During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries.A tiny universe of glittering stars, goldstone is an aventurine glass speckled with gold. Its brilliance reflects the light, giving it a constantly changing appearance. It acts as a general tonic on a physical level, with special benefit to the central nervous system. Goldstone is especially useful for aiding in meditation. Anyone gazing upon this glorious gem will be transported to another realm of the senses. Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass-Goldstone   « Less

Jasper is an opaque member of the quartz family, found in a variety of colors. Because of its rich hues and the fact that it polishes to a high luster, jasper bas been used  More »

Jasper is an opaque member of the quartz family, found in a variety of colors. Because of its rich hues and the fact that it polishes to a high luster, jasper bas 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 vessels contained. Jasper's chief virtue since Antiquity bas lain in its ability to attract poisons and venoms iota itself, thug removing the cause of disease. Jasper is found throughout the world, and mankind is fortunate that in addition to its helpful nature, it is also extremely becoming to wear.Agate, another variety 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. It is a good antidote for poison, and is said to quicken the intelligence. 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: Jasper-Agate   « Less

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries.Bloodstone, often of dark green speckled with scarlet, is a variety of chalcedony. A highly evolved mineral, it is prized as a powerful physical healer. Bloodstone is said to strengthen the heart, spleen and bone marrow. It improves and oxygenates the bloodstream, and aids in balancing iron deficiencies in the body. Bloodstone enhances the physical and mental vitality of the wearer, and reduces emotional stress. According to eastern belief, the gem links the root chakra with the heart. It is symbolic of inner guidance, altruism and idealism. It is the birthstone of March. Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass-Bloodstone   « Less

This unusual necklace combines black onyx, a gem prized since early Antiquity, with jasper in mottled earth tones. The result is at once dramatic and sophisticated, a jewel  More »

This unusual necklace combines black onyx, a gem prized since early Antiquity, with jasper in mottled earth tones. The result is at once dramatic and sophisticated, a jewel suitable for both day and evening wear. Shiny onyx has been popular in both the old and new worlds for centuries. In exodus, the gem is mentioned as fitting prominently into the breastplate of the high priest. Its lustrous polished surface makes it especially sought after for modern jewelry. As an amulet, the chief virtue of onyx is that it attracts and absorbs negative humors from the body of the wearer, causing relief from both physical pain and mental anxiety. Black onyx serves as a buffer from pain and a defensive wall against evil and illness. Jasper, an opaque member of the quartz family, is found in a variety of colors. Because of its rich hues and the fact that it polishes to a high luster, jasper has been used in jewelry throughout history. The Egyptians preferred it for scarabs, while the classical world carved whole vessels from it, believing that its benevolent properties were passed on through food and drink. In exodus, jasper is one of the twelve stones set into the golden breastplate of the high priest. The therapeutic powers of jasper are enormous, but vary according to the color of the stone. Mankind is fortunate that in addition to its helpful nature, jasper is extremely becoming to wear. Medium: Onyx-Jasper   « Less

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries. Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass   « Less

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries. Alabaster has been used to create fine works of art for thousands of years. A compact variety of gypsum, it is most often white, pink, or translucent in color. In Egypt and the near east, alabaster was favored for ornament, sculpture and precious objects. The tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen yielded many fine alabaster treasures. In the New Testament it mentions how Jesus was anointed from an alabaster bottle. As jewelry, alabaster provides pleasure for both the eyes and the touch, a soothing stone in soft earthy tones. Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass-Alabaster   « Less

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries. Soothing as a spring morning, aventurine is a green variety of quartz. It is thought to possess powerful properties as an all-purpose healing stone, improving the physical and psychological well being of those who wear it. It stimulates muscle tissue and strengthens the blood. Aventurine aids in relaxing the anxieties and fears of the wearer, and provides emotional tranquility and a positive attitude toward life. It symbolizes independence, and promotes health and well-being. It is also symbolic of the dawning of love. Origin: Africa Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass-Aventurine   « Less

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb  More »

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. The rare and subtle beauty of these beads continues to dazzle the senses even after the passage of centuries. Soothing as a spring morning, aventurine is a green variety of quartz. It is thought to possess powerful properties as an all-purpose healing stone, improving the physical and psychological well being of those who wear it. It stimulates muscle tissue and strengthens the blood. Aventurine aids in relaxing the anxieties and fears of the wearer, and provides emotional tranquility and a positive attitude toward life. It symbolizes independence, and promotes health and well-being. It is also symbolic of the dawning of love. 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. Origin: Africa Circa: 1400 BC to 1600 BC Collection: African Medium: Glass-Aventurine   « Less

This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass  More »

This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass techniques used by the ancients. Venetian beads were soon traded throughout the world, and were especially prized in Africa, where they assumed the stature of currency. In this remarkable jewel, the soft, earthy tones of the glass blend perfectly with the mottled richness of the stone. Such a necklace might have adorned the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra or a tribal chief. The person who wears it today is certain to feel like royalty themselves.Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Medium: Glass-Jasper   « Less

This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass  More »

This stunning necklace combines man-made ornaments with the vibrant colors of natural jasper. During the Renaissance, the artisans of Venice perfected the colored glass techniques used by the ancients. Venetian beads were soon traded throughout the world, and were especially prized in Africa, where they assumed the stature of currency. In this remarkable jewel, the soft, earthy tones of the glass blend perfectly with the mottled richness of the stone. Such a necklace might have adorned the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra or a tribal chief. The person who wears it today is certain to feel like royalty themselves.Circa: 1600 BC to 1800 BC Medium: Glass-Jasper   « Less