Brightening days the citrine way

Citrine is a type of quartz that contains iron impurities which provides it with an amber color. Citrine is actually classified as a macrocrystalline variety of quartz. Macrocrystalline quartz contains crystals that are recognizable with the naked eye.

Citrine quartz is sometimes called citrine topaz, although only an expert eye can point out the differences between the two. Citrine is primarily found in Brazil but other countries such as Madagascar, Namibia, Argentina, Russia, Scotland and Spain are also home to citrine deposits.

Some of our lighter citrine on sale now

Carrying a citrine stone is said to be good for business since it is has been called the ‘merchant’s stone.’ Some believe that keeping citrine inside a cash resister will make for better business.

Long before cash register’s were in need of some healing, ancient cultures considered citrine to the ‘stone of the mind.’ Instead of dropping citrine in a cash box, these people would hold a citrine stone against the head of an elder in an attempt to increase psychic powers.

That legend has not been abandoned as citrine is sometimes used in an effort to avoid nightmares. A citrine placed near one’s head and is said to help keep away unpleasant dreams.

Citrine is often mistaken for topaz, however there is no mistaking the price tag on each one. Topaz is a much more expensive stone although sometimes it is tough to tell the two apart. At Brightlings Beads, citrine gemstones won’t cost a fortune but will still provide you with an eloquent look.

Citrine gets its name from the French word ‘citron’ which means lemon. However, citrine’s color doesn’t always conjure up visions of a lemon. Its color is often a little darker than yellow, more comparable to gold or amber. Some citrine can includes shades of red, giving off a deep, vibrant glow.

Within citrine, there is also believed to be healing powers and it has been used for various purposes since the Hellenistic period in Greece dating back to 4th century B.C. Back then, citirne was carried as a protector against the venom of a snake as well as evil thoughts.

Citrine comes in a range of colors

Throughout time, citrine has come to be known as a cheerful gem and its wearer can usually find themselves filled with hope. The crystals within citrine dissipate negative energy and help cleanse the aura.

And in this day and age, whose aura doesn't need a good cleansing every now and then?

Citrine is also the gemstone which represents the 13th year of marriage. Superstitious couples in that 13th year of wedlock can always carry citrine to help make it through one more year of marriage.

Or they could end up throwing it at each another if things go awry.

But you don’t have to wait until your 13th year of marriage to get a hold of your own citrine. Brightlings Beads offers a wide selection of citrine that will help you brighten any one of your days.

Healing taste in different ways

Chalcedony is a compact type of Quartz that is also a microcrystalline. It can be found in geodes as well as in a variety of different colors. Chalcedony can be colored with lavender, greens, blues and even reds. Chalcedony can be semi-transparent or translucent.

Brightlings Beads' blue chalcedony beads

When it comes to gemstones, the most popular chalcedony comes in gray, white or blue and is often translucent. But whatever your taste, there is usually a chalcedony that can match your style.

Chalcedony takes to dyes rather easily and is rarely used in its rough natural form. It is found all over the world as chalcedony is a common type of Quartz. The United States has a great abundance of chalcedony and it is also found in countries such as Mexico, Britain, New Zealand, Iceland and the Czech Republic to name a few.

Chalcedony has been around for centuries and has played a tasteful part in different generations all over the world. In Tibet, chalcedony is known as the ‘stone of purity.’ Their belief is that it helps promote concentration.

But it was not in Tibet where chalcedony acquired its name. It was named after the ancient city of Chalcedon, located in what is present-day Istanbul. The Chalcedonic era stretched from 5500-3500 B.C. and although that era came to an end, the popularity of chalcedony lived on.

More recently in world history, Native American Indians revered chalcedony stones as sacred and even used them in tribal ceremonies. They believed chalcedony promoted good will and brotherhood. Needless to say, chalcedony appeased the taste of their Gods.

The legend of chalcedony live on today as modern-day spiritualists value it for a variety of reasons. The different colors of chalcedony have also taken on a variety of purposes.
Blue, gray and purple chalcedony assists people in removing unwanted things from their lives. It also helps avoid situations that bring on emotional stress.

Chalcedony beads also come in light green

Green chalcedony is said to teach people how to relate to others in a loving manner.

White chalcedony is also known as the ‘mother stone’ and is aimed to shield people from negativity.

All of those colors of chalcedony are available now at Brightlings Beads. Regardless of which color chalcedony you choose, many believe there are healing powers within all of them.

