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  More »

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: Chalcedony   « Less

For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the precious gems valued by man. Not strictly a mineral, coral is an organic substance, composed of  More »

For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the precious gems valued by man. Not strictly a mineral, coral is an organic substance, composed of the skeletons of millions of tiny marine animals. In its natural state, coral is plantlike in appearance and grows in warm water at depths of up to 90 feet. It must be harvested live to retain its color. Though white coral is quite common, and forms the great reefs of the world, the rarer hues of red, orange, pink and black are much sought after as jewelry and amulets. Pink coral is particularly flattering to the complexion of the wearer and is called "angel skin". According to ancient sources, Assyrian glassmakers creating opaque colored glass in imitation of precious gems were trying to form red glass to resemble coral, rather than ruby. Examples of coral set in precious metals are known from the Biblical, Egyptian and Classical cultures, and its popularity bas continued unbroken through the ages. The native jewelry of the Arabian Peninsula makes excellent use of bright corals combined with silver. The therapeutic effects of coral have long been understood: it is used as a heart stimulant, an antidote for fevers and toxins in the system, a cure for colic and vomiting and a prevention for childhood diseases. In addition, it is believed to avert sterility. As with the pearl, coral's mysterious strength seems to derive from its organic source material, the accumulated energy of living things. Medium: Coral   « Less

A gem of contrasts, onyx is a chalcedonic quartz frequently layered in different shades of contrasting color, most commonly the polar opposites of black and white. Found in  More »

A gem of contrasts, onyx is a chalcedonic quartz frequently layered in different shades of contrasting color, most commonly the polar opposites of black and white. Found in both the Old and New Worlds, onyx was used by the Classical Greeks and Romans to carve cameos and other personal jewelry, and by the tribes of ancient Mexico to make masks and sacred ritual objects. The gem is mentioned in The Old Testament Book of Exodus as figuring prominently in the breastplate of the High Priest. Its lustrous, rich polished surface-- usually of deepest ebony black, rich green, or very pure white-- makes it highly desirable stone for modern jewelry. The chief virtue of onyx as an amulet is that it seems to attract and absorb negative humors from the body of the wearer, causing relief from bath physical pain and mental anxiety. Black onyx is especially thought to have unique properties, as black suggests both the presence of all colors and the absence of light. For that reason, it serves as a buffer from pain, a defensive wall against evil and illness. Medium: Onyx   « Less

Named for its resemblance to the glittering eye of the jungle feline, tiger's eye (also called cat's eye) is a variety of chalcedony. It is felt to have a beneficial effect  More »

Named for its resemblance to the glittering eye of the jungle feline, tiger's eye (also called cat's eye) is a variety of chalcedony. It is felt to have a beneficial effect on the spleen, the pancreas, the digestive organs and the colon. Emotionally, the gem is a balancer, one which enhances the connection with power and the will. It grounds and centers the feelings of those who wear it, and helps soften stubbornness. As befits a stone resembling an eye, the gem enhances insight and clear perception. Anyone choosing to wear this fabled stone will be rewarded with improved internal vision and the admiring glances of all who see the gem.Medium: Tiger's Eye   « Less

Stunning necklace of genuine tourmaline beads with 18 karat gold links andclasp. Renowned for its purity and intensity of color and clarity, tourmaline appears in a variety  More »

Stunning necklace of genuine tourmaline beads with 18 karat gold links andclasp. Renowned for its purity and intensity of color and clarity, tourmaline appears in a variety of colors. In f act a single tourmaline gem can have two different colors, depending upon the direction one looks through the crystal. Green tourmaline w as exported from Brazil to Europe in the earl y sixteenth century and was known as "Brazilian emerald". During the eighteenth century, the principal sources of the mineral were Burma, Russia, Sri Lanka, as well as Brazil. In the earl y 19th century the gemstone was discovered in the United States, in Maine and California. The ancient Chinese valued red and pink tourmaline and made small carved tourmaline ornaments for their headdresses. Gustavus III of Sweden chose an incredibly large "ruby" as a gift to Catherine the Great when he was on a state visit to Russia in 1771, which in fact turned out to be a stunning red Burmese tourmaline that was carved in china. The various properties of this lustrous gemstone are said to amplify the wearer's psychic energy and neutralize negative energies. Tourmaline also enhances sensitivity and understanding, has a strong protective influence and is a powerful healer. The wearer of these beads will most certainly feel the myriad powers that emanate from this most extraordinary gemstone.Medium: Tourmaline-Gold   « Less

The beautiful blue translucency of aquamarine earned its Latin name, "Water of the Sea"; and was not surprisingly the talisman of sailors since ancient times. Fifteen  More »

The beautiful blue translucency of aquamarine earned its Latin name, "Water of the Sea"; and was not surprisingly the talisman of sailors since ancient times. Fifteen aquamarines grace this lovely necklace, each in an oval shape engraved with 'baroque' style curved lines. This creates a 'textured' effect which heightens the natural sparkle of the gem, as well as giving the impression of waves. In contrast to the aquamarine are sixteen peridots, nestled between the pearls. For 3500 years peridots have been mined on the island of St. John in the Red Sea. Brought to Europe during the crusades in the Middle Ages, they were frequently used for ecclesiastical purposes. On this necklace the larger aquamarines appear to be lapping against the verdant green of the peridots, as a gentle sea against the shores of rich pastures, with delicate pearl-like clouds floating overhead.Medium: Aquamarine-Pearl   « Less

Necklace compsed of antique coral and gold granulated beads guaranteed to be over 100 years old. For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the  More »

Necklace compsed of antique coral and gold granulated beads guaranteed to be over 100 years old. For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the precious gems valued by man. Not strictly a mineral, coral is an organic substance, composed of the skeletons of millions of tiny marine animals. In its natural state, coral is plantlike in appearance and grows in warm water at depths of up to ninety feet. It must be harvested live to retain its color. Though white coral is quite common, and forms the great reefs of the world, the rarer hues of red, orange, pink and black are much sought after as jewelry and amulets. Pink coral is particularly flattering to the complexion of the wearer and is called "angel skin". According to ancient sources, Assyrian glassmakers creating opaque colored glass in imitation of precious gems, were trying -to form red glass to resemble coral, rather than ruby. Examples of coral set in precious metals are known from the Biblical, Egyptian and Classical cultures, and its popularity has continued unbroken through the ages. The native jewelry of the Arabian peninsula makes excellent use of bright corals combined with silver. The therapeutic effects of coral have long been understood: it is used as a heart stimulant, an antidote for fevers and toxins in the system, a cure for colic and vomiting and a prevention for childhood diseases. In addition, it is believed to avert sterility. As with the pearl, coral's mysterious strength seems to derive from its organic source material, the accumulated energy of living things.Origin: Persia (Gulf Region) Collection: Persian Gulf Style: 7 strands Medium: Coral   « Less

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