Information and Legends associated with Topaz, November’s Birthstone
by Lisa Vella

Topaz is a gorgeous gemstone found in a wide range of colors.  Striking shades of red, orange, peach, pink and gold are just a few shades of interest.  However, yellow topaz is the official birthstone for the month of November.  Commonly used as the suggested anniversary gemstone for the 4th, 19th, and 23rd years of marriage, this lovely stone has actually been quite famous throughout history.

The word topaz comes from the Sanskrit and means fire. Typically, gem connoisseurs mine it from sources in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Australia, Africa, Mexico and Pakistan.  The method most often used is surface mining or open pit mining, but sometimes underground mining is also an option depending on how deep it is in the ground.  Topaz may be found in large chunks, or in small pieces.

Interestingly enough, the most famous topaz was for years thought to be a diamond called the “Braganza Diamond.” It is also known as the “Prince Regent Diamond” because it entered the court during the regency of Prince Regent John VI.  Some describe it to be about the size of a goose egg, and say that John VI had a hole drilled in it to wear as a necklace for special occasions.

The famous “Braganza Diamond” disappeared after the death of King John VI, and no one is quite certain as to where it is today.  Some think it may be set on the Portuguese crown.  Even though it was discovered in 1797, if were a diamond, it would still be the largest and most valuable diamond ever found, but experts believe based on its color, which had been described as a dark yellow color, and other features that it truly was a topaz.

Those who are interested in seeing genuine topaz gemstones may do so at various museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the British Museum.  Their dazzling displays contain both rough and cut stones.

As with most gems that have been around for centuries, topaz have their own powers associated with them.  It was considered to heal both physical and mental disorders and even prevent death.  As for physical ailments, those with achy body conditions would wear it because they thought it cured or improved arthritis and other bone and joint dysfunctions.  In addition to those health problems those who wore it felt it improved various blood vessel and circulatory problems.

Emotionally, topaz was said to drive away sadness and even improve upon intellect, as well as bring a feeling of calm and peace to the hearts of all those who wore it.

On fun piece of folklore associated with topaz comes from the Greeks.  They believed it had powers to literally increase strength and actually make those who wore it invisible.  However, they were not the only ones to feel it had these magical powers.  The Egyptians felt if they wore it as an amulet they would be safe from injury, while the Romans were certain that it improved their eyesight.

Based on its history and beauty, those who wear topaz jewelry designs would most likely agree with St. John in Revelation who said that topaz was, “touched by the splendor of the sun.”  It truly is a splendid gem.

Women take fashion very seriously, and many view the clothes and accessories that they wear as the paint with which they create their own artistic story about who they are and who they want to be. We’ve all shopped for jewelry at big chain stores, and been disappointed with the selection and the quality of the piece that we find. If it’s not made out of plastic, it’s been mass produced by a machine in a factory, without quality or uniqueness. If you are tired of wearing the same earrings as everyone else in your community, you must seek out handcrafted earrings that have been made with care.

If you’ve never considered looking for beaded earrings that have been handcrafted by an artisan that takes pride in each piece, you should know that they are often the most stunning part of any outfit. No matter whether you like to dress in flashy, loud prints, or more subdued solid colors, there are handcrafted earrings that will compliment your style and cause other people to take notice. You will be able to wear your earrings in confidence because you know that there are only a few pairs just like it in the entire world.

When choosing your handcrafted earrings, be sure to choose styles that complement your face shape and the length of your hair. If you have longer hair, you will want to choose beaded earrings that have a longer length, so they will be able to be seen when you wear your hair down. These types of earrings typically have longer wire clasps, and will feature at least three or four different sizes and shapes of beads. If you have shorter hair, you might want to choose a lighter style that is only made of one or two types of beads.

Don’t forget that beaded earrings can often be made especially for you by the artists that design them. If you are interested in helping to design your own unique pair of earrings, of have been looking for handcrafted earrings that will match one particular outfit, but haven’t been able to find anything that satisfies you, be sure to contact the artisan about your trouble. In most cases, they are happy to work with you to develop the perfect accessory for your favorite dress or blouse. If you are interested in learning more about the wonderful world of beaded earrings, there are many places online where you can look at the work of handcraft artists.

History of Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry
- by SWCreations -

You might feel that the history of handcrafted beaded jewelry cannot possibly be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite intriguing to learn where this part of culture began. Some say that the beginnings of beaded jewelry began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and thought it was incredibly beautiful. Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways. One way is simply for beauty. Another is for value. Some would trade and buy with beaded jewelry or beads. And some cultures even used them as talisman. So how was beaded jewelry initially created? Let’s take a look.

