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!
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Essential Resources
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?
How to Use Cord Caps
Learn how to create a professional finish to designs using multiple cords with this step-by-step tutorial for using cord caps.
Using a Stop Bead
Follow along with instructions for how to use a stop bead to keep beads on the thread when starting any off-loom stitch. The stop bead is temporary and easy to remove.
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!
Discover Natural Materials for Jewelry Designs
Learn all about bone, horn, wood, nut and shell materials and how they can be incorporated into jewelry for natural designs.
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!
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.
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.
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