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: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Quartz and Topaz   « Less

Though totally contemporary in style, this dramatic necklace brings together two gems prized since the dawn of time. Red jasper jewelry was worn by the pharaohs of Egypt, by  More »

Though totally contemporary in style, this dramatic necklace brings together two gems prized since the dawn of time. Red jasper jewelry was worn by the pharaohs of Egypt, by the royalty of Persia, by the empresses of Rome. The classical world carved entire vessels from jasper, believing the stone's therapeutic properties would be passed on through the food or drink it contained. Red jasper is much sought after as an amulet: it is said to cure all ailments of the blood, to imbue the wearer with renewed strength and vigor, to promote a glowing complexion. Its associations with the gods of combat and courage are thought to make red jasper an ideal stone for those seeking victory over existing disease. It is, besides, extremely flattering to the wearer. Black onyx, chalcedonic quartz, is the color of deepest space. Found in both the old and the new worlds, onyx has long been used for jewelry and precious objects. Its chief virtue as an amulet is that it seems to attract and absorb negative humors from the body of the wearer, causing relief from both physical pain and mental anxiety. Black onyx, suggesting the presence of all colors and the absence of light, serves as a buffer from pain, a defensive wall against evil and illness. Its rich tones provide dramatic contrast for the warmth of red jasper, creating a jewel of both visual and spiritual power. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Onyx and Jasper   « Less

Though totally contemporary in style, this dramatic necklace brings together two gems prized since the dawn of time. An iron ore, hematite takes its name from the Greek word  More »

Though totally contemporary in style, this dramatic necklace brings together two gems prized since the dawn of time. An iron ore, hematite takes its name from the Greek word for blood, because when the surface of the stone is scratched, it appears to bleed. Hematite is found in a number of colors, the most common of which are red and metallic gray. Every major civilization of antiquity valued the gem for its potent protective powers. Because of its association with the blood, it is believed hematite stimulates the circulation, relieves fatigue, and prevents hemorrhage. It was thought to give courage, and warriors used to rub their bodies with hematite before battle to make them invincible. The gem's mysterious physical properties make it as appealing to the modern eye as it always has been through history. Black onyx, chalcedonic quartz, is the color of deepest space. Found in both the old and new worlds, onyx has long been used for jewelry and precious objects. Its chief virtue as an amulet is that it appears to attract and absorb negative humors from the body of the wearer, causing relief from both physical pain and mental anxiety. Black onyx, suggesting the presence of all colors and the absence of light, serves as a buffer from pain, a defensive wall against evil and illness. Its rich black tones provide a provocative contrast to the gleam of hematite, creating a jewel of equal visual and spiritual power. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Onyx and Hematite   « Less

Though totally contemporary in style, this dramatic necklace brings together two gems prized since the dawn of time. Red jasper jewelry was worn by the pharaohs of Egypt, by  More »

Though totally contemporary in style, this dramatic necklace brings together two gems prized since the dawn of time. Red jasper jewelry was worn by the pharaohs of Egypt, by the royalty of Persia, by the empresses of Rome. The classical world carved entire vessels from jasper, believing the stone's therapeutic properties would be passed on through the food or drink it contained. Red jasper is much sought after as an amulet: it is said to cure all ailments of the blood, to imbue the wearer with renewed strength and vigor, to promote a glowing complexion. Its associations with the gods of combat and courage are thought to make red jasper an ideal stone for those seeking victory over existing disease. It is, besides, extremely flattering to the wearer. Black onyx, chalcedonic quartz, is the color of deepest space. Found in both the old and the new worlds, onyx has long been used for jewelry and precious objects. Its chief virtue as an amulet is that it seems to attract and absorb negative humors from the body of the wearer, causing relief from both physical pain and mental anxiety. Black onyx, suggesting the presence of all colors and the absence of light, serves as a buffer from pain, a defensive wall against evil and illness. Its rich tones provide dramatic contrast for the warmth of red jasper, creating a jewel of both visual and spiritual power. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Onyx and Jasper   « Less

In Matthew, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a single rare and costly pearl for which a man would sell all he has. The delicate, lustrous beauty of the pearl has captured  More »

In Matthew, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a single rare and costly pearl for which a man would sell all he has. The delicate, lustrous beauty of the pearl has captured the imagination of men and women since the dawn of time. Early cultures worshiped it as a symbol of the moon goddess, a token of perfection. This exquisite gem is formed when an irritant becomes trapped inside the shell of a mollusk, most often an oyster. To protect itself, the animal forms a coating of nacre around the intrusive object, and this eventually may become a pearl. The gem ranges in color from pale white, to rosy pink, to gray or black. In the classical world, the finest pearls came from the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, sometimes traveling for years to reach the palaces of Greece and Rome. Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, is said to have dissolved an enormous pearl in wine, which she then drank to impress her lover Marc Antony with her extravagance. In the courts of Renaissance Europe, status was often measured through the size and beauty of one's pearls. Over thousands of years, pearls are one of the few jewelry items to remain continuously in fashion. It is easy to see why. They delight the eye and flatter the wearer, a true gift from nature. The deep, rich blue of the nighttime sky, sodalite is valued for its ability to refresh and revitalize the wearer. Its therapeutic effect has been compared to a good night's sleep. It is especially useful for stabilizing the mind and allowing rational thought to triumph. It is thought to improve perception and intellectual understanding, and to offer a clearer perspective on life. Whoever wears this heavenly blue gem will be rewarded by the spirit as well as the senses. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Pearl and Sodalite   « Less

