An Amazing Purple Semi-precious Stone: the Amethyst
by Priyanka Arora

The term for the semi-precious stone Amethyst comes from the Greek word “Amethystos”, which means not drunken. This stone was actually believed by the Greeks of ancient times to prevent intoxication. It is also the birthstone for those people born in February.

The amethyst is a purple semi-precious stone, with its color ranging from a pale pinkish violet to a very deep purple. It is made from the chemical silicon dioxide. It has a vitreous luster and could be mined from alluvial deposits. The amethyst has a structure that is a trigonal crystal structure and has a hardness of 7 on the Moh’s scale.

This stone has several believed holistic benefits. It strengthens and improves the immune system and can alleviate stress and headache. It also provides inner peace as well as balance of the inner body. It is also believed to be very beneficial for inspiration and intuition.

There is also a Greek legend of the amethyst stone. It was said that the Greek God Dionysus, who was the God of intoxication was angry and vowed to show revenge on all mortals he came across with. Suddenly, ravishing Amethyst came along. She was turned into a gemstone and this saved her from being killed.

The amethyst could be mined in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Namibia, Zambia and in the other African countries.

In history, amethysts have been inlaid along with the jewels of the British crown, Catherine the Great’s jewelry and the personal things of Egyptian royalty. During the Victorian era, the popularity amethyst began to rise.

Beaded Jewelry
How to Find Lovely Designer Beaded Jewelry
by Imran Ali

Skillfully handcrafted designer beaded jewelry is not difficult to find nowadays. Due to the massive growth of the internet in recent years hundreds of creative jewelry designers from all over the world now display their beautiful work online. One can locate such a jewelry store and buy as many jewelry articles as they want. On these websites you will find all kinds of jewelry articles including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Some designers create wonderful beaded accessories such as eyeglass chains and cell phone fobs. One can also find different types of beads and crystals on wholesale to try making these lovely jewelry articles at home.

Handmade jewelry articles are often based on a theme. Antique and vintage themes are quite popular and well-liked by men and women of all ages. In addition to this, seasonal and holiday jewelry articles are also appreciated all over the world. Beautiful colored beads are used on these types of beaded articles to give an overall effect of summer, winter, spring or autumn. Falling leaves in gorgeous orange and cool summer breeze are popular ideas for making lovely beaded articles. You will find many themes in designer handmade jewelry which make them even more striking and wonderful.

Many of the beaded jewelry designers offer free shipping on a purchase of jewelry worth over $50 or $100. Individual bracelets and necklaces are available in the price range of $20 to $50, whereas jewelry sets can be found in the range of $70 to $150 depending on the materials used. Some designers also make use of pure 18k gold in their beaded articles. These bracelets, necklaces and earrings are a bit more costly. If you are looking for affordable designer jewelry, check out the gorgeous sterling silver collection. Stainless steel and titanium jewelry is also available in the designer category.

Designer beaded jewelry is sometimes categorized as chunky jewelry sets, birthstone jewelry, bracelets and anklets, glass jewelry, fossil jewelry, pendant necklaces, survivor bracelets, magnetic bracelets and necklaces, and wedding jewelry. In addition to these, you can also narrow down you search by specifying the color and the material you are looking for. Rare gemstones like cat’s eye, garnet, goldstone, sponge coral, sodalite, peridot and jasper are often used to make these beautiful and one-of-a-kind jewelry articles. You can also find mesmerizing Swarovski crystals in exotic colors, such as copper, Indian pink, brilliant white and emerald green.

Survivor and hope bracelets are becoming popular for spreading awareness of various diseases like breast cancer. These bracelets are made by using special charms and various colored beads. Big and chunky beaded bracelets and necklaces are loved by young girls. These bracelets are made by using large gemstones and crystals. In addition to this, borosilicate glass beaded jewelry is also very popular across the globe. This type of jewelry comes in unique and exciting designs. Grand Canyon and teardrop glass beads are exceptional and very special. If you are looking for unique gift ideas you can check out these extraordinary designer jewelry articles which are easily available on the internet.

A Charmed History: Charm Bracelets Provide Hope and Comfort Throughout the Ages
by Ron Peterson

As far back as the Neolithic era, humankind chose to carry unusual stones or a piece of wood as protection from enemies or evil spirits. During the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, the first recognizable charm bracelets and necklaces appeared. These were elaborate pieces of jewelry made of precious stones and metals. Charms were also used to identify an individual to the gods in the afterlife.

