Again varying textures make for an interesting mix in this necklace and earring design. This time we have polished gemstone mixed with ceramic a the metalic silver.
.
A
colorful Mixed Agate shield shapped pendant becomes the highlight, with large polished Ivoryite barrels combine with Ceramic rondels and silver highlights to complete the set. The necklace is asemetric in that silver plated links extend along one side with a large decorative clasp and the Ceramic pieces are color staggered to highlight to asemetric look.
.
The set is complemented with silver French Hook earrings of matching Ceramic rondels and silver highlights.
.
Since many times there is a bit of confusion when it comes to what to call the white or ivory colored stones in this design and that many times accompany many Turquoise designs., the following is a quick explanation of the differences of this white or ivory colored material. In most cases the names are used interchangably.
.
Ivoryite is a unique variety of an extremely fine grained mineral called Magnesite. It is a naturally occuring mineral and not man-made. It is found in Arizona and quarried by hand. Ivoryite has the creamy color, smooth texture, and satin luster of natural Ivory. It is slightly harder however than natural ivory.
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.
.
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.
.
But no matter if you like real Turquoise, turquoise colored Howlite, Magnesite or Ivoryite or what is called Wild Horse, the choice is up to the buyer and what the buyer wants to pay for the item. Just make sure what is being bought and the price paid is for what the material really is and really wanted.
.
.
.jpg)
+3817.jpg)
+3789.jpg)
