August Birthstone: Peridot

Peridot with moonstone or amethyst.

 Peridot is a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection.It is the traditional birthstone for July. 23 - Aug. 22  and is a gift for the 16^th wedding anniversary

Peridot with an ocean jasper pendant

Healing ability: Increases strength & physical vitality. Protects against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. It helps liver & adrenal function. Thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury.
 

Peridot with ocean jasper pendants. The two on the right have sold.

Mystical power: Helps dreams become reality. It is believed to attract love. Calms a raging anger. Dispels negative emotions, and promotes sleep when worn to bed. Legend has it that pirates favored it to protect them against evil. Brings the wearer success, peace, and good luck.

Close up of ocean jasper pendants

Amethyst

This weekend I will be at Olympic Lavender Farm in Sequim during Lavender Faire. I always stock up on my purple for this show. This week it was Amethyst. Amethyst is a variety of quartz. The purple color is due to its iron content. Note all of these pieces have been SOLD!

Amethyst is the Birthstone for Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 

and is used to celebrate the  4th and 6th years of marriage.

Amethyst becomes paler if kept out in sun. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Keep away from strong chemicals and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Healing ability: Amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance.

Mystical power: Given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind. Cures impatience, balance high-energy, eliminate chaos, promote clarity, and help keeps one grounded. Activates and balances the 6th chakra (third eye). Ancient folk believed it protects against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.  Associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, and protection against thieves. Placed under the pillow at night, the beautiful amethyst is believed to produce a calm and peaceful sleep. 

Note: this information is for curiosity only and is not meant to be medical advice. 

August and September Birthstones

Two of the birthstones for August are Peridot and Sapphire. September stones include sapphire and agate.

Peridot is a symbol of fame, dignity and protection. It is the anniversary stone for the 16th year of marriage.
It is said that it can increase strength and physical vitality. It can protect against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. Physically it helps liver and adrenal function and is thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury. Mystically it helps dreams become reality. It is believed to attract love. It calms a raging anger, dispels negative emotions, and promotes sleep when worn to bed. Legend has it that pirates favored it to protect them against evil. It brings the wearer success, peace, and good luck. All have sold.

I don't have any sapphires, but I do have a pretty dark blue chalcedony that could work for a September Birthday. Sold.

 Chalcedony is a variety of quartz. It is believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. Chalcedony reduces fever. Wearing chalcedony is believed to be excellent for eyes. Mystically chalcedony prevents from touchiness and melancholy. It is worn by many to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.

And I have several agates that would make lovely birthday gifts. 

Sold.

Sold. The one below has also sold.

Sold.

Sold.

Sold.

Agate is a cooling stone. It reduces fever, quenches thirst, and is beneficial in stomach area. It quiets pulse and heart throbs and insures good health and a long and prosperous life. Mystically it guards against danger. It has grounding, centering and balancing properties. Wearers become temperate, continent and cautious. It helps one view themselves with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint. Wearing agate is believed to cure insomnia and to insure pleasant dreams.

Moss Agate (the three bottom photos): Aids circulation, pancreas & pulses, and blood sugar balance.

Mystically it is believed to create abundance, success, and prosperity. This protective stone is also known to boost self-confidence and self-esteem. It stimulates perception, awakening an individual to the truth of a situation. It works on healing bitterness and pain caused by events in the past and fosters the courage to pick ones self up and start again.

As always this information is presented here for fun and is not meant as medical advice. 

June Birthstones

When you look up birthstones you find there are several different lists to use. The Modern Birthstone List contains the official birthstone list from the American National Association of Jewelers. These gemstones were officially adopted in 1912. In the US, this is the accepted list.

Then there is the Traditional Birthstone list which contains older birthstones and is sometimes combined with the modern birthstone list. These stones reflect societal birthstone traditions, heralding back to the 15th century.

