Semi-Precious Stones: Aventurine

Green Aventurine could be one of the luckiest of all crystals. If you are wanting luck in the areas of prosperity and wealth, green aventurine may be one lucky charm source for you.

Where does this lucky stone come from?

Most of the green and blue-green aventurine stones come from the vicinity of Mysore and Chennai in India.

The name aventurine is from the Italian a ventura or all’avventura which means by chance and also refers to the Italian glass from the 1700s. Purely by accident a worker dropped some metal filings into a vat of melting glass. The materials cooled and resulted in a pleasing array of randomly spaced iridescent sparkles then used to make jewelry and other items. Later, the name Aventurine was given to the natural semi-precious stone that looked like the industrial product.

Aventurine Colors

Green is the most common color of the semi-precious stones of aventurine. There are forms in blue, red to reddish-brown, dusty pruple, orange or peach, yellow and silver gray.

Other names for Aventurine

Adventurine
Avanturine
Aventurine Quartz
Indian Jade

Some uses of Aventurine include (1) jewelry; (2) vases, bowls and figurines; (3) landscaping stone; (4) building stone; (5) aquaria; and (6) monuments.

Supposed effects of green aventurine are: (1) increases overall vitality and enhances intellectual development of children struggling with schoolwork and destructive hyperactivity; (2) assists adults with written work, typing and computer skills; (3) beneficial to all in overcoming clumsiness. (megemont,36) (Eason, 285) (Ahsian, 56).

Wear jewelry made with the semi-precious stone of aventurine and perhaps diminish the effects of domestic strife between spouses. (Megemont,36).
If you are a person looking for love in the mature years of life, wearing green aventurine bead jewelry pieces may be of benefit. It is said green aventurine can be used as a love crystal or added to a Heart Chakra layout because it encourages love later in life (Hall, 361).

Some believe green aventurine stones soothe energy balances and guides one toward inner harmony, calms nervousness, anger and irritation and help dissolve everyday stress of a hectic lifestyle.

Here is one that fits me: releases the notion that every event must be analyzed.(Megemont,36)(Hall,74)(Gienger,17).

I plan on making some dangle earrings using the green aventurine stones and maybe other pieces of jewelry. I will see if it helps me to stop analyzing every event in my life, breaking events into small pieces and looking at each small piece extensively.

The photograph below is an example of aventurine stone from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aventurine.jpg

Photograph by Original uploader was Doobuzz

Source used: http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/green-aventurine

Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewelry Artisan
Carmilita’s Earrings: https://carmilitaearrings.etsy.com

Meet Gypsy

This is a 3 piece bead set I added to Carmilita’s Three Piece Bead Sets. There is a necklace, bracelet and earrings in this set.

Materials Used for Earrings:
2 Antique Bronze 11 x 15 Leverback earrings
8 Antique Bronze 5mm 20 Gauge Jump Rings
6 Antique Bronze Ballpins
6 Antique Bronz 8 x 9 mm Decorative Bead Caps
6 Antique Bronze 1.5×4 mm Beaded Rondelles
6 Pink 6 x 12 mm Flower Beads
6 Light Rose 5 x 9 mm Flower Beads

Materials Used for Bracelet
10 inches of Antique Bronze Colored Buddy Braids
1 Antique Bronze 15 mm Thick Rope toggle Clasp
2 Antique Bronze Crimp Beads
2 Antique Bronze 4 mm Crimp Covers
12 Antique Bronze Ballpins
12 Antique Bronze 3 x 9 mm Decorative Bead Caps
12 Antique Bronze 1.5 x 4 mm Beaded Rondelles
12 Pink 6 x 12 mm Flower Beads
12 Light Rose 5 x 9 mm Flower Beads
26 Peach 4 mm Glass Crystal Bicones
13 Pink AB 8 x 5 mm Glass Crystal Rondelles

Materials Used for Necklace
26 inches of Antique Bronze Colored Buddy Braids
1 Antique Bronze 14 x 8 mm Lobster Clasps
1 Antique Bronze Split Ring
2 Antique Bronze Crimp Beads
2 Antique Bronze 4 mm Crimp Bead covers
4 Antique Bronze 5 mm 20 Gauge Jump Rings
7 Antique Bronze Ball Pins
7 Antique Bronze 2 x 9 mm Decorative Bead Caps
48 Antique Bronze 1.5×4 mm Beaded Rondelles
10 Antique Bronze 4 x 5 mm Bicones
12 Antique Bronze 8 mm Bicones
72 Pink 4 mm Glass Crystal Bicones
18 Peach AB 8 x 5 mm Glass Crystal Rondelles
7 Pink 6 x 12 mm Flower Beads
7 Light Rose 5 x 9 mm Flower Beads

Gypsy’s Price: $60 (includes FREE shipping)

Purchase Gypsy here: Carmilita’s Earrings

Semi-Precious Stones: Charoite Found Only in Siberia, Russia

Semi-Precious Stones: Charoite Found Only in Siberia, Russia

When I first seen this stone I was immediately taken with it’s unique beauty. The stone is a violet with flowing swirls of violent, lavender and purple in general. It is a rare stone discovered in the 1940s and known to the outside world around 1978. The stone is named for the Chara River in eastern Siberia, Russia, the only place in the world where it is found. In Russian the word Chary means magic or charms.

In Russia Charoite stone is found in massive forms in dense fibrous aggregates and is somewhat of a silky luster. It is soft enough to use in rings, bracelets and other types of jewelry. Steam cleaning and ultrasonic methods of cleaning should be avoided.

Some of the magical powers of the Charoite are said to be associated with an area of Siberia that once had political prisoners in that the stones are a symbol of endurance in adversity. They could possibly aid in obtaining courage to start over after repossession of personal goods, overcoming job loss during times of high unemployment, sustaining those held in prisons, boarding schools, hospitals and residential care. (Eason, 213).

Other potential helping attibutes of the Charoite stones are: (1) a stone of connection for people who work away from home; (2) emotional healing for people suffering from acute loneliness and alienation from life; and (3)the easing of fears of ill-health, pain and dying. (Eason, 213).

Charoite stones are believed by some to: (1) awaken analytical abilities; (2) enhance keen observation; (3) assist in making decisions and making faster responses; (4) enhance vigor and determination to overcome obstacles such as delving into huge piles of work. (Hall,105) (Gienger,25).

Who should wear jewelry made from the rare Charoite stones?

It is believed by some people that Charoite is soothing to the nerves and perhaps can calm people who suffer with ADHD, autism and Asperger’s syndrome. It is also believed Charoite stones help people who suffer with insomnia thus promoting a deep sleeping pattern instead as well as helping with sleepwalking and talking during sleep. (Gienger,25) Eason,213)(Hall, 105).

Wear jewelry made from Charoite to help overcome and release fear and negativity. This stone could also possibly help you to discriminate between what is real and what the mind has imagined as being real. It is possible the Charoite stone has ability to allow one to love others unconditionally and encourages flexibility about “letting go” of negative feelings inspiring one to move forward in relationships. (Simmons,107) )Melody, 195-196) (Hall,104-105).

Wear jewelry made of Charoite and perhaps become a person who is more able to overcome a resistance to change, frustrations and worries. It is said or believed this stone helps to bring about a more relaxed attitude and assists one in accepting moments as they occur while seeing the good in all situations. (Melody, 196)(Hall,105)(Gienger,25).

If you are a person who likes to use beads during times of meditation it is said the Charoite stones transmutes negativity and grounds to the spiritual self. Use it for cleansing the aura and filling the chakras with emotional purity. It may also help you to see visions of past lives and give you suggestions of how to redress your karma on a personal and collective level. (Melody,195)(Hall,104-105).

Charoite stones are a remarkable color ranging from pale creamy lavender to a decadent array of deep purple hues sometimes occurring all in one bead. Smooth charoite beads contain swirling patterns with a marbled, fibrous appearance and veins of white, grey and black. It is a rare mineral only available to jewelry artisans since the late 1970s. The stones are more expensive to use in jewelry pieces than some of the other semi precious stones. One 16 inch strand of 6 mm beads is commonly priced today at time of this article writing around $21. I do plan to have a few pieces of jewelry made from these extraordinary beautiful and rare stones found now only in Siberia, Russia.

The photograph below is from wikipedia and is an example of the colors found in the Charoite stones. The author of this photo is Piotr Sosnowski. It was posted on the wikipedia site 2008 as his own work. Link is found here: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Czaroit1.jpg

Source: http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/charoite

Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewelry Artisan
Carmilita’s Earrings: https://carmilitaearrings.etsy.com

Meet Iris:

Iris is a pair of handmade dangle earrings I added to Carmilita’s Cottage Chic Collection. She dangles about 1 inch from the hook.

Materials Used:
2 Antique Bronze French Fish Hooks
2 Antique Bronze Metal Beads 4 mm
2 light blue See Through Glass Beads 5 mm
2 Beaded Antique Bronze Spacers 2 mm
2 Antique Bronze eye pins
6 Antique Bronze Jump Rings 5 mm
18 Antique Bronze head pins
18 Turquoise Blue Glass Beads 4 mm

Iris Price: $15 includes free shipping

Purchase Iris here: Carmilita’s Earrings

Semi-Precious Stones: Lapis Lazuli

Wear a pair of dangle earrings made from one of the most sought after stones in use since man’s history. The stone of choice would be the “Lapis Lazuli.” The Lapis Lazuli stone varies in color from a deep clestial blue to shades of grey. The celestial blue color symbolizes royalty and honor, wisdom and truth.

