Thursday, June 30, 2011

Amethyst, the Natural Guard Against Drunkenness

The finest quality Amethyst is medium to medium dark purple, reddish purple to bluish purple.  It is a variety of the mineral quartz and is considered a semi-precious stone.  Experts believe that its color is derived from its iron oxide content.  The name comes from various forms of the Latin word "amethystus", meaning "not drunk or intoxicated."  Those who have February birthdays call this their birthstone, and it is the wedding anniversary stone for the 4th and 6th years of marriage.  Amethysts are sensitive to heat, and long exposure to sunlight can fade their color. 

According to Greek mythology, Bacchus, the god of wine, was insulted one day by a mere mortal. He swore that the next mortal to cross his path would be attacked by his fierce tigers. Along came a beautiful maiden named Amethyst. Goddess Diana turned Amethyst into a beautiful statue of quartz to save her from the tigers claws. Remorseful, Bacchus wept tears of wine over the stone maiden, creating a lively purple stone.

Purple color has long been considered a royal color, so it is not surprising that amethyst has been so popular throughout history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. There is evidence that there existed jewels made of amethyst as early as 3000 B. C. in Egypt and in anterior Asia.

According to those who believe in the healing ability of gemstones, the amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. It also relieves headaches and improves blood sugar imbalance.

Amethyst Druzy Necklace with Oval Amethysts 
 and Small Peridots


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Red White and Blue Patriotic Bracelet with Glass Tile by texasnan

Red White and Blue Patriotic Bracelet with Glass Tile by texasnan

Back in business

Well, I finally got all those beads, clasps, bead caps, etc. organized and my beading table cleared off. So today I made a new necklace and a bracelet for the 4th of July. The necklace is quite unusual, I think, in that it has a mixture of beading styles and techniques. I used different kinds of glass beads, pearls, chains, seed beads, bead caps, and a pendant with a vintage style picture behind an oval glass cabochon tile. Here is a picture of the necklace. I haven't photographed the bracelet yet.














Saturday is the next Farmer's Market and Artisan Fair here in Stephenville, so I plan on being there with my jewelry.  Saturday is also the day that my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson are coming for a visit.  Sunday afternoon we will barbeque on the grill and eat outside on the deck that evening--if we can stand the heat, that is.  So it will be a full weekend.  My next post I will get back on track discussing different kinds of gemstones.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

What is a gemstone?

Any mineral that is cut and polished and used to make jewelry or any other ornamental object can be classified as a gemstone--sometimes referred to as precious or semi-precious. There are also some rocks that are considered gemstones--such as the lapis lazuli, and some organic materials--such as jet, amber, or pearls, that are considered gemstones as well. The price of gemstones is determined by several factors, such as their beauty, their quality, their rarity, their physical characteristics, to name a few. Many gemstones are enhanced in some way to improve their appearance and durability. Heat and radiation are often used to enhance or change the color of hard gemstones, while some of the more porous stones are dyed. Turquoise is one example of a stone that is often dyed. Some stones that may have fissures, or inclusions, are oiled or waxed to fill in the fissures. This may improve the overall appearance and stability of the stone but is usually quite noticeable and reduces its value. Gemstones have been used for centuries for many purposes, and some even believe that gemstones have mystical or magical properties. For an extensive list and description of various gemstones, the article Gemstones Meanings and Properties is an excellent resource.

Entwined Vines Jewelry: Crystal Fantasies --- Featured Artisan

Entwined Vines Jewelry: Crystal Fantasies --- Featured Artisan

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Another ArtFire Collection

I am very pleased that another of my jewelry pieces has been included in a collection on ArtFire--the peach and black necklace. Take a peek.

Monday, June 20, 2011

New Collection on ArtFire

I am pleased to have had my multicolor turquoise necklace included in this ArtFire collection.

 

Colorful Southwestern Jewelry on Etsy

Having lived in Texas all my life, I am drawn over and over again to jewelry that "speaks" to my love for color and nature.  I lived in west Texas for 30 years and never grew tired of watching the beautiful blues, purples, oranges, pinks, and yellows of a west Texas sunset.  So I find myself moving more and more toward creating pieces with a southwestern look.  Here are pictures of a few that are in my Etsy store.

Turquoise with Hill Tribe and Sterling Silver

Turquoise with Sterling Silver


Multicolor Turquoise Teardrops
Multicolor Turquoise Wafers and Teardrops

Multicolor Turquoise Necklace
Green and Fuchsia Turquoise

Multicolor Turquoise Earrings

Green Turquoise Slabs


Sunday, June 19, 2011

Summertime Citrine

Citrine is a gemstone that is perfect for summertime wear because of its sunny colors.  It can range anywhere from pale yellow to madeira orange.  It is transparent and is a part of the quartz family.  It is often used as a less costly substitute for topaz.  It is the birthstone for November and the anniversary stone for the 17th year of marriage.  Citrine can be easily scratched, and because it can change colors when exposed to sunlight, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat.

Citrine is valuable in the treatment of depression, it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Citrine is said to stimulate memory.  It aids digestion, and removes toxins from the body. Citrine is a good healing stone, especially for heart, kidney and liver. It helps fighting diabetes.


Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes.  Citrine is the signature of wisdom and peace.  It stimulates the mental body and aids the opening of the bridge between higher mental body and intuitional levels.  Citrine is said to help one connect with Spirit.  It enhances creativity, and motivates writers.

Here are a couple of new pieces I created focusing on the citrine, using pale yellow nuggets, amethyst rondelles, aquamarine rondelles, small round amazonite beads, and golden crystals.  I used extensive wire wrapping in both pieces, and the clasp on the necklace and the earwires on the earrings are handmade by me.  These are also in my Etsy shop.  Enjoy!


JETTEAM Jewelry for Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer by texasnan on Etsy

JETTEAM Jewelry for Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer by texasnan on Etsy

JETTEAM Jewelry for Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer