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.
Howlite
Cauliflower isn't typically associated with gems, but howlite grows in cauliflower-like masses. The stone is incredibly versatile--often used as an inexpensive alternative to turquoise.
Labradorite
Unearth the beauty and legend of labradorite. Discover the history of this stone, where it's commonly found, metaphysical properties and ideas for incorporating it into jewelry.
Quartz, Lemon
Did you know lemon quartz is created by heating amethyst, yellow quartz and iron together at extremely high temperatures? What else will you learn about this brilliant, yellow gemstone?
Obsidian, Mahogany
Obsidian's naturally dark, glossy color makes it fashionable for men and women's jewelry. It can be easily incorporated into vintage, gothic, Celtic and other designs from classic to modern.
Jasper, Moukaite
A popular gemstone choice for men's jewelry, moukaite jasper colors cover a wide range of warm earthtones that can include brick red, cream, brown, gold and mauve.
Iolite
Iolite is known as the water sapphire, Viking's compass and stone of clear vision. An intruing stone with a unique history, iolite is pleochroic--another fun reason to include it in jewelry.
Moonstone, Multicolored
Named for its sheen, moonstone is the most well-known feldspar. This moonstone is a mix of warm oranges, neutral whites and cool greys—making it an ideal gemstone for all seasons.
Jade, Malaysia
This gemstone may resemble jade in some aspects, but Malaysia "jade" is a trade name used for translucent quartz that has been expertly dyed and available in a myriad of colors.
Marcasite
Explore the captivating history of marcasite and delve into its physical properties. Discover how it is used to craft jewelry with a subtle, timeless elegance.
Agate, Moss
It's no surprise that moss agate's plant-like filaments affect the perceived metaphysical properties of the stone. Moss agate is said to encourage tranquility and emotional balance.
Ametrine
Ametrine is actually a combination of amethyst and citrine, which can occur completely naturally. It stands to reason ametrine is said to be a stone of balance and connection.
Mother-of-Pearl Shell, Natural
Natural mother-of-pearl shell for jewelry refers to the nacre itself, which coats the inside layer of the mollusk shell that forms pearls--hence, it's the mother of the pearl.
Jasper, Picasso
Part of jewelry designers' fascination with Picasso jasper is the artistic tension: the boldness of black, the passive quietness of grey and the exciting energy of red all swept together.
Jasper, Picture
Picture jasper is most reminiscent of the dusty Old West's vast sandy expanse with golden brown and red stone "mountains" rising like ancient castles from it. Perfect for men's jewelry!
Amazonite
Amazonite has been a stone treasured since the time of the ancient Egyptians. There are even stories of ancient Amazonian women warriors using amazonite to adorn their shields.
Rhodonite
Just because rhodonite is a pink stone, doesn't mean it's off limits for men's jewelry. The warm hue still has a masculine appearance, especially with its black dendritic inclusions.
Rhodochrosite
While some may think pink gems are for women's jewelry, the warm red undertones of rhodochrosite will change your mind. And the metaphysical properties can help with that change!
Aragonite
The ancient fossilizing qualities of aragonite are especially interesting. The perceived metaphysical properties are no less interesting, fostering truth, understanding and nurturing.
Sunstone
Discover the rich history, powerful sunstone meaning and healing sunstone properties of this radiant gemstone—plus, learn how to make a simple necklace with sunstone.
Jasper, Red
Learn about red jasper, from its physical properties to its place in legend and history.
Quartz Crystal
Once thought to be eternal ice sent by the gods and fossilized ice, quartz crystal is actually a mineral that is prized for the belief in its magical, mystical and metaphysical healing powers.
Ruby Gemstone
One of the four precious stones, ruby has been treasured for centuries. Those born in July are lucky to have ruby as their birthstone and ruby is also the 40th wedding anniversary stone.
Apatite
Apatite was named from the Greek word apate, meaning "to deceive" because people were confusing it with more expensive gemstones. But it's not the gemstone's fault!
Jasper, Peridot
Peridot jasper is like rich cream with a hint of cool mint blended into it. These creamy, gleaming beads combine the best of both worlds: peridot's delicate beauty with jasper's low cost.
Peridot
Explore the rich history, metaphysical meanings, peridot properties and design inspiration behind this vibrant green gemstone.
Jasper, Rainbow
When life has you down, design with rainbow jasper. Rainbow jasper is called a "sustaining stone" in metaphysical beliefs and thought to be helpful in times of emotional fatigue or stress.
Moonstone, Rainbow
Unearth the beauty of rainbow moonstone and learn its history, geological properties, design uses and proper care in this Gem Note.
Sodalite
Sodalite is sometimes considered a guardian for heroes and heroines with the ability to unite logic with intuition and the drive for truth with the rise of idealism. Plus it's gorgeous!
