BLACK CORAL - An Endangered Species !

Black corals (Antipatharia) are a group of deep water, tree-like corals related to sea anemones. Although the most famous are found near Hawaii, they are also found in rare dark shallow water areas such as New Zealand's Milford Sound where they can be viewed from an underwater observatory. They normally occur in the tropics and some have ben found in the Caribbean. Though black coral's living tissue is brilliantly colored, it takes its name from the distinctive black or dark brown color of its skeleton. Also unique to black coral are the tiny spines that cover the surface of the skeleton, the origin of the nickname little thorn coral. In the Hawaiian language, black coral is called ‘ēkaha kū moana. Black coral is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The Black Coral which grows in Hawaii's offshore waters was adopted as Hawaii's official state gemstone on April 22, 1987. Since its discovery by early Hawaiian divers, harvesting of the spectacular corals has led to the establishment of a thriving Black Coral jewelry industry and enhanced visitor and resident appreciation of Hawaii's ocean resources.

Hawaii's state gem was promoted by scuba divers, perhaps supported by the local jewelry trade. Surprisingly, the Department of Land and Natural Resources testified in favor of its adoption. Coral’s richly colored branches are living gems formed deep beneath the ocean. These precious corals polish to a gorgeous luster and have been used as gemstones dating as far back as 25,000 years—longer than pearls. Each coral gemstone color has its own distinct quality. Black Coral is exotic and dramatic and has long been considered to guard against misfortune. Pink Coral is delicate and is said to bring good health. Red Coral is best described as rich and romantic. And Gold Coral with its mysterious inner light, is the rarest of all corals.

The first new Black Coral bed found in centuries outside of Caribbean waters was discovered in the waters off Lahaina, Maui in 1958. Today, Hawaiian Black Coral -- the world's finest -- is carefully collected by hand by divers at depths that exceed 200 feet. To ensure the future of Hawaiian Black Coral, divers must strictly adhere to state regulations that prohibit the harvesting of immature colonies. Harvesting of Black Coral is prohibited in most locations in the world.

Black Coral is rare and, when polished, it shines with such luster you can almost see your own reflection in it. Its stunning contrast against yellow gold makes it a wonderful gift as well as a beautiful keepsake to treasure forever. Black Coral gives one a perfect reminder of a trip to the Islands.

As with many gemstones today, be careful that what is being bought is genuine Black Coral and not faux, plastics or other imitations that abound, especially in the Caribbean.

The HOLIDAY COLLECTION - Red, Black and Silver !

Red Coral, black Agate(Onyx), Jet Glass and silver plated accebts grace this 19 1/2 inch necklace.
A sliver plated flower provides a central focus point.
A sliver plated Toggle clasp completes the necklace.

The matching silver plated French Hook earrings contain red Coral, black Agate(Onyx) and silver plate highlights.

Red Coral is a calcium carbonate (+magnesia+organic substance) found naturally in the Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Japan, Canary Isles and the Bay of Biscay. The most valuable of the varieties from these locations is red Coral. Only the calcified external skeleton of this sea creature (genus Corallium) is used in jewelry. Coral has been highly prized, worn in jewelry and used as an amulet or talisman since before the time of Egypt. Coral is one of the few Organic gemstones. All Corals except for the man-grown and harvested Sponge Coral, is being considered for addition to the endangered species listings.

Black Agate (Onyx) which is truely a died black Agate, is more common and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as natural Onyx. Onyx is a crypyocrystalline form of Quartz. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). A picture of a true Black Onyx specimum is seen below. True specimens of Onyx contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. As stated, the pure black form which most people know as Onyx, is not a naturally occuring variety. Black Agate or poorly colored Onyx is heated and dyed black to come up with the pure black form so well liked within the jewelry industry.

Coral Fossils for Jewelry !

Natural Coral Fossil cut as a Pendant

Corals are simple animals that secrete skeletons made of calcium carbonate. They are close relatives of sea anemones and jellyfish and are the main reef builders in modern oceans. Corals can be either colonial or solitary.

