SOUTHWESTERN FLAIR - Turquoise with some Tiger Iron and Crystals !

Turquoise can be combined with almost any other gemstone, and still retain that Southwestern look, because the Indians of the Southwest used whatever they could find or trade for to make their jewelry pieces.
Three large Turquoise rondels form the center of this 18 inch necklace. They are highlighted by copper and Czech Crystal faceted beads.
Tiger Iron barrels and rondels, Turquoise beads, copper highlights and Czech Crystals complete the sides of the necklace.

A 2 1/2 inch extender is used with a silver plated S-hook Clasp.
Matching silver plated French Hook earrings complete the set.

Tiger Iron is a composite gemstone of black Hematite, red Jasper and Tiger's Eye. It has rippled wavy bands of color often which resemble a scenic view. It usually has a greenish cast with shades of golden yellow, brown and reds. Marra Mamba is a form of Tiger Iron that was found only in a specific area of Australia near Mount Brockman. It is a very rare type of Tiger Iron that contains shades of green, red, blue and yellow. Since the area has been mined out for many years, very little of the "true" Marra Mamba is available in todays markets. If you want to see some, find a good collector or a museum that might have some.

Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and valuable in its finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times Turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the gemstone marketplace. The substance has been known by many names, but the word Turquoise was derived around the 16th century from the French language 'turquie', for a Central Asian material which was a very early imported through Turkey from Persia. Today, Persian and certain southwestern United States Turquoise, especially Sleeping Beauty, commend some of the highest prices paid for this gemstone. Many times on the edges of the Turquoise fields, other minerals and stones become interwined into the Turquoise or Turquoise pieces are encapsulated into the surrounding rock, thus creating unique and interesting patterns.

Czech Crystals are also used in this set.

SOUTHWESTERN FLAIR - Spikes Anyone ?

Let's go traveling thru the Southwestern United States, visiting Arizona where we have many locations to find Blue Turquoise, in Nevada we will visit the Comstock Load and get Silver and then head to Colorado where in the Thunderegg Mine we will acquire Black Agate. Throughout the centuries, the peoples of the Southwest gathered, traveled and exchanged their goods. Out of the mix comes the Southwestern Style of Jewelry.

Graduated spikes of stabilized Turquoise present a "spiked look". Black Agate (Onyx) rondels are used betwen each spike as a highlight.

Black Agate (Onyx) spheres combined with Turquoise spheres and Silver highlights on each side of the two strands of this 20 inch necklace.

The clasp is a silver plated S-hook with a 2 inch silver plated chain extender.

The French Hook earrings are silver plated filigree triangles with charms of silver, Turquoise and Black Agate (Onyx) with a 1 1/2 inch drop.

Turquoise comes in many colors, shades 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.

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.

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 - Bold and Dynamic !

In order to help the Turquoiise lover and wearer keep the price down, this 20 inch necklace is constructed of Turquoise colored Howlite. The highlight dangle pendant is 2 1/2 inches long hanging from a strand of Turquoise colored donut beads, Chalcedony beads, Smoky Quartz beads and ivory shell coin beads with silver accents. A Silver Toggle clasp completes the necklace. French Hook matching earrings of Chalcedony and Smoky Quartz complete the set.

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.

Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic. Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, blue and grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. Chalcedony occurs in a wide range of varieties. Many semi-precious gemstones are in fact forms of chalcedony.

Smoky Quartz is many times incorrectly called Smoky Topaz, this brown transparent Quartz is sometimes used for unusual faceted cuts and is quite popular in many types of jewelry. Smoky Quartz has an unusual color for a gemstone and is easily recognized and is well known by the general public. Only a few other brown or black minerals are ever cut for gemstones such as black Diamond, smoky Topaz, the very rare black Beryl or brown Corundum. Smoky Quartz is also popular as an ornamental stone and is carved into spheres, pyramids, obilisks, eggs, figurines and ornate statues. The cause of the color of Smoky Quartz is in question but it is almost certainly related to the amount of exposure to radiation that the stone has undergone. Natural Smoky Quartz often occurs in granitic rocks which have a small but persistent amount of radioactivity and/or high hot therma fissures. Most Smoky Quartz that makes its way to rock shops and to some gem cutters has been artificially irradiated to produce a dark black color. Natural Smoky Quartz comes from many sources around the world, a few of the more noteworthy locations include Brazil, the world's largest supplier; Pikes Peak area of Colorado, USA, where it is associated with green Amazonite; Arkansas, USA in the Quartz rich area around Hot Springs, and the Swiss Alps, which has produced many tons of fine specimens. Smoky Quartz is found throughout Quartz deposites found in the Granite fields of New Hampshire. It is also know as Cairngorm, as when found it reminded the early settlers of their Scottish homeland.

