Stones with Personality

Many people are familiar with diamonds and the "big three" coloured gemstones (rubies, sapphires and emeralds) that are very common and popular in traditional jewelry.  While these stones are beautiful with their intense colours, brilliance and clarity, they only represent a small fraction of what the world of stones has to offer. 

I have been drawn to polished stones since I was a young child and given the opportunity to pick out a couple of pieces for myself from a friend's stash.  What fascinated me was the range of colours, the patterns and the shimmery effects some of the stones displayed. 


These are those first two stones I selected as a child - an amazonite and a tiger's eye.


Now that I design and fabricate jewelry, I have found that fascination with stones has become even more intense.  But it's not the typical coloured gemstones that make my heart go pitter-patter, but rather stones with multiple colours and interesting patterns.  "Stones with personality" as I like to call them.  And these "stones with personality" are often jaspers or agates.


a slice of agate from my personal stash



some jaspers cabochons from my stash

some orbicular jaspers, again from my personal stash

colourful jasper cabochons

Jaspers and agates are a group of quartzs in which the crystals are so tiny that they appear like a solid mass. There are many different varieties of agates and jaspers. Some of them are found in only one small location, while others are found in many different countries.

Agates and jaspers are available in a wide range of colours and have many different patterns, from bands, to orbs to patterns that appear like landscapes. They are also often available in large sizes and are frequently used as the focal of a piece of jewelry.

Jaspers and agates and not typically found in traditional jewelry that is mass-produced.  If you want pieces that feature some of these beautiful stones, they are easier to find in the handmade market, like these pieces, created by members of the Starving Artists team.

Mookaite Jasper Pendant by BeadSire

California Poppy Jasper Wire Wrapped Pendant by Ava Designs

Sterling Silver and Dragon Skin Agate Pendant by Colla

Black Onyx and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace by Shiny Adornments

Silver Wire Crochet Leaf Pendant with Moss Agates by Cat's Wire

   
So what about you?  Are there any particular stones that make your heart go pitter-patter? 


Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists Jewelry Team.  The SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

Eye Candy: Focus on Unakite and Aventurine

Jewelry does a lot for us; it calls attention to areas we want to accentuate; when received as a gift, wearing it reminds us that we are loved; and, finally, wearing jewelry makes us feel attractive and well-dressed. But what if your jewelry could actually help you get through your day and bring positive benefits to your life? Many people believe that gemstones have metaphysical, healing and even magical properties. Whether or not you actually believe in these properties of gemstones, a little extra help just might be what you want some days.

Unakite is said to promote balance and emotional stability. It is supposed to be a grounding stone, wear Unakite to transform negative emotions into positive ones. Unakite is also supposed to be a stone of visions; it is thought to help provide a gentle release of blockages that have been inhibiting your growth. It is also believed to absorb the "electromagnetic smog" given off by computers, monitors and television sets,  so wearing Unakite just might help you breathe easier!

Click on any photo to learn how you can add this item to your collection:







Aventurine is supposed to be a good luck stone, especially in financial matters. It is said to stimulate creativity, intelligence and perception. It is a great healing stone; wear it to experience an increased sense of mental and emotional well-being. The clarity of mind and self confidence that is said to come from wearing this powerful stone could energize, inspire, motivate and enhance one’s ability to relate to others on an emotional level. It is a stone for leaders, for protectors, and for counselors; wear it when making critical decisions, or when feeling anxious and overwhelmed by life’s problems. Aventurine just might amplify your ability to focus and find creative solutions.

Click on any photo to learn how you can add this item to your collection:















The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

Eye Candy: Focus on Turquoise

Sometimes we like to pick jewelry to match our outfit, or just because it is pretty; other times we may want a little extra from our necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Whether or not you actually believe in the metaphysical properties of gemstones, a little extra help just might be what you want some days. Turquoise is said to be a healing stone; it is also supposed to attract friendships, luck, and happiness. Wearing turquoise is also said to help release shame and guilt.

Are you feeling the need to heal a relationship, or do you just need to get over yourself? Would you like to add some luck and happiness to your life? Click on any photo to add some turquoise to your collection. Even if turquoise doesn't fulfill all of the metaphysical promises made on its behalf, we're quite sure than any of these pieces will make you happier when you wear them.





















The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

Eye Candy: Focus on Tourmaline

Sometimes we like to pick jewelry to match our outfit, or just because it is pretty; other times we may want a little extra from our necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Whether or not you actually believe in the metaphysical properties of gemstones, a little extra help just might be what you want some days. Tourmaline is a multi-colored gemstone that is said to have many different properties; in general it is supposed to calm the wearer, provide protection, and increase both focus and balance. It is also worn to promote self-assurance and goodwill.

Each specific color of tourmaline is said to have its own properties. Green tourmaline is believed to cleanse and detoxify the spirit; it is also worn to bring prosperity. Pink tourmaline just might promote compassion and love; wear it to help heal emotional pain. Black tourmaline is supposed to provide strong protection from negative energies; it reduces fears, obsessions, neurosis, and panic, replacing them with a calm rootedness. Blue tourmaline is said to be helpful with verbal, speech, and throat problems; wearing it just might enhance your mental peace and patience. Watermelon tourmaline is worn to heal old emotional pains and bring new emotional understanding.

Are you feeling the need to clam down and add balance to your life? Click on any photo to add some tourmaline to your collection. Even if tourmaline doesn't fulfill the metaphysical promises made on its behalf, we can guarantee than any of these pieces will add beauty to your life.




















The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.