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Pearls
Generation of pearl
Pearl (alias genuine pearl) is a substance forming inside shell, and similar to shell. No matter the natural pearl or artificial cultivated, pearl is formed when small irritative foreign particle come into shell by accident, it touches outer membrane, and outer membrane will excrete a pearl matter to wrap these small particles layer on layer. After a certain period of time, pearl comes into being.
The substance composing pearl and shell is mostly calcium carbonate. Under different crystallizing conditions, calcium carbonate will become calcite or aragonite, etc. Pearl is made of aragonite. Shell is the prism made of calcite. Therefore, although both the calcium carbonate crystal, they are different substances: pearl and shell.
Cleaning and maintenance of pearls
Pearl ornaments require scientific maintenance to keep its bright luster. The main component of pearl is calcium carbonate, whose chemical character is rather unstable. Therefore, pearl shall be kept away from cosmetics, alcohol, gas, soy sause, vinegar, perspiration, or other acid, alkaline substances. Because they will erode the surface of pearl, and affect its luster. Due to the low hardness, it is not inadvisable to put pearl with other jewelry, to avoid scratch. Additionally, do not cook or bath wearing pearl. Do not expose pearl in blazing sunshine. Use neutral scour to clean pearl. Rinse it with water and wipe dry with soft cloth. You may use a little olive to glaze the pearl and avoid crack.
How to choose pearls
How to choose the pearl ornaments satisfying you and suiting you? Usually we shall take into consideration its luster, color, shape, surface brightness and size, etc.
I. Look at the surface perfection and cleanliness of pearl. If the pearl has lustrous surface, without defects, it is the top grade. Those having rough surface, grooves or cracks, are the less superior pearls.
II. Pearl has rich colors. When we choose pearl, we shall consider our own skin color, temperament and taste. Generally, women like silvery white and light red. In recent years, golden and modena also get the attraction.
III. As for the shape of pearl necklace, we shall pay attention to its uniform shape and size. To choose earring or pendant, we may choose the round pearl, or pearl of irregular shapes specially designed and processed.
IV. When pearl accords with above factors, the larger size has the higher value. But consumers shall also consider their own figure and face shape. Only the suitable one is the perfect, not the largest one.
How to Care for Pearls
Pearls, unlike other gemstones, are very delicate. We suggest you store your pearl jewelries in a pouch away from sharp angles of diamonds and other gemstones.
After wearing your pearl jewelry, always wipe your pearl with a soft cloth dampened from time to time in lightly salted water. This is to protect your pearl necklace from harmful acids which it absorbs when worn due to skin perspiration, soap, powder, perfume and other elements. It is unavoidable that a pearl necklace for example will constantly be in close contact with the woman's skin on her neck at the shoulder line. But if you do not take care of your pearl jewelry, over time the pearl will not only lose its luster, but might become barrel-shaped. Also remember that pearls and heat do not mix. Heat can turn pearls brown or dry them out and make them crack. Dry air can also damage pearls.
You can also use a drop of olive oil to help maintain a pearl's luster. After you wear pearls, just pour a drop of olive oil on a soft cloth or chamois and then left to dry. This will prevent dirt from accumulating and keep perspiration, which is slightly acidic, from eating away at the pearl nacre.
You can also use jewelry cleaners labeled as safe for pearls.
If pearls have not been kept clean and are very dirty, they can be cleaned by your jeweler or they can be cleaned using special pearl cleaner.
Agate
Agate is a striped chalcedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a wide variety of colors and textures. An individual agate is formed by filling a cavity in a ‘host’ rock. As a result, agate is often found as a round nodule, with concentric bands. In ancient times it was said to quench thirst and guard against fever, and agate bowls were very popular in historic Europe. Agates are said to be amazing for grounding and balance. They also can bring you abundance, wealth, protection, love, and connection with the natural world!
Amazonite
Amazonite was named for the Amazon river. Although it does occur in Brazil, amazonite has not been found in the vicinity of this great river.
The name microcline comes from two Greek words meaning little and inclined, referring to the cleavage angle's slight inclination from ninety degrees. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld which means field. Amazonite is used as an ornamental lapidary material.
Mystical Properties: Amazonite is said to calm one's emotions & soothe nerves, and to enhance creativity and the ability to express oneself. The deeper the color of the amazonite, the more intense the effect is said to be.