Much later during the Roman Empire, Christians identified one another with the “ichthys,” or fish charm, they carried beneath their garments to gain entry into secret worship meetings, held sometimes in the catacombs. Medieval kings and knights used charms with incantations for protection. Charms could also represent family origin, political standing and profession. During the Renaissance as superstitions faded, charms began to lose favor with the more wealthy and educated. However, in the early 20th century, it was Queen Victoria who began a charm bracelet trend among the European noble class during her reign. The Queen took to wearing a bracelet with tiny charm pictures of her children.

Charm bracelets again found an audience at the end of World War II. Soldiers returning home from overseas brought along trinkets made by local craftsmen to give their sweethearts. The charms represented miniature replicas of notable locations, such as the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. Stateside jewelers quickly caught on to the trend and began fashioning charms for all occasions. Within a decade, the charm bracelet was the must-have accessory for girls and women. Charm bracelets became popular gifts for 16th birthdays, graduations, weddings, and births of children. These tiny links to one’s personal history became deeply valued for their sentimental and material worth.

More recently, Italian charms became the rage at the turn of the Millennium. A departure from the traditional hanging trinkets, these bracelets snap into the bracelet rather than dangle from it. The flat, modular charms link together to form a bracelet, keychain or other accessory. Zoppini and Nomination are two popular makers of Italian charm bracelets. Fashion gurus like Louis Vuitton and Juicy Couture have also launched their own Italian charms.

Meanwhile, in both Europe and North America, a new modular charm bracelet trend has emerged. These modular bracelets consist of a chain onto which various beads or charms can be placed. Charms are made from gold, silver or Murano glass. The bracelet’s design allows the wearer to interchange the charms and create a totally unique look. Beads can also be worn on necklaces, rings and earrings to make a complete set.

The modular jewelry concept enjoyed acclaim in Europe before coming to the States. Inspired by Greek mythology, it combines versatility with fashion to establish beloved charm and bead bracelets. This jewelry concept also encourages creativity and individuality through its beautiful designs.

Women can create their own look and style for every whim or special moment. For example, you can design the Bohemian romantic, the elegant chic, the raw grace, the 60’s flower power, the charmed sophisticate, the billionaire, the simplistic minimalist, or the pure feminine. Modular jewelry can be used to reflect a change in mood or to express personality.

Turquoise Jewelry Marks December Birthstone In Style
by Melanie Spark

Turquoise is a semi-precious stone, which is commonly opaque (non-transparent) and features a sky-blue or greenish-blue color. Recognized as the birthstone for December, turquoise symbolizes prosperity, which means to succeed or flourish. Perhaps you choose to wear turquoise because of its relation to your birth month or maybe you enjoy wearing it as a reminder of your goals of success but, whatever the case, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy this popular gem.

Commonly used in the popular southwestern jewelry style, turquoise is a must have accessory for many. With a hardness level of 5 to 6, this gemstone offers a lustrous finish filled with natural variations in the color. In addition to its modern presence in jewelry, turquoise is very much a part of history after being valued in ancient times for use in both necklaces and bracelets.

As mentioned earlier, turquoise is available in a variety of colors. The sky-blue variation is the most desired in terms of jewelry, and is often referred to as a robin’s egg blue. Because this mineral is one of great popularity, it can also be very expensive. For this reason, many jewelry lovers turn to simulated turquoise in an effort to enjoy the same look as the genuine mineral at a fraction of the cost. When set in sterling silver, a precious and durable metal, the beauty of turquoise comes to life in all types of designs. From pendants to rings and even earrings, this simulated mineral looks identical to the real thing and can even provide a bolder look for the money.

For those who aren’t already familiar with turquoise, it’s appearance is unmistakable. A smooth rock-like gemstone featuring the color variations mentioned earlier in this article is one way to quickly identify this popular mineral. To the touch, turquoise feels like a polished, tumbled rock and offers a shiny surface. Unlike most other gemstones, turquoise is opaque, which means it cannot be seen through. When you think of a traditional gemstone, you may think of a faceted stone such as topaz, citrine, amethyst, etc. A turquoise, on the other hand, showcases its beauty on the surface alone.

If you are in the market for turquoise, consider both price and style when choosing the perfect jewelry accessory. While the genuine gemstone may be more expensive, the simulated mineral may be more suited to your budget and lifestyle. If you are a lover of blue or green and can appreciate the look of southwestern flair, turquoise may be the choice for you. When set in sterling silver, the true colors of this popular find are more vibrant than ever.

Speaking of sterling silver, this precious metal is both durable and affordable. As that which is stronger than some types of gold, sterling silver is the choice of many who either appreciate the crisp look of a white metal or who simply understand the value of a dollar. Because it is a precious metal, sterling silver is designed to last a lifetime with the proper care. Regular polishing to minimize tarnish and a nice storage area are all that’s needed to keep your sterling silver looking bright and beautiful. When you add turquoise to the mix, you’re sure to have a winning combination.

Amethyst – Tears of Beauty
by Melanie Spark

The Amethyst Gemstone is a semi-precious jewel of violet or purple colour that is available in many different shapes and sizes and is a common form of transparent crystallized Quartz. Amethyst is the Birthstone for the month of February and is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Russia, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as Namibia, Zambia and a few other African countries, within the United States of America, Arizona is a good source of Amethyst. The purple colouring of the Amethyst is caused by impurities of iron and manganese.

Amethyst compliments both warm and cool colours so it does look good set in white and yellow metals, many of today’s designers favour the Amethyst as the ideal Gemstone for use in Jewelry because of it’s royal colouring and the sheer variety of shapes and sizes available to use. The stone is also very affordable and the wide tonal range from pale lavender to dark purple gives the designer a lot of scope to work with. Stones from South America tends to be available in larger sizes than African Amethyst but the African offerings have a reputation for better, more saturated colours in the smaller sizes. When Amethyst is heated it turns yellow and a lot of yellow Topaz and Citrine seen today comes from the use of this treatment, although Citrine is available naturally it is very rarely found.

Fine examples of this lovely stone are featured in the British Crown Jewels and they were also a favourite of Catherine the Great, as well as Egyptian royalty, it is believed that the tears of the gods had stained the Quartz purple and created the Gemstone we know today. Because Amethyst Gemstones were thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety, the stones were very important in the ornamentation of Catholic churches in the middle ages. In Tibet the Gemstone is considered to be sacred to Buddha with rosaries being fashioned from it, therefore the jewel is believed to be an excellent stone for meditation.

The healing power of the stone is said to be good for addictions, helping with arthritis, headaches, blood sugar levels, brain imbalances and a remedy for stomach disorders. The jewel is also said to bring serenity and calm and to better one’s ability to assimilate new ideas. The famous Leonardo Da Vinci once wrote that Amethyst Gemstones were able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence; the stone is also believed to bring money and success to the wearer and to aid in general healing after an illness or operation. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing Amethyst Jewelry would keep the effects of intoxication at bay, so strong were there beliefs that even drinking vessels and amulets were made from this lovely jewel.

It is possible to find Ametrine crystals, these are part Amethyst and part Citrine and often contain a number of inclusions where the colours change. Some examples of this Gemstone have been known to lose colour with continued exposure to sunlight but the original colouring can be restored by x-ray radiation. Like all varieties of Quartz, Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale so care should be taken when wearing the stone. Above everything the Amethyst is a beautiful Gemstone and blend this with the fact that it is very popular with designers, means there is a lot of variety in jewelry stores to tempt you to purchase this very affordable Gemstone.

July’s Birthstone: Ruby Passions
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray

July’s birthstone is ruby. Given that July is a month dedicated to Julius Caesar—a dictator who died in a pool of his own blood–the red gemstone seems somehow appropriate. But then, July has always been a month for red hot passions, whether murderous rages or ardent love affairs. In that respect, with its own internal fire, ruby is the ideal birthstone for the hottest month of the year.

Because ruby represents such fiery human passions, it’s a common alternative to diamond for engagement rings. This might also be because ruby is the red variety of corundum, an extremely durable mineral that scores a 9 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, second only to diamonds. As a birthstone it rates highly because of this hardness and also because it doesn’t require special care.

Whereas diamonds and most other translucent gemstones are valued primarily for their clarity, color is the most important factor for rubies. This is because it’s nearly impossible to find a flawless ruby. Inclusions are the main way that experts can tell genuine rubies apart from synthetics or simulated rubies. So while rubies range from orange to purple, the richer the red, the more costly they are.

In truth, there is something of a special glow to the reddest of the red rubies. Since ancient times, ruby admirers have commented on the stone’s ability to cast fiery light. Chinese Emperors claimed they could light up banquet halls with rubies alone. These stories are certainly exaggerated, but may have originated from an actual scientific property of rubies called fluorescence. Under certain conditions, a ruby absorbs blue light, goes into an excited state, and emits radiation on the red end of the spectrum. This quality led scientists to choose rubies for the creation of the first lasers.

But before July’s birthstone was put to use in modern technology, ruby beaded jewelry was prized purely for its symbolic qualities. For thousands of years, rubies have been one of the most sought after gems on earth, and one of the rarest. Ruby was one of the twelve gemstones on the breastplate of Aaron in the bible and has always represented fire and blood. Moreover, royals believed that if held by its rightful owner, ruby beaded jewelry would change color to warn of danger. Most famously, Katherine of Aragon is said to have foreseen her fall from political grace when her ruby darkened.

Ancient Indians called ruby the “king of gemstones” and when a large ruby was found, a diplomatic envoy was sent to officially greet the stone as if it were a demi-god. Ruby beaded jewelry was also prized by warriors who thought it stimulated their courage and willingness to die for a cause they passionately believed in.

As you can see, rubies have never been associated with any of the soft and lofty emotions that other gemstones bring to mind. Ruby is not meant for cool tempers and tender sentiments. It is a July birthstone, after all, meant to be worn by moody Cancers and fiery Leos. Intensely red and passionately beautiful, July’s birthstone continues to blaze its way through history as one of our most cherished treasures.

Links:

Wikipedia on Rubies

International Colored Gemstone Organization on Rubies

June’s Birthstone: The Ethereal Pearl
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray

Pearl is June’s birthstone, lending its ethereal beauty to the traditional month for weddings. Since ancient times, when the month was dedicated to the Roman Goddess of marriage, it has been considered good luck to take marriage vows beneath June’s sunny skies. Even today, one cannot imagine June without conjuring images of brides in lace and, of course, pearls.

Pearls glow with an iridescent luster and represent both purity of heart and mystery of spirit. Purity for its spiritual iridescence, mystery because the ancients didn’t know where pearls came from. The Greeks hypothesized that pearls were the hardened teardrops of Aphrodite, born of the sea. The Chinese suspected that pearls were petrified dragon brains. Arabs believed that pearls were solidified moonlight.

The actual explanation for the formation of pearls is just as fanciful. Unlike gemstones which are embedded in the earth through geological processes, June’s birthstone is the product of biology. To be precise, pearls are created by mollusks when an irritant is trapped inside its shell.

Much like humans develop hard layers of skin called calluses to protect us from irritation, pearl oysters coat the invading particle with a layer of nacre—a hard smooth substance. Over time, layer upon layer of nacre covers the irritant—the more layers, the more lustrous the pearl.

Round pearls are the most famous, but June’s birthstone comes in a variety of shapes. Beyond a simple strand of pearls, pearl beaded jewelry is very popular with brides. So-called ‘coin’ pearl beaded jewelry is made with flattened disk shape pearls. There are also irregularly shaped pearl beads known as ‘nugget pearls’ and even long ‘stick’ shaped pearls that make more natural beaded jewelry.

Though elegant bridal white is the color most frequently associated with June’s birthstone, pearls also come in pink, yellow, grey and black. Natural black pearls are the most valuable because of their rarity. Pearls are also valued by their shape—perfectly round ones being the most expensive.

Though beautiful, genuine pearl birthstone jewelry requires more care than other gemstones. Pearls can lose their iridescent luster if left in a dry environment, so it is recommended that you wear your pearl birthstone jewelry often to keep it moist with your own skin oil. On the other hand, you should avoid showering or otherwise soaking pearl jewelry in water.

Softer than other gemstones, pearls can be chipped and scratched or otherwise ruined if not treated delicately. In fact, one of the most famous stories about pearls centers on its destruction.

They say Cleopatra of Egypt once wagered Marc Antony that she could hold the most expensive banquet in history. To make good on her bet, she took one of her pearl earrings—one of the largest pearls in the known world—and dropped it into a cup of vinegar. When the pearl dissolved, she drank it as wine. He was apparently so impressed that he forsook his wife and took Cleopatra as a lover.

This story about Cleopatra was perhaps propaganda invented by her enemies to destroy her reputation. After all, with June’s birthstone representing purity and marriage, what could it say about Cleopatra that she was willing to destroy such a valuable pearl for Antony? True or not, the story painted Cleopatra as an ancient home wrecker which goes to show you the important symbolism and mysterious power of June’s birthstone—the ethereal pearl.

Links:

Wikipedia on Pearls

International Colored Gemstone Organization

Dazzling Drusy Crystal: A Hot Item in Today’s Jewelry Market
written for SWCreations by Lisa A. Vella>

One form of quartz crystal that is becoming more popular among jewelry designers today is known as the Drusy (pronounced DREW-zee) mineral. Oddly enough, there are many different spellings, including “druzy,” “drusie,” “druse,” and even “drusies.” The word itself originated from the German word, druse, and is defined as a beautiful grouping of very tiny crystals that grows on the surface of a stone. It is also not uncommon for drusy to form in the cavity of a geode or larger pocket of a mineral deposit.

