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Origin: Europe Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass-Lapis-Jasper

Origin: Europe Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass-Lapis-Jasper   « Less

Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass

Collection: Beaded Necklaces Style: Venetian Medium: Glass   « Less

Onyx is a translucent stone with pleasing and highly varied color and markings. It is closely related to marble. Both onyx and marble are composed of calcium carbonate, and  More »

Onyx is a translucent stone with pleasing and highly varied color and markings. It is closely related to marble. Both onyx and marble are composed of calcium carbonate, and both owe their origin to having been laid down in water. The name onyx came from the Greek word "onux" meaning "fingernail." The legend is Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she was sleeping. He left the clippings on the sand and they turned to stone. During Greek times, all colors of chalcedony were called onyx. It was highly prized in Rome for royal seals because it would not stick to the wax. Mexico's ancient Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayans assigned a holy character to onyx, possibly because it is visibly infused with light, and so had its place in their sun-worshipping religious beliefs. Onyx was called Tecali in Meshica, the Aztec tongue, literally meaning stone of the gods. Although onyx comes in a variety of colors, today it is most closely associated with the rich black hue that remains the most popular. Origin: Brazil Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklace Medium: Onyx   « Less

Onyx is a translucent stone with pleasing and highly varied color and markings. It is closely related to marble. Both onyx and marble are composed of calcium carbonate, and  More »

Onyx is a translucent stone with pleasing and highly varied color and markings. It is closely related to marble. Both onyx and marble are composed of calcium carbonate, and both owe their origin to having been laid down in water. The name onyx came from the Greek word "onux" meaning "fingernail." The legend is Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she was sleeping. He left the clippings on the sand and they turned to stone. During Greek times, all colors of chalcedony were called onyx. It was highly prized in Rome for royal seals because it would not stick to the wax. Mexico's ancient Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayans assigned a holy character to onyx, possibly because it is visibly infused with light, and so had its place in their sun-worshipping religious beliefs. Onyx was called Tecali in Meshica, the Aztec tongue, literally meaning stone of the gods. Although onyx comes in a variety of colors, today it is most closely associated with the rich black hue that remains the most popular. Origin: BrazilCollection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklace Medium: Onyx   « Less

Aventurine is a variety of translucent quartz containing spangles of mica or scales of iron-oxide, which confer brilliancy on the stone. Most aventurine is of reddish brown  More »

Aventurine is a variety of translucent quartz containing spangles of mica or scales of iron-oxide, which confer brilliancy on the stone. Most aventurine is of reddish brown or yellow hue, but a green variety is also known. Natural green aventurine derives its color from minor inclusions of unoxidized iron minerals. This green aventurine, highly valued by the Chinese, is said to occur in the Bellary district in India. Aventurine derives its name from famed Venetian aventurine-glass. This glass is reddish brown with gold-like spangles, more brilliant than most of the natural stones. Legend has it that this kind of glass was originally made accidentally by a Murano workman, who let some copper filings fall into the molten liquid, hence the name a ventura, meaning “by mistake.” From it origins on the island of Murano, the name passed to the mineral, which displayed a rather similar appearance. One of the great healing gemstones, green aventurine is said to carry the healing power of the earth and to enhance creativity. Often associated with money and abundance, green aventurine is often referred to as the "Gambler's Stone" as it is thought to help those who enjoy games of chance by attracting money and luck to the wearer. Aventurine is considered physically energizing in all forms while green aventurine is most often mentioned in healing heart, stress and eye conditions. May this gorgeous green necklace bring both good fortune and healing energy to the wearer. Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklace Medium: Green Aventurine   « Less

Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 18 th Century AD to 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Glass and Cloissone

Origin: Venice, Italy Circa: 18 th Century AD to 20 th Century AD Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Glass and Cloissone   « Less

Since earliest antiquity, both amethyst and lapis lazuli have been prized for their beauty and their beneficial physical properties. These gems have been found in the royal  More »

Since earliest antiquity, both amethyst and lapis lazuli have been prized for their beauty and their beneficial physical properties. These gems have been found in the royal tombs of Egypt and Babylon, and were favored by the nobility of Greece and Rome. Their appeal to the senses is matched only by their benevolent effects on the spirit of the wearer. The name of the quartz crystal amethyst comes from the Greek meaning “not drunk”, for the gem was thought to keep one sober no matter how much wine was consumed. Amethyst is said to rid the body of impurities, to keep the mind clear and alert, and to improve the memory. It gives the wearer pleasant dreams and keeps him immune from contagious and infectious diseases. Because of its purple color, amethyst is also said to have a soothing effect on the emotions and is reputed to inspire creativity. Blue and gold, lapis lazuli is as beautiful as the moonlit sky shot through with stars. The ancient Egyptians especially loved this gem, which came from a few mines in eastern Afghanistan. It is used as a remedy for fever, gallstones, sleeplessness and, above all, melancholy. Who, looking upon this splendid stone could feel anything but happiness? Blending the rich glow of amethyst and the deep hues of lapis, this unique necklace is certain to make its wearer feel good both inside and out. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Amethyst/Lapis Lazul   « Less

This unique necklace is composed of gem varieties used since earliest antiquity for adornment and protection. Red jasper has been prized as a talisman for centuries in every  More »

This unique necklace is composed of gem varieties used since earliest antiquity for adornment and protection. Red jasper has been prized as a talisman for centuries in every part of the world. The Egyptians placed it in collar necklaces and bracelets, while the Greeks and Romans favored it for ring intaglios. It is especially useful for preventing ailments of the bold. And imbuing the wearer with renewed strength and vigor. It association with the deities of combat and courage are though to make red jasper an ideal stone for those seeking victory over existing disease. It is, in addition, a delight to the senses, full of rich, warm color. The ferric, oxide hematite takes its name from the Greek word for blood because, when scratched, take gem appears to bleed. Virtually every great civilization valued hematite, to stimulate the circulatory system, and to relieve fatigue. It is felt to give courage to the wearer, and warriors used to rub their bodies with the stone before battle to make cameos and in the ancient Americas to create masks and sacred objects. Its chief virtue as an amulet is that it attracts and absorbs negative humors from the body, giving relief from both physical pain and mental anxiety. These fabled gems have a long tradition of beauty and usefulness. In this exquisite necklace, they appeal as well to the contemporary eye. Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Jasper and Onyx   « 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. Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Topaz and Hematite   « Less