Although a man or a woman living in those times would not possibly have any practical use for them; however, they could not carry them around without modern day bags or carrying devices, nor did they have pockets. So, as legend tells us, they attached the gemstones or beads to leather straps and wore them around their neck to create the first handcrafted beaded jewelry. Over time, handcrafted beaded jewelry started to become a status symbol. Those with power and wealth were the ones who had beaded jewelry. Beads even have been used as an item of value for which trade could be made.

Handcrafted beaded jewelry has been made out of many types of beads. Beads have been known to be made out of glass, bone, porcelain, shells, paper, clay, metals, gemstones, ivory, and even wood. Bead craftsman often held the trade secrets in confidence. They were expected to keep the bead-making skills a secret. Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves. Mass production of beads didn’t even begin until the 1800s when glass beading became widely available. It was at this time that Swarovski created their process for making their special beads which are still in high demand today. Even today, the secrets of how their beads are made are kept secret.

Different parts of the world created different types of handcrafted beaded jewelry. Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork usually included a lot of turquoise and silver. Bead making in France began as early as 38,000 BC! Worry beads, Filigree, and highly decorated ceramic beads originated in Greece, while Italy specialized in the Murano glass beads. There are dozens of other countries not yet discussed here, but beaded jewelry has a rich and vast history that is incredibly interesting. Suffice it to say that there is a rich cultural tradition with wearing beaded jewelry.

A Muted Fall/Winter Fashion Pallet—With Three Great Exceptions
- By SWCreations -

This fall and winter, fortune favors a muted pallet.  Those lucky few fashionistas that decide what everyone wears each season have given the new colors spunky names like the light tan “Nomad,” and “Iron” that is, by any other name, dark grey.  Mix these with a light rose pink, a Warm Olive, and a burnt salmon sienna, and this fall is less autumn leaves and winter cheer and more cozy gothic.  But for jewelry lovers this isn’t tragic, it’s lucky.  The muted pallet makes accessorizing with the season’s three more deeply hued colors a cinch.  They can rejoice in the gem colors American Beauty, Purple Heart, and Majolica Blue.

American Beauty is a perfectly balanced true red, flattering all skin tones.  The color is brilliant as glass beads in earrings or on necklaces and goes great with black.  The designers had a patriotic feel in mind for this tone, but this is a new red for rougher times and the tough, but still romantic, strong woman.

Purple speaks of royalty, but this is a new take on the old favorite.  No longer aloof like the old purple, Purple Heart is a little more sensual and a lot more creative.  Think eccentric high school art teacher, but with better taste in earrings.  Think handcrafted beaded jewelry, but refined and runway ready.  This purple borders on lilac but leans toward true royal purple.

Majolica.  Don’t you just want to say the word until it isn’t in season anymore?  Originally, the term “majolica” came from the ceramics of the Italian Renaissance that had an opaque white glaze with a brilliant overlay of colors.  The Victorians used the term for pottery with vibrant leaden glazes.  Majolica Blue is the same, deep, throaty, with a smoky sense of tranquility.  The new blue is a cross between 2008’s teal and traditional navy.  It complements oranges, like Burnt Sienna, and is best as handcrafted beaded bracelets resting on a Warm Olive lap.

Then there is the vixen in a woman who wishes to be covered in vibrant colors, and the mute clothing pallet isn’t good enough.  True red, rich lilac purple and deep teal have their place as overcoats, dresses, and cardigans too.  These pieces need accessories of their opposites, in their muted counterparts.  Balance is the key.  These tones become vibrant as crystal beads and on bold bangles.  Or, when in doubt, wear Majolica and sterling silver as well.

Sapphire—A Gem Fit for Royalty
written for SWCreations by Lisa Vella

For centuries, sapphires have made their mark in the history of our world.  Understandably so—they are beautiful and unique gemstones that come in many different varieties.  In 1912, the American National Association of Jewelers recognized sapphire for its wonderful qualities and named it as the official birthstone for the month of September.  It is the designated gem given for the 5th, 23rd, and 45th wedding anniversaries and if a couple is blessed enough to make it to their 65th anniversary, the unique star sapphire is often given.

