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--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 an ancient quality that makes them a joy to use in jewelry. They look fantastic and have a plethora of 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.
Obsidian, Golden Sheen
Black and gold are a timeless pairing--and golden sheen obsidian proves their elegance. Additionally, the reflective nature of obsidian makes it a favorite for self-reflective meditation.
Rhyolite
Rhyolite gets its name from the Greek words for "stream" and "stone," which may seem like counterintuitive concepts, but how this gemstone forms actually makes sense with its name.
Riverstone
Riverstone is light tan to light brown and is a favorite neutral in jewelry. The stone takes pigment well and is often dyed. Luckily, the dyed stone still retains perceived metaphysical properties.
Opal, Ethiopian
Ethiopian opal has a milky white to light amber base coloring and displays the play of color that makes opals both famous and highly desired for jewelry.
Unakite
Unakite is a great stone for men's and unisex jewelry styles. It's a colorful choice that works with a range of metals and other materials due to its mix of cool and warm hues.
Prehnite
The gemstone with a dozen names, prehnite has been given numerous other names over the years. Whatever you call it though, the soft, soothing green gemstone is a delight for jewelry.
Pyrite
Due to pyrite's color, luster and high specific gravity, it has been mistaken for gold, hence the nickname: fool's gold. But don't be fooled into thinking pyrite isn't perfect for jewelry!
Tektite
Looking to design with a gemstone that's out of this world? Tektite is a form of natural glass that forms not from the heat of volcanoes, but from atmospheric friction on meteorites.
Vesuvianite
Vesuvianite jewelry has been used as a gift to newlyweds due to its connotations as a cooperative stone that facilitates awareness of one's heart and an ability to express love.
Angelite
With "angel" in its name, it's no surprise soft-blue angelite gemstones have perceived metaphysical abilities related to improving spirituality and bringing about a peaceful energy.
Soapstone
Soapstone is incredibly soft, which makes it a perfect stone for carving. Natural soapstone tends to have light shades of gray, green or brown, making it ideal for autumn-themed jewelry.
Jet
Jet is an ideal addition to feminine, masculine and unisex jewelry. Black has been fashion's staple color for a reason. It's smart, sophisticated and goes with literally everything.
Cinnabar
Cinnabar is an ore and a crystal, a variant of quicksilver--what medieval alchemists called the element mercury. Cinnabar is considered a powerful stone both physically and metaphysically.
Zirconia, Cubic
Cubic zirconia (referred to as CZ) is a lab-grown gemstone, but don't let that taint your feelings on this gorgeous diamond simulant that actually is said to still possess metaphysical traits.
Autumn Hickoryite
According to metaphysical beliefs, autumn hickoryite stimulates imaginative thinking and a desire for adventure. Perhaps a desire for jewelry-making adventures?
Selenite
Selenite gemstones are the perfect addition to any jewelry palette. Need an angelic-looking stone for bridal jewelry? Evening wear jewelry? Maybe Christmas? Selenite does it all!
Mica
In jewelry-making, mica is most commonly found in a powder form used to create colorful, pearly and beautifully shiny accents on polymer clay, resins or other surfaces.
Crazy Horse™ Stone (Calcite)
Crazy Horse™ stone is the trade name for a calcite showcasing a distinct appearance of brown, grey, tan with some mauve and pink color combinations.
Kyanite
Kyanite gets its name from the Greek term for blue, which it certainly is! Kyanite is one of the most attractive blue minerals, exhibiting intense blue or multiple shades in a single crystal.
Lepidolite
With its variety of pinkish rose to purple hues along with other shades, lepidolite offers incredible tonal flexibility in jewelry designs, pairing well with other gemstones and metal tones.
Cuprite
If Cuprite had a theme song, it would be "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor since this intriguing green and deep-red gemstone is the stone of survival due to its metaphysical abilities.
Black Silk Stone
Black silk stone is an onyx marble with a beautiful, silky-smooth surface and satin finish. According to metaphysical beliefs, black silk stone is a nurturing gemstone.
Bronzite
While bronzite may appear mundane when not polished, bronzite is a truly beautiful gemstone that can display chatoyancy and contain bright golden flecks.