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As fossils, corals are found worldwide in sedimentary rocks. Based on these fossils, we know that the corals began their long evolutionary history in the Middle Cambrian period, over 510 million years ago. In Kansas, they were deposited from about 315 to 250 million years ago. Nice coral fossils are found in Pennsylvanian and Permian rock formations. Although corals are the main reef builders in modern oceans, not all corals build reefs. In addition to the corals, which are called framework organisms, other organisms contribute to the formation of reefs. For example, modern reefs are inhabited by binding organisms (such as encrusting algae) and filler organisms (such as snails, bivalves, and sponges), whose skeletons fill in the spaces in the reef after death.

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Two groups of corals were important inhabitants of the Pennsylvanian and Permian seas--tabulate and rugose corals. Tabulate corals were exclusively colonial and produced calcium carbonate skeletons in a variety of shapes: moundlike, sheetlike, chainlike, or branching. Tabulate corals get their name from horizontal internal partitions known as tabulae. Some tabulate corals were probably reef builders..
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Pink Coral Fossil and Indonesian Coral Fossil are among the most commonly found Coral Fossils used in todays jewelry.

Coral fossil material displays the unusual internal structure of the original coral. Coral fossil cuts and polishes like Agate, but in most cases are a bit softer.

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Red Eye Coral and Black Eye Coral are two of the more unusual types of Coral Fossil found in present day markets. Both come from sea floors around South East Asia.

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Sponge Coral ! That's its trade name. It is known to marine biologists as melithaea ochrace. A sponge coral really has nothing to do with sponges. It just looks like a sponge. Found mainly in the South China Sea, from Taiwan down to Indonesia, the sponge coral has a distinct fan-shaped appearance underwater. Until recently, sponge coral was not used for jewelry as they weren't considered jewelry-quality coral because they contained too many holes. However with the "farming" of man-enhanced Sponge Coral, we now have a renewable source and thus the harvesting and use of other natural corals is becoming more and more controlled, even to the extent that importation of coral is illegal into many countries without special government issued licenses, however Sponge Coral does not fall under these regulations. The majority of Sponge Coral used in jewelry has to date been shades of reds and oranges.

A very rare pure White Coral Fossil.

The coral can be cut and placed into very fine jewelry, such as this Black Coral ring. However, coral is best used in earrings and pendants, as its softness can allow it to be easily damaged in jewelry such as rings, unless properly protected.

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And of course in todays market place we have all kinds of fakes and man made gemstones. Although natural, colored coral fossil stones are normally found to have been helped a bit with some colorations from man.

SOUTHWESTERN FLAIR -- Dress Up or Dress Down !

A Southwestern style or a Southwestern type of jewelry leaves one wide open when designing necklaces and auxiliary pieces such as earrings, bracelets, belt buckles, and hat pins. Depending on the tribe, loction, availability of stones as well as silver or other metals that ae used, one sees many styles and types of Southwestern Jewelry.

In this particular design, Turquoise rounds, Coral beads, and Silver plated highlights are connected together in a double strand 18 inch necklace. A Silver plated diamond shapped Turqouise colored Howlite and Coral inlay pendant are the focal point of the necklace.

Silver plated French Hook earrings with Turquoise and Coral beads and a Silver plated highlight complete the set.

Turquoise comes in many colors and types in today's market. To help understand a bit, the following is provided----
Natural - This comes directly from the mine. It is cut shaped and polished and set into jewelry. It has no man made treatment or additives other than a polishing compound that adds to its luster. Several pieces of natural Turquoise from Arizona, can be seen to the right and are beautiful with very little polishing. Most stones in this state are very close to gem quality. The coloration of natural Turquoise can darken as oils from the skin work its way into the stone over the years, especially of not properly cleaned.
Stabilized – This is a natural turquoise usually in nugget form, but does not hold a luster. It is submerged into a stabilizing compound and dried, cut and prepared for jewelry. The turquoise has not been altered. The pores of the stone have been filled with a clear resin that makes the stone usable. This process allows for diversity of shapes and possibilities in jewelry making. Color Stabilized stones are considered altered and sometimes color has been added in this process. This in not necessarily bad, but it has less value than a piece that is naturally colored. Stabilized Turquoise usually does not change color with wear and because of its hardness, wears better in jewelry.
Treated - This form of color enhancement has been used for thousands of years. It is done as discussed earlier by submerging Turquoise stones into animal fat or vegetable oil and later air dried. Normally the color will not last very long. A new variety on the market, called "Motaska" and "Majave" Stone is much more stable and retains its color as well as being infused with gold, silver and copper.
Fake and Synthetic – Ceramics, bone, celluloid and plastic are used to imitate turquoise. Synthetic turquoise has a very natural matrix that is produced by placing stones in the synthetic “batter”.
Imatations - Then there are the imatations, in many cases natural gemstones that are beautiful in their own right, but due to the fact they accept dyes, many times are dyed the various turquoise colors and then are sold by unscrupulous dealers as real Turquoise. Price becomes the real determining factor when it comes to seperating real Turquoise from dyed Howlite, Magnesite or Ivoryite.

Red Coral is a calcium carbonate (+magnesia+organic substance) found naturally in the Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Japan, Canary Isles and the Bay of Biscay. The most valuable of the varieties from these locations is red Coral. Only the calcified external skeleton of this sea creature (genus Corallium) is used in jewelry. Coral has been highly prized, worn in jewelry and used as an amulet or talisman since before the time of Egypt. Coral is one of the few Organic gemstones. All Corals except for the man-grown and harvested Sponge Coral, is being considered for addition to the endangered species listings.

Howlite, named for its discoverer Henry How, who found it in Tick Canyon, California in 1868. Howlite is one of those minerals that is more famous for imitating another mineral than being used for itself. In most cases the other mineral is Turquoise, a phosphate gemstone. Although natural Howlite is always white or gray, it can accept dyes fairly easily and be dyed a turquoise blue. The look of turquoise is so good that dishonest dealers have been unfortunately successful at this hoax. In more honest circumstances, dyed howlite is an affordable substitute for turquoise carvings, beads, polished stones and cabochons. It accepts a nice polish and its porcelaneous luster is attractive and enhances even undyed beads and carvings. Unfortunately it has low hardness, but it still has a distinct toughness. California is the source for most all of the howlite trade where nodules of up to one hundred pounds have been found. In addition to the famous turquoise color Howlite is dyed, it also can become a very bright red color to mimic red coral, or any other color in the rainbow.

SOUTHWESTERN FLAIR -- Red, Black and Silver !

Southwestern jewelry comes in many styles , designs and colors.

In this jewelry set we have a silver plated 2 1/4/inch flower pendant nestled between natural red coral nuggets that alternate with large silver plated nuggets and black Agate (Onyx) rondels and silver roped highlights.















A silver plated large Toggle clasp completes this 20 inch necklace.

Matching silver plated French Hook earrings with a 2 inch drop complete the set.

Red Coral is a calcium carbonate (+magnesia+organic substance) found naturally in the Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Japan, Canary Isles and the Bay of Biscay. The most valuable of the varieties from these locations is red Coral. Only the calcified external skeleton of this sea creature (genus Corallium) is used in jewelry. Coral has been highly prized, worn in jewelry and used as an amulet or talisman since before the time of Egypt. Coral is one of the few Organic gemstones. All Corals except for the man-grown and harvested Sponge Coral, is being considered for addition to the endangered species listings.

Black Agate (Onyx) which is truely a died black Agate, is more common and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as natural Onyx. Onyx is a crypyocrystalline form of Quartz. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color (save some shades, such as purple or blue). A picture of a true Black Onyx specimum is seen below. True specimens of Onyx contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. As stated, the pure black form which most people know as Onyx, is not a naturally occuring variety. Black Agate or poorly colored Onyx is heated and dyed black to come up with the pure black form so well liked within the jewelry industry.

Silver platednuggets and highlights complet the set.

CARIBBEAN DELIGHTS - Green Forests, Cool Beaches & Red/Yellow Sunsets !