The sapphire is actually a gemstone that belongs in the corundum family.  Corundum is a pure aluminum oxide mineral which is crystallized from extreme heat and pressure.  Since ancient times, Sri Lanka has been one of the largest producers of high quality sapphires, but it can be found on all continents including Burma (modern day Myanmar), South Africa, Canada, and the US.

The US has been mining sapphire since they were discovered in the gravels of the Missouri River in Lewis and Clark County, Montana in 1865.  Many other sources were soon to be discovered in Montana, followed by a discovery from the Cowee Valley in Macon County, North Carolina in 1895.

People in the US continue to mine them today, but mostly as more of a hobbyist venture than a serious business.  Tourists in North Carolina will often pay a fee to purchase buckets of gravel or to dig in designated areas in the hopes of finding sapphire or other precious gems.

The most popular color for sapphire is deep royal blue, but they can actually be found in almost all colors including pink, white, green, yellow, orange, purple, brown and even colorless.  Here are just a few different varieties:

·Bi-colored Sapphire – a sapphire with more than one color

·Cat’s Eye Sapphire – a sapphire exhibiting a “cat’s eye effect” where there is a thin band of light down the center of the stone.

·Color Changing Sapphire – a rare sapphire that exhibits different colors in different light.  In natural light the sapphire is blue, but changes to violet in artificial light.

·Fancy Sapphire – any sapphire other than blue

·Padparadschah – the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire

·Verneuil Sapphire – a synthetic sapphire – grown in a laboratory

Historically, there have been many cases in which sapphires have made their appearance.  The Stuart Sapphire, which dates back to 1214, passed through the hands of many kings and eventually ended up adorning Queen Victoria’s State Crown.  In time it was replaced by another gem, and is now on display as part of the British Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London.

Another famous account occurred when the Russian Emperor Alexander II purchased a sapphire weighing 260.37 carats for his wife, the Empress Maria Alexandrovna.  This stone is now owned by the State Diamond Fund of the Russian Federation, where it is proudly shown at their museum in Gokhran, Russia.

Sapphire hasn’t been absent in modern times either.  Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Crawford and Jean Harlowe all had sapphire engagement rings.  Perhaps the most famous account in today’s time occurred when Prince Charles gave Princess Diana an 18 carat engagement ring surrounded by 14 diamonds in an elegant cluster setting.

As with all gemstones that have been around since nearly the beginning of time, sapphire has its own folklore and legends associated with it.  It’s easy to understand why so many choose it for an engagement ring because it is associated with fidelity, compatibility, and mutual understanding.  Some of its powers are thought to include spiritual enlightenment, and the ability to heal rheumatism, colic, and mental illness. When gazing into a cool blue stone, one can easily understand how it brings peace of mind and serenity to its owner, while promoting a life of truth and sincerity.  The sapphire is truly a royal beauty.

Ruby – July’s Gemstone of Hot & Spicy Fun
- by Sarah Stephens -

Ruby is a semi-precious gemstone frequently incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found in shades of opaque or translucent red, and is widely recognized as the July Birthstone as well as the gemstone for the 15th and 40th anniversaries. But beyond its modern-day uses and associations, ruby holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. Read on for more information that will help you fall in love with your ruby jewelry – or inspire you to buy some today!

Ruby is a variety of the species Corundum, and is one of the most sought-after precious colored gems in the world. The word ruby is said to come from the Latin word “rubber” or “rubens,” which means red.

In ancient Sanskrit, ruby is called “ratnaraj,” or “king of precious stones.” Centuries ago, people believed that if a ruby were placed in a pot of water, it would cause the water to boil. People also believed that if rubies were placed beneath the skin, they would generate a mystical force field that would protect the wearer from mishaps. Red is also the color of blood–the life force of all mankind.

Ruby gemstones look best as parts of formal evening jewelry when paired with diamonds, black onyx or dark blue sapphire. More casual combinations include softer contrasts of brilliant ruby reds with clear quartz, emerald or pearls. To see a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring ruby, click here. Ruby is typically considered a sophisticated gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, it works especially well to enhance the luster of green or hazel eyes.

Rubies became a popular colored stone among European royalty and other nobility because of their intense red color. Whenever a ruby was found, the emperor/royalty sent out people to see and welcome the precious stone. The ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the God Krishna could be granted the life of an emperor in their next lives.

The ruby is often associated with the emotions of love, passion, majesty, power and anger. Rubies are also believed to open the heart, attract others, and overcome fear. They were also said to help predict the future if they change color or intensity. Rubies were first mined 2500 years ago. While they originated in Sri Lanka, today rubies are found in Thailand, Mynamar, and Kenya.