Diopside, Chrome
With a green brilliance rivaling that of emerald, chrome diopside does not receive enhancements to increase color or clarity, making it a naturally lovely stone option for jewelry.
Malachite, Red
While malachite gemstones are renowned for their rich green color, red "malachite" is just as loved for its warm terra cotta color and metaphysical associations of energy and courage.
Malachite
The swirling patterns of malachite have unmistakable, striking light and dark green marbling. The startling beauty of this stone has come to represent sensuality and beauty.
Feldspar
Feldspar comprises almost 60% of the Earth's crust, which makes feldspar the most common mineral. While it may be abundant, feldspar's metaphysical abilities are anything but ordinary.
Kunzite
The soft pink and purple hues of kunzite are well-suited for feminine jewelry designs and special occasion jewelry such as for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.
Amphibolite
Amphibolite--sometimes also referred to as hornblende--is said to help balance the dual natures of individuals who wear jewelry featuring this metamorphic stone.
Goshenite
The colorless variety of beryl, goshenite is a beautiful, highly transparent gemstone that has been referred to as the "Mother of Crystals." A perfect gemstone for Mother's Day jewelry!
Morganite
With its soft pinkish hue, morganite is often associated with innocence, sweetness, romance and love, making it a perfect gemstone for special occasion jewelry like Valentine's Day.
Emerald
A mesmerizing green stone, emerald has collected numerous legends about its magnificence and power over the millennia, including stories from Biblical times and the ancient Egyptians.
Moldavite
Moldavite is said to bring good luck, according to Czech legend. It was also believed to help bring harmony in marriage and so was a common betrothal gift.
Gaspeite
Discovered in 1977, gaspeite is an intriguing rare mineral that is found in only a few places. Make sure one of those places is in your handmade jewelry designs!
Beryl
Beryl isn't so much a gemstone as it is a family of gemstones. While specific beryl varieties have their own properties, precious beryl tends to be affiliated by its color.
Charoite
Sources may disagree whether Charoite was named for the Chara River or the Russian word "chary" (meaning "charms" or "magic"), but we can agree it has a beautiful, striking appearance.
Hypersthene
The name "hypersthene" comes from the Greek word for "over strength," no doubt in reference to its hardness, but could also be related to the stone's protective metaphysical qualities.
Corundum
Corundum has been historically known as the gemstones ruby (red corundum) and sapphire (other colors). Corundum is very hard, tough and stable, making it ideal for a variety of uses.
Pietersite
How pietersite forms is an interesting process involving one mineral changing into another. Learn how this happens, why pietersite is called the tempest stone and more intriguing facts.
Hemimorphite
Hemimorphite gets its name from the Greek words hemi ("half") and morph ("shape") because each end has a different shape--a quite unusual behavior in crystal formation.
Opal, Peruvian
Peruvian opals were originally thought to be a gift from the Incan goddess Pachamama. Peruvian opal doesn't have the fiery play of light, but it does possess a beautiful iridescent quality.
Verdite
Verdite, sometimes mistaken for jade, can resemble an abstract canvas with varying earthy color patterns, making the gemstone a beautiful and unique addition to jewelry.
Seraphinite
Seraphinite is a soft gemstone, which can make designers nervous to use it, but the beauty of this greenish stone named after angels can't be emphasized enough for use in jewelry.
Pipestone (Catlinite)
Pipestone has a robust brick red color and can contain quartz or mica for a bit of sheen and shimmer, making this gemstone a favorite for both women's and men's jewelry designs.
Variscite
While variscite is mostly a collector's gem due to its rarity, the mineral is fabulous in jewelry with its vivid green color and intriuing array of associated metaphysical properties.
Sugilite
Sugilite offers lots of designing possibilities whether it's beads, cabochons, inlays and more. Like amethyst, sugilite's variety of purples makes it go well with just about everything.
Andesine
A fairly new gemstone, andesine is believed to have been discovered in 2003. You may be surprised to learn much of what was originally sold as andesine was actually enhanced labradorite
Jade, Mountain
Called mountain ''jade,'' this stone is actually high-grade dolomite marble from Asia. For jewelry, this material is frequently dyed rich, vivid colors, but its white form is also beautiful.