When ground water carries dissolved silica and forces it into a porous area of a rock, rapid cooling occurs. Tiny crystals, the drusy crystals, then form on the surface or in the cavity of that rock. It may be composed of the same material as the base rock, or it may consist of a layer of clear quartz over different material. Chrysocolla, azurite, malachite, and uvarovite (pronounced oo-vare-oh-vite) are just a few of the many forms of drusy out there.

Up until about ten years ago, drusy minerals were of little interest to most, but their use to gem carvers and jewelry designers has raised awareness and notoriety to the general public. Perhaps one reason for its sudden popularity is because it has so many unique characteristics. The crystal clusters grow in outward facing positions and are angular in shape. Its basic structure, which resembles sugar crystals, is very interesting in appearance, but when forming in its natural state may take a long time to grow.

Most non-quartz species are natural and come in a multitude of colors—also an attractive feature for jewelry designers and connoisseurs alike. It forms in colors of green, blue, black, white, orange, and even polka-dot. It may be surprising to know that even colors such as hot pink (cobalto-calcite) and multi-colored (rainbow pyrite) forms of drusy occur in the natural world—not at all color-enhanced by man.

The fact that it has been around for thousands of years, makes it popular among the general public. It is strongly associated with interesting folklore and healing properties that give it additional appeal. Many who wear it even today believe in its powers—just as those of ancient times did.

Generally speaking, all drusy crystal is thought to help promote inner strength, and is even believed to encourage ideas or thought forms to grow. Specific forms of the stone, however, are known to have their own individual benefits. For example, Chrysocolla, a light green or sky blue stone promotes creativity, female energy, communication, and even aids in the relief of ulcers and arthritis. It is also associated with peace, patience, and unconditional love. Malachite, on the other hand, has powers of protection, success in business, and was often worn to detect impending danger. It was thought to break into tiny pieces when danger was near. Folklore says that Azurite, named after its azure or deep-blue color, was used in ancient cultures to contact divine consciousness. For this reason it was also known as “the stone of heaven.” It’s purifying effect on the mind and body helped one connect with the highest wisdom.

People appreciate drusy crystal for many different reasons. For some, it’s for its aesthetic beauty. For others, it’s for its healing powers and nurturing properties. Whatever the reason, it is certainly considered nothing less than a lovely gift from nature.

Work at Home Mom – WAHM
by Stephanie A White

Working from home can be a very rewarding job.  It is such a gift to be able to see your kids off to school and be there when they return home.  There are more than 10 million Work at Home mothers ranging from your crafty mom to your data entry computer job mom.   With gas prices still on the rise you might welcome not having the daily commute and shelling out all that money.

If you are currently looking for something to do from home you need to be on the alert for the Work at Home scams.  Just remember that old saying, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”  If they are asking you for money to help you find a position this should be a red flag.  Real opportunities do exist, but you will have to exercise discretion to determine if the position is real or a scam.  This would be an excellent time to have your guard up and take the time to do the research.  After all anyone, even scam artists, can build a presentable convincing website these days.

These are some good tips and words of caution:

• ·         If they are asking for money, NEVER send money; legitimate recruiters or employers will never ask you for money.

• ·         Check and see if the opportunity comes from a real website.  If you are not familiar with the company do some additional research.

• ·         Look through websites to locate information about the company, such as; address, email, and telephone number.  You may have to do a Whois.net search to see detailed contact information.

• ·         Filling out the forms could be a scam to get your email address, so be sure you thoroughly do your homework on every website, before giving out your personal information.

• ·         Watch out for the ‘Act Now!’ statements.  Although you do not want to miss out on an opportunity, be patient no legitimate company will hire you on the spot.

• ·         If the income they promise seems too incredible or they promise you will only have to work a few hours a week, be very cautious.  This is one of those ‘too good to be true’ red flags.

A good place to start is to determine what your areas of interest are.  Also, what fields are you experienced in? The odds are if you like what you do you will probably enjoy doing it more.  Someone once said “if you love what you do, the money will follow”, and I can attest to that statement.    If you are starting your own business it can take 2-3 years to get the business off the ground.  Starting an online business can be very rewarding but will still require work and research to climb to the top of the search engines.  It is possible to create a successful internet business that requires less overhead.

If your Work at Home business does become successful you will have to learn how to balance working from home with managing your family.  It is possible to use a content management system to build just about any type of online business.  The content management software programs require a learning curve, but they are easier to manage on the day to day basis.  In the beginning you will have more than enough time to expand your topics of interest although as your business grows you may find it is more than one person can handle.  Unless your company is producing enough to hire outside help you will want to avoid spreading yourself too thin; after all there is only so much one person can do in one day and still have time for her family.

http://workathomesuccess.com/scamalert.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_at_home