What's new for October?

My lovely dapped chain finally arrived..........and I love it.

Can't wait to get making some lovely new necklaces with it, but in the meantime, I have a plain dapped chain on right now. Who needs gems when you have this gorgeous dapped silver?

I also just bought this beautiful druzy window cushion cabochon. Oh. My.

I think it's going to be a ring, but it's a one of a kind, so I need to think about this one........

And I also just got these stunning green tourmaline stones, 6mm, made into dinky studs. I love 'em. Not on the shop yet but they should be tomorrow.... the stone is that little bit special, and I'm not sure I'll be getting any more of them. But we'll see - I'd love to know what you think of them!

January Birthstone - Garnet

By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.

Garnets are apparently found in a variety of colours - including orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The rarest of these is the blue garnet, discovered in the late 1990s. But the colour we usually expect to see is red, from a light bright crimson, to deep claret colour.

If you're into the theory of healing gemstones - the garnet is thought to assist the regulation of the heart and circulation as well as provide strength and protection.

The most popular colour amongst women is red, and I definitely have to go with the majority in this case. I'm a huge fan of red, and of these stones too. January needs a little brightness, don't you think, and these sparkly red gems are just the thing. Shining bright through the chilly gloom.

Click on the pictures to go through to the folksy shop and see more of the pieces!

Gemstones

I love working with gemstones. I find it amazing that these gorgeous stones that shimmer and glow are actually real stones,  mined from the earth. They are part of the substance of our planet - nature at is most glamorous!

(Click on any of the pictures to find out more!!)

I have never really believed in the healing powers of crystal that some people subscribe to, but I do figure if it looks good - I'll go with it. I also think there is something a just a little bit special about wearing your birthstone. And I know if I was ever pregnant again, I might just wear some moonstone - it's like reading a horoscope, I hardly ever do it and don't believe it even when I do... but if you want to believe it enough.... any extra amulet, or good luck charm to help with some situation in particular can often feel really special.

The actual definition of what makes a gemstone is a bit hazy - gemstones certainly seem to be minerals or rocks - but what makes a mere rock a gemstone? Does it have to be rare? Nope - quartz is one of the most common gemstones around - in various forms and colours. Does it have to be clear and sparkly? No - I often use black onyx, or matt black agate. Does it have to be expensive - oh no - head over to my shop to buy some veeerrrry reasonably priced gemstone jewellery.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42427921/matt-black-agate-and-sterling-silver

At the end of the day, it seems to be in the eye of the beholder - they have to be hard enough to be cut and polished, but mainly it's that they are nice looking enough for people to want to use them to make jewellery. And thats about it!