Opal: Benefits of Synthetic and Manmade Stones
Opal is an uncommon gemstone with an uncommon beauty and fragility, leading it to be recreated in the lab as a stronger composite that withstands more stress.
Jewelry Material: Gemstone
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Jewelry Material: Gemstone
The Unlocked Mysteries of Jade:
Delve into the rich history and cultural significance of jade, highlighting its revered status in Chinese culture, its exceptional toughness, and its various forms, including jadeite and nephrite, as well as its widespread use in jewelry and carvings, with an emphasis on the importance of color, translucency, and texture in determining jade quality.
Knapping:
Learn all about knapping, an ancient technique for creating gemstone tools or personal adornment. You'll be amazed how much effort goes into these creations!
Single-Strand Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Set
Adorn yourself in the captivating hues of crazy lace agate in this three-piece set. Featuring stunning blue beads accented with the warmth of copper.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set
Enhance your look with our exquisite necklace and earring set, showcasing beautiful lapis lazuli teardrops and intricate sterling silver accents, for a truly captivating ensemble.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set
Bezel setting connectors have made creating gemstone cabochon jewelry a breeze. Create a sophisticated Western-inspired style with this turquoise set.
Ask the Experts Stone Q&A
Q: I am wondering how to drill small holes in certain pieces to accommodate certain designs. How would I drill holes in sterling silver or brass components? Also, how would I drill an extra hole in a pendant made of howlite? HELP!
Bracelet and Earring Set
Elevate your style with our exquisite earrings and bracelet featuring stunning lilac stone and yellow calcite beads, accented with silver-plated brass for a touch of elegance.
Single-Strand Necklace and Earrings Set
Transform your outfit with this captivating necklace and earring set, adorned with amethyst beads elegantly hung from sterling silver rabbit ear bails.
Ask the Experts Heated vs. Dyed Colored Stones Q&A
Q: What is the difference between "heated" and "dyed" colored stones?
Ask the Experts Drilling Q&A
Q: I recently came upon and purchased several pieces of natural quartz in various sizes. Mostly spear or column shaped. I know most times these are wire wrapped for wearing, but I was wondering about drilling a hole to string them that way. Would that be possible? If so what kind of drill bit should I use? Should I do anything to prepare the quartz before that? Thanks.
Ask the Experts Value of Dyed Q&A
Q: Are dyed, heated or stabilized gemstones less valuable than the natural ones? And what is the difference between them?
Ask the Experts Cleaning Beads Q&A
Q: When I buy beads in bulk, they often have a white powdery substance in the bead hole. I am using a small file or a fine drill bit to clean out some of them, but there must be an easier way to do this.
Ask the Experts Rotary Grinding Tool Q&A
Q: What do I use to drill a hole in a cabochon? I can't find anything to go through.
Ask the Experts Cleaning Q&A
Q: I bought some lovely white agate nugget beads. However, many of them look like their edges are dirty. Can you tell me the best way to clean these beads?
Ask the Experts Cabochons Q&A
Q: Several cabochon gemstones and paua shells do not exactly fit the settings I purchased for their size. How do I shave down the edges to make them fit?
Single-Strand Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Set
Stay fashion-fresh with amazonite! This necklace, earring and bracelet set is designed around the contrast between the warm golden tones of the findings and the cool minty blue-green of the gemstone.
Ask the Experts Cleaning and Polishing Gemstones Q&A
Q: Is there a simple way that I can increase the polished look of the commercial grade stone beads like the sodalite?
Ask the Experts Gemstone Drilling Q&A
Q: How do I drill a hole in a gemstone already polished.
Earrings
These heishi drop earrings are sure to add a touch of boho style to any fashion.
Single-Strand Necklace
Designer Marlene Rydzewski, creates a sophisticated necklace and earring set using sapphire beads, cultured freshwater pearls and sterling silver wire.
Single-Strand Necklace
Clusters of sparkling red rubies and lustrous freshwater pearls hang daintily from gold-filled chain on this elegant necklace
Triple-Strand Necklace
This multi-strand necklace by Matthew MacMinn can be made in silver and Crystal Passions® peridot green, or opt for the colors you or your customers like most.