Mohs’ Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Ruby gets a score of 9, meaning that it is very scratch resistant and therefore suitable as a component of jewelry. Ruby gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic cleaners, are also okay as long as they are not oiled. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to these elements can damage semi-precious and precious gemstones and pearls.

How to Choose a Piece of Handmade Jewelry
- by Kristie Leong M.D. -

When you choose a piece of handmade artisan jewelry, you are purchasing a piece of work directly from the artist’s hands. This gives it special meaning and value. Much thought and design knowledge has gone into creating your special handmade jewelry piece. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best selection:

1. Are you buying handmade jewelry for yourself or as a gift?

Handmade jewelry makes a very special gift. It shows you’ve taken the time to find a piece of jewelry not found in a department store or produced on the mass market. This will be reflected in the beautiful craftsmanship that the individual artist adds to the piece. There’s also the option of having a custom design created by the artisan for a special, one-of-a-kind gift.. When you buy handmade jewelry, you’re getting the highest quality components and design because the artist has complete control over each phase of the process. You’ll have a unique design that you can wear with pride knowing that it won’t be seen on everyone else in town.

2. Do you like a classical look or do you lean more towards a funky, eclectic style?

If you prefer the classics, you may want to consider purchasing a simple, single stranded necklace with matching bracelet and earrings, possibly in a solid color. This kind of look never goes out of style and looks elegant with almost everything you wear. If you lean towards the funky, eclectic look, consider wearing a larger, chunkier necklace or layering several smaller necklaces for a unique and offbeat look. Who says the earrings have to match the necklace? You can choose necklace and earring combination that suits your own unique personality. The sky’s the limit!

3. What is your basic body build? Are you tall or short, petite or big boned?

If you have a petite build you may find more delicate pieces are appropriate so that you aren’t overpowered by your jewelry. A petite woman can look quite dramatic in a large necklace if it’s worn with a solid colored outfit and is the focal point of her look. In a case like this, you might want to choose a smaller, more delicate pair of earrings to avoid looking overdone. If you’re tall or larger boned, the sky’s the limit! You’ll find big and dramatic pieces to be quite flattering and you can easily pull off the layered look. Although the above is a general guideline, there are no hard and fast rules. Jewelry is all about expressing yourself the way YOU see fit!

4. What is your basic skin tone and hair color?

Again, there are no hard and fast rules here at all. Sterling silver can be particularly flattering if you have dark hair or grey undertones. Blondes tend to look stunning in gold, goldtone, and brass shades. Copper shades are just made for the rare redheads of the world, although copper looks great with almost any hair color!

Jewelry is fantastic for drawing the eye to your most flattering features and pulling the eyes away from your less desirable ones. If you have an overly round shape, a round earring shape will only accent it. Why not try an interesting drop style to draw the eye downward. If you have a long, narrow face, you might want to avoid the drop style earring and go for a shorter button type. Do you love your hands? Accent them with a beautiful handmade bracelet! Likewise a nice manicured hand can be accented with a handful of artisan rings.

As you can see, handmade jewelry can change the way you look and feel. Use these guidelines to help you select pieces that are right for you. The result will be a stunning collection of artisan jewelry that you’ll treasure for many years to come.

Pearls: Classic and Stylish
- by Linda Blatchford -

Pearls are June Birthstones: along with Pearl, Moonstone (Traditional: Alexandrite).

There is so much history about pearls that five (5) months claim them as their birthstone: February, April, June (traditional), July and November.

Pearls are an astral stone for the signs Gemini and Cancer are linked to the moon. Pearls have been called the “teardrops of the moon”. Some believe that pearls were formed by the passage of angels through the clouds of heaven.

Spiritual Benefits of wearing pearls:

* Stimulates spiritual transformation
* Promotes prosperity and success
* Encloses you with an aura of calm and beauty
* Helps with stomach, digestion and emotional stress
* Amplifies focus, meditation skills and wisdom
* Helps balance the solar plexus chakra

Over time, the pearl has become the symbol of purity and innocence and it is often sewn into bridal gowns, or worn as jewelry by the bride.

Pearls are classic, elegant and may be expensive. They are very popular at the Gem Shows.

Queen Alexandra’s Pearls*

Most fine jewellery in the 1900s was white and made from either diamonds or pearls. Queen Alexandra initially wore dog collar chokers, called a ‘collier de chien’ to cover a small scar on her neck.