Lapis Lazuli semi-precious stones are formed by rocks such as Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite and Pyrite. The highest grades of Lapis Lazuli is a rich medium royal blue with gold flecks.

In Egypt B.C. Lapis Lazuli was among the most highly prized tributes paid to them and obtained from some of the oldest mines in the world. Lapis Lazuli is called “sapphire” in the Old Testament. Of interest to me is that it is said Lapis Lazuli could be the fifth stone in the original breastplate of the High Priest in the Old Testament. (Kunz,293-294).

King Tutankhamen must have been a lover of beautiful semi precious stones. His golden sarcophagus were richly inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. Many other Egyptian kings and queens were buried with Lapis Lazuli adornments. (Simmons 227).

The land of the Egyptians was dry and barren. The deep cobalt blue color of the Lapis Lazuli stones held some very specific spiritual meaning to the Egyptians. There are gold flecks throughout the cobalt blue color which were a symbol of stars in the night. The stars were the gold flecks and the night in the background of the stars was the cobalt blue color. The Egyptians felt that when meditating upon these colors within the Lapis Lazuli stones supernatural forces were change their lives. (Raphaell,141)

People from the Islamic Orient held the Lapis Lazuli stones close to their hearts for protection from the evil eye. (Megemont,110).

The well known and famous painter, Michelangelo ground and processed Lapis Lazuli stones into powder to produce intense, expensive, ultramarine colors. The colors were his favorite to use in his paintings. (Megemont,111).

Buddhist believers recommended Lapis Lazuli as a stone for instilling inner peace and receiving freedom from negative thoughts. As a result, Catherine the Great had an entire room in her palace decorated with Lapis Lazuli stones on her walls, fireplaces, doors and mirror frames.

Other legends and who should wear Lapis Lazuli stones:

Executives, journalists and psychologists should wear Lapis Lazuli jewelry pieces to stimulate wisdom and good judgment in the practical world, that is, according to those who study these kind of things. I have an interest and “some” ability toward journalism and mental health. It is odd how the Lapis Lazuli was the first semi precious stone that really caught my eye. I have several pieces of jewelry now made from Lapis Lazuli chips.

It is said the Lapis Lazuli stones aids intellectual analysis in archeologists and historians, problem solving for lawyers and helps to create new ideas for inventors and writers. (Mella, 129-133).

Other writers believe the Lapis Lazuli is a powerful crystal for activating the higher mind which stimulates the desire for knowledge, truth and understanding (another category in which I fit into easily). It is suppose to aid in the process of learning and is said to be excellent for enhancing the memory (Simmons,227) (Ahsian 228).

Place a Lapis Lazuli grid in homes where teenagers, or children with Asperger’s syndrome, autism, or attention-deficit disorder live to help bring calmness and loving communication. (Eason, 40,22).

Odd is the fact that as I was laying out a dangle earring design using the Lapis Lazuli chips I felt a calmness come over me that was “different” than during the process with other types of stones. The Lapis Lazuli is becoming one of my favorites in the semi-precious line of gemstones. Knowing just a little bit more about this beautiful stone helps me to feel great appreciation for it.

reference used: http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/lapis

Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewelry Artisan
Carmilita’s Earrings: https://carmilitaearrings.etsy.com

Meet Clover:

Clover is a pair of handmade dangle earrings I added to Carmilita’s Simplicity Collection. She dangles about 1 1/2 inch from the hook.

Materials Used:
2 Silver Plated French Fish Earring Hooks
12 Silver Plated Jump Rings 5 mm
12 Silver Plated Head Pins
12 Small Chips of Lapis Lazuli Beads, blue/green in colors

Clover’s Price: $15 includes FREE shipping

Purchase Clover here: Carmilita’s Earrings

Semi-Precious Stones: Amazonite

Amazonite, also known as “Amazon Jade” is a green variety of microcline feldspar stones with shades of green anywhere from mint green to aqua or even a turquoise-green. It is said more often than not a deep forest green is preferred. This semi precious stone gets its name from the Amazon River where other green stones were formerly found, however, it is not likely the Amazonite stones occur in the Amazon area.

Amazonite occurs on a limited basis. At one time Amazonite was only found in the Miass in the Ilmen Mountain regions about 50 miles southwest of Chelyabinsk, Russia. In Chelyabinsk, Russia Amazonite is found in granitic rocks.

High quality crystals have also been found in Pike’s Peak, Colorado along with other semi-precious stones such as smoky quartz, orthoclase and albite in a coarse granite or pegmatite. Other locations where Amazonite might be found include the Morefield Mine in Amelia, Virginia. It can be found in pegmatite in Brazil.

