal has often been used in jewelry, particularly carved pieces. Many stunning Art Deco jewelry designs featured the black and white quartz combination of rock crystal and onyx. Colorless quartz crystals have also become popular in jewelry due to the popularity of legends about the powers of quartz crystals. Many people believe that wearing quartz crystals benefits a person's health and spiritual well being.

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The pale pink color of quartz, which can range from transparent to translucent, is known as rose quartz. The color is a very pale and delicate powder pink. Transparent rose quartz is very rare and is usually so pale that it does not show very much color except in large sizes. The translucent quality of rose quartz is much more available and is used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and architectural purposes.





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While most varieties of transparent quartz are valued most when they lack inclusions, some varieties are valued chiefly because of inclusions! The most popular of these is known as rutilated quartz. Rutilated quartz is transparent rock crystal with golden needles of rutile arrayed in patterns inside. Every pattern is different and some are breathtakingly beautiful. The inclusions are sometimes called Venus hair. Less well known is a variety called tourmalinated quartz which, instead of golden rutile, has black or dark green tourmaline crystals.



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Rutile is an inclusion in other gems (i.e. Rutilated Quartz or Rutilite) but also a gem in its own right.

Rutile gets its name from the Latin word “Rutilus”, meaning “Reddish”, in reference to its reddish-brown color.

Though Rutile’s high refractive index gives it a brilliance and dispersion greater than Diamond, Rutile’s fire is dimmed by its color.

Rutile is one of the three forms of Titanium Dioxide found in nature and is used in high tech alloys, paint pigments, porcelain and false teeth because of its light weight, high strength and high-resistance.

Rutile has been used for thousands of years in Jewelry. Traditionally, Rutile was polished to show off their dark color and featured extensively in antique mourning Jewelry.

Rutile is regarded by crystal healers as useful tool for healing and balancing the aura by repelling negative energy.

Rutile is also believed at be a gemstone useful for stabilizing relationships.

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The beauty, rarity and historical mystique of Rubies are undeniable.

Mined for over 2,500 years, the ancient Hindus were so enchanted by Ruby’s color that they called them Ratnaraj, “The King Of Gems”.

With the earliest record for the mining of Rubies dating from more than 2,500 years ago, the historical mystique and beauty of Rubies is as colorful as the legends and lore that surround this most precious of gems.

Ruby derives its name from the Latin word for red, “Rufus”. Ruby is July's birthstone, the gemstone for Capricorns and the traditional fortieth anniversary gift.

Prized throughout history, many believed that mystical powers lay hidden within this intensely colored red gemstone. Furthermore, the fiery crimson color of Rubies caused many civilizations to associate them with passion, love and romance. Rubies were also thought to bestow wisdom, health and luck in gambling.

Mentioned in Sanskrit texts, the ancient Hindus were so enchanted by the color of Rubies that they called them Ratnaraj “The King Of Gems”. The ancient Hindus thought that the colors of Rubies were due to an inextinguishable fire that burned inside the gem, which would endow it’s wearer with long life and even cause water to boil!

As in Sanskrit texts, Biblical references to Ruby (all red gemstones were collectively called Carbuncle at this time) refer to it as a most precious gem. Interestingly, the gems called “Rubies” in the Old Testament may have actually been red spinels or garnets. Up until the Eighteenth Century, when chemical testing was improved, most red gems were called Rubies. In the King James Version of the Bible, Ruby (i.e. Carbuncle) is mentioned four times:

Exodus 28:17
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

Exodus 39:10
And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row.

Ezekiel 28:13
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Isaiah 54:12
And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

In fact, many of the famous “Rubies” in the crown jewels of Europe have since been identified as red spinels or garnets. For example, the Black Prince Ruby that rests proudly at the center of the British Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel!

Ancient Ceylonese legends (modern day Sri Lanka) relate the story of the destruction of their demonic King Ravana. They believed that after his demise, his blood set into Rubies resulting in their intense red color

Native Americans believed that offerings of a fine Ruby resulted in rebirth as a powerful Chief

Some cultures believed Ruby's blood-like color would protect the wearer from injury. In fact, ancient Burmese warriors believed that when a Ruby was inserted beneath the skin it generated a mystical force, making them unconquerable in battle.

In the Thirteenth Century, the renowned explorer Marco Polo wrote that Kublai Kahn, the Mongol Emperor of China, once offered an entire city for a Ruby the size of a man’s finger.

Because of it’s fluorescent properties, a giant Ruby once lit an entire chamber in a palace of a Chinese Emperor!

In the Middle Ages, Rubies were thought to contain prophetic powers. It was believed that a Ruby could warn its owner of misfortunes by deepening in color

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Sapphires derived their name from the Latin word “Sapphirus”, meaning “Blue”, and are often referred to as the “Gem of the Heavens” or the “Celestial” gem as their colors mirror the sky at different the times of day.

