Hiya!

It is a rainy, cool day.  I’m glad it is raining as it makes for a much easier time to have what I call my “office day.” Office day, usually on Mondays, is when I do some of the mundane and not so creative tasks of running a business.

One of my favorite gemstones is azurite.  I love the deep blue “azure” color of the gem for which it is named. The color is reminiscent of the deep blue evening skies often seen above deserts and winter landscapes.  Azurite is a soft copper mineral that is produced by the weathering of copper ore deposits.

Azurite from my collection

Azurite from my collection

Azurite from my collection

Azurites will most often be mixed with malachite, another copper carbonate mineral.

azurite and malachite
from CKS gemstone collection

It can also be found mixed with cuprite or cooper oxide.  This mixture is known as burnite.   Azurites, malachites and cuprites are idiochromatic meaning they receive their color from copper.

However, the mixture of copper creates very different colors in each of these gems.  Azurites are always blue, malachites are always green and cuprites are always red.  when they occur mixed these minerals appear as bands of distinctive color.  More on malachites and cuprites in a later blog.

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malachite from personal collection

azurite from personal collection

Some of the most famous sources for azurite are Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.  Mexico, Namibia, the Congo Morocco and Australia are additional sources of azurite.  At one time notable azurite was found in Chessy near Lyon, France and French azurite was sometimes referred to as chessylite.

Azurite is not a common or an abundant mineral.  But its deep blue color gets people’s attention, mine included!  Since ancient times the gemstone has been used as an ore of copper, as a pigment dye, as a gemstone and for ornamental stone.  These are still its most common uses today.

Along with making some striking jewelry, azurites are said to help enhance creativity, intuition and inner wisdom!  They can help one to get and maintain focus.  It is an excellent stone to sit on your workbench or desk when you are working on a project and need to stay laser focused! If you are having a mental block, gaze at azurite.

alisa bracelet from MAE artisan jewelry

anwen from MAE artisan jewelry

araminta ring from CKS jewelry

Azurites may help to cleanse and strengthen emotions, leading to courage while releasing stress, and overcoming grief and sadness. Azurites may even be beneficial in helping to treat arthritis and joint problems, detoxifying the liver, gallbladder, spleen and kidneys.

Azurites require a bit of special consideration when caring for them.  They are a relatively soft stone and somewhat brittle.  They can gradually lose their color when exposed to air, heat and light.  Store your azurite gems jewelry in sealed darkness, away from your other jewels!  Clean only with water mild detergent, I like dawn for my personal jewels, and a soft brush.  Old toothbrushes make great jewelry cleaners!

Until next time, stay safe, stay well!

ENJOY!!

cheryl

Despite the fact that I have spent the last 3 months mostly at home the time seems to be flying by!  Can you believe it is already June?  We are heading into the summer months.  I know many of us aren’t yet venturing out a whole lot, thus probably not wearing a whole lot of jewelry either!  As we do start to venture out we will once again be wearing jewelry. With warmer temperatures and summer fast approaching, we may not wear as many necklaces as we normally do, but when we do we will want to look our best.

Choosing the “right” necklace length for the neckline we are wearing doesn’t have to be complicated! The jewelry industry has “standard” necklace lengths of 14”, 16”, 18”, 20” 24” 28” and 32”- 36” necklaces.  In the US the length is stated in inches and is usually an even number.  You will see variations on these “standard” lengths.

There are no steadfast rules and you can certainly find necklaces of all lengths.  Many designers myself included, don’t necessarily follow the standard!

With so many neckline styles and virtually any length necklace we want, how do you choose what length looks best?  Not only should you consider which length necklace works best with different necklines but one should also take into consideration, neck size, height, face shape and body type.  Let’s not forget personal preference!  Personally, I don’t wear chokers. I feel a bit like I’m suffocating when I put one on.  For the same reason I don’t wear turtlenecks either!  I will talk more on these aspects in another blog.  Today I’m going to concentrate on matching the length of necklaces to neckline styles.

The three most common necklines are V-neck, boat neck, and scoop neck.

There are many variations on these neckline types and countless additional styles.

A general rule of thumb is that, if you are wearing necklines that expose your neck, you should go for choker and collar length necklaces (usually between 14 and 18 inches long). The more bare skin that surrounds a collar or choker, the more such necklace would stand out.  18” necklaces are the most common and perhaps the most versatile.  Most women can wear an 18” necklace no matter their neck size, their face shape or their body type.  18” necklaces are often referred to as princess necklaces.

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ava necklace from CKS jewelry

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An 18” necklace will fall just below the throat at the collarbone. It is a popular length for adding pendants. They work best with collared, sweetheart and crew necklines.

If you have an especially thin neck, if you are rather short or you simply want a necklace that lies closer to your throat opt for a 16” necklace referred to as collar necklace.  Collar necklaces fall perfectly around the base of your neck.  Keep in mind as with any necklace length it will hit each gal or guy slightly different.  On a petite woman it may hit on the collarbone like an 18” necklace on an “average” woman whereas on a full figure woman it may fit more like a choker.

diana necklace from CKS jewelry

16” necklaces look smashing with several necklines, including sweetheart, boat neck and v-neck.  Avoid any necklines that “hide” the necklace.

A choker is normally about a 14” necklace. The choker gets its name from you guessed it!  It fits high and snug around the neck.  It looks spectacular with open necklines.  Think strapless and off the shoulder.

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https://www.halsteadbead.com/

Matinee, 20” necklaces fall a few inches below the collarbone. Matinee necklaces are versatile as they work for both business and casual wear and hang beautifully on a variety of necklines.  They are perfect for a low, plunging neckline, can be worn over a turtleneck as well as necklines that are collar, scoop, boatneck and crew!

https://www.halsteadbead.com/

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24” inch necklines, referred to as opera length are an excellent choice for evening wear.  Which is why they are named opera necklaces!  They are also ideal for collar, scoop, boatneck and crew.  Opera necklaces fall below the neckline.

fiona necklace from CKS jewelry

cassandra necklace from CKS jewelry

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28” rope necklaces are seen as more formal than shorter necklaces.  They will hang right at the bosom.  Remember the eye will be drawn to the necklace so if you don’t want to draw attention there, don’t go there!  That goes for any necklace length. Rope necklaces are nicely worn with turtlenecks, scoop necks and boatnecks.

https://www.halsteadbead.com/

34” – 36” necklaces are commonly called lariats even though they aren’t necessarily a lariat sytle!  These lengths will fall below the bosom.  Wear longer necklaces with elegant evening wear or business wear.  Match longer lengths to turtlenecks and scoop necks.

The above is a guide.  We all know what we like and what we feel good in.  Like with all fashion, it’s ok to bend and even break the rules!

Until next time, stay safe, stay well!

ENJOY!!

cheryl

Hiya!

I am not one to voice my opinion on the many “issues” and politics going on.  But, it deeply depresses and saddens me to see what is happening in our world today.  I believe in justice and equality for ALL peoples!  I don’t understand why we can’t all just “be nice” to one another and treat and respect others the way we want to be treated and respected.  On to a happier note.

Coco Channel was known for her pearls. “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” – Coco Chanel Pearls are classic.

“Pearls are always appropriate.”  – Jackie Kennedy

And, pearls are June’s birthstone.  Happy Birthday June!

Pearls have been valued as gemstones for millennia.  However, unlike other valued gemstones; diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires pearls are certainly gems but not stones!  While these others form as minerals underground, pearls have organic origins.  Pearls are somewhat a freak of nature!  Unlike gemstones which are mined from the earth, a living organism produces a pearl.  A pearl is formed when an irritant of some sort like a shell or parasite becomes lodged in an oyster’s soft inner body causing the oyster to secrete a crystalline substance building up around the irritant thus forming a pearl!

Pearls are the world’s oldest gems. Pearls were first recorded in history by a Chinese historian in 2,206 BC.  There was a fragment of pearl jewelry found in the tomb of a Persian princess dating back to 420 BC and is now on display at the Louvre in Paris.

Historically pearls were found in the Persian Gulf.  Today, however natural pearls are extremely rare as most already have been harvested.  Cultured pearls are grown in pearl farms.  Pearls can be found in both saltwater and in freshwater.  Saltwater pearls include akoya pearls grown in Japanese and Chinese waters.

Australia, Indonesian, and the Philippines produce the South Sea pearl the king (largest) of all pearls.

Tahitian pearls not only come from Tahiti but are grown on several French Polynesian Islands.  They are collectively called black pearls, but naturally occur in gray, blue green and purple as well as black.

Freshwater pearls are grown in freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds, predominately in China.  Many are white and resemble the akoya cultured pearl.  They can however, be produced in various shapes, sizes and pastel colors!

Imitation pearls are usually a coated glass bead.  It is possible to distinguish imitation pearls from cultured or natural pearls but it can be a challenge to tell the difference between cultured and natural pearls as many pearls often undergo treatments to increase their luster or alter their color.

I am sure you have heard the expression “pearls of wisdom.”  Pearls are known to symbolize wisdom acquired through experience. They are believed to attract wealth and luck as well as offer protection. Pearls are known for their calming effect.  They can help to balance one’s karma, while strengthening relationships. The pearl is also said to symbolize the purity, generosity, and integrity which is one reason why many times brides often wear pearls!

Even if you are not a June baby, “Pearls are always appropriate.” – Jackie Kennedy

Until next time, stay safe, stay well!

ENJOY!!

Hiya!

How is everyone doing out there?  Is your state starting to open up?  Are you beginning to venture out more?  Will you go out more even if you can?  So many questions and so few answers.

It does us no good to dwell on the unknown so let’s jump in!  With gold prices on the rise again, as of writing this, gold is currently at $1,736.20/oz, is there an alternative?   Granted there is nothing quite like the lustrous shine of gold but have you considered brass?  Before balking at the thought of wearing brass jewelry, is there really that much difference in the way it looks.  Would you even be able to tell the difference?

Gold is a rare metal found in nature in quartz veins.  24kt gold is considered pure gold.  To learn more about the purity of gold read my blog “The Gold Standard” dated February 24, 2020. Gold is known for its bright, lustrous yellow color.  Gold is very dense but also very “soft” which is why jewelry is rarely 24kt gold! It is most often mixed with other metals which gives it its different colors of white, rose, and green.  More on the colors of gold in a future post.

Gold does not tarnish or rust.  It does not react with most acids, even though it can be dissolved in aqua regia, which is a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids and also cyanide.  Jewelry is the biggest use of gold.

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repost https://zorandesignsjewelry.com/

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Some other common uses are investment purposes, in dentistry for fillings, crowns and bridges, in electronics and computers and in medals and statues.

Like gold brass also has warm yellowish tones. It can gleam as “good as gold” but will often times appear duller and not quite as yellow.

Brass is not a pure metal.  It is an alloy of copper and zinc.  By varying the amount of copper and zinc mixed, different varieties of brass can be produced.  Brass does react to many acids and is magnetic.  Gold is not magnetic.  Brass will tarnish over time.

Because of brass’ malleability, durability, workability and its close resemblance in looks to gold it too can make beautiful jewelry!

from MAE jewelry

CKS jewelry

MAE jewelry

Aside from jewelry brass has numerous applications and is used in making musical instruments, decorative items, machinery and household items.

There are a few telltale signs which can help you determine if a piece of jewelry is gold or brass.  Color, despite the resemblance, is still a good way to determine what metal you are looking at.  Gold is shinier and yellower!  Gold will leave a gold mark when scratched across unpolished ceramic. Brass, however will leave a black streak when scratched across the same surface.  Gold is quite dense. Brass is not.  Simply toss the object in the air or quickly raise and lower it.  Gold will feel heavier.

A couple of other ways to test whether something is gold or brass is using an acid test.  Brass will react gold will not.  If the item is showing signs of tarnish it is definitely brass!  Brass is magnetic, so taking a magnet to the piece can help determine if something is brass or pure gold.  It is possible that gold can still be slightly magnetic if mixed with other metals.

Jewelry will most likely have a mark identifying its purity.  Finally, look at the price.  Is it expensive?  It’s certainly got to be gold!  Ok, it might still be brass, and whoever made it or is selling it may be trying to make you think it is gold or might just be REALLY proud of the work!

Until next time, stay sale, stay well!

ENJOY!!

cheryl

Hiya!

Are you feeling a bit “ungrounded” during the coronavirus pandemic?  You may want to consider carrying hematite in your pocket, wearing it around your neck or on your finger!

Hematite gemstones have powerful grounding capabilities.  Hematite aids in clearing and activating the root chakra, which is our energy center that anchors us to the earth providing balance and stability within our lives.

Hematite assists mental functioning.  It aids concentration and memory.  It can help to boost self-confidence and self-worth instilling a deep inner peace.  Hematite’s greatest use is the said ability to dissolve all forms of negativity.  Hematite rings have been known to burst when filled with negativity. If this should happen to you, don’t be alarmed, but do get a new hematite!

Hematite was once mined at thousands of locations throughout the world.  Today most ore from hematite is now produced in China, Australia, Brazil, India, Russia, Ukraine, South Africa and the United States.  Hematite is one of the most abundant minerals on the earth’s surface.  It is an iron oxide that is dense and hard, it is the most important ore of iron because of its high iron content and its abundance.

It naturally occurs as black or silver gray, brown to reddish brown or red.

The name “hematite” is derived from the Greek word “haimatos” which means “blood red”. One identifying characteristic among hematite, no matter its color is that it will produce a rusty red line.  Sure enough!  I tested it. As you can see it did indeed make a rusty red line.

Turgite is a mixture of hematite and goethite, also known as rainbow hematite.

Specular hematite is a mixture of hematite and mica.

Primitive peoples discovered that hematite could be cursed and mixed with a liquid to be used as paint, and in cosmetics.  Today, hematite continues to be one of the most important mineral pigments.

In the jewelry industry it is used to make a polishing compound know as red rouge used to polish brass and other soft metals.  Hematite is used to produce cabochons and beads used for making jewelry.

Tumbled hematite stones are used as healing stones.

Stay “Zen” during these troubled times with gems of hematite!

Until next time, stay home, stay safe, stay well.

ENJOY!!

cheryl

I am sitting outside writing my blog and watching Luna catch and eat bugs, as I go into my 7th week of “stay at home.”

Quarantine has not been that bad! One of the worse things (for me) has been not having anything to look forward to. Gone are our wine Wednesdays out. My jewelry workshop in June has been canceled. Our trip to Dubai in November most likely will be canceled and countless other events will not take place. One good thing about all this is that it has given me time to slow down a bit, stop and enjoy the little things.

What comes to mind when you think of turquoise? Do you love it or hate it?

You may not realize this, but there are actually several “varieties” of turquoise, many of which are not what you think of when you think of turquoise!

Natural turquoise is found in dry climates around the world. Mainly Mexico, Iran, China and in the U.S. Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. While the characteristics of turquoise are very similar, different places and mines around the world produce slightly different variations. I could not find a source that said exactly how many different types of turquoise there were. I did find a source that had identified 75 different colors!

Turquoise range from different shades of blue to shades of green.

Some have matrix while others do not.

The result of the different shades of green to blue of a certain mine is due to metal content. Generally the higher the copper content the bluer the stone. The higher the iron content the greener the stone. I am going to touch on just a few turquoise types that I’m either familiar with or that I have in my personal stash of gems

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Iran has been mining turquoise for over a 1,000 years in the Nishapur region. Originally the intense blue of this turquoise was known as “robins’ egg blue, sky blue, or Persian blue. Today these terms are used to describe turquoise’s color no matter the source. Robins’ egg blue, sky blue, or Persian blue is the most highly valued and sought after turquoise.

China is the largest producer of turquoise today. Most of the turquoise produced in China comes from the Ma’anshan and Hubei mines. Chinese turquoise comes in all grades from very poor color and hardness to very hard and high grade color. The color can range from very pale green to a gray blue to deep blue to the most sought after sky blue! Much of the Chinese turquoise has a matrix of dark brown or black. Turquoise with matrix is often not quite as sought after as turquoise without. It truly is a matter of personal preference! Matrix in turquoise can produce some beautiful spider web patterns each making for a unique gemstone.