Jasper, Silver Leaf
Natural sophistication. That's what Mother Nature got when she combined grey, black and white in a beautifully swirling pattern to create the distinctive silver leaf jasper.
Quartz, Smoky
Smoky quartz is said to be a protection stone and prized by those who use gems for metaphysical purposes for its ability to ward off stress and encourage resolution to difficult situations.
Moonstone, Silver
Nothing says subtle sophistication like grey or silver. Silver moonstone is a tantalizing silvery-grey translucent stone with a sheen that enhances just such a sense of sophistication.
Obsidian, Snowflake
Snowflake obsidian is striking in its appearance and is also a durable gemstone—making the spotted obsidian popular for use as a "worry stone" as well as a beautiful addition to jewelry.
Quartz, Snow
Snow quartz looks pure and fresh as newly fallen snow. Snow quartz is associated with innocence, which is why wearing it is said to help give a child-like perspective free of cynicism.
Spinel
Did you know there are ruby-like spinels in the English Crown Jewels? How about that spinel can be red, pink, blue, purple and even black?
Ring Mount Instructions
Learn how to glue a cabochon into a closed-back ring setting with this tutorial. Clear images demonstrate each step in this how-to.
Jasper, Autumn
Autumn jasper is the variety known for its mottled warm brick red and avocado green appearance: imagine pumpkins, red maple leaves and a long leisurely walk through the country.
Jasper, Tigerskin
Tigerskin "jasper" is a perfect choice for earthy jewelry styles. Its contrasting swirls and stripes of tan, yellow and yellowish brown create a tawny stone that's so rich looking its decadent.
Tiger Iron
Tiger iron is actually three gemstones in one. With the associations of the three component stones, tiger iron is ideal for men's designs, without reducing popularity in women's jewelry.
Onyx, Striped
Combine the richness of cream and a whisper of green, then swirl golden tan and brown tones in, and you'll have the delectable look of striped onyx. A stunning stone for autumn jewelry!
Sardonyx
Used as a stone of strength and protection since ancient times, sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication. It's a favorite for men's and autumnal jewelry, too.
Tanzanite
Rarer than diamonds and almost as famous, tanzanite has skyrocketed in popularity. You'll want to learn about the gem and start designing now as deposits could run dry!
Agate, Tree
Just as dappled forests may bring calmness, it's said tree agate can bring a sense of peace and inner tranquility to those who wear jewelry featuring the gemstone.
Quartz, Tourmalinated
You know quartz is a gemstone, but what does tourmalinated mean? It's what gives this gemstone its distinct and sophisticated color scheme that's loved in women's and men's jewelry designs.
Aventurine
Though there isn't a "D" in the name, aventurine gemstones makes wearers think "adventure." Think optimism. Think bountiful. Think jewelry-making opportunity!
Agate, White
White agate is believed to be a stone of balance and release. According to metaphysical beliefs, this agate gemstone helps harmonize feminine and masculine sides.
Jasper, White
White jasper has a bright, clean opaque white appearance. According to metaphysical properties, white jasper lifts spirits and brings joy, nurturing our inner desire for calmness.
Mother-of-Pearl, White
Especially popular in Victorian-inspired jewelry designs, mother-of-pearl shell is often seen as cameos, but it isn't just for feminine jewelry, as it is a favorite for cuff links and tie tacks.
Moonstone, White
Beneath the soft shimmering surface of moonstone gemstones surges a deeper, lovelier beauty: a white "moon"-like sheen that rolls over the stone as it is rotated or catches the light.
Quartz, Yellow "Jade"
Yellow "jade" is not a true jade or jadeite stone. Instead, it is a trade name for a cloudy quartz with a pale to mid-dark yellow coloration—sometimes all in the same piece—and it is beautiful!
Single-Strand Necklace
Let the sky-blue beauty of trolleite—accented with curled copper Zebra Wire—create a sense of sophisticated simplicity with this pendant necklace.
Jasper, Zebra
It's time to get designing! Zebra jasper motivates us to move out of apathy into action. It helps us avoid over-thinking and encourages us to just enjoy the experience of living.
Azurite-Malachite
Azurite-malachite is a blend of two distinct and popular gems: azurite and malachite. United as azurite-malachite, the gemstone is said to calm anxiety in wearers.
Zoisite
A perfect gemstone for artists, writers and jewelry designers, zoisite is said to have creative energy. Ruby in zoisite varieties especially are said to help artists and their art become one.
Septarian
Each septarian specimen is unique with a joyous, ancient quality. They look fantastic and are thought to have beneficial metaphysical abilities, too.
Quartz, Solar
Solar quartz is a rare formation of white crystalline quartz with some druzy inclusions and beautiful natural orbicular patterns that may have green or brown moss-like inclusions.
Chrysanthemum Stone
Chrysanthemum stone blends the beauty of both earth and moon. It contains the rich dark brown color of soil and the golden glow of moonlight.