Amazonite is said to aleviate muscle spasms and to help normalize calcium levels in the body, and to relieve stress and exhaustion. Being a variety of microcline feldspar, amazonite is said to also possess all the properties of microcline as well: Microcline is said to be usefull in the treatment of eye disorders and fevers, and to help control water retention and to help with ease of childbirth. It is said to stimulate clarity of thought, to enhance understanding, and to improve one's ability to cooperate with others.
Astrological Sign: Virgo.
Birthstone: December.
Amber
Amber truly is a treat for the eyes. Its fascinating and intricate patterns are created by natural bubbling and some even have parts of nature within! This gemstone can be anywhere from white, pale yellow and brown, to reddish, green, black and even blue in color! The signs of Leo and Sagittarius are general associations of amber, as well as Mercury and the sun
Andesine
Named after the Andes Mountains in South America, where it was first identified, Andesine is found world-wide. The most valuable variety of Andesine is an intense red, of unknown origin (variously reported from the Congo, Tibet, China, Mongolia or Oregon).
Other gem varieties include a pale yellow from numerous locations, a peachy-orange to beige stone reportedly from China (Sunset Sunstone or Sunset Labradorite), and a dark green to brownish-green from Africa.
Andesine tends to have silky inclusions, rather than the layers of copper Schiller found in Oregon Sunstone or the hematite flakes found in Oligoclase Sunstone and Confetti Sunstone. The difference between the thready silk and Schiller is not always apparent in photos, but it becomes obvious after examining a few stones. However, when comparing stones which lack these sometimes desirable inclusions, identification becomes more difficult. Oregon Sunstone, which falls under the Labradorite grouping, is sometimes listed as Andesine, and vice versa. Andesine and Labradorite have many overlapping characteristics, to the extent that even samples from a single source have reportedly been labeled as different types.
Andesine is distinguished from other Plagioclase Feldspars by its ratio of Sodium vs. Calcium content (Sodium=50%-70%, Calcium=50%-30%). Andesine has a hardness of 6.0-6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Citrine
The name is derived from its lemon-yellow color. Citrine is the yellow or golden yellow variety of quartz. The yellow coloration is due to the presence of iron is also responsible for the name derived from the word “citrus”. Natural citrine is usually pale and yellow. The coloring agent is iron. Slow heating turns amethyst into citrine. It is often mistakenly called topaz. Citrine rarely occurs in natural deposits and is a valuable collector’s item. . Citrine has been highly regarded as gemstone and healing for almost six thousand years. The soldiers in Caesar?s legions wore citrine on their chest because the stone was believed to have life-saving properties in battle. As befits its color, it is recognized as the stone of light, sun, and life.
Mystical Properties: It is said to help one coonnect with the spirit
Birthstone: November
Anniversary Gemstone: 17th year of marriage.
Flourite
Fluorite’s color can vary from clear, black, blue, and green, to pink, purple, yellow, and red. Some pieces even have fluorescent qualities! Its name comes from the Latin word meaning flow and has been used to make decorative items for more than 1,500 years! It is sometimes called the “stone of discernment” in that it can aid in finding truth that’s been concealed. Fluorite can also help navigate a path through chaos and boost physical, mental, and spiritual unity through healing.
Garnet
Garnet is predominantly a reddish-orange color; however there are many different type of garnet. In fact, it is one of the largest families of gemstones! As the official birthstone of January, garnet symbolizes faith, devotion, and truth. It tends to have strong supportive energy and even is believed to regulate the heart and blood flow. Garnet may even aid in curing depression! Throughout history, garnet symbolized closeness between friends and was commonly exchanged as gifts.
Mystical Properties: Garnet is a calming stone. Its soothing energies are especially helpful in developing the patience and consistency needed to succeed in the business world. Garnet is also said to aid the orderly mental processes and foster the imaginative solutions that business requires.
In the past, peoples as widely dispersed as Native Americans, African tribes, Egyptians, Mayans, Aztecs, Australian Aborigines, Romans, Celts, Scots and Tibetan Buddhists relied on quartz crystals to diagnose the origins of disease.
Heliolite (Sunstone)
Heliolite is the Greek word for Sunstone (Helios=Sun, Lithos=Stone), and both Heliolite and Sunstone are often used as catch-all names for various Feldspar, and even non-Feldspar, minerals. In the Feldspar group, it has been applied to varieties of Oligoclase, Orthoclase and Oregon Sunstone.