The word Sapphire, stated without a prefix, implies Blue Sapphires only. Sapphires of all other colors are assigned a color prefix or are collectively termed “Fancy Sapphires”.

Sapphires are September’s birthstone and the zodiac gem of Taurus

Legend has it that the first person to wear Sapphire was Prometheus, the rival of Zeus, who took the gemstone from Cacaus, where he also stole fire from heaven for man.

The Ancient Greeks adorned themselves with Sapphires when consulting the oracles at the temple of the Greek god Apollo in Delphi.

The Ancient Persians believed Sapphires were a chip from the pedestal that supported the Earth, and that its reflections gave the sky its colors.

Sapphire was one of the 12 holy gemstones set into the breastplate of the high priest Aaron, documented in the Exodus book of the Bible.

The guardians of innocence, Sapphires symbolize truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and are thought to bring peace, joy and wisdom to their owners.

In ancient times it was believed that when the wearer of a Sapphire faced challenging obstacles, the gem's power enabled them to find the correct solution.

In India it was believed that a Sapphire immersed in water formed an elixir that could cure the bite of scorpions and snakes. Alternatively, if it were worn as a talisman pendant, it would protect the wearer against evil spirits.

The following legend is Burmese in origin and highlights Sapphires connection with faithfulness: “Eons ago Tsun-Kyan-Kse, a golden haired goddess with Sapphire blue eyes, presided lovingly over the temple of Lao-Tsun. Everyday, the temples chief monk Mun-Ha, meditated before the golden goddess accompanied by his devoted companion, a green-eyed cat named Sinh. One day the temple was besieged by a group of terrible outlaws. When they threw Mun-Ha to the floor, Sinh leapt fiercely at the bandits, jumping up on his master’s chest to protect him. The wrong doers fled screaming in fear, never to return and in gratitude for his courage, the golden goddess awarded Sinh with her Sapphire blue eyes. To this day, Sinh’s ancestors guard over the temple.” To this day the temple still stands, populated by Siamese cat’s with striking blue eyes (typically this breed has green eyes)

Blue is the favorite color of both men and women. A color psychologically linked to the emotions of sympathy, calmness and loyalty.

For hundreds of years Blue Sapphires were the popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Prince Charles expressed his undying love for Princess Diana with a Sapphire engagement ring.

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Smoky quartz is a brown transparent quartz that is sometimes used for unusual faceted cuts. The commercial market is limited due to the limited demand for brown gemstones. This variety was sometimes known as smoky topaz in the past, which is incorrect and misleading, since the mineral variety is quartz, not topaz.





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Radiating with the power of eternal light, Sunstone has been coveted since antiquity for its ability to guide its wearer through the journey of life.

An ancient gem, Sunstone has been discovered in Viking Burial mounds.

Among the Vikings, Sunstone was thought to aid navigation both in reality and during ones journey to Valhalla and the afterlife.

Pope Clement VII (1478-1534) was reputed to have in his possession a Sunstone with a golden spot that moved across the surface in accordance with the apparent motion of the sun from sunrise to sunset.

The Native Americans in Oregon used Sunstone for trade and barter.

Oregon Sunstone was declared the official Gemstone of the State of Oregon in 1987.

Crystal healers believe Sunstone to be useful for adding personal insight and alleviating depression.

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Tiger’s Eye (also spelled Tiger's Eye and Tiger Eye) is the best know variety of Chatoyant Quartz (or Cat’s Eye Quartz). Tiger’s Eye, with its bands resembling an eye of tiger, received its name due to this similarity.

Tiger Eye is also called Crocidolite Cat's Eye or African Cat's Eye. Tiger Eye has rich yellow and golden brown stripes, with a fine golden luster when polished. Tiger’s Eye, a pseudomorph (i.e. the result of one mineral replacing another), is Quartz that contains oriented fibers of Crocidolite that have been replaced by Silica.

Tiger’s Eye displays Chatoyancy (a vertical luminescent band like that of a Cat's Eye). Tiger’s Eye typically has lustrous alternating yellow or brown bands.

Most Tiger Eye is mined in South Africa, but it is also found in Western Australia, India, Sri Lanka and the U.S.A.

Cutting is crucial with Tiger Eye because the rough gems reveal little or nothing of the exciting Chatoyancy of the cut and polished gems. Tiger’s Eye is used for Jewelry, small carvings such as intaglios (i.e. a design carved into or beneath the surface of a gemstone) and cameos (i.e. a gem carved in relief) and ornaments.

Many legends say that wearing Tiger's Eye is beneficial for health and spiritual well being. Legend also says it is a psychic protector, great for business, and an aid to achieving clarity.

coveted since antiquity, Roman Soldiers wore Tiger's Eye for protection in battle. Due to its appearance, in the ancient world Tiger Eye was thought to be all seeing, offering protection during travel, strengthening convictions and confidence.

Today, crystal healers use Tiger Eye for focusing the mind.

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“I am the colors of the sunset and of the sea. I am the enduring symbol of love and affection. Wear me and I will bring you friendship and ensure the fidelity of the one you love.”

Known to the Ancient Egyptians as the “Gem of the Sun”, Topaz was believed to be colored by the golden glow of their sun god Ra, and thus a powerful protector from harm.

Topaz comes in a wide array of colors including Pink, Blue, Yellow, Orange-Pink, Green, Blue-Green, White and even Bi-color.

While the golden yellow and blues of Topaz are the most widely known, Topaz actually comes in a diverse array of striking colors. This when combined with its beauty, durability and surprising affordability, makes Topaz Jewelry ideal for all occasions.

Many ancient traditions and beliefs have created a brilliant history for Topaz.

The Egyptians called Topaz the “Gem Of The Sun”, believing it was colored by the golden glow of their sun god Ra and was thus a powerful protector from harm.

Greeks and Romans also associated the golden crystals with their Sun God, Jupiter. They believed the gem increased their strength and could neutralize enchantments

Bushmen in Africa used Topaz in healing ceremonies and rituals to connect with ancestral spirits.

In medieval courts, Kings, judges and other noble persons were often presented with an engraved Topaz to win favor and cultivate positive relationships

At the height of Imperial Russia’s power, rich orange-pink Topaz gems were brought from Brazil to decorate the Jewelry of the Czarinas. Ever since, these colors have been known as Imperial Topaz and even today, remain one of the most sought after varieties.

A Topaz powder ground into wine was believed to relieve asthma.

Leaving a Topaz crystal in wine for three days produced an elixir that was used on the eyes to improve vision.

Some once believed Topaz could make you invisible during moments of danger.

Clear, terminated Topaz was referred to as an “Iris Stone” because of its double refractive qualities and the way its facets would project the light’s rainbow spectrum. If worn in a ring on the left hand, the gem was believed to restrain lustful desires.

If you are on a journey of spiritual change, Topaz is believed by crystal healers to make an excellent companion. It apparently teaches you to trust in the Universe, aiding you to fully recognize the magical laws of attraction, increasing your ability to manipulate them.

Topaz is believed to strengthen confidence, to help in making correct decisions and to give courage in following through on choices, thereby changing dreams into reality.

Meditations with Topaz are believed by some to help awaken sleeping gifts and illuminate co-creative energies.

Topaz is an inherently romantic gem, and features regularly in the titles of romance novels and honeymoon destinations. Its name indicates beauty, rarity and wealth, and also imparts a sense of timelessness.

Topaz is one of the birthstones listed for November.

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Boasting a colorful and romantic history, Tourmaline is October’s birthstone and is a suggested Zodiac gemstone of Librans. While it may not be the world’s most famous gemstone, Tourmaline rivals all but the most unique gems as it is found in an incredible array of gorgeous colors. This has resulted in the nickname "The Chameleon Gem", doubly appropriate when you consider that one major source of Tourmaline is Madagascar, home to more than half of the world’s Chameleon species!

The name Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word “Turmali” meaning “Mixed”, due to its ability to appear in over 100 hues, resulting in a historical tendency for it to be confused and then mixed with other gem varieties.

Coming in a palette of over 100 different colors, Tourmaline, with the exception of quartz-based gems, is the most diverse gem type in the world. Although Tourmaline is not as glamorous as its counterparts ruby, sapphire and emerald, in reality the beauty of Tourmaline in all its shades and nuances is every bit as precious

Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) was also partly responsible for Tourmaline’s first appearance in Europe when Tourmaline gems were sold to Dutch traders who imported them to the West in the 1600s.

The Dutch, aside from admiring Tourmaline for its beauty, first discovered that the gem possessed a unique property. Tourmaline when heated or rubbed creates an electrical charge becoming a magnet that attracts lightweight objects.

The Dutch used these Tourmaline magnets to clean pipes as their magnetic properties attracted ash, and renamed Tourmaline “Aschentrekkers”, literally meaning one who treks through ashes.

Today, Tourmalines special property, known as piezoelectricity, has been incorporated into modern technologies such as computers, musical keyboards, cellular phones and other hi-tech devices.

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One of December’s birthstones and popular for 6,000 years, Turquoise, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, is prized as a gemstone whose intense blue color is often mottled with veins of brown limonite or black manganese oxide (commonly known as Spider Web Turquoise).

The name Turquoise is derived from the French “Pierre Turquois” meaning “Turkish Stone”. This is because Western Europeans mistakenly thought the gem came from Turkey. In actual fact it came from the Sinai Peninsula or Alimersai Mountain in Persia (now Iran), which has been mining Turquoise since 5,000 BC. In Persian, Turquoise is known as “Ferozah”, meaning victorious and it is the national gemstone of Iran to this day.

Turquoise has inspired peoples of many different cultures and nations over the entire course of mankind’s written history. Today, Turquoise is more popular than ever as modern designers incorporate Egyptian, Persian and Native American motifs with modern silversmithing and production techniques.

In Ancient times the Egyptians, Persians, Mongols and Tibetans all valued Turquoise highly. The first millennium AD saw a big increase in the popularity of Turquoise with both the Chinese and Native Americans becoming captivated by the blue stone.

Turquoise has been used for thousands of years as Jewelry by the ancient Egyptians, who buried fine pieces with mummies. Turquoise was one of the first gemstones ever mined, dating back to 6000 BC in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The Egyptians began mining Turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula around 5500 BC. When the tomb of Queen Zer was unearthed in 1900, a Turquoise and gold bracelet was found on her wrist, making this one of the oldest pieces of jewelry on earth!

The Persians preferred sky blue Turquoise and the term “Persian Turquoise” is now used as a color grade, not as a geographical indicator.

In Mexico, the Aztecs began mining Turquoise between 900-1000 AD, often fashioning it into elaborate masks. Montezuma's treasure, now displayed in the British Museum, includes a fantastic carved serpent covered by a mosaic of Turquoise. In ancient Mexico, Turquoise was reserved for the gods; it could not be worn by mere mortals.

The Anasazi people mined Turquoise in what are now Arizona, New Mexico and colorado. The city of Chaco Canyon became very wealthy based on the Turquoise trade, which was often exchanged for the feathers of tropical birds. Turquoise from this area found its way around the trade routes of the American continent and has been unearthed as far away as the great Mayan city of Chichén Itzá in the Yucatán. By the 16th Century, the cultures of the American Southwest were using Turquoise as currency

In North America, the Zuni people of New Mexico have created striking Turquoise Jewelry set in silver, once believing these protected them from demons. The Navajo believed that Turquoise had fallen from the sky and thus protected them from demons, while Apache warriors believed that wearing Turquoise improved their hunting prowess. Legend has it that some Native Americans believed that if Turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. These tribes also believed that Turquoise brought happiness and good fortune to all.

European interest in Turquoise can be dated to around 500 BC when the people of Siberia began using the gem, but it did not make an impact on Western European fashion until the late middle ages when trading with the Near and Middle East increased.

While the Chinese had some mines in their empire, they imported most of their Turquoise from Persians, Turks, Tibetans and Mongols

In Asia it was considered protection against the evil eye. Tibetans carved Turquoise into ritual objects as well as wearing it in traditional jewelry. Ancient manuscripts from Persia, India, Afghanistan, and Arabia report that the health of a person wearing Turquoise can be assessed by variations in the color of the gem. Turquoise was also thought to promote prosperity

It is also believed that Turquoise helps one to start new projects and protects the wearer from falling, especially from horses!

In Europe even today, Turquoise rings are given as forget-me-not gifts.

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Unakite is often referred to as Epidotized Granite and is a mixture of pink Feldspar, green Epidote. The olive green of the Epidote combined with the pink hues of the Feldspar makes this an attractive stone.

Unakite is named after it first discovery in America, in the Unakas mountains of North Carolina.

A relatively new gemstone, the green color of Unakite is associated with healing, and the pink associated with the heart, hence amongst crystal healers it is considered important in treating heart problems
Well regarded by crystal healers, they believe Unakite is an excellent gem for people seeking a more well-rounded existence.

Because it combines the pink (feminine) with the green (masculine), it is thought by some to bring emotional balance and alignment.

Some crystal healers regard Unakite helpful in diagnosing elusive illnesses and helping get to the root of the emotional issues. Thus they also believe that Unakite can be very helpful in the steady release of feelings long held in.

Being a balancing gem, Unakite is said to help unify the emotional, spiritual, mental and spiritual aspects of self. Crystal healers also believe that it can help us to live in the present instead of dwelling in the past.
They also believe the energies associated with Unakite can also help us to love ourselves; they believe this love of self can, in turn, help us attract and keep the love of those around us. In turn, crystal healers believe this can also help us reach a more spiritual level by allowing us to fully appreciate the many aspects of love.

Unakite is also said to be a good gem for those born during “The Moon of Falling Leaves” (22 September - 22 October). Crystal healers believe people born during this time can benefit from Unakite's unifying qualities, which they believe can allow you to slow down enough to contemplate, consolidate and enjoy the fruits of your labours.

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We have had many customers ask us about the actual size of the Swarovski Crystal pendants. The images below are shown with a CAD 1cents & 25 cents next to each style of pendant. We take all of our photographs from our inventory in stock so our photos on the listings might give you a better idea of what the size actually look like. if you have more questions about the size please let us know.