Common Necklace Lengths Refer to diagram to get an idea of where necklaces will fall. How To Care For Silver Wearing your silver jewelry regularly is probably the best way to prevent tarnishing, but when not wearing it's best kept in airtight bags to prevent this natural process. It will eventually begin to oxidize, but a quick swipe with a good quality, non-abrasive silver polish or cloth, will shine your prized pieces right up. Do take care not to scratch gemstones or wet silk. How To Care For Silk Silk cannot be worn in water or while playing sports -- it will stretch and deteriorate quickly. This jewelry is best worn for special occasions and removed while sleeping. Store in bag or box out of way of sunlight, heat and moisture. How To Care For Pearls Proper care can preserve and extend the life of pearls. Extreme dryness is damaging; pearls are also sensitive to acids, perspiration, cosmetics, and hair spray. Since they are relatively soft, they can be easily scratched. Take care to store them so that their surface never touches metal or other gemstones. Make sure not to store in plastic bags. Birthstones January Garnet/Rose Quartz February Amethyst/Onyx March Aquamarine/Heliotrope April Diamond/Rock Crystal May Emerald/Chrysoprase June Pearl/Moonstone July Ruby/Carnelian August Peridot/Aventurine September Sapphire/Lapis-lazuli October Opal/Tourmaline November Topaz/Tiger's Eye December Turquoise/Zircon Gemstones & Components! Agate - A banded, concentric shell-like chalcedony, it occurs in all colors and sometimes contains opal substances. Carnelian is a type of agate. Mined mostly in South America today. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for blisters. Amazonite - Rangeing in color from green to blue-green. Deposits are found in Colorado, Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, and Russia, In healing folklore said to soothe nervous system, strengthen heart and physical body. Aids alignment of mental and etheric body. Brings joy and upliftment. Associated with creative expression. Facilitates clearer vision of one's own harmful tendencies, making them easier to release. Amber - Fossilized pine tree sap ranging in color from golden yellow to deep brown. The two main sources on the market today are the Baltic states and the Dominican Republic. Amber from the Baltic states is older, and therefore preferred, but amber from the Dominican Republic is more likely to have insect inclusions. Other amber sources include Myanmar, Lebanon, Sicily, Mexico, Romania, Germany and Canada. In healing folklore, said to exert positive influence on endocrine system, spleen, heart. Healing, soothing, harmonizing. Electrically alive with solidified golden light. Activates altruistic nature. Spiritualizes the intellect. Amethyst - Ranges in color from pale lilac to deep purple. The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can be seen set in Victorian jewelry. The deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich purple with rose flashes. It's mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as African countries. Amethyst has been popular as a gem since Pre-Roman times. The wine-loving Greeks even believed amethyst gems could prevent intoxication while medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets as protection in battle. In healing folklore said to strengthen endocrine and immune systems, Enhance right brain activity and pineal and pituitary glands. It's considered a power blood cleanser and energizer and Helps mental disorders. Enhances psychic abilities and excellent for meditation. Associated with calming, strong protective qualities. Apatite - It's name means cheat in Greek because it can be easily confused. Colors range from colorless, pink, yellow, green and blue. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for arthritis. Aquamarine - Its color is pale to medium blue, sometimes with a slight hint of green. Found in Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria and other countries. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for calming nerves, reducing fluid retention, strengthening kidneys, liver, spleen, thyroid. It purifies body, enhances clarity of mind, aids creative self-expression. Said to help banish fears and phobias and considered excellent for meditation. Aragonite - Derives its name from the Rio Aragon in Spain where it was discovered in 1788. It is usually white or yellow in color, though sometimes green, brown or pink. In healing folklore, said to strengthen immune system, help back problems, especially disc related, and aid in digestion. Aventurine - Mostly dark green with metallic glittery appearance caused by included fuchsite (green mica) or red- to gold-brown caused by hematite. Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Austria, Russia and Tanzania. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for purifying mental and emotional bodies, Aiding release of anxiety and fear, stimulating muscle tissue, strengthening blood. Associated with independence, health and well-being. Blue Topaz - Ranging from light to a darker blue, sometimes with white streaks. Found mostly in Brazil, but also in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Cornwall, England. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for sore throat. Carnelian - A brownish red to orange, translucent to opaque chalcedony variety. Carnelian is recommended for those with bad memories, creative blocks, befuddled minds, weak voices and a lack of courage. It is said to be beneficial in treating impotence, infertility, insomnia, menstrual cramps, neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, bad blood, lethargy, digestive problems, and skin conditions like acne and psoriasis in both humans and animals. Carnelian also helps hotheaded people overcome anger and establish self-control, and it even protects the wearer from envy and falling objects. Chalcedony - The name is used by gemologists as a species name for all cryptocrystalline quartzes as well as specifically only the bluish-white-gray variety, the actual chalcedony. Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, and California. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for eye inflammation. Charoite - Discovered in 1976, Charoite is one of the rarest minerals on the market today. To date, it is only found in one location worldwide: the Murun Mountains in Yakutia, Aldan, Russia. The deposit is near the Charo River, from which the mineral received its name. The reason Charoite has not been found in other locations is probably due to the fact that the locality provides a unique combination of chemical and physical conditions needed for the mineral to form. In healing, Charoite aids in the treatment of general aches and pains, liver ailments, and blood pressure. Chrysoprase - Considered the most valuable in the Chalcedony group, it's name translates from Greek as "gold-leek." Today's deposits include Australia, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, and California. In healing folklore, said to balance neurotic patterns, ease depression and sexual imbalance. Said to help one see clearly into personal problems and bring out inner talents, lightheartedness and joy. Citrine - This golden quartz is named from the French name for lemon, "citron." It's mostly mined in Brazil. In former times Citrine was used as a protective talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts, and as a charm against snake bites and other venomous reptiles. It is also believed to symbolize happiness, aid digestion, remove toxins from the body, and be useful in the treatment of depression, constipation and diabetes. Coral - A calcium carbonate with a trace of carotene. Its color ranges from white to red. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Most coral is found in the Mediterranean Sea or in the Pacific off Japan and Taiwan. When you say the word coral, most people think of the coral reefs in the South Pacific like the Great Barrier Reef off Australia. However, these coral reefs are formed by a different species than the coral traditionally used in jewelry - Corallium rubrum and Corallium japonicum. Dumortierite - Ranging in color from dark to violet-blue and red-brown, it is easily confused with lapis when dark blue. Deposits are found in Brazil, France, India, Canada, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Sri Lanka and the United States. Fire Opal - Clear to orange, usually milky and turbid. Most deposits in Mexico and Brazil, found to a lesser extent in Guatemala, the US and Western Australia. Garnet - A closely related group of gems available in every color: dark reds, tangerine orange, vivid lime green, soft bluish-pink. It's mined in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. In healing folklore, said to strengthen, purify, vitalize and regenerate bodily systems, especially the bloodstroom. Said to Have strong affinity with root chakra, helping to harmonize the potent forces of the kundalini and Enhance imagination.. Stimulates pituitary gland, aligns subtle bodies. Associated with love and compassion. Gaspeite - A relatively rare mineral, found only in a few localities. Its light green, almost apple green color is quite unique and some varieties are almost a neon green. It may contain brownish patches which may give it a distinctive character. Found around nickel sulfide deposits and is named for the locality of Gaspe' Peninsula, Quebec, Canada where it was originally found, but the best material is now coming from North of Perth, Australia. Said to help bring spirituality into everyday life. Helps remove veil between distress and ignorance and aids assurance. Said to attract friendship. Hessonite Garnet - A variety of garnet that varies in color from a yellowish-brown to cark brown. Mined in Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania. Said to help eliminate feelings of inferiority, encourages one to seek new challenges and continue personal endeavors. Iolite - Usually a purplish blue, with a softness to the color. It's mined in India, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and