It is used most often to help with problems in the neck area. That includes the tonsils as well as the vocal chords. One remedy is to boil chalcedony in water with a pinch of salt and then gargle to cure a sore throat or harsh voice.

Chalcedony beads is also be used by some for the purpose of  healing an unhealthy taste of fashion. The addition of chalcedony beads can brighten up any outfit and make your ensemble a little more tasteful.

A tall order for one small gemstone

Carnelian is a variety of Chalcedony, a member of the Quartz family. It is actually a milky Quartz that comes in varying colors, the most popular of which are deep red and oranges. Carnelian obtains those colors from iron oxide.

Carnelian comes in beautiful orange hues

Carnelian’s deep reddish and oranges hues has made it a trendy accessory in the modern fashion world. It also is a popular type of bead when it comes to jewelry making. However, carnelian did not just jump onto the scene. It has been part of different civilizations throughout the history of man.

It was around long before Brightlings Beads featured such a wide selection of beautiful carnelian.

The ancient Romans revered carnelian as the ‘stone of courage.’ It was during the reign of the Roman empire when carnelian received its name. Carnelian comes from the Latin word, which means ‘flesh.’

Prior to that in ancient Egypt, it was simply 'a semi-precious gemstone not yet known as carnelian.'  But it was incorporated into the ancient Egyptians belief system. However, they did not refer to it as ‘the semi-precious gemstone not yet known as carnelian.’ 

They did believe there was an association between carnelian and solar imagery. Carnelian was also found in the tomb of the famed Egyptian King Tutankhamen.

Egyptians and Romans were not the only societies that used carnelian. Napoleon I and Napoleon III both were proud wearers of carnelian. Chances are, those Napoleons were not prancing down a runway modeling carnelian because of its great fashion sense.

During that era, carnelian continued to symbolize courage. It was believed to help those who needed the courage to speak. Many people speaking in public forums often carried carnelian with them for that very reason.

Some of Brightlings Beads darker carnelian

As time moved forward, more lure began to come along with carnelian. Some believe in its power to boost energy while others have turned to carnelian when it comes to trying to increase their sexual energy.

Its healing properties do not stop there. Dr. Carnelian has also been said to help with blood diseases and can even help in stopping a pesky nose bleed. It has also been used to help speed up the healing process for cuts and abrasions.

Carrying carnelian has been known in some circles to improve one’s outlook on life as well helping one’s memory. To prove that theory, some people have held carnelian in their hands whenever they have forgotten something. They would then stop trying to remember whatever it is they have forgotten and at some point, their lost memory would return.

All of these uses and healing methods seem like quite a tall order for one small stone. But carnelian has been passed down through generations and that kind of longevity must have netted some pretty favorable results along the way.

A gem of little trees

Tree agate is a type of Chalcedony that is similar to Moss Agate. It is a member of the Quartz family and a variety  of microcrystalline. Tree agate is often a colorless, white or grey stone with small inclusions of green branching throughout it. These green markings are actually Chlorite, Manganese or Hornblende inclusions.

Tree agate has a unique blend of color

The green markings make tree agate appear to have the look of mossy or tree like shapes and resemblances.  These markings are called dendrites, a name derived from 'dendron' which is the Greek word for 'tree.'

But tree agate is known by more than one name. Tree agate is also known as dendritic agate. The names are pretty much synonymous as dendritic comes from the Greek language meaning 'tree like.'

So is it more appropriate to say tree or dendritic agate? Tree agate seems to have a much more appealing and easy-to-remember name. In modern times, tree agate it is.

A closer look at tree agate shows a unique resemblance of its tree-like features. Its white and green colors provide a beautiful contrast which gives this gemstone a unique look.  As evidenced by its name, tree agate is believed to have a powerful connection with nature.

There is also a deep history rooted within tree agate. It first showed up in India and is believed to have been in existence for a couple billion years. It has developed a history of being a talisman in India. A talisman is an object, usually a stone, that is believed to contain magic powers while also bringing good luck.

Brightlings Beads' darker tree agate

One of the ancient beliefs behind tree agate is that it can bring a fullness of life. For that reason, it has been dubbed the ‘stone of plentitude.’ That meaning can also trickle down to its effect on nature. Some believe that tree agate has a connection to the nurturing energy of nature. Those powers van be extended to the health of plants. Spreading tree agate around plants can assist in their growth and also help farmers with their harvests.