Jasper
Mystical Properties: Jasper is meant for protection, healing, dream memory and improves patience. Perfect for someone in that stressful situation. (Properties of stones are never meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor. But why not give them a try for your personal healing.)
Like chalcedony, Jasper is found in nearly any color of the rainbow. It often contains organic material which gives it unique patterns, bands, and colors. Many say that these patterns resemble landscapes with mountains and valleys. It is said that Jasper provides grounding and protection against negativity.
Brecciated Jasper is believed to enhance organizational abilities, relaxation and a sense of wholeness. It is said to encourage attunement and communication with animals and may help with animal allergies. It is said to bring happiness, create a good outlook on life and ease stress.
Rectangles are grounding. They create an energy that is calming, one that creates stability and a foundation. It brings together a merging of inner and outer forces. Rectangles amplify the initiation of new activities in a more solid fashion.
Labradorite
Most Labradorite which is encountered comes from large deposits in Canada, Finland, Russia, India and Madagascar. Large slabs of the gray variety have been occasionally used for spectacular wainscotting and countertops.
As a gem, Labradorite is usually found cut into cabochons or set as tessarae in mosaic jewels. Opaque to slightly transluscent, the stone itself is usually gray. It is valued for a rolling flash blue, red, green, and yellow - sometimes metallic and sometimes almost opal-like. The Spectrolite from Finland can have especially colorful flashes.
The term Labradorite also encompasses transparent varieties, such as Oregon Sunstone and a more common, but attractive, transparent yellow Sunstone/Labradorite which can be found in California, Canada, New Mexico and several other locations.
Labradorite is distinguished from other Plagioclase Feldspars by its ratio of Sodium vs. Calcium content (Sodium=30%-50%, Calcium=70%-50%). Labradorite has a hardness of 6.0-6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Red Labradorite
This broad designation has been used as a catch-all term for red Congolese Andesine, Oregon Sunstone and Chinese Andesine. This usage tends to occur when the stone's origin is in question and the evaluator either does not have the equipment for, or does not wish to do the destructive tests necessary for further narrowing down a gem's type. An Andesine-Labradorite type has also been touted, which, although an individual stone may exhibit characteristics of both, precise testing must show it actually to be either Labradorite or Andesine - not as both types - even if a mine or specimen contains deposits of both.
All these types of gems can be quite beautiful and valuable, but confusion between the specific types and origins has often occurred. If the gem is a bright, beautiful, colorful and all-natural stone from the Feldspar family, the specific differences in categorization will not have much impact on the value of the stone.
Lapis lazuli
Composed primarily of the mineral lazurite, but often has golden pyrite or white calcite inclusions. The lapis lazuli with significant white calcite inclusions is called "blue denim lapis." Lapis lazuli is a name from both Latin, where lapis means stone, and Arabic, where azul means blue. Significant sources include Afghanistan, Russia, and Chile.
Ground lapis lazuli was used as a pigment to produce the blue in ultramarine paint, which was used by artists until the nineteenth century. One of the oldest gemstones, it was included in jewelry making as early as the 4th millenium B.C. Aside from its use in jewelry supplies, it has also frequently been carved into vases and figurines.
Mystical Properties: Some believe that it protects one from evil and melancholy.
Birthstone: September and December. However, the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 declared turquoise and topaz the official December birthstones.
Astrological Sign: Libra and Capricorn.
Anniversary Gemstone: 7th and 9th wedding anniversaries.
Common treatments: Occasionally oiled, often dyed
Special care: Avoid impact, abrasion, and harsh chemicals
Hardness: 5.5
Moonstone
Gems under this name are usually Plagioclase Feldspar, and Moonstones are the most well-known gems in the Feldspar family. They share an irridescent shimmer (known as adularescence). This effect is caused by seams of Albite crystals lying inside the main body (usually Sanidine or Orthoclase).
The chief source of Moonstone is Sri Lanka, although Moonstone gems can be found in several areas worldwide. Rainbow and Blue Sheen varieties have also come on the market. The more valued tend to be cat's-eyes and those with unusual coloring and transparency.
The traditional moonstone is a shimmering white. Other colors include beige, yellow, green, blue sheen, grayish and pink varieties
Moukaite (jasper) (sometimes spelled: mookaite)
Metaphysical Properties of Moukaite Jasper: Provides for balancing of the yin-yang energies and for balancing the physical, emotional and intellectual bodies with the etheric energies. It stabilizes the aura, providing for a cleansing effect which acts to smooth dysfunctional energies and to both transform and eliminate negativity. It can further assist one in the development of precision in examination of oneself and of circumstances relevant to ones well-being.