For state occasions and formal events she plastered herself in arrangements of pearl necklaces.  The rarity value of real pearls then was such that an American skyscraper exchanged hands for the price of a pearl necklace . This is not as ridiculous as it seems, since fine south sea pearls still command a high price.

Pearls were very fashionable, but still very, very costly.  After the 1890s, Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan, produced highly acceptable cultured pearls by placing a small bead into an oyster shell. The bead coated itself with nacre (mother of pearl) and so good looking pearl jewels became more affordable.

Various combinations of pearl necklaces come in and out of fashion with regularity so pearls too are a must.  Both fake and real freshwater or cultured pearls are very affordable today. The price of pearls has dropped by about a fifth in the past 10 years and the Chinese are making waves in the pearl world with their cheaper prices. The Japanese have suffered disease in their pearl beds as well as facing competition and are finding it hard to compete with China’s prices.

Value of Pearls

In the early 1900’s, the financier Morton F. Plant exchanged the building for a Cartier two-strand Oriental pearl necklace much coveted by a woman he admired.

A pearl is judged by its luster, size and markings. Although baroque, or unevenly formed, pearls have often been popular, it is the perfectly round ones that are now most desired. The best have a creamy, slightly pinkish glow. Black pearls (actually, a sort of silver-gray shade) are also coveted. Pearls are measured in millimeters, with 7 to 7.5 considered respectably modest while something larger than 10 millimeters becomes pretty important. For the last 70 years, they have been ”farmed,” which means the deformities have been given a helping hand. These pearls are called cultured, and today natural pearls are extremely rare.

Most of the cultured pearls, Mr. Mondschein says, come from Japan, while the largest ones come from the South Seas, Burma, Tahiti and Australia. Pearls should always be kept in a soft pouch; they can be professionally cleaned with soap and water. ”But spray perfume is the killer,” says Mr. Mondschein. ”I’ve seen people ruin pearls that way. And once the bloom is off the pearl, it can never come back.”

As Seen In

Easy Beading Book Vol. 5
May 2009

Adventures in Color
Entwine strands of gemstones, pearls, and crystals in a multihued jewelry set.
Easy Beading Book Vol. 5 May 2009

How to Choose a Handbag to Charm Your Look
by Janet R.

Handbags are very essential especially for women. If you opt to buy a handbag, you should understand that your appearance is at stake when it comes to showing off your handbag. Therefore before buying, you should consider some points that will help you choose the one that will complement your body shape and your outfit. Remember not all purses fit every person’s appearance as well as outfit.

When you are shopping for a handbag, consider removing some options from your favorite handbag list, this can make your work easier when narrowing down your choices. There is a general rule when choosing handbags: Choose Handbags with lines that contrast with your own body shape. The contrastingly shaped handbags will balance your overall body instead attracting all the attention by strengthening the shape in your overall appearance.

Your choice should reflect your size. It is obviously inappropriate when a large person carries a small handbag and a small person carries a big handbag. These are the most common result when you don’t have an idea on how to balance your appearance to your accessory. Both of these cases doesn’t complement each type of appearances where the tall or large person should carry the large one and the small person should carry the small one also.

However, if in case a small person will need to have a more handbag space, a tote style or long clutch is perfect. A low-slung tote with long shoulder handle can add height to short or small person’s appearance, while a tall, thin person can choose handbags with round shapes. They can choose large hobo or slouch style bags.

If your body is more curvy or straight lined. It is more appropriate to choose a handbag with a shape that contrast with your body type. For curvy body, you should pick a sleek shape to make a contrasting appeal between you and your handbag. For example, a pear shaped lady will call attention to her shape with a round handbag while it should be a rectangular medium-sized structured bag. A round-shaped short lady should choose a longer hand clutch with structure or a long handled tall tote that hung from the shoulder. You also consider the shape of the wardrobe you wear when you shop. If it is for a certain purpose, for a special event for instance, think of the shape of the dress that you will be wearing as well.

A short handled purse that rest at the armpit can emphasize the bust line. If you have a large bust lines, avoid using the short handled purse, instead choose a purse with long straps. Trim waists are complemented by purses that are held at waist level by long straps.

When you look for handbags, it is important to consider several factors that can help you choose the one that will balance with your appearance. You can select purses that will complement your body shape as well as your outfit by following some simple tricks. Today, you can find wide variety of choices which not only fits your body but also your style. You can find great choices, the hottest trend today are customized purses like personalized totes, evening bags and even customized sports bags.