However, there must be some patience involved since tree agate is a slow acting crystal whose effect is felt over time.

The patience factor shows itself again when it comes to tree agate’s ability to have a calming effect on one’s nerves. Throughout history, many have often referred to tree agate as the stone of inner peace. This belief makes tree agate come in handy when it comes to the act of meditation.

Those looking for a quick fix may need to turn somewhere else as tree agate’s metaphysical powers take a bit of time to take effect. But that doesn’t apply to today’s fashion world. Brightlings Beads offers a variety of tree agate beads that can provide and immediate fix to any fashion ensemble with its truly unique look.

The youngest and rarest agate

Blue lace agate is a variety of Chalcedony and a member of the Quartz family. When talked about in scientific circles, blue lace agate is a classified as a microcrystalline Quartz. However, blue lace agate has not been talked about for long periods of times. It is a bit of a newcomer to the world of semi-precious gemstones.

Agate has been around for billions of years, but the discovery of blue lace agate was much more recent. It was discovered by an American prospector named George Swanson almost fifty years ago in the southwestern part of Africa. Swanson first collected blue lace agate on his farm in the country of Nambia, right on the border of South Africa.

Swanson remarked on the brilliant look of the stone and referred to it as the ‘Gem of Ecology.’ He did so because the blue and white colors swirling throughout it reminded him of the earth and clouds. Swanson than took advantage of this discovery and began to mine and market blue lace agate.

Some of our blue lace agate selections

A little bit later on in 1974, a contingent of prominent ecologists gathered in Los Angeles and declared blue lace agate a symbol of world ecology. One of the main reasons behind this was because blue lace agate was very similar to the way the earth looked when photographed from space.

Almost a half-century after Swanson made this unexpected discovery, his original mine in southern Africa remains the world’s only source of blue lace agate.

But you won’t need to take a trip to southern Africa to get your hands on your very own blue lace agate. Brightlings Beads offers a variety of beautiful blue lace agate.

Since blue lace agate is a relatively new gemstone, it does not have much of the folklore and legend that comes with other kinds of agate. However, blue lace agate is believed by many to have calming and soothing effects. And because it is a variety of Quartz it is believed to have healing powers.

Quartz is basically a crystal that naturally forms within the earth. When crystals are rubbed they give off electrical currents. Coincidentally, crystals have been used in the invention of lasers, telephones, radios and even computers.

Because Quartz can naturally vibrate, many believe there are healing powers within its crystals. The same applies to the blue lace agate as many believe it can be used to as a stress reliever. It has also grown to symbolize peace and happiness.

But the legend of blue lace agate has only just begun. As generations pass, there is likely to be more stories shared about this stone.

And with more stories, a legend will grow and the rarest form of all the agates will carve out its place in future generations.

Glitze^TM Crystal Rhinestone Pavé Epoxy Clay Beads

Glitze^TM Crystal Rhinestone Pavé Epoxy Clay Beads

Puttin' on the Glitz with a blast of sparkle from these 10mm  Glitze^TM crystal pavé round epoxy clay beads. Embedded into epoxy clay, tiny crystals capture and dance in the light. These eye catching beads are the perfect way to add sparkle and bling to your jewelry designs. Glitze crystal pavé clay beads mix well with other crystal beads, pearls, glass beads and more.

A natural decision

Agate is a microcrystalline quartz which is actually a variety of chalcedony. There are many different types of agate with different uses, histories and legends. Agate can often be dyed, but when it’s in its natural state, it has an abundance of colors.

One of our varieties of natural agate beads

Natural agate has been called nature’s most striped gemstone. Those stripes are not typical straight up and down patterns like you might see normally on items such as clothing, flags or wallpaper. Stripes on natural agate are often swirling bands which gives this gemstone a truly unique look.

The different colors within natural agate are created by limonite crystals which seep into the rock cavity when it is formed.

Natural agate can be found all over the world in places like Brazil, Uruguay, Italy, India, Egypt, Mexico, China, Germany and the United States. One of the most noteworthy places natural agate can be found in is in Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. It is believed that this is home to some of the oldest agate in the world dating back billions of years. Minnesota has adopted the Lake Superior agate as the state’s official gemstone.