Opal
There are many kinds and colors of opal, and it also has quite a history! Opal was enjoyed by rulers; it was even used in the emperor’s crown in the Holy Roman Empire! It was even brought back into popularity during Queen Victoria’s reign of France! Opal has been called the “stone of visionaries” as it was thought by the Greeks to possess psychic powers. The Romans believed opal as a symbol of hope.
Pietersite
Pietersite was discovered by Sid Pieter in 1962 while he was prospecting some farm land in Namibia, Africa. Currently there are only two known sources of Pietersite; China and Africa, which are somewhat different from each other. The Chinese Pietersite's fibrous mineral is a magnesium-rich alkalic amphibole.
The China form of Pietersite was discovered in 1962, but did not come to market until 1987.This China Pietersite exhibits slightly different color variations from Mr. Pieter's original mineral, but both are beautiful and are now universally recognized as Pietersite.
Chinese Pietersite has mostly striking gold, gold/red and gold/red/blue color segments (sometimes also including a deep golden brown color).While including some blues, these are mostly not the midnight/deep blue segments found more predominately in African Pietersite.
Pietersite will always have brecciated, fibrous bands of blue and/or gold and/or red Tiger Eye type fibers in quartz. The fibrous structure in Pietersite has been folded, stressed, even fractured and/or broken apart via the earth's geologic processes. The fibrous materials have then been reformed and naturally recemented together by Quartz, creating a finished product with multiple colors, hues and superb chatoyancy.
Colors include various blues, golds and reds, that may appear together or alone. The blues and gold in the stone tend to be the most intriguing. The blues range from a baby blue to a dark midnight hue, the gold can be light to very deep and rich, sometimes having a reddish hue, however, all fibrous color variations will have a superb and striking chatoyancy. CHATOYANCY is the appearance of a bright and subtly changing shimmer of color that moves along the surface of a gemstone as it is viewed from varying angles.
Quartz
Quartz is the most common mineral on the Earths crust and is a component of almost every rock type. Yet, quartz has more colors and forms than any other stone because of this very abundance. The powerful atomic structure of this pyramid-shaped crystal gives it magical powers that are as apparent in today’s computers as they are in new age belief and folklore.
The Mayans, Druid priests, and Tibetan monks all knew the spiritual power of crystal. The ancients used it to strengthen the sun’s rays to bring heat, and the Chinese science of Feng-shui teaches that arranging crystals around the home retains positive energy. Crystals became important to these people because of the belief in their capacity to store and amplify any power source fed into them - physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Today’s crystal therapists say that the stones' ability to work as a conductor allows energy to be focused via a person's thoughts to stimulate healing. And many people use crystal to focus attention on what they want. With a little imagination, you too can use crystal's energy to access a higher level of consciousness and turn a desire into reality.
All types of crystal have this magical power, but individual color crystal is believed to have other uses too. Rose quartz, the stone of unconditional love, is great for emotional healing. Red, yellow, and orange stones are said to produce energy; clear and aquamarine stones are healers; and lavender and blue-violet are calming stones.
Pure rock crystal is clear, but usually quart comes in a variety of opacity. Milky quartz is cloudy because of microscopic inclusions of fluid embodied in the crystal at the start of its life. Creating an attractive effect of a crystal within a crystal, giving the interior a ghostly appearance. Smoky Quartz is caused by natural radiation from nearby granite rocks which have a small amount of radioactivity.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is one of the most desirable varieties of quartz. The pink to rose red color completely unique, unlike any other pink mineral species. The color is caused by iron and titanium impurities.
Rose quartz is used as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone. Although rose quartz is usually too cloudy to be used as a cut gemstone, a few exceptional pieces are found with enough clarity and color to make fine gems. Most gemmy rose quartz is used as cabochons where the clarity is not as important as the color. Rose quartz is also a very attractive ornamental stone and is carved into popular spheres, pyramids, obelisks, figurines and ornate statues.
Mystical Properties: Rose Quartz, a major gemstone of love, is said to promote all the good aspects of love--tenderness, comfort, gentleness, joy and hope. Thought to promote peace, happiness and fidelity in relationships. Thought to slow the process of aging and help reduce wrinkles.
