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   « 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   « Less

Regarded in the east as an especially lucky gem, and in India as a sacred one, moonstone is so named because its translucent milky white color resembles the glow of the moon.  More »

Regarded in the east as an especially lucky gem, and in India as a sacred one, moonstone is so named because its translucent milky white color resembles the glow of the moon. A member of the feldspar family, it is most commonly found in India and Ceylon. It is said to arouse the tender passions of lovers and to give them the power to read the future. Moonstone soothes and balances the emotions, giving mastery over internal feelings and allowing for calm expression. It is said to protect against epilepsy and insanity, to aid women during their menstrual cycles, and to place men in touch with their gentler nature. In addition to its soft beauty, moonstone continues to be valued for its ability to bring good luck to those who wear it. Usually very light in color-- either white, pink, greyish or blue-chalcedony is a translucent or transparent cryptocrystalline variety of quartz almost always used in cabochon form for gems. It is most commonly found in the deep recesses of volcanic rocks and in Antiquity the most prized variety came from Chalcedon in Bithynia in Asia Minor. The Egyptians, Romans and peoples of the Holy Land frequently carved intaglio gems into it, preferring the milky white variety above all others. Medicinally, Chalcedony is said to have the power to drive away fevers, to cure or prevent diseases of the eye (especially cataracts) and to aid in the relief of gallstones. It was one of the amulet stones used by the ancients to banish bad dreams. Modern science has developed the technique for changing chalcedony's color with a variety of dyes, which makes it a popular stone for jewelry. Its colors are generally of the soothing variety, and those who chose to wear the stone are blessed with a peaceful and equable disposition. Medium: Moonstone-Chalcedony   « Less

The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was  More »

The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was also favored in the jewelry of the European Dark Ages and Medieval period. The famous Sutton Hoo Treasure found in England contains over 4,000 cut and faceted garnets. As with many gems, the finest varieties come from India, which was true in Antiquity as well as today. According to Talmudic legend, the only source of light on Noah's Ark was a single large garnet. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and giving a glowing complexion. Medium: Garnet   « Less

Of a clear and vibrant green color, peridot is prized as a healing stone, one which calms the emotions and soothes the spirit. It is thought to stimulate the intellect and  More »

Of a clear and vibrant green color, peridot is prized as a healing stone, one which calms the emotions and soothes the spirit. It is thought to stimulate the intellect and fire up creative energy even as it relieves anxiety and stress. According to eastern belief, the peridot favorably affects the endochrine glands, improving the entire physical system of the wearer. According to myth, peridot can mend damaged relationships, especially those between lovers. Any person who sees its lush and radiant color cannot help but feel happy and touched with energy. The garnet was highly prized in the classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and for giving a glowing complexion. Medium: Peridot-Garnet   « Less

Of a clear and vibrant green color, peridot is prized as a healing stone, one which calms the emotions and soothes the spirit. It is thought to stimulate the intellect and  More »

Of a clear and vibrant green color, peridot is prized as a healing stone, one which calms the emotions and soothes the spirit. It is thought to stimulate the intellect and fire up creative energy even as it relieves anxiety and stress. According to eastern belief, the peridot favorably affects the endochrine glands, improving the entire physical system of the wearer. According to myth, peridot can mend damaged relationships, especially those between lovers. Any person who sees its lush and radiant color cannot help but feel happy and touched with energy. The garnet was highly prized in the classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and for giving a glowing complexion. Medium: Peridot-Garnet   « Less

Necklace composed of genuine aquamarine beads with an 18 karat gold clasp. The ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer bath  More »

Necklace composed of genuine aquamarine beads with an 18 karat gold clasp. The ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer bath relaxed and fearless. A variety of the beryl family, the pale blue/green aquamarine has been likened to a thousand leagues of sunlit sea imprisoned in a cup; the Romans esteemed it because its color was that of a calm sea, a metaphor for peace. According to Eastern philosophy, the aquamarine is traditionally a stone of power, one that brings order and balance to the wearer. It is excellent for meditation and is said to have a soothing effect on bath the thymus gland and the heart chakra. Its pale but exquisite color is flattering bath to the wearer and to the eye of the beholder.Medium: Aquamarine/Gold   « Less

Necklace composed of genuine lapis lazuli. Beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with golden stars, lapis lazuli has been treasured since the dawn of civilization. Its  More »

Necklace composed of genuine lapis lazuli. Beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with golden stars, lapis lazuli has been treasured since the dawn of civilization. Its sources are few, mostly in eastern mines of what is now Afghanistan, and its rarity made it the favored jewel of ancient royalty. The kings and queens of Mesopotamia had their cylinder seals carved of lapis; the Egyptians made their most precious amulets from it. So eager were the Egyptians for objects made from lapis that they created an imitation paste from the ground stone. During the Renaissance, the rich ultramarine of the great master paintings was also made from powdered lapis, brought overland on arduous journeys that took years. Poets from ancient Sumer through the modern age have used it as metaphor of beauty and rarity. Besides its appealing loveliness, the gem is thought to have curative powers and is used as a remedy for fever, gall-stones, sleeplessness and above all, melancholy. Who, looking upon this splendid stone could feel anything but happiness?Medium: Lapis Lazuli   « Less

Necklace composed of genuine lapis lazuli beads. Beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with golden stars, lapis lazuli has been treasured since the dawn of civilization.  More »

Necklace composed of genuine lapis lazuli beads. Beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with golden stars, lapis lazuli has been treasured since the dawn of civilization. Its sources are few, mostly in eastern mines of what is now Afghanistan, and its rarity made it the favored jewel of ancient royalty. The kings and queens of Mesopotamia had their cylinder seals carved of lapis; the Egyptians made their most precious amulets from it. So eager were the Egyptians for objects made from lapis that they created an imitation paste from the ground stone. During the Renaissance, the rich ultramarine of the great master paintings was also made from powdered lapis, brought overland on arduous journeys that took years. Poets from ancient Sumer through the modern age have used it as metaphor of beauty and rarity. Besides its appealing loveliness, the gem is thought to have curative powers and is used as a remedy for fever, gall-stones, sleeplessness and above all, melancholy. Who, looking upon this splendid stone could feel anything but happiness? Medium: Lapis Lazuli   « Less

Agate, a member of the quartz family formed in the recesses of volcanic rocks, is found in a variety of colors: red, green, blue, brown, gray and striped. Since Antiquity,  More »

Agate, a member of the quartz family formed in the recesses of volcanic rocks, is found in a variety of colors: red, green, blue, brown, gray and striped. Since Antiquity, agate has been one of the most popular stones for talismans and amulets, and remarkable powers are ascribed to each of the different varieties. The use of agate amulets bas continued unabated into modern times, though early examples exist from the Sumerian and Egyptian cultures, dating back four millennia before Christ. In addition to jewelry, agate was carved into cups, dishes and works of art. The Roman naturalist Pliny records that pharmacists favored mortar and pestles crafted from agate, a practice that is still common. By far the most preferable of the agate gems is the brown, or "tawny" type. It is believed to cure an enormous number of ailments, including fevers, epilepsy, schizophrenia, intestinal troubles, rheumy eyes and difficult menstruation. It is a good antidote for poison, and is said to quicken the intelligence. Green agate is excellent for quelling eye diseases and preventing sterility; blue cures depression and sleeplessness; gray or white prevents neck problems and stomach upset; while red (or blood) agate was used by the Ancients as an antidote to poisonous insect bites and other ailments spread through the circulatory system. All varieties of agate are useful for curing insomnia and inducing pleasant dreams and are thought to have a universally positive effect on those who wear them.Medium: Agate   « Less