Greenland. Jade - Most treasured for its vivid greens, it also comes in lavender, pink, yellow and white. It's mined today primarily in Myanmar, though small quantities can be found in Guatemala. Jasper - Occurs in all colors and mostly striped or spotted. Deposits are widespread; it's found in Egypt, Australia, Brazil, India, Canada, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, Uruguay and the US. Moukaite is an Australian jasper variety. Labradorite - Related by locale to a popular family retriever, labradorite is named after the Labrador Peninsula in Canada where it was first discovered. A sodium rich plagioclase feldspar, labradorite also occurs in Australia, Madagascar, Russia, Mexico, China, the Scandinavian Peninsula and the United States. Calling it “firestone” because of its captivating play of color, the Native Indians of Labrador attributed mystical qualities to labradorite, using the powdered gem as a magical potion to cure their ailments. Interestingly, some modern mystics believe that labradorite is a gem that assists the practice of magic, unleashes the power of the imagination and helps to overcome personal limitations. Lapis Lazuli - A dark blue microcrystalline rock composed primarily of the mineral azurite. It often sparkles with golden pyrite inclusions. It's largely mined in Afghanistan and Chile, though small quantities are also produced in Siberia, Colorado and Myanmar. It's somewhat porous and should be protected from chemicals and solvents. Warm soapy water is the best way to clean it. Lapis is not very hard at 5.5 and should be protected from other jewelry when stored to avoid scratches. Attributed with great healing, purifying and curative properties, Lapis Lazuli allegedly points the way to enlightenment, and aids in the opening of the Third Eye. Popular with ancient alchemists (who knew it as sapphirus), it was used in medicine, cosmetics and paintings. It was also believed to confer ability, success, divine favor, ancient wisdom and cure sore throats. No wonder it was as valuable as gold! Moonstone Come in a variety of colors. The body color can range from colorless to gray, brown, yellow, green or pink. the clarity ranges from transparent to translucent. It's mined in Sri Lanka and Southern India. The rainbow variety can also be found in Madagascar. A symbol of the Third Eye, moonstone is said to balance yin/yang, protect against epilepsy and sun stroke, cure headaches and nose bleeds, and ensure a high yield in crops. It can help men open their feminine emotional aspects and cool a fever if applied to both temples. Mother of Pearl - The inner nacreous layer of a mollusk or snail shell, usually white, though can be blue-green in color. Most from japan. Moukaite - A variety of jasper, its color ranges from pink to light red, to gold. Olive Jade - Green, yellowish, or brown. The apple green variety I use is called Bowenite. It's mined in Afghanistan, China, New Zealand and the US Opalite - A manufactured glass bead Pearl - An organic gem, created when an oyster covers a foreign object with layers of nacre. Today pearls are cultured by man: shell beads are placed inside an oyster and the oyster is returned to the water. When the pearls are later harvested, the oyster has covered the bead with layers of nacre. Most cultured pearls are produced in Japan. In warmer waters of the South Pacific, larger oysters produce South Sea cultured pearls and Tahitian black cultured pearls, which are larger in size. Freshwater pearls are cultured in freshwater mussels, mostly in China. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for toenails, varicose veins and sciatica. Peridot - Found only in green, ranging from a summery light yellowish green to a 7-up bottle green. Today mostly mined by Native American sin Arizona on the San Carlos reservation. Fine large peridot are found in Myanmar and it's also mined in China, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Pietersite - Blue-brown to opalescent in color, it was discovered by Sid Pieters from Namibia. In healing folklore, it is said to stimulate the pituitary gland to provide the proper regulation of the endocrine glands and to produce, in the proper quantity, the hormones concerned with growth, sex, metabolism, blood pressure and body temperature. Rhodochrosite - Rose-red to yellowish, striped. Only on the market since 1940, the most important deposits are in Argentina, though there are smaller deposits in Chile, Mexico, Peru, South African and the US. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for sciatica, blisters, and toenail infections. Rhodonite - Dark to flesh red/pink with black inclusions of manganese oxide. Deposits found widely, in places as far flugn as Australia, Finland and Madagascar and New Jersey. Rose Quartz - Named for its pink color (from titanium), it's often crackled. Found in Brazil, Madagascar, India, Mozambique, Namibia, Sri Lanka and the US. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for toenails and sciatica. Ruby - The earliest record for the mining of rubies goes back to more than 2,5000 yars ago in Sri Lanka. Important deposits found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Historically, many believe that mystical powers lie within this intensely colored red gemstone. When inserted beneath the skin, the ancient Burmese believed that the stone generates a mystical force, which protects the wearer from accidents and attacks. In the ancient world, many believed Rubies to contain prophetic powers, enabling wearers to predict their future based on the color changes of their gemstones. Smoky Quartz - Its smoky brown, gray or black color is caused by natural and artifical) gamma rays. Deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, Scotland Switzerland and Ukraine. Sodalite - The color ranges from royal blue to light blue as well as white. Sodalite is named in reference to its sodium content. It was first discovered in 1891 at a deposit near Bancroft, Ontario by Frank D. Adams whiles he was investigating the geology of the Haliburton-Hastings area for the Geological Survey of Canada. It's relatively rare since there are only three large deposits known in the world: Bancroft, Ontario; Ice River area, British Columbia and Litchfield, Maine, USA. Some minor deposits of Sodalite have been found in Italy and Brazil. As well as having a beautiful blue color Sodalite is also believed to aid cooling and drawing infections, burns, sinus inflammations and opening the throat chakra. Spiritually, it helps stimulate courage and endurance and releases subconscious fears and guilt. Sugilite - Sugilite is an unusual deep purple stone from Southern Africa. Laced with Manganese, it often displays a variety of black, brown and blue lines and patches creating a unique mottled effect. Sometimes referred to as "Purple Turquoise" Sugilite is a rare gem type named for Ken-ichi Sugi, the Japanese geologist who discovered it in 1944. Although Sugilite is not related to turquoise in any way it does share some of that stone's characteristics. Metaphysically, Sugilite is said to emanate a protective energy, especially for gentle people and children who don't easily screen out the negativity of others. It is especially helpful to those who feel themselves to be gentle spirits who are shocked by the harshness of human interaction here on earth. In healing folklore, said to enhance functions of pineal, pituitary and adrenal glands. Said to activate and balance brain hemispheres, strengthen heart, aid physical healing and purification of bodily systems. Considered an emotional balancer and stress reducer. Tiger's Eye - Formed from Hawk's-Eye where the iron from the decomposed crocidolite has oxidized to a brown color. Most deposits are found in South Africa, Australia, Burma, India, Namibia, and the US. In healing folklore, said to be beneficial for spleen, pancreas, digestive organs and colon. Considered an emotional balancer that enhances connection with personal power and will. Considered grounding, centering, and Helpful in softenning stubbornness. Topaz (Blue) - In healing folklore, said to benefit tissue regeneration, strengthen thyroid gland, enhance metabolism and emotional balance. Said to be cooling, soothing, peace- and tranquility-enhancing, tranquility. Associated with creativity, self expression, and enhancing psychic perception. Tourmaline Occurs in more colors and combinations of colors than any other gemstone variety, though pink and green are now widely available and especially popular. Blue tourmalines are also very much in demand but the supply is more limited. It's mined in Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Main in the US. In healing folklore, said to aid balance of endocrine system and sleep. Also said to strengthen and vitalize body/mind, dispel fear and negative conditions. Associated with concentration and inspiration. Said to enhance sensitivity and understanding and is considered a powerful healer that is highly electromagnetic. Turquoise - The blue of this gemstone is so vivid and distinct that it has given its name to the color. The most important deposits are in Iran, Tibet, China, and the Southwestern United States. It's porous and should be kept away from chemicals. Clean it with warm soapy water only. It is believed that turquoise helps one to start new projects; can warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color; and protects the wearer from falling - especially from horses. Legend has it that some Native Americans believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. It is also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. In healing folklore, said to tone and strengthen entire body, aid tissue regeneration, circulation, lungs, respiratory system, vitalize blood and nervous system. Associated with creative expression, peace of mind, emotional balance, communication, friendship and loyalty. Unakite - Opaque granitic rock with main parts of aggregate being quartz and feldspar, as well as greenish epidote. Fairly new on the market, it was named after its place of discovery in South Carolina. | | | | | | | | | | | | |