The U.S. produces quite a few varieties of turquoise. Three of my personal favorite are Boulder, Carico Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Boulder turquoise, also known as Royston Ribbon because much of the boulder turquoise comes from the famous Royston Mine in Nevada. Boulder turquoise is derived by stone cutters taking the natural vein of turquoise and cutting by following the vein through the host rock creating a ribbon or splotches of turquoise.

Carico Lake turquoise is named after the mine’s location on a dried up lake bed in a high altitude area of Lander County, Nevada. Carico Lake turquoise is quite different in that is can come in both bright blue and bright green, sometimes together!

Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine is located in Globe, Arizona. Some say the mountain from which sleeping beauty turquoise comes from looked like a lady with her arms crossed. Like that from the storybook “Sleeping Beauty.” The mountain was named long before the mine opened. But it adopted the iconic name. Sleeping beauty turquoise has the much sought after robin’s egg blue color with no or very little matrix. It closely resembles the turquoise from the old Persian Turquoise mines. The Sleeping Beauty turquoise mine was once one of the largest producers of turquoise in the United States. The mine was closed in 2012.

The above mentioned varieties are to name just a few! Turquoise is not only a unique and beautiful gem but it is said to have many beneficial properties. Turquoise is a purification stone. It is said to dispel negative energy and can be worn to protect against outside influences or pollutants. It is an excellent stone for depression and exhaustion. Turquoise promotes self-realization and assists in creative problem solving. It is a symbol of friendship and can help stimulate romantic love!

Who couldn’t use a little turquoise in their life right about now? Shop CKS jewelry for turquoise and more!

Until next time, stay home, stay safe, stay well!
ENJOY!!
cheryl

How is everyone doing out there?  Welcome to another week of “stay at home!”  I am wishing and praying that this will all soon end, but until it does, I am busily working on jewelry and creating.  I am grateful that I can still do what I love.

Even though opal gemstones are most commonly associated with being the birthstone for October, they are also an alternative birthstone to the traditional diamond for April. Opal flashes of color can be every color of the spectrum.  Opals can have an intensity and fire of color that surpasses that of diamonds. The best of the best of opals can demand prices that not only rival diamonds but the other precious gemstones, sapphire, rubies and emeralds as well.

White opal also known as milky opal is likely the one that comes to mind when you think of opal. It is capable of displaying any combination of the spectral of colors including but not limited to red, blue, purple and green.

white opal

Ethiopian Opal Bracelet by MAE artisan jewelry

There are many different types of opal.  One of the most common opal is called just that “common opal.”  Don’t let the name fool you though.  Even though it does not have the flashes of color which most opal is known for, it is anything but common.  Common opal can be found in a spectrum of colors including pastel colors of pink, blue, yellow and green.

pink opal

blue opal

The most ‘uncommon’ opal is black opal. They are the rarest and most valuable.  Lighting Ridge in New South Wales is home for black opal.

Another very popular opal is fire opal.  As the name implies it is known for its intense red, orange and yellow colors.

Boulder opal is opal with an attached host rock. It is found in Queensland, Australia and is not only affordable but also quite beautiful!

These are just a few of the varieties of opal.  We will explore more in a future post!

sandstone opal

Like the diamond, opal is also associated with love and passion.  It is a seductive stone that is said to promote desire and eroticism.  It can intensify one’s emotional state and is said to release inhibitions. It can also act as an emotional stabilizer.

Opals are believed to amplify traits.  Both the good and the bad! The stone is said to enhance self-worth, confidence and self-esteem.   Opals can stimulate originality, creativity and help to encourage interest in the arts.  Opals are highly beneficial when heading into dangerous places. They provide “invisibility” where one does not wish to be noticed or needs to blend into the background.  Who knows maybe we all should wear opal to “protect us” from COVID-19!

Until next time, stay home, stay well, stay safe.

ENJOY!!

cheryl