Shell coin beads are also used in this set.

SUMMER SENSATIONS - Time for Cool Refreshment !

This cool and refreshing Summertime necklace has a faceted freeform Hawaiian Pineapple Quartz pendant surrounded by Amazonite beads, Seraphenite barrels, gold accent pieces with peridot and peach colored crystals. Green Turquoise chips finish out the 19 inch necklace that has a hook and eye Gold Plated clasp. French Hook earrings with charmed beads and crystals complete the set.

Pineapple Quartz is a nearly transparent, light lemon-yellow light-green colored, synthetically produced glass that looks like fine Quartz that is highly prized in the Hawaiian Islands.

Amazonite (sometimes called "Amazon stone") is a green variety of microcline feldspar. The name is taken from that of the Amazon River, from which certain green stones were formerly obtained, but it is doubtful whether any green feldspar occurs in the Amazon area. Amazonite is a mineral of limited occurrence. Formerly it was obtained almost exclusively from the area of Miass, 50 miles southwest of Chelyabinsk, Russia, where it occurs in granitic rocks. More recently, high-quality crystals have been obtained from Pike's Peak, Colorado, where it is found associated with smoky Quartz, orthoclase and albite in a coarse granite or pegmatite. Crystals of amazonite can also be found in Crystal Park, El Paso County, Coorado.

Seraphinite is a trade name for a particular form of clinochlore, a member of the Chlorite group. Seraphinite apparently acquired its name due to its resemblance to feathers, such as one might find on a bird's wing. With some specimens the resemblance is quite strong, with shorter down-like feathery growths leading into longer "flight feathers"; the resemblance even spurs fanciful marketing phrases like "silver plume seraphinite." Seraphinite is generally dark green to gray in color, has chatoyancy, and has hardness between 2 and 4 on the Mohs scale. Seraphinite is mined in a limited area of eastern Siberia in Russia. Russian mineralogist Nikolay Koksharov (1818-1893) is often credited with its discovery.

Green Turquoise is a green variety of common Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times, turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the market. The substance has been known by many names, but the word turquoise, which dates to the 16th century, is derived from an Old French word for "Turkish", because the mineral was first brought to Europe from Turkey, from the mines in historical Persia. The Southwestern United States is a significant source of turquoise. The deposits of California, Arizona and New Mexico were mined by pre-Columbian Native Americans using stone tools, some local and some from as far away as central Mexico. Turquoise from these pld mines are some of the best and highly prized stones on the market today.

Crystals are also used in this set.

Transparent Crystalline Turquoise

Transparent Turquoise Crystals are extremely rare, and small. In fact, a lot of people question the existence of transparent turquoise crystals. But there are indeed formations of transparent turquoise crystals found in several locations around the world. One of the first finds was in the US State of Virginia in 1912. For many years this was the only known location where transparent turquoise had been found. But today there are several locations around the world where this rare mineral specimen has been located.
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As you can see to the left, the crystals are very, very small, averaging around 1 mm in size, and since they are on the side of the host rock formation, it is extremely difficult to get them under a microscope for imaging.
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Thanks to Robert James and the ISG for the pictures of this rare type of Turquoise.
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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - Amber & Turquoise !

Initially the Indians of the Southwest used shells, spiny oyster and some corals to add color to their Turquoise, Magnesite and Agate jewelry. From time to time traders would provide them with Amber, which was quickly incorporated into designs.

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This design incorporates Baltic Amber and stabilized Arizona Turquoise chips with a turquoise colored Howlite tear drop pendant and Black Agate (Onyx) barrels with a silver toggle clasp. Matching French Hook Amber and Turquoise chip earrings complete the set.

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To help understand the types of Turquoise on today's market. the following is provided----

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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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 at the left. 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.

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Amber - The Baltic region is home to the largest known deposit of Amber, called Baltic amber, with about 80% of the world's known amber found there. It dates back some 44 million years ago. It has been estimated that these forests created over 105 tons of amber. Because Baltic amber contains about 8% succinic acid, it is also termed succinite. It was thought since the 1850s that the resin that became Amber was produced by the tree Pinites succinifer, but research in the 1980's came to the conclusion that the resin originates from several species. Numerous extinct genera and species of plants and animals have been discovered and scientifically described from inclusions in Baltic Amber. Do NOT confuse Amber with Copal. Copal is not the fossilized, but rather an immature recent resin. Increasingly, Copal is being offered for sale, via the online auction services, gem shows, and shops, misrepresented as "Amber." The commercial value of Amber is related to its scarcity, age, inclusions of extinct species, and durability. Unfortunately, some dealers are more preoccupied with high economic returns, rather than whether or not their resin is fossil or recent. The age of Copal can vary from 50 years to 1.6 million years in age. It can be considered a semi-fossilized resin or an immature amber.