Earrings
The gemstones in these delicate earrings infuse this design with the essence of early morning rain. Follow our free tutorial to make your own pair.
Single-Strand Necklace
One is a beautiful number. One sterling silver drop with peg + one half-drilled "opal" bead + one bail + one chain = one timelessly elegant pendant necklace.
How to Use Bezel Strips
Learn how to make a custom bezel setting for any cabochon using bezel strips. Clear images demonstrate every step in this how-to.
Single-Strand Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings Set
Celestial jewelry is always a stylish choice and these wire-wrapped quartz moons are radiant.
The Y Necklace
Follow the steps below to create a timeless and fashionable "Y" necklace. Your necklace is sure to get "oohs and aahs" from all who see it.
Stone Setting
Bezelite settings take all the mystery and headache out of stone setting. Even a beginner can get great results in seconds! They are made for faceted stones and most cabochons.
Memory Wire Bracelet
A stunning memory wire bracelet adorned with a harmonious blend of natural wood, captivating gemstones, and elegant sterling silver charms and beads.
Bloodstone
With an incredibly storied past, bloodstone was called "the Stone of Babylon," then later "the stone of martyrs," thought to have drops of Jesus' blood and believed to make rain.
Jasper, Brecciated
Jasper was popular in the ancient world for its medicinal and spiritual values, and has been used for centuries by cultures around the world for its unique properties.
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a birthstone for May, which has traditionally symbolized happiness, enterprise and prudence. It is a powerful gemstone that brings good fortune and prosperity.
Coral
Coral is a highly prized substance believed to be endowed with mysterious sacred properties. Coral has been called the "garden of the sea" because it was once believed to be a plant.
Goldstone
Though not a stone--or gold!--goldstone is still a beautiful "gemstone" material. Its creation is shrouded in urban legend, including the result of alchemy or on accident by Italian monks.
Fluorite
Looking for the perfect gemstone to help you concentrate? Fluorite, the stone of discernment and aptitude, may be just what your next handmade jewelry design needs.
Jasper, Dalmatian
Dalmatian jasper, better known as Dalmatian stone, is an opaque, white spotted gemstone with brown and black that will make people turn around and look back at jewelry featuring it.
Jasper, Flower
When you see someone wearing flower jasper, it's like unexpectedly seeing a bouquet of warm, sunny colors. Flower jasper is thought to lift spirits and bring joy; perfect for jewelry!
Jasper, Fancy
Jasper is an opaque chalcedony that comes in a wide variety of colors. Fancy jasper is known for its scrumptious color palette of mauves, lilacs, creams and greens all mixed together.
Quartz, Cat's Eye
Cat's eye quartz is thought to bring good fortune—sounds like a great reason to use it in jewelry! There are more reasons cat's eye quartz is ideal for jewelry, too, especially men's designs.
Agate, Crazy Lace
A relatively young stone found exclusively in Northern Mexico, crazy lacy agate is known not only for its stunning banded patterns, but its powerful healing energies.
Agate, Fossil
Agate gemstones, especially fossil agate with its visible ties to the past in the form of fossilized life inside, have a deep connection to the Earth.
Agate, Botswana
The most royal of agates, Botswana agate is famed for its extra-fine banding of white, black, shades of grey and occasional touches of pink or salmon hues.
Garnet, Hessonite
While garnet is mostly known as a rich, red stone, garnet is actually a larger group of minerals. Hessonite garnet is a specific grossularite form known for warm, yellow to reddish tones.
Agate, Green
According to modern healers who use gemstones, green agate increases compassion, generosity and mental as well as emotional flexibility.
Jade, Nephrite
As the West views diamond, the East views jade. Jade became the preferred material for objects d'art in China, with the value of certain varieties exceeding their weight in silver and gold.
Hemalyke™
This very shiny, metallic grey manmade material is exactly what its name says it is: Hemalyke™, a "look alike" for natural hematite, but without the cost.
Jasper, Leopardskin
Tawny, supple, sinuous, graceful--all words associated with the leopard and with the way your customers can feel when they wear your jewelry that features leopardskin jasper.
You supply the creativity, we supply everything else! ®