As one visits the Caribbean, the vibrant colors that are seen in the Ocean, on the Islands and in the Sunsets inspired this jewelry collection called "Caribbean Delights". This set encompases the green of the forests, the white and tan of the beaches and the reds and yellows of the sunsets.

Cool greens provided by a Dichroic glass teardrop pendant centered between green, yellow and tan Lampwork beads, Magnesite discs, Cats-eye and Czech glass beads and a white Coral highlight bead. This 20 inch necklace closes with a gold plated S-hook clasp and a 1 1/2 inch chain exension.

Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metal oxides which give the glass dichroic optical properties. The invention of dichroic glass is often erroneously attributed to NASA and its contractors, who developed it for use in dichroic filters. However, Dichroic glass dates back to at least the 4th century AD as seen in the Lycurgus cup. Dichroic glass is an example of thin-film optics.

Lampworking is a type of glasswork that uses a gas fueled torch to melt rods and tubes of clear and colored glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is formed by blowing and shaping with tools and hand movements. It was also known as flameworking or torchworking, but the modern practice no longer uses oil-fueled lamps. Although the art form has been practiced since ancient Syrian (1 Century B.C.E.) times, it became widely practiced in Murano, Italy in the 14th century. In the mid 19th century lampwork technique was extended to the production of paperweights, primarily in France, where it became a popular art form, still collected today. Lampworking differs from glassblowing in that glassblowing uses a blowpipe to inflate a glass blob known as a gob or gather, whereas lampworking manipulates glass either by the use of tools, gravity, or by blowing directly into the end of a glass tube.

Magnesite occurs as veins in and an alteration product of ultramafic rocks like serpentinite, turquoise and other magnesium rich rock types in both contact and regional metamorphic terranes. These Magnesites often are cryptocrystalline and contain silica as opal or chert. Magnesite is also present within the regolith above ultramafic rocks as a secondary carbonate within soil and subsoil, where it is deposited as a consequence of dissolution of magnesium-bearing minerals by carbon dioxide within groundwaters. Some of the best Magnesite deposits that can produce gemstone quality material are co-located with Turquoise deposits in the southwestern United States. Magnesite like Howlite, can be died to look like actual Turquoise.

Matching French Hook earrings with a 2 1/4 inch drop made of Lampwork beads, Coral and glass beads, complete the set.

Crystals and glass beads are also used in this set.

SUMMER SENTATIONS - Cool Waters !

A cool Aqua Flower Glass pendant looks like a flower floating below the cool water. The pendant is accented with white carved Coral, white Shell heishe beads, aqua millifiori and cat-eye beads and crystals. This 21 inch necklace is finished with a Hook and Loop clasp. The set is finished out with matching French Hook drop earrings using similar flower under glass drops.

Corals are marine organisms typically living in compact colonies of many identical individual "polyps. The group includes the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans, which secret calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton. Coral tissues become colorless as they reveal the white of their calcium carbonate skeletons, an event known as coral bleaching and most corals are found in the white form. Other colorations also exist depending on chemicals and algie in the water in which they grew. Corals are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Scientists have predicted that over 50% of the world's coral reefsmay be destroyed by 2030; and as a result most nations protect them through environmental laws, especially the black corals. To overcome the shortages for jewelry and other ornamental uses, coral farms are now being developed and used for non-ocenaic purposes. Currently many species of Corals, especially reef building varities, are being considered "endangered" and are under consideration for banning for use in jewelry and other decorative uses, following in the footsteps of Ivory. Sponge Coral, however, is not on the endangered species list, plus it is a sustainable product. Sponge Coral is a farmed product and thus is not removed from the Coral Reef and does not cause the environmental damage associated with traditional corals.

Millifiori is a glasswork technique which produces distinctive decorative patterns on glassware. The term millefiori is a combination of the Italian words "mille" (thousand) and "fiori" (flowers). Apsey Pellatt was the first to use the term "millefiori", which appeared in the Oxford Dictionary in 1849. This type of bead was called mosaic beads before then. While the use of this technique long precedes the term millefiori, it is now frequently associated with Venetian glassware. More recently, the millefiori technique has been applied to polymer clays and other materials. Because polymer clay is quite pliable and does not need to be heated and reheated to fuse it, it is much easier to produce millefiori patterns than with glass.


