The name of this exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning “not drunk” as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no  More »

The name of this exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning “not drunk” as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine he might consume. All the great ancient civilizations valued the gem, which was particularly popular in Egypt for scarabs and in Greece and Rome for intaglio rings. Because of its wine-dark color and its use to prevent intoxication, many were carved with the head of the wine-god Dionysus. The oldest known stone in the Crown Jewels of England is an amethyst first worn in the 11th century by Edward the Confessor. Even today, the rings of high-ranking ecclesiastics often have amethysts as their center stones. Many wonderful and therapeutic properties are ascribed to the gem: it can cure gout, it cleanses the body of impurities, it keeps the mind clear and alert and improves the memory, it gives the wearer pleasant dreams and keeps him immune from infection and contagious diseases. Because it is a crystal the energy level radiating from this translucent royal gem is particularly high, causing the wearer to feel wonderful both inside and out. Origin: South Africa Collection: Jewelry Medium: Amethyst   « Less

In Japan, it is believed that rock crystal is the congealed breath of the dragon, representing the highest powers of creation. Throughout the Orient, it is thought to be the  More »

In Japan, it is believed that rock crystal is the congealed breath of the dragon, representing the highest powers of creation. Throughout the Orient, it is thought to be the perfect jewel, symbolic of purity, infinity, patience and perseverance. The Roman naturalist Pliny records the ancient Western belief that rock crystal was petrified ice. In the Classical world, the finest works of art and the most precious amulets were carved from it and given as gifts to kings and queens. The early Christians revered its purity as symbolic of the Immaculate Conception, while the people of ancient America believed that the souls of the deceased resided there. Throughout history and in every part of the world, man has valued this transparent, colorless quartz for its benevolent power and its faultless beauty. Medicinally, rock crystal was thought to cure swellings of the glands, ailments of the eye, heart disease and intestinal pains. In addition, amulets of this gem were used in Antiquity to ward off the evil eye, bring rainfall and prevent bad dreams. Its chief appeal has always been its transparent purity, the very personification of virtue, goodness and innocence. Those who wear it are kept pure in body and spirit. Medium: Rock Crystal   « Less

The name of this exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning “not drunk” as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no  More »

The name of this exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning “not drunk” as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine he might consume. All the great ancient civilizations valued the gem, which was particularly popular in Egypt for scarabs and in Greece and Rome for intaglio rings. Because of its wine-dark color and its use to prevent intoxication, many were carved with the head of the wine-god Dionysus. The oldest known stone in the Crown Jewels of England is an amethyst first worn in the 11th century by Edward the Confessor. Even today, the rings of high-ranking ecclesiastics often have amethysts as their center stones. Many wonderful and therapeutic properties are ascribed to the gem: it can cure gout, it cleanses the body of impurities, it keeps the mind clear and alert and improves the memory, it gives the wearer pleasant dreams and keeps him immune from infection and contagious diseases. Because it is a crystal the energy level radiating from this translucent royal gem is particularly high, causing the wearer to feel wonderful both inside and out. Medium: Amethyst-Gold   « Less

In Japan, it is believed that rock crystal is the congealed breath of the dragon, representing the highest powers of creation. Throughout the Orient, it is thought to be the  More »

In Japan, it is believed that rock crystal is the congealed breath of the dragon, representing the highest powers of creation. Throughout the Orient, it is thought to be the perfect jewel, symbolic of purity, infinity, patience and perseverance. The Roman naturalists Pliny recorded that the ancient Western belief that rock crystal was petrified ice. In the Classical world, the finest works of art and the most precious amulets were carved from it and given as gifts to kings and queens. The early Christians revered its purity as symbolic of the Immaculate Conception, while the people of ancient America believed that the souls of the deceased resided there. Throughout history and in every part of the world, man has valued this transparent, colorless quartz for its benevolent power and its faultless beauty. Medicinally, rock crystal was thought to cure swelling of glands, ailments of this gem were used in Antiquity to ward off the evil eye, bring rainfall, and prevent bad dreams. Its chief appeal has always been its transparent purity, the very personification of virtue, goodness and innocence. Those who wear it are kept pure in body and spirit Circa: 20 th Century AD Medium: Rock Crystal   « Less

The ancients believed that a mysterious island called Topazios—guarded by serpents or dragons—was the source of all—was the source of all topaz gems. The  More »

The ancients believed that a mysterious island called Topazios—guarded by serpents or dragons—was the source of all—was the source of all topaz gems. The word topazios means to “seek”, for thee island was said to be difficult to find, and the gem itself was thus regarded as very rare in Antiquity. Another possible origin for the name of this brilliant gem is the Sanskrit word tapas meaning fire. One of the most prized shades of this complex mineral— composed of fluorine, aluminum, oxygen and silicon—is a rich, fiery yellow- orange, which would support the later theory perfectly. Other hues of topaz range from deep sale brown to green, pink, yellow and bright blue. It is found in crystal from throughout much of the world, with major sources in Brazil, Germany and Africa. In Exodus (28:17), topaz is mentioned as the second stone in the first row of the breastplate of the High Priest; while St. John lists it among the foundation stones of New Jerusalem (Rev 21:20). Since ancient times the gem has been thought to bestow beauty, long life and intelligence upon the wearer and much is prized as an amulet. It is symbolic also of friendship and faithful love.Medium: Quartz/Topaz   « Less

Glowing pink as the dawn sky shot through with dark clouds, rhodonite derives its name from the Greek word for “rose”. A vitreous manganese silicate, rhodonite is  More »

Glowing pink as the dawn sky shot through with dark clouds, rhodonite derives its name from the Greek word for “rose”. A vitreous manganese silicate, rhodonite is found in greatest abundance in Russia, a country with which it is particularly associated. The imperial jeweler Faberge used the gem in his creations for the Czarist court. Its vivid contrast of pink and black make it an ideal stone for those who enjoy the unusual and the unpredictable. Medium: rhodonite   « Less

Medium: amethyst

Medium: amethyst   « Less

Medium: rock crystal

Medium: rock crystal   « Less

Medium: rock crystal

Medium: rock crystal   « Less

Jasper is an opaque member of the quartz family, found in a variety of colors but most commonly green, red, yellow, brown or mottled (called leopard's skin). Because of its  More »

Jasper is an opaque member of the quartz family, found in a variety of colors but most commonly green, red, yellow, brown or mottled (called leopard's skin). Because of its rich hues and the fact that it polishes to a high luster, jasper has been used in jewelry throughout history. Moreover, the protective properties of the stone, which vary depending on the color, have favored its use in amulets and talismans since before recorded history. In the Old Testament (Exodus, xxviii 15-30) jasper is named as one of the twelve stones representing the twelve tribes to be set in gold and placed in the breastplate of the High Priest. The Egyptians carved scarabs from jasper; the Greeks and Romans made entire vessels from it, believing that the stone's powers would pass to them through the food or drink the vessel's contained. Jasper's chief virtues since antiquity has lain in its ability to attract poisons and venoms into itself, thus removing the cause of disease. This is especially believed to be true of green jasper, which was used in the ancient and medieval worlds to cure snakebite. The verdant green stone has also been associated for millennia with rainfall, fertility and abundance. Red jasper is said to cure ailments of the blood, and to imbue the wearer with renewed strength and vigor. Its associations with the deities of combat and courage are thought to make red jasper an ideal stone for those seeking victory over existing disease. Yellow and brown jaspers are useful for maintaining a healthy liver and spleen. Jasper is found throughout the world, and mankind is fortunate that in addition to its helpful nature, it is also extremely becoming to wear. Circa: 20 th Century AD Medium: Jasper   « Less