Other lists are of ancient origins. The Mystical Birthstone list comes from Tibet and is over a thousand years old. The Ayurvedic Birthstone list is from Ayurvedic Indian Medicine - a type of medicine used for over a thousand years.

The listing for June gives pearl and moonstone as the modern birthstones. Traditional is Alexandrite, Mystical is moonstone and Ayuvedic is pearl. Occasionally you may also see opal listed as a birthstone for June.

If you look up the birthstone for the astrological symbol of Cancer (June 21 to July 22) you will find Emerald, Moonstone, Pearl and Ruby listed. Pearls are also listed as the birthstone for Gemini (May 21 - June 21).

I have always made a variety of pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Pearls symbolize purity love, success, and happiness. Freshwater Pearls are the gift for the 1st year of marriage and pearl is the anniversary gemstone for the 12th and 30th year of marriage.

Care and treatment: Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity. If you wear cosmetics, perfume or a hair spray, put these on before wearing your pearl jewelry. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to not get water into the drill hole as the pearl may discolor. Dry your pearls flat on an absorbent soft (preferably lint-free) towel.

** Healing ability: Pearls eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems.
 

** Mystical power: Pearl is said to help one see themselves and help improve self-worth. Said to attune all 7 chakras and bring a soft, healing energy during meditation.

(**As always this information is provided for curiosity only and is in no way meant to be medical advice.)

Stone Trivia

This morning I was updating some of the interesting information I have collected on the various stones I use in my jewelry. When I list things in my online store I refer to this as "stone trivia" and put a note that the information is provided for curiosity only and is in no way meant to be medical advice. That holds true here, I am only sharing it because I find it interesting and fun. 

I have a number of agate necklaces in my shop.  Agate is the birthstone for Taurus, April 20 - May 20. As a healing stone it cools, reduces fever, quenches thirst, and is beneficial to the stomach area. It quiets the pulse and heart throbs and insures good health and a long and prosperous life. Mystically it guards against danger. it grounds, centers and balances you. And it helps you become temperate, continent and cautious. It helps you see yourself more clearly and helps you view the world with a broader view point. It can also cure insomnia and insure pleasant dreams. 

  Another stone I use often is Jasper. Jasper brings joy to your life. For healing properties it is believed to strengthen the stomach and cure gynecological problems. Mystically is is said to bring you what you need, help you sleep soundly and increase you ability to feel joy. It stabilizes and balances you. It is also thought to drive away evil spirits. 

Green jasper brings on rain and restores your sens of smell while red jasper stops bleeding, helps you breathe easier and aids in childbirth.

For more fun trivia take a look at listings for turquoise and for amethyst. Any item in my store with stones or pearls will include this information.

More Art Beads

I had time recently to use the last of my beautiful art beads. 

All are $45. Contact me for more details.
All have been  SOLD

This one looks a bit tribal. 

Fall colors.(Sold)

Simple and elegant. 

I love the muted blues in these glass beads.(Sold)

Freshwater pearls in a long version. Very classy.(Sold)

Another simple and elegant one that is shorter. (Sold)

Peridot chips and black glass beads. Peridot is the birthstone for August. (Sold)

I love this tree pendant. It sold the first day I had it on display!

July Birthstone

The birthstone for July is Ruby. And if you are a Cancer (June 21 to July 22) then Moonstones are also your stone. Here are some perfect gifts for July birthdays. All have been  SOLD

 Fire and Ice - Moonstones and Ruby Red Glass Beads

 Fire and Ice - Moonstones and Ruby Red Glass Beads with a handcrafted gold wire heart

Triple strands of Crimson and Ruby Red Glass Beads

Moonstone and Jasper Choker

June Birthstones

For those born in June or under the sign of Cancer (June 21 to July 21) your birthstones are moonstone and pearls.

Moonstone brings love and good fortune into ones life. They can be given to celebrate the 13th wedding anniversary. Used as healing stones they align vertebrae, are a good digestive aid and soothe and balance the emotions. They are also thought to have mystical power to protect women and babies, are associated with the sea and planting cycles, and can be used to balance yin and yang. In India, moonstone is regarded as a sacred stone. Legend says that moonstone is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion.