Shell and Crystals are also used in this set.

CARIBBEAN DELIGHTS SERIES - Colors of the Caribbean Islands and Sea !

As one visits the Caribbean, the vibrant colors that are seen in the Ocean, on the Islands and in the Sunsets inspired this jewelry collection called "Caribbean Delights". The first two cover the green of the islands and the blues of the water.

SOLD A peridot colored 2 inch Sonoran Glass Leaf acts as a focal point and is combined with Green and Tan Rhyolite rectangular beads, Coper accents, natural White Coral and Green Aventurine pebbles to take the wearer on a tour of the Islands of the Caribbean. This 18 inch necklace with a Copper Toggle Clasp is versitle and very light weight. Copper French Hook Earrings using Rhyolite, Coral and Aventurine complete the set.

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Rhyolite is a relatively common volcanic rock. It is the chemical equivalent of granite. Although the two rock types have the same chemistry, Rhyolite is extrusive and granite is intrusive. While granite has crystals that are generally easy to see, in rhyolite the crystals are often too small to see. This is due to the more rapid cooling of the rhyolite lava compared to granite's slower cooling magma. Rhyolitic lavas are often more explosive and slower moving than the less viscous basalt lavas such as those that erupt on the island of Hawaii. Rhyolite often is found with flow banding "frozen" into the rock. This lends to uses as decorative rocks and even ornamental stones for jewelry.

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Corals are marine organisms typically living in compact colonies of many identical individual "polyps. The group includes the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans, which secret calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton. Coral tissues become colorless as they reveal the white of their calcium carbonate skeletons, an event known as coral bleaching and most corals are found in the white form. Other colorations also exist depending on chemicals and algie in the water in which they grew. Corals are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Scientists have predicted that over 50% of the world's coral reefs may be destroyed by 2030; and as a result most nations protect them through environmental laws, especially the black corals. To overcome the shortages for jewelry and other ornamental uses, coral farms are now being developed and used for non-ocenaic purposes. Sponge Coral has been raised in these Coral Farms for decades.

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Aventurine is a form of quartz (chalcedony to be more specific), characterised by its translucency and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glistening effect termed aventurescence. The most common colour of Aventurine is green, but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue, or gray. Chrome-bearing fuchsitte is the classic inclusion, and gives a silvery green or blue sheen. Oranges and browns are attributed to hematite or goethite. The majority of green and blue-green Aventurine originates in India. Creamy white, gray and orange material is found in Chile, Spain and Russia.
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SOLD As blue a the waters of the Caribbean, a blue colored 2 inch Sonoran Glass Leaf is the focal point of this 20 inch necklace. Opalite and Lapis beads along with crystals have been charmed to highlight the leaf. Wavy Lapis beads and chips, bronze accents and a bronze Toggle clasp complete the necklace. Clusters of charmed beads and crystals hang from the Frech Hook earrings to complete the set.
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Lapis Lazuli is a rock, not a mineral: whereas a mineral has only one constituent, Lapis Lazuli is formed from more than one mineral. The main component of lapis lazuli is Lazurite, and a feldspathoid silicate mineral. Most Lapis Lazuli also contains Calcite (white), Sodalite (blue), and Pyrite (metallic yellow). There can also be other possible constituents and trace amounts of other minerals. Lapis lazuli usually occurs in crystalline marble as a result of contact metamorphism. The finest color is intense blue, lightly dusted with small flecks of golden Pyrite. Stones with no white Calcite veins and only small Pyrite inclusions are more prized. Patches of Pyrite are an important help in identifying the stone as genuine and do not detract from its value. Often, inferior Lapis is dyed to improve its color, producing a very dark blue color with a noticeable grey cast which may also appear as a milky shade. Lapis takes an excellent polish and can be made into jewelry, carvings, boxes, mosaics, ornaments, and vases.