Calcite
Calcite is an effective abrasive cleaning agent and in the metaphysical world is believed to be a spiritual cleanser, helping change perspective and renew commitment to positive change.
Marble
Marble is viewed as a stone of potential. Marble has been used in architecture, decorative carvings and, of course, jewelry for centuries for its fantastic cutting and shaping properties.
Pinolith
How much do you know about pinolith? That it's a very rare semiprecious stone? That it's believed to be a gemstone of optimism and balance? Or how it's fantastic for jewelry-making?
Rainbow Calsilica
Rainbow calsilica is a man-made material created for the gemstone market from carbonate rock, which means this intriguing material still possesses perceived metaphysical properties.
Ammonite
Ammonites are eoliths of now-extinct marine molluscs called ammonoids. It's no surprise that ammonites, with their spiral shape, are symbols of change and positive motion.
Andalusite
According to metaphysical beliefs, andalusite is the seeing stone that promotes the desire for self-realization, helping one to rebalance and re-align.
Magnetite
Magnetite (not to be confused with magnesite) is a rock mineral believed to alleviate negative emotions such as fear, anger and grief while promoting positive qualities in the wearer.
Stichtite
There aren't many purple gemstones, making purplish pink to purpose-red stichtite a delight to use in jewelry. Plus, it has metaphysical properties your customers may be looking for.
Fossil Coral
Fossil coral is a natural gemstone created when prehistoric coral is gradually "agatized." It stands to reason, according to metaphysical beliefs, fossil coral can help bring about change.
Jade, New
New "jade" is not actually jade, but is said to have the same spiritual values as green jade: easing feelings of depression, emotional cleansing and ideal for meditation.
Moonstone, Pink Flake
Pink flake moonstone is a beautiful stone in feminine jewelry designs, but the overall color isn't so pink (especially the redder specimens) it can't also be used in masculine designs.
Serpentine
According to metaphysical beliefs, serpentine provides clear thought to better facilitate meditation, but that isn't the only reason you should consider designing with this gemstone.
Jasper, Red Creek
Miners were looking for turquoise when they found red creek jasper. The lovely red, green, yellow, blue-gray and black stone offers the perfect autumn/fall color combination for jewelry.
Lava
The raw power of a volcano capsulated in the palm of your hand. Lava rocks have numerous uses, loved in both jewelry-making and by metaphysical believers.
Chalcedony
Chalcedony is believed to be the stone of communication and makes a beautiful addition to jewelry designs. Learn more about this stone's meaning and properties in this informative Gem Note.
Quartz, Green
Green quartz, a rare stone in nature, has often been mistakenly referred to as "green amethyst." Learn all about this soothing green stone from its geological properties to proper care and even metaphysical properties such as how it is thought to awaken love, empathy and compassion.
Petrified Wood
Petrified wood is known as a stone of transformation and is thought to provide a window to the past. Find out even more about this stone and its meaning in jewelry in this informative Gem Note.
Shungite
What do Russia and Nobel Prizes have to do with Shungite? There's a very interesting and varied history with this folklore favorite.
Slate
Slate is believed to preserve you from weakness. Made from pressed mudstone, this stone is black due to plants or plankton, and may contain fossils.
Thulite
Thulite, the stone of the mythical north, is a recent discovery in terms of gemstones. Find out how this stone influences the metaphysical world, how to care for it, and more.
Zircon
The brilliant colors and fire of zircon make it a luscious choice for jewelry. Metaphysical practitioners believe that is useful as a sleep aid. Learn more about this radiant gemstone in this article.
Amethyst, Moss
Discover the intriguing exclusivity of moss amethyst. A transparent to translucent purple gemstone with rutile like inclusions.
Grandidierite
A rare gemstone not typically found in jewelry design, discover the unique possibilities of your creations with grandidierite.
Amber
The popularity of richly colored amber has been growing even as it becomes harder and harder to find. After all, 50-million-year-old fossilized tree sap doesn't exist in infinite supplies.
Magnesite, White
The most commonly occurring color of magnesite is white, with an appearance similar to unglazed porcelain. The stone is often dyed and used as an economical substitute for turquoise.
Earrings
Level up your fashion with dream catcher earrings embellished with dazzling Crystal Passions® beads and vibrant turquoise accents.