Agate comes in so many forms and produces fashionable beads such as such as tree agate, moss agate, crazy lace agate and white agate to name a few. Wearing agate beads may not be so simple as there is a wide selection to choose from, all of which are available at Brightlings Beads.

Another selection of natural agate beads

It just comes down to a decision.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Our everyday lives consist of a constant battle to make the right decisions. Quite often, people look for somewhere to turn for advice when it comes to making decisions. Natural agate is believed by some to be able to help in that department.  Now, the stones will not speak to you directly and waiting for an answer will leave you with a lot of spare time on your hands.

However, people often wear natural agate when making an important decision. In addition to helping with decisions, natural agate has a long-standing history of being a protective stone. It was worn on the armor of ancient warriors with intent of giving them strength and courage in battle.

Today, there is no need for such extreme uses. However, many people who wear natural agate beads believe that it can protect them from stress and bad dreams while even helping with an upset stomach. It is considered to be the ultimate protection stone, especially for children.

Protection goes deeper than the physical natural as agate gemstones are also believed to strengthen the intellect. In today’s day and age, strength is needed in all areas of everyday life. Natural agate beads may lend you a little help in those areas but will assuredly strengthen your fashion sense with their chic look and beautiful design.

Swarovski Pearls & Sapphire Drops Jewelry Design Kit

 

The Swarovski Pearls & Sapphire Drops Bracelet & Earring Jewelry Design Kit is a stunning set featuring elegant Swarovski Sapphire Crystals paired with classic White Swarovski Pearls and a sterling silver clasp, earrings and findings.

  This design began as a bridal bracelet & earring set, with white Swarovski pearls and crystal AB Swarovski crystals and rondelles.  I then decided to play around with some colors and found I was more than pleased with the result.  I chose Sapphire not only for it's sheer beauty, but also because it's the September birthstone.  The crisp white against the deep, brilliant sapphires creates a gorgeous color combination, while the sterling silver clasp and findings ensure quality and elegance.  The earrings are long enough to make a statement, but still simple enough to portray dainty, girlish charm.

Wouldn't this set make a lovely gift for your loved ones celebrating a birthday this month?  Or, make it for yourself as a cherished keepsake.  And don't rule out using it as a bridal set.  It would be beautiful for weddings featuring shades of blue or as a complimenting color to others.  It could also be worn by the bridesmaids and could serve a dual purpose as their gifts too.

The completed bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches.  It's not only simple to make, but fun as well.  And regardless of who you make it for, whether it be yourself or a dear friend, it'll be all the more special because you made it yourself!     Enjoy!

                            Jewelry supplies & beads, balance & harmony – Brightlings Beads

 

 

Preserving The Finish - How to Prevent Tarnishing & Clean Your Precious Metals

Have you ever gone to wear a favorite piece of jewelry only to take it out and find it brown or black with tarnish?  Or, if you sell jewelry, how many times has a customer contacted you months after a purchase to complain that it’s now dull and tarnished?  These customers often think the tarnishing is a result of faulty work, or of misleading item descriptions of their purchase.  We know that isn’t the case, but how do we explain this to our customers without sounding defensive? 

If this has ever happened to you, then you know how frustrating either of these scenarios can be.  Unfortunately, we have to take the bad with the good and accept the fact that sterling silver, pewter, and even some types of gold, will most likely tarnish at some point in time.  Luckily, there are many ways to slow this process or even prevent it from happening all together.    Before we get into that however, let’s learn what causes jewelry to tarnish in the first place.

The most common cause of jewelry tarnishing is known as metallic abrasion, which is caused by makeup on your clothes or skin.  Cosmetics usually contain components that are harsh to jewelry and actually harder than the jewelry itself.  They will slowly rub off microscopic particles of the precious metal.  Very finely split jewelry always looks black, so when you have multiple particles rub off it will look like a black dust.  When this “dust” comes into contact with skin, clothing, or any absorbent surface, it will stick, causing a black smudge and thus, tarnish. 

Another common reason for tarnishing is corrosion.  Corrosion occurs when impurities in the metal oxidize in the air.  Perfumes, aerosol sprays (such as hairspray), perspiration and many other chemicals can cause corrosion of the metals.  This process speeds up when the metal is exposed to warmth.  You may notice that your jewelry will tarnish much quicker after a week at the beach.  This is because of the humidity and moisture in the air.