Pearls are an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity. They symbolize love, success, and happiness. Freshwater pearls are given for a 1st wedding anniversary and saltwater for 12th & 30th anniversaries. Used as healing stones pearls eliminate emotional imbalances and aid in stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems. Pearls are thought to have the power to help one see themselves and help improve your self-worth.

All have been  SOLD

 Moonstone and Snakeskin Jasper Choker

Moonstone and red glass - Fire and Ice

Freshwater Pearls - Hearts Desire - SOLD

Freshwater Pearls and Green Jasper

May Birthstones

If you are born in the first part of the May you fall under the sign of Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20). Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber and Coral are your sun sign birthstones. For Geminis (May 21 - Jun 20), agate is the stone for your sign. Here are a few choices from Beadware for May birthdays.

All have been  SOLD

 Turquoise, Coral and Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Turquoise, Coral and Antiqued Silver Necklace

Agate Necklace

Jasper and Agate Teardrop Necklace

Iolite and Agate Teardrop Necklace

February's Birthstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and for the zodiac signs Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) and Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20). It is also the anniversary gemstone for the 4th and 6th year of marriage.

Care: Amethyst often becomes paler if kept out in the sun. Clean your Amethyst with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Keep away from strong chemicals and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Healing ability: Amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Ametyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance.

Mystical power: The Greek work "amethystos" basically can be translated as "not drunken" , expresses the ancient folk belief that the stone protects its owner against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.

Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy. Because of that, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.

Amethyst is regarded as a love charm and as a protection against thieves. Placed under the pillow at night, the beautiful amethyst is believed to produce a calm and peaceful sleep.Amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

All have been  SOLD

 

Garnet – January’s Modern Birthstone

Garnet Trivia…..

The name for this wine-colored gemstone comes from the Latin granatus for "seedlike," because the crystals resemble pomegranate seeds. Garnets also come in yellow, orange, green, pink, white and gray. These stones form under high temperatures and/or pressures, and can be used by geologists as a gauge of the temperatures and pressures other rocks in the vicinity have endured. They are also an indicator mineral for diamonds. The traditional way of finding diamond deposits is to sample materials at the surface, looking for minerals, such as garnets, that are often formed with diamonds, but in much greater quantities. Garnets are found in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Canada, the U.S.A., the Czech Republic and Spain.

According to legend, Noah suspended a finely cut, glowing garnet to illuminate the ark and steer it through the dark night. Garnets also are found in jewelry from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and have best been known as the warrior's stone. Soldiers carried garnet to ward off death and injury, and it also was used as a weapon against enemies by being shot out of a gun. The gemstone was set in shields, buckles and other items worn by Crusaders, and Italian widows commonly wore the gemstone in jewelry. Slices of garnet were also used as a mark of distinction in the windows of churches and temples.

Garnets symbolize fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It is a stone of healing and is used to treat disorders of the blood, heart, and lungs. They are believed to stimulate the bloodstream and pituitary glands, and to combat depression, lethargy and nightmares. Garnets are to be carried close to the body to maximize their balancing and peaceful energy, and are said to protect travelers from harm.

Metaphysical Properties- Red Garnet opens the root chakra while drawing earth energy into the body. Stimulates life-force, boosts sexuality and fertility. It works to move energy though the light body and circulatory system. Garnet also deals with issues of survival and abandonment. It is as a stone of purification, elimination and cleansing.

Numerology- Red Garnet vibrates to the number 2. The number 2 is about partnerships, cooperation and gentleness.

The color Red - symbolizes energy, strength, physical existence, and vitality. It is associated with the material side of life (abundance) and survival issues. It is used to increase circulation and to energize the nervous system. Red increases your connection with the Earth, it gives strength and will to live in the physical world.