Opalite is a stone mined in Utah that comes in varying shades of purple, lavender and creamy white with swirls of yellowish-brown and pink. Opalite is also referred to as Tiffany Stone. Opalite is also a trade name for synthetic opalized glass and various opal simulants. The name is also many times used to promote impure varieties of variously colored common opals.

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Jewelry Set - Summertime Green Colors !

A fresh cool look for Summer - Green !
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This color of Summer stands out with a Wire Wrapped Green Onyx pendant surrounded with a cluster of Aventurine and Rose Quartz beads with White Carved Coral beads. Crystals, Aventurine and Rose Quartz beads add style and complete this 18 inch long necklace with a Toggle Clasp. Two pair of French Hook Earrings give differfent looks, one of two sizes of a simple White Coral, with a second set of dangle style of White Coral and crystals.
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Green onyx (also called Onice Verde Onyx), is a type of quartz crystal with a very fine crystalline structure that is a translucent banded stone. It is a splended gemstones used to make jewelry. Green onyx has a color range from a very light lime-green color to a very light forest-green color. The green portion can be marbled with a dark red-orange coloration as onyx is found in a variety of different colors. Green onyx is a hard stone, due to his compact crystalline structure. On the hardness scale, onyx falls between 6.5 and 7; compared. Most of today's Green Onyx comes from Pakistan and Henan China, but at one time it was found in Indiana and Illinois.

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Aventurine is a form of quartz (chalcedony to be more specific), characterised by its translucency and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering or glistening effect termed aventurescence. The most common colour of Aventurine is green, but it may also be orange, brown, yellow, blue, or gray. Chrome-bearing fuchsitte is the classic inclusion, and gives a silvery green or blue sheen. Oranges and browns are attributed to hematite or goethite. The majority of green and blue-green Aventurine originates in India. Creamy white, gray and orange material is found in Chile, Spain and Russia.

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Corals are marine organisms typically living in compact colonies of many identical individual "polyps. The group includes the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans, which secret calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton. Coral tissues become colorless as they reveal the white of their calcium carbonate skeletons, an event known as coral bleaching and most corals are found in the white form. Other colorations also exist depending on chemicals and algie in the water in which they grew. Corals are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Scientists have predicted that over 50% of the world's coral reefsmay be destroyed by 2030; and as a result most nations protect them through environmental laws, especially the black corals. To overcome the shortages for jewelry and other ornamental uses, coral farms are now being developed and used for non-ocenaic purposes.
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Rose Quartz is a type of quartz which exhibits a pale pink to rose red hue. The color is usually considered as due to trace amounts of titanium, iron or manganese in the massive material found world wide. Some Rose Quartz contains microscopic rutile needles which produces an asterism in transmitted light. Recent X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the color is due to thin microscopic fibers of possibly dumrtierite within the quartz crystal.

Crystals were also used in his set.
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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - A misnamed Gemstone ? Not Really !

In the Lapidary and Gemstone world, nothing is exact in the names of the various stones because of languages, regions and personal observations, unless you are down at the mineral level and even then sometimes language differences can effect that basic identity. Two such gemstones that are based historically on language and today on fancy market naming, are what is called Peruvian Turquoise and African Turquoise. Neither are Turquoise, but Chrysocolla and a Japer that look very similar to Turquoise in color.
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Here we have a necklace set designed and constructed out of several different materials. We start with three large stabilized Arizona Turquoise Matrix nuggets, highlighted with white Coral rondel beads. The necklace is then completed with Sardonyx twists, Peruvian Turquoise rounds and more white Coral rondels interspersed with open globe gold plated beads and a Hook and Loop clasp. French hoo earrings with stabilized Turquoise rounds and Sardonyx dangles complete the set.

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Stabilized turquoise - Turquoise that is soft or normally referred to as "chalk" Turquoise is infused with a clear epoxy resin. This resin, under pressure, is absorbed into the rock, which permanently hardens the rock and deepens the color. Unlike the collectible natural Turquoise which deepens in color over time by gradually absorbing oils from the skin as it is worn, the colors in stabilized Turquoise are permanent. Most of the Turquoise on the market today is stabilized and should not cost as much as natural Turquoise. Stabilized turquoise can be very beautiful, and is a good buy. Because of it's hardness and consistant color, stabilized Turquoise wears much better in Jewelry.