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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 colored Howlite is dyed, it also can become a very bright red color to mimic red coral, or any other color in the rainbow.

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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - Black and Blue !

Very simple and little discussion needed when it comes to this Black and Blue design.
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This very simple design uses only Turquoise, Howlite, Black Agate (Onyx) and Silver beads to obtain a total look. Turquoise colored Howlite free form mini-slabs highlight this necklace that has several sizes of Black Agate (Onyx) rounds, stabilized Turquoise rounds and silver plated barrels. French hook earrings containing stabilized Turquoise, Black Agate (Onyx) rounds and silver round beads complete the set.
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Howlite, named for its discoverer Henry How 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 colored Howlite is dyed, it also can become a very bright red color to mimic red coral, or any other color in the rainbow.
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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.

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 at the left. 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.
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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - A Crazy Stone !

In this case not a 'crazy stone' but the name applied to one of the more colorful stones in the Agate family. Agates come in all colors and designs within the stones, but one of the most popular is called "Crazy Lace Agate", coming out of the Sierra Santa Lucia and Durango areas of Mexico.

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In this design, we actually used two gemstones to highlight the piece. Three of the five puff oval Stabilized Arizona Turquoise beads make up the pendant with two more inbetween the four squares of Mexican Crazy Lace Agate. Additional stabilized Turquoise rounds and barrels and an extender with a Lobster clasp complete the necklace. Matching dangle leverback earrings finish the set.

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Crazy Lace Agate, also known as Mexican Agate, is an attractive, white, opaque stone, patterned like a beautiful, multicolored paisley cloth. It is a cryptocrystalline quartz, found in Mexico. It is almost always found composed of multicoloured twisting and turning bands and thus fits into the microcrystalline quartz family. It can range in color from brown, through the reds and yellows, to purples and even blues. Many time it is named based on its color, ie., Blue Lace Agate.

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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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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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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - a substitute for Turquoise

For ages, due to the high price of certain gemstones, cheaper substitutes have been used to provide a like end result. Howlite, colored as turquoise is one such substitute. You cannot call Howlite a fake however, because it is a real gemstone in its own right. It just so happens that when colored blue, blue-green or green that many times it mimics real Turquoise, right down to the veining. Just watch out for sellers who do not advertise the fact that they are selling this turquoise colored Howlite, and not real Turquoise.
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This necklace set combines turquoise colored Howlite half-moon beads, red colored Howlite rounds, Carnelian barrels and stabilized Arizona Turquoise discs. A 3 inch antique copper extender combines with a lobster clasp for closure. French hook dangle earrings complete the set.
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Howlite, named for its discoverer Henry How 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 colored Howlite is dyed, it also can become a very bright red color to mimic red coral, or any other color in the rainbow.
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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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Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. Similar to Carnelian is Sard, which is generally harder and darker. The difference between the two is not rigidly defined, and thus the two names are often used interchangeably. Both Carnelian and Sard are varieties of the silica mineral called Chalcedony and are colored red by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.
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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - stabilized Turquoise !

This design is based on a full strand of graduated rondel blue-green stabilized Turquoise beads. Small black Agate (Onyx) round beads separate the larger Turquoise rondels. Larger Onyx rondels are placed each side of silver-plated highlights. A hook and loop clasp completes the necklace and silver French Hook earrings match the necklace.

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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 tTrquoise 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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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). 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.

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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - Substitute for a well known Gemstone !

Over the years, due to its popularity, the price paid for Turquoise keeps going higher and higher and in many cases the availability is also becoming less and less as more mining areas are depleted and have been closed. Turquoise is normally divided into four classes, and priced accordingly.

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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. As seen to the right, a raw piece of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise from Arizona, can be 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.
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” .

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In addition to these four classes , we also have some natural gemstones that can be colored to look like Turquoise. The best known is Howlite, but some other common Turquoise colored gemstones are Magnesite and Ivoryite. Howlite, especially, is known for being colored in many colors other than Turquoise.