So, what can we do to prevent the tarnishing of our precious metals and rid them of this eyesore if it does happen?  Luckily, there are several ways to do both, including many organic options.  One very easy preventative measure is to use anti-tarnish paper tabs in your jewelry storage cases. 

Anti-Tarnish Paper Tabs

These tabs absorb the moisture in the air and will prevent tarnishing for up to 6 months.  This is perfect for jewelry designers who have multiple storage cases with components that may sit for long periods of time.  Which brings me to the next preventative measure…store your precious metals in air tight containers.  This is a good way to prevent the metals from coming into contact with Sulfur, which can be found almost anywhere and is a huge enemy of precious metals. 

A third, and easy, way to prevent tarnishing is to follow the Golden Rule for wearing jewelry, and it applies to all jewelry both silver and gold:  “your jewelry should be the last thing you put on before going out and the first thing you take off when you get home.”  Doing so minimizes your jewelry’s exposure to the oils in your skin as well as harsh chemicals found in products like detergents and other household cleaning solutions.

There is no sure fire way to prevent tarnishing from happening.  But, following the simple steps above will greatly reduce the need for our next discussion – how to clean tarnish once it rears its annoying head.  Removing tarnish is a little trickier than preventing it because different metals require different methods.  However, for all precious metals, polishing them regularly is one way to keep them shining like new and rid them of the beginnings of tarnishing before it completely covers the piece.  (It’s much easier to remove tarnish if you catch it in the beginning stages.)  There are many jewelry specific polishing cloths on the market but a soft cotton rag will also do the trick.

If polishing doesn’t get your jewelry quite as clean as you’d like, or if the tarnishing process is further along than the beginning stages, you’ll need to put a little more effort into cleaning it.  For sterling silver, a simple organic method is to use Baking Soda activated by boiling water in the

 

Sterling Silver "Beauty" Message Bead

presence of aluminum.   To do this, line a glass dish with a piece of aluminum foil that is slightly crumpled and place your jewelry so that all of the silver is touching the aluminum.  Next, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over it.  Then, pour just enough boiling water to immerse the jewelry.  If done correctly, it will bubble and give off a rotten-egg odor.  Gently move the pieces around with a wood or plastic spoon or spatula to ensure that all of the silver comes into contact with the aluminum.   Now, rinse it under tap water and dry it with an absorbent towel.   Finish it off with a polishing cloth and voila - your sterling silver will look brand new again.

Cleaning pewter jewelry involves different ingredients all together.  First, make a paste by mixing salt, flour and vinegar.  Next, apply the paste to your pewter jewelry, making sure to cover all of the exposed metal.  Allow the jewelry to sit for 15 minutes to an hour and then rinse it in warm water. 

Antique Silver Pewter Empress Link

Finally, dry it with a soft cloth or polishing cloth.  I like this method because you can easily clean pewter jewelry that features other components without worry of damaging those components.  You only need to apply the paste to the pewter portion of the piece.

Although pure gold doesn’t tarnish, it can become discolored.  And lower karats of gold actually do tarnish if not carefully cared for.  As a rule, the higher the metal alloy content, the higher the risk for tarnishing.  In other words, 14k gold jewelry is more likely to tarnish than 18k gold because 14k is roughly 42% metal alloy while 18k is only 25%.  Luckily, there’s a simple (and organic) method for

Gold Filled 5mm Corrugated Round Beads

cleaning gold jewelry as well, this time using dish soap.  First, put a few drops of the liquid soap into some warm water and mix it gently.  You could also use club soda or sodium-free seltzer water.  Place the gold jewelry in this solution and soak it for approximately 15 minutes.  Gently scrub each piece with a soft-bristled brush.  Eyebrow brushes are great for this purpose, but you can also purchase brushes specifically designed for jewelry cleaning.   Now, rinse the jewelry in warm water and blot dry with a soft, cotton cloth.

In addition to the above cleaning methods, there are also a wide variety of inexpensive and quality jewelry cleaning products on the market.  Just be sure to read the labels carefully as many products are specific to one type or group of jewelry i.e. sterling silver, gemstones, pearls, gold, etc…  And, if time is of the essence or you don’t feel comfortable cleaning it yourself, most jewelry stores will clean your rings free of charge while you wait. 

And there you have it.  So, the next time you open that jewelry box to find a black necklace greeting you instead of bright silver, you’ll know what to do.  Or, the next time a customer calls thinking they’ve been sold a low quality piece of jewelry, you’ll know how to educate them and offer a solution! 

If you have a nifty jewelry cleaning tip, feel free to share it here by leaving a comment.  Happy cleaning everyone!

 

           Jewelry supplies & beads, balance & harmony – Brightlings Beads

 

 

Power, pregnancy and petunias

Moss agate is one of the many variations of agate, which is an impure microcrystalline form of quartz. Moss agate is a banded chalcedony which has inclusions of green minerals. That is where this particular gemstone gets its name, in reference to the green color of moss.

Some moss agate also has gray and milky-white coloring but its most popular forms come in sea and forest green colors. Agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history and there is also no shortage of candles on moss agate’s birthday cake either.

Coincidentally, moss agate is believed by some to have something to do with birthdays.

Some of the moss agate beads available at Brightlings Beads

Without births, there would be no birthdays. And without moss agate, some women may not have experienced a successful pregnancy. Moss agate is said to be a 'birthing crystal' that helps women throughout their pregnancies.

Midwives have used moss agate during deliveries to help reduce pain. Moss agate has also been used by women after they have delivered to help with their recovery.

Today, moss agate bracelets have come to be known as fertility bracelets. They can be seen dangling from the wrists of women hoping to get pregnant. They are also worn by pregnant women hoping for a successful pregnancy. Moss agate necklaces serve the same purpose and have become more than just a fashionable accessory.

The reason behind moss agate being the birthing stone is due to its powerful connection with nature and its ability to refresh the soul.

Moss agate is known in other circles as the ‘gardeners stone.’ Similar to the way women are trying to conceive a child, gardeners are trying cultivate healthy and plentiful crops. Some people will even  bury moss agate in the four corners of their gardens or hang them from nearby trees.

Now, pregnant women and farmers aren’t likely to shop at the same clothing stores but they could find themselves shopping for the same gemstones. Whether you wear moss agate beads with a maternity dress or with a pair of overalls, there is more to these beads than just fashion.

Shopping for moss agate is made easy at Brightlings Beads. You won’t have to travel to the faraway places where moss agate is found. India, Brazil, China and Australia are home to moss agate in its natural state as is the northwestern region of the United States.

There are many different kinds of agate such as crazy lace agate, tree agate and blue lace agate to name a few. But moss agate is believed to be the most powerful of all the agates. In ancient times, it was called the ‘warriors stone’ because it was believed to relieve pain and release fear.

So whether you are looking for power, pregnancy or petunias, moss agate beads may be able to help while also providing you with a sleek new look.

Opulent Opals

As summer gives way to autumn, so does September give way to October and the beautiful colors that come with this fall month.  And the vibrant blues of a Sapphire give way to an ocean of shimmering colors, known as the Opal.

Birthstones are generally worn as a ring or pendant and are traditionally associated with the numerous qualities that symbolize the month of birth in the Gregorian calendar.  As such, the Gregorian calendar also has poems to match each month with its birthstone.  The poem for October reads:

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal
 on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

The name for the Opal gemstone comes from the Latin word “opalus,” which means precious jewel.  It’s most revered for its stunning ability to reflect and refract certain wavelengths of light and was known by the Romans as “Cupid Paederos,” meaning a child as beautiful as love.  Legend says that the Opal originated by falling from the heavens in a fiery flash of lightning.  Whether this legend is true or not, there’s no debating the magnificent beauty of the Opal and all the fabulous colors that it holds within its mysterious grasp.

Dating back to prehistoric times, the Opal is a mineral found near the earth’s surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs used to exist.  Over the years, as these hot springs went dry, layers of the silica, mixed with water, deposited into the crevices of the bedrock, thus forming the Opal.  Ancient royals prized Opals not only for their beauty, but for their presumed protective powers.  They were often used in crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil.  They were also believed to protect ones eyesight.  Further, they were sometimes ground and actually ingested for their healing powers and to ward off nightmares.

Today, many of the world’s Opal mines are found in Southern Australia.  Deposits can also be found in Mexico, Czechoslovakia, Brazil and Nevada.  If you wish to purchase a quality opal, be prepared as they are very expensive.  This is mainly due to the delicacy of them and the caution that must be used in cutting and then setting them into jewelry.  Because they contain up to 30% water, they need to be protected from harsh chemicals and heat, which can cause drying and as a result, cracking and loss of iridescence.  Further, they are quite soft and can break easily.