Amazonite is a bright green color when polished. It can be cut and used as an inexpensive gemstone very similar to agate.

Legends associated with Amazonite:

The turquoise-green color of Amazonite is soothing and calming to look at and enhances expressive creativity. It is said to give off a powerful type of energy similar to the river it is named for which is the Amazon River. The stone provides harmony and balance tempering aggression and providing comfort. It is also considered to be one of the “good luck” semi precious stones. If that is not enough, some people even believe the Amazonite stone is responsbile for enhancing psychic powers and intelligence.

The Amazonite stones are well known in India and Egypt and was used as a very popular stone for decorating material. The stones were cut into tablets for Egyptian funerary text. Jewelry made from Amazonite stones was found among Tutankhamen’s treasures. Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who ruled BC during the Egyptian history known as the “New Kingdom.”

Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewelry Artisan
Carmilita’s Earrings: https://carmilitaearrings.etsy.com

Meet Carmen

Carmen is a pair of dangle earrings I added to Carmilita’s Simplicity Dangle Earrings. She dangles about one inch from the hook.

Materials used:
2 Silver Plated Dangle Earrings
6 Silver Plated Headpins
6 Silver Plated 22 Gauge 5 mm Jump Rings
2 Aventurine 6 mm Semiprecious Rounds
2 Green 8 mm Cloisonne Beads
2 Aqua 13 x 9 mm Crystal Teardrops

Carmen’s Price: $15 (includes FREE shipping)

Purchase Carmen here: Carmilita’s Earrings

Semi Precious Beads

I suppose it is safe to say that “at all times” in human civilization semi-precious beads have been used in jewelry ornaments. Approximately 38,000 years ago or more France was the first to use semi-precious beads for adornments. Semi-precious beads are part of our world’s natural treasures. Today they are processed in all shapes, round, oval, rondelle, tubes, stars and more. I suppose it is also safe to say millions of jewelry designs can come forth from semi precious beads alone.

For the bead lovers of this world, semi-precious beads are one of our favorites to see, to use within jewelry designs and to learn about. Ever wonder about the origin of some of these beads? I do all the time. Here is a list of categories of the semi precious beads. In other articles I plan to have pictures and more descriptions of the great variety found in semi-precious beads.

Agate
Amazonite
Amber
Amethyst
Ametrine
Amphibolite
Andulusite
Apatite
Aquamarine
Aragonite
Autumn Hickoryite
Aventunine
Beryl
Black Silk Stone
Blackstone
Bloodstone
Brick Stone
Bronzite
Calcite
Carnelian
Chalcedony
Charoite
Chinese Writing Stone
Chrysanthemum Stone
Chrysocolla
Chrysoprase
Cinnabar
Citrine
Coral
Crazy Horse Stone
Cubic Zirconia
Diamond
Dumortierite
Emerald
Feldspar
Fluorite
Fossil Coral
Fossil Stone
Garnet
Gaspeite
Goldstone
Goshenite
Hemalyke
Hemimorphite
Howlite
Hypersthene
Lolite
Jade
Jasper
Jet
Junzite
Kyanite
Labradorite
Landscape Stone
Lapis Lazuli
Larimar
Lava
Lepidolite
Magnesite
Magnetite
Malachite
Marble
Mica
Moonstone
Morganite
Obsidian
Onyx
Opal
Peridot
Petrified Wood
Picture Stone
Pietersite
Pipestone
Prehnite
Purple Creek Stone
Pyrite
Quartz
Rainbow Calsilica
Rainbow Stone
Rhodochrosite
Rhodonite
Rhyolite
Riverstone
Ruby
Sapphire
Sardonyx
Serpentine
Soapstone
Sodalite
Spinel
Sugilite
Sunstone
Tanzanite
Tektite
Tiger Iron
Tigereye
Topaz
Tourmaline
Ruquoise
Unakite
Variscite
Verdite
Vesuvianite

Written by: Connie Limon, Bead Jewelry Artisan
Carmilita’s Earrings: https://carmilitaearrings.etsy.com

Meet Janis:

Janis is a pair of dangle earrings I added to Carmilita’s Flowers in Bloom Collection. She dangles about one inch from the hook.

Materials Used:
2 Gold Plated French Fish Earring Hooks
2 Gold Plated Jump Rings 8 mm
2 Gold Plated Fancy Bead Caps 8 mm
2 Gold Plated head pins
2 Gold Plated Metal Beads 6 mm
2 Pink Glass Czech Pearl Beads 6 mm
4 Light Pink Acrylic Flower Beads
4 Dark Pink Acrylic Flower Beads
I place the light pink inside the dark pink flower beads. The light pink flower bead is just a little smaller than the dark pink flower bead.

Janis Price: $15 (with FREE shipping)

Purchase Janis here: Carmilita’s Earrings