The name amethyst derives from the Greek words meaning "not drunk", for this quartz crystal was believed to keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine he might consume.  More »

The name amethyst derives from the Greek words meaning "not drunk", for this quartz crystal was believed to keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine he might consume. Prized throughout the ancient world, amethyst was especially popular in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Amethyst is useful for cleansing the body of impurities, for clearing the mind, and for improving the memory. It gives the wearer pleasant dreams, and is reputed to inspire creativity. Because of its purple hue, amethyst is also said to have a soothing effect on the spirit. The energy level radiating from this royal gem is especially high, causing the wearer to feel wonderful both inside and out. Garnet has been continuously popular since antiquity. Its rich colors make it especially prized 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. For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the precious gems valued by man. Not strictly 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. In hue, it varies from white, to pink, to red or orange, to black. Coral jewelry is known from the Egyptian, Biblical, classical and Islamic periods. Coral is used as a heart stimulant, as an antidote for fevers and toxins in the body, and for preventing vomiting, colic, and childhood diseases. Its mysterious strength seems to derive from the accumulated energy of living things. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Amethyst and Coral   « Less

Since the dawn of time, men and women have adorned themselves with that which is rare and beautiful. Colored stones, polished and shaped into beads, have been especially  More »

Since the dawn of time, men and women have adorned themselves with that which is rare and beautiful. Colored stones, polished and shaped into beads, have been especially popular both for their decorative look and for their amuletic powers. Every great civilization has prized these gems, and has ascribed to them therapeutic virtues which are relevant even today. Red and purple stones like amethyst, garnet, and red jasper are generally associated with passion, creativity and diseases of the blood. Blue stones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, and chalcedony are useful for preventing diseases of the eye and those associated with melancholy and insomnia. Yellow and brown gems such as agate, topaz and tiger-eye are felt to cure fever, liver ailments and headache, and to induce a generally cheerful mood. Green stones like jade, peridot or jasper prevent poison in the system and guard the wearer against evil. Clearer gems such as rock crystal, rose quartz, moonstone, and chalcedony purify the system, cleansing the wearer of all illness and depression. Of course, mankind has not only worn these stones for their curative powers; their rich hues and high luster have been a major factor in their popularity. To wear a necklace such as this is to continue in a tradition that dates back to Egypt, to Babylon, to China, Persia and Rome. Collection: Jewelry Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Gems   « Less

Since the dawn of time, people have ornamented themselves with that which is rare, unusual or beautiful. Jewelry sets us apart from the crowd, and says a great deal about how  More »

Since the dawn of time, people have ornamented themselves with that which is rare, unusual or beautiful. Jewelry sets us apart from the crowd, and says a great deal about how we see ourselves. The three gems blended together in this unusual necklace have all been worn and prized throughout history, from ancient Egypt to the present. Jasper is an opaque member of the quartz family, found in a great variety of colors. Numerous healing powers are ascribed to it, which vary according to the color of the stone. Agate is another quartz, found in the recesses of volcanic rocks. Agate has been used for protective talismans and amulets for centuries. It is said to cause pleasant dreams and to have a positive effect of the wearer. Carnelian was thought by the Egyptians to be the distilled essence of the sun's rays. A red or orange variety of chalcedony, carnelian is thought to stimulate the circulation of the blood and to give the skin a healthy glow. It leaves one with a generally calm and balanced feeling. Together, these lovely gems create a necklace of timeless beauty, certain to make the wearer feel wonderful both inside and out. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Carnelian, Agate   « 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. 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. Collection: Jewlery Style: Beaded Necklaces Medium: Amethyst and Coral   « Less

For centuries, all across the continent of Africa, beads have been prized both for ornament and as a medium of exchange. A person's wealth and status is often read by the  More »

For centuries, all across the continent of Africa, beads have been prized both for ornament and as a medium of exchange. A person's wealth and status is often read by the size and number of the beads he or she wears. In some tribes, beads make up the bridal dowry, in others they are used as currency, while still others believe them to have magical powers. Throughout history, trading caravans have crisscrossed Africa, exchanging beads for gold, ivory, rare wood and spices. During the Renaissance, when Europeans first began to trade with Africa, they introduced their own brilliantly colored beads as well. These unusual examples are native to Africa itself, being made from coconut shells. The person who wears this necklace is certain to feel elegant, rich, and very much the center of attention.Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 AD to 1800 AD Collection: African Medium: Glass-Shell   « Less