Smoky Quartz
Smoky quartz is a popular variety of quartz. It has an unusual color for a gemstone and is easily recognized and is well known by the general public. Smoky quartz is also popular as an ornamental stone and is carved into spheres, pyramids, obilisks, eggs, figurines and ornate statues.. Only a few other brown or black minerals are ever cut for gemstones such as the smoky topaz, the very rare black beryl or the brown corundum. Smoky quartz is also popular as an ornamental stone and is carved into spheres, pyramids, obilisks, eggs, figurines and ornate statues. The color of smoky quartz is variable from brown to black and sometimes smoky gray colored specimens are included as smoky quartz. The cause of the color of smoky quartz is in question but it is almost certainly related to the amount of exposure to radiation that the stone has undergone. Natural smoky quartz often occurres in granitic rocks which have a small but persistant amount of radioactivity.
Mystical Properties: Since the court soothsayer for Good Queen Bess had a crystal ball fashioned of crystal quartz it has been said to show what is to come. If you peer carefully into this gemstone, you might see into your future.
Natural smoky quartz comes from many sources around the world. A few of the more noteworthy locations include Brazil, the worlds largest supplier.
Anniversary Gemstone: 23rd year of marriage.
Sanidine
Somewhat rare in gem quality, deposits exist in Germany and Idaho. The faceted examples I have seen have been a light yellow. Because production has been too low to ensure a steady supply for the jewelry trade, this is mainly a stone for collectors and custom pieces.
Sapphire
Sapphires are more commonly known to be blue, but can be found in almost any color! It has a long history connected to the heavens! One legend tells of the Ten Commandments being delivered to Moses on tablets of sapphire. It is legends such as that that rulers of both church and state have used these beautiful gemstones as emblems for their sincerity and wisdom. It is said that sapphire can help one find purpose in life, as well as provide healing energy!
Serpentine
Serpentine can be found in different varieties of green and sometimes in yellow. Since ancient eras, it has been believed that one who wears serpentine will be protected from snakebites, due to its resemblance to snakeskin. It is also used for decorative objects and is a popular stone for African sculptors in Zimbabwe. Serpentine has been said to be an extraordinary meditation stone and helps one find inner peace.
Sodalite
Sodalite is well known for its blue color, but may also be gray, yellow, green, or pink and is often mottled with white veins or patches. Associated with Venus, it is considered a gemstone of trust and rational thought. Sodalite is said to be able to resolve issues logically and clarify purpose and direction in life!
Sugilite
Sugilite is one of the newest and rarest gemstone minerals known to man. Its rich shades of purple instantly made it a highly sought after and revered gemstone. Many have hailed sugilite as the gem of the "New Age" because it has been only recently discovered and there is little history on it. It is said that sugilite strengthens that heart and aids in healing and reducing stress. It is also a balancer of the mind, body, and spirit and encourages peace of mind!
Tigereye (Tigers eye, Tiger's eye, Tiger eye)
Mystical Properties: Tigereye brings courage and determination to the wearer! As per the legend, Roman soldiers wore tiger eye for protection in battle and it was thought to be all seeing due to its appearance. It can also be worn to strengthen convictions and acquire courage and confidence, as well as be beneficial to ones who are weak and sick.
Golden tigereye is associated with the energies of the sun. It is known also as a stone of courage and strength. Used to help balance the yin-yang energies. Because it is associated with the sun it is therefore also associated with male energies. Stone of energy and passion for life.
Turquoise
Turquoise has been used widely throughout history, dating back to 5500 B.C. where it was found in the tomb of an Egyptian queen. Turquoise was used in tombs to protect the dead. It has been used as amulets and has been ground into powder for cosmetics. Turquoise has also been used by Native Americans, medicine men, and warriors! It is said that this gemstone can bring one money, success, and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck!
Turquoise is hydrated copper and aluminium which has an intense blue color. It was one of the first gemstones ever mined and was know to be worn by the aztecs who fashioned it into elaborate masks for ceremonies.
The Navajo Indians believe that the turquoise is a piece of the sky which has fallen to the earth. The Apache think it combines the spirits of the sea and sky to helped warriors and hunters aim accurately.
The Zuni believe that turquoise protects them from demons.
The Aztecs reserved turquoise for the gods and was not to be worn by mere mortals.
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