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Peruvian Turquoise (Chrysocolla) is as old as the ancient cultures of the Incas and Aztecs. It is also known as Mesoamerican Torquoise. Peruvian Turquoise is actually "Chrysocolla", a semi-precious gemstone that comes in a wide range of appearances and colors. It is the copper in this silicate based stone which gives it the intense blues and greens. When it has been intermixed with chalcendony and or opal, it forms a stone hard enough to be cut and polished. It is in this rare form that it becomes suitable for use in high quality jewelery. A more common low grade chalky and soft chrysocolla can be dyed or painted to look like high quality chrysocolla. Beware these stones scratch easily and they look cheap when examined closely, they also lack the stunning veins seen in high grade Chrysocolla stones. Chrysocolla often can be found to have a similar colour to genuine Turquoise. It has been valued in jewelery by the Incas, Aztecs and other ancient cultures for its colour and beauty. High grade Crysacolla or Peruvian Turquoise can look absolutely stunning.

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Corals are marine organisms typically living in compact colonies of many identical individual "polyps". The group includes the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans, which secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton which is used in the production of jewelry. Currently many species of Coraals, especially reef building varities, are being considered "endangered" and are under consideration for banning for use in jewelry and other decorative uses, following in the footsteps of Ivory. Sponge Coral, however, is not on the endangered species list, plus it is a sustainable product. Sponge Coral is a farmed product and thus is not removed from the Coral Reef and does not cause the environmental damage associated with traditional corals.
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Sardonyx is a variant of Onyx or Agate in which the colored bands are Sard in shades of red rather than black. Pure black Onyx, which is truely a died black Agate, is more common and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as natural Onyx with its banded colors of browns, whites and black. Onyx is usually called Sardonyx when the bands of red vary all the way from a light brown to almost black. When backlighted, and the stone is not too thick, one will see a reddish glow through the stone.

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ORGANIC Gemstones ! How many ?

To answer a question, based on USGA listings there are currently four gemstones that qualify as "Organic".

Amber

Hardness: 2-2.5 Mohs

A mixture of hydrocarbons

Specific gravity: 1.05-1.096

Hard fossil resin or sap of ancient pine trees. Usually amorphous (lacks crystalline structure). Sometimes mined, sometimes gathered on seashores. Varies from transparent to semitransparent and generally from light yellow to dark brown, but can be orange, red, whitish, greenish-brown, blue, black or violet. Can be dyed to any color. Amber takes a fine polish. Used mainly in making beads or other ornaments.

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Coral

Hardness: 3.5-4 Mohs

Formed mainly of calcite (calcium carbonate) or conchiolin, a horny organic substance

Specific gravity: 2.60-2.70
Each coral polyp, a tiny marine animal that lives in enormous colonies, extracts calcium carbonate from the sea and exudes it to build a protective home around and above itself. Each generation of polyps dies in its protective home and each succeeding generation builds on top of its predecessor. Gem coral ranges from semitranslucent to opaque and occurs in white, pink, orange, red, blue, violet, golden, and black. The black and golden corals are largely horny organic substances, not calcium carbonate. The finest coral is used to make figurines, cameos, carvings, and beads.

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Jet (Lignite)

Hardness: 2.5-4 Mohs

Carbon plus various hydrocarbon compounds

Specific gravity: 1.30-1.32
This compact velvet-black coal takes a good polish and is often cut into beads, bracelets, and a wide range of decorative and useful objects.

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Pearl

Hardness: 2.5-4.5 Mohs

Formed within a mollusk, such as an oyster, that deposits a substance called nacre around an irritant that entered the organism

Specific gravity: 2.71
Pearl-bearing mollusks are found in both salt and fresh water. Salt-water pearls of gem quality are usually preferred for jewelry; they are produced almost entirely by the mollusk Pinctada. Fresh-water pearls are produced by various clams and mussels. Natural pearls come in various shapes: round, pear, drop, egg, and others. They also come in various colors, such as white, cream, light rose, cream rose, black, gray, bronze, blue, dark blue, blue green, red, purple, yellow, and violet.