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This design uses turquoise colored Magnesite barrels in line with two sizes of Carnelian round and flat beads with Sardonyx barrels. The set is completed with silver French Hook earrings with a dangle of Carnelian, Sardonyx and stabilized Turquoise flats.

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Magnesite is a compound that substitutes iron for magnesium with a complete solution series with siderite. Dolomite is almost indistinguishable from magnesite. Magnesite is normally stablized and color shot except for that which is left white or ivory in color as a substitute for Ivory. Many vendors sell Magnesite as stabilized Turquoise. Also the famous Wild Horse Turquoise sold throughout the Southwest is predominately Magnesite dug from the same mines as Turquoise and many times has Turquoise as well as other minerals mixed through it to make for the beautiful designs.

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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 tTrquoise 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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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.
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Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. Similar to Carnelian is Sard, which is generally harder and darker. The difference between the two is not rigidly defined, and thus the two names are often used interchangeably. Both Carnelian and Sard are varieties of the silica mineral called Chalcedony and are colored red by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration.

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GEMSTONE JEWELRY - another use of Turquoise !

As with several of the current gemstones used in jewelry, Turquoise use goes back to the early Egyptain times and maybe earlier than that. The Native American's use of Turquoise in their jewelry, especially from the southwestern United States, where it is plentiful, and is still a favorite among men and women alike.

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In this design an unusual spiderweb Turquoise cabochon is fused with white Jade to form an intarsa pendant. Graduated Arizona Turquoise rounds and barrels complete the necklace with a silver extender and hook clasp. Silver French Hook hoop earrings complete the set.

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Intarsia (also known as Florentine mosaic, or pietre dure) are designs made by using cut gemstnes and precisely fitting them together as flat as possible to form polished pieces of gemstone so that the color, natural pattern and shape of each piece forms all or a substantial part of each item or figure in the intarsia. Intarsia has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years with the fine work of jewelry and wood artists. Working in this way, no two pieces are exactly alike. Modern Intarsia is most often seen today as concentric geometric shapes. Sometimes it can have scenic pictures made up of several precious and semi precious gemstones. Such as Rhodochrosite, Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Azurite/Malachite, Picture Jasper, Fire Opal, White Onyx, Black Onyx, Mother-of-Pearl and, occasionally, Goldstone in a variety of patterns. Each stone is individually created so it is unique. Thus we have the art of "INTARSIA."

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Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and valuable in its finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times Turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the gemstone marketplace. The substance has been known by many names, but the word Turquoise was derived around the 16th century from the French language 'turquie', for a Central Asian material which was a very early imported through Turkey from Persia. Today, Persian and certain southwestern United States Turquoise, especially Sleeping Beauty, commend some of the highest prices paid for this gemstone. Many times on the edges of the Turquoise fields, other minerals and stones become interwined into the Turquoise or Turquoise pieces are encapsulated into the surrounding rock, thus creating unique and interesting patterns. Spiderweb Turquoise is one of these such found materials.

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Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate materials. Nephrite consists of a microcrystaline interlocking fibrous matrix of the calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral series tremolite (calcium-magnesium)-ferroactinolite (calcium-magnesium-iron). The middle member of this series with an intermediate composition is called Actinolite (the silky fibrous mineral form is one form of asbestos). The higher the iron content the greener the colour. Jadeite is a sodium and aluminium-rich pyroxene. The gem form of the mineral is a microcrystaline interlocking crystal matrix.

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GEMSTONE COMBINATIONS !

To be a bit different and let my designing juices flow a bit, decided for this Spring and the upcoming ROSC Joint Services Luncheon at Lackland AFB on March 25th, to come up with some changed variety in gemstone combinations for several new Jewelry Sets..

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Turquoise, Coral and Silver is an old standby, but this time I added some Wild Horse Magnesite to the mix.

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Combining Russian Amazonite with some Denim Lapis, and an Ocean Jasper Pendant with Silver Accent Chain, makes for a totally different look.

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Silver Fresh Water Pears, Pink Zebra Jasper highlighted with pink Crystals and then twisted with a Pink Zebra Jasper Pendant gives a striking demension to this necklace.

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Peppermint Jasper inserted between various shapes of Ivoryite and Black Onyx provides a dynamic and bold look.

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And for the Classy, a Blue Chalcedony Marquise Pendant hanging from Kyanite discs, Montana and Clear Crystal rondells, provides the evening-out look.

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These and other new designs will be available on the Web-site over the next week and for those in the San Antonio area that will be attending the luncheon, please come and look at these and other new items close-up.

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