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CORAL - an Organic Gemstone !

Coral is among the most ancient of gem materials, used for adornment since prehistoric times. Coral inlays and ornaments have been found in Celtic tombs from the Iron Age. It's also the height of fashion today; its bold tones, so flattering against the skin, add a modern shot of strong color that adds drama to everything you wear.

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Coral is an organic gem, calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene, deposited by tiny sea creatures living in the depths of warm seas in huge colonies. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Most coral used in jewelry is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. Precious coral, or red coral, is the common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of this marine coral. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink skeleton, which is used for making jewelry. The hard skeleton of red coral branches is naturally matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range from pale pink to reddish pink to vivid reds colors. The word 'Coral' is also many times used to name such colors.

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When you say the word coral, most people think of the coral reefs in the South Pacific, like the Great Barrier Reef off Australia. However, these coral reefs are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in jewelry.

This unusual, dynamic and bold Coral Necklace is constructed of a new type of Branched Coral found at the Tucson Gem Show 2009, that has been dyed green where there is no or very little coloration within the branches. The red stands out on its own, not accepting the dye. This green/red Branch Coral necklace is 23 inches long and is highlighted with glass nuggets and silver accents with a silver hook clasp and matching french hook earrings.

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Thanks to AGTA, Coral Musuem and others for information on this new coral.
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SPRING FASHION and COLORS

Butterscotch Amber Earrings

Jewelry is taking on a colorful outlook this Spring season, mixing vibrant shades that show up in pieces across the price spectrum. After the deep purples and ashen color palettes of Fall clothing, a surge of hard-candy hues is exploding into Spring jewelry. It's bright, brilliant and dripping with fun and a sense of possibility.

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Mimosa is the color of Spring 2009". Mimosa is described as "a warm, engaging yellow" color, named after the mimosa tree and the yummy cocktail. Though we are still in the middle of winter, you can already add the mimosa color to your wardrobe for instant cheer, style and inspiration. Wear with jewelry made from natural elements, like wood, for a complementary look that blends well with other colors also.

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Easily incorporate mimosa into your wardrobe with a simple scarf,nail polish or a bright headband. Look for jewelry in the yellow color - amber (especially Butterscotch Amber), citrine, sapphire, spinel, tourmaline are a few that come to mind. Consider a coat in a bold gold or mimosa color to brighten up your everyday winter look. Layer over gray tights or tees for a pretty transition into Spring.

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For late Spring and early Summer, add jewelry made of coral or turquoise to look fresh and tropical, without going overboard.

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Exerpts of articles from the Houston Examiner and Los Angeles Times.

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Halloween Fun !

Join in the fun this Halloween with some new jewelry. The top picture is a Red Coral, Orange Lampwork and Orange-Red-Yellow Glass Pendant 21 inch Necklace and Dangle Earring Set (GS121).


These last two pictures are Black Onyx and Orange Cat-Eyes Necklace and Dangle Earring sets, 22 (GS159) and 18 (GS158) inches respectively.
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More New Sets for Holiday Shows

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As the Holiday Season draws nearer and more of the Holiday Shows are taking place, keeping up with changes, requests and having adaquate stock is always a problem when everything is a one-of-a-kind item. Using varied gemstones to maintain diversity, here are a few of teh newest pieces that have been designed and created. The first to the left above is Tiger Eye, intersperced with silve rings with S's with matching dangle earrings (Gs150). The second which didn't even make it to the web-site for sale, is constructed of Afgan Lapis Lazuli and Denim Coral. Below left you will find a new set using Ruby in Zosite with Black Quartz and Silver Highlights (GS151). The other piece below which also didn't make it to teh web-site is Turquoise with Amethyst Chips and Silver Highlights (GS143).


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I hope you enjoy seeing the items as much as I enjoy making them. To see more about them and pricing, see Gemstone Jewelry Sets in the Jewelry by CnC web-site
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