Air Blue Opal Swarovski Bicones Crystals

At Brightlings Beads, we have several Opal choices for you to peruse and create beautiful jewelry designs.  Swarovski crystals produce a number of different Opal choices in an assortment of gorgeous colors.  There are too many to picture them all, but here are just a few.

Cyclamen Opal Swarovski Bicones Crystals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brightlings Beads also has several Jewelry Design Kits featuring various shades of Opal beads.  A beautiful design is our Sophia Cameo Bracelet and Earring Jewelry Design Kit.  The use of Swarovski’s White Opal adds beautiful hues of muted white to compliment the white on black Cameos. 

Sophia Cameo Bracelet & Earring Jewelry Design Kit

In addition to the Design Kits with Opals and the many Opal choices of Swarovski Crystals, Pink Opal 6x3mm Rondel Beads are a lovely choice for bracelet and necklace designs, as are the White Opal Puffed Triangular beads.

White Opal 15x12mm Puffed Triangular Beads

Pink Opal 6x3mm Rondel Beads

 

To gift an Opal is a symbol of faithfulness and confidence and its radiating energy is believed to brighten any occasion. 

 You may not realize that October is one of those few months that actually have two birthstones from which to choose.  The second being Tourmaline, a popular choice because it can be found in a wide variety of colors.  It’s also revered for its ability to show several colors in just one gemstone.   Stay tuned for our Tourmaline blog post, coming soon…

               Jewelry supplies & beads, balance & harmony – Brightlings Beads

 

 

 

The Other October Birthstone

October is one of those confusing months that have more than one birthstone. (June is another such month, but we'll worry about that when it next rolls around).  Opal is widely considered the go-to birthstone choice for October.  But, few people know that Tourmaline is a beautiful, less expensive alternative, that is also recognized as a birthstone for October.  In addition, it's also the stone for the Zodiac sign of Leo and the accepted gemstone for the 8th Wedding Anniversary.



Tourmaline Gemstone

The Tourmaline name was derived in the late 1600's from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) word 'tura mali', which translates into 'the stone of mixed colors.'  It was actually the name given to all colored stones on the island of Sri Lanka at that time, which made it extremely difficult for ancient gem dealers to differentiate tourmaline from other precious stones.  For instance, the pinks in pink tourmaline and rubies are so similar in appearance that the Russian Crown Jewels, believed for centuries to be rubies, are now thought to really be tourmalines.



Watermelon Tourmaline

Tourmaline can be found in a wide variety of colors including pink, dark brown, yellow, blue, lime and colorless, to name just a few.  It is also available in bi-colors and even tri-colors.  It could be green on one end and pink on the other end.  The unique watermelon tourmaline is green on the
outside and pink on the inside.  Some tourmaline stones appear to change color depending on the angle of view.  Stones with this effect are known as dichroic stones.  There is cat's eye tourmaline, or chrome tourmaline, which is a vibrant green stone that is often confused with the emerald.  A bright neon-blue stone is called the Paraiba tourmaline while Rubellite tourmaline is a deep, purple and reddish stone.  And the dark, bluish-black color of the indicolite tourmaline is yet another testament to the vast color options available.  Finally, schorl is the name for black tourmalines, which are the most commonly found of the tourmaline stones.  This fact is somewhat surprising considering how many colors can be found with this beautiful stone.

Indicolite and rubellite are the most expensive tourmalines due to their rarity. 

Tourmaline stones are also known for their durability.  The Chinese have carved and engraved tourmaline figures for centuries and ancient pieces can still be seen in museums today.

Various cultures have differing beliefs about what values tourmaline can bring to those who wear it.  For all of us jewelry designers, 18th century literature considers this stone to be helpful to actors, artists, authors, and all of those who work in 'creative fields.'  As a result, such artists and authors often used it as a talisman.  Tourmaline is also believed to strengthen the blood, lymph nodes and nervous system.  A Dutch scientist once claimed that tourmaline wrapped in silk and then placed against the cheek of an ill child, would induce sleep.  Ancient ceremonies in India used the gem to make it known who or what was the cause of evil deeds.  They further believed it to be helpful in bringing insight and discovering "that which is good."  Some cultures even believed that the tourmaline stone could bring opposites to the same side and change base metals to gold!

Tourmalines are mined all over the world from Africa to Australia, Brazil to Nigeria and Zimbabwe to the good old US of A. 

Sterling Silver Earwires w/2mm Tourmaline Crystal

If you're lucky enough to be celebrating a birthday in October, you won't be left empty-handed when it comes to your birthstone, since you have two from which to choose.  And, there's an added bonus if you happen to work in one of the many 'creative' fields.  Test this theory out by wearing these Sterling Silver Earwires with 2mm Tourmaline crystals for a week and see if your creative inspiration increases significantly.  Perhaps I'll wear a pair the next time I feel uninspired...

        
                              Jewelry supplies & beads, balance & harmony – Brightlings Beads

 

Jewelry Trends for Fall 2013

We've covered what the color trends are for Fall 2013 in a previous post (The Many Moods of Fall), but what can we do with these colors?  The answer is simple:  Go Big - Go Bold - Go Chunky.

Jewelry trends for Fall 2013 are providing such a wealth of variety, that even the pickiest of designers will be pleased.  There are too many trends this season to name them all, so we've chosen some of our favorites and hope you'll like them too!

GOLD

It may surprise you to find that Gold is turning up as the metal of choice for Fall fashion jewelry and accessories.  Once riding in the backseat behind Platinum and Silver, Gold has made a huge comeback, literally.  Styles include bold chains, chunky metalwork necklaces, matching wrist cuffs and even gemstone covered sunglasses.  From handbags to shoes, belt buckles to hair accessories, it's gold, gold and more gold.  Consider designing a stylish necklace using this 30x22mm Pewter Gold Open Knot Pendant.  Or, browse our entire collection of Gold Plated Pewter, or Gold Filled beads and components.

Pewter Gold Open Knot Pendant



UNIQUE RINGS


As nail art continues to grow in popularity, so does the ring.  But not just your plain old, single band, one stone ring.  With respect to the aforementioned "Big & Bold," be prepared this Fall season  to see lots of multi-fingered rings, rings with metal wrapped words spanning the entire width of the hand and multiple bands on one or more fingers.  Don't be afraid to go chunky with your designs either.  Costume jewelry has also made a comeback and the chunky ring is right in the mix.  Purchase the Christmas Swarovski Ring Jewelry Design Kit to get started with this fun style.

Christmas Swarovski Ring Jewelry Design Kit

CHANDELIER EARRINGS


Say good-bye to tiny earrings.  The Chandelier Earring is making itself be heard this Fall season.  Not only are they fun, but they can be designed using any number and/or combination of materials:  Crystals, Precious Metals, Lots of Colors and all sorts of textures are just a few of the many choices you have when designing these elegant earrings.  And, they're versatile enough to glam up an evening gown OR pair with a great pair of skinny jeans for a casual night on the town.  Learn how to create these stunning earrings with the Swarovski Purple Haze Chandelier Earring Design Kit .

Swarovski Purple Haze Chandelier Earring Jewelry Design Kit

CHUNKY CHAINS



Antiqued Brass 9x9 Flat Ring Chain

One of the most popular jewelry trends for fall 2013 is Chunky Chains.  Worn around the neck or wrapped around the wrist in all their chunky glory, they make a bold statement and are sure to catch the eye.  The metal choice doesn't matter either (although Gold is considered the most popular at the moment).  From sterling silver to plated metals, add beads and gemstones in a flurry of colors to create a layered look.  Brightlings Beads offers a wide selection of chains, in multiple finishes, to enable you to design the looks of this growing trend.

ROSE GOLD COLORS AND FINISHES

Rose Gold colors are quickly becoming one of the hottest new trends this season as more and more rose gold filled options become readily available.  As such, many beads, pearls and even wires are
now available in this charming color.  Pair it with sterling silver for beautiful, jaw dropping designs.














These have been just a few of the popular trends for the Fall 2013 jewelry season.  Choose a few of these trends to combine together for a commanding style that's sure to compliment both dressy and casual attire.  What are your favorite trends this season?

       Jewelry supplies & beads, balance & harmony – Brightlings Beads



Morning Dew Jewelry Design Kit

Morning Dew Jewelry Design Kit

Inspired by the muted hues of greens and blues that glisten in the morning sun, The Morning Dew Jewelry Design Kit is a complete jewelry set including a necklace, bracelet and earrings. Each piece features magnificent Amazonite Matrix nuggets nestled between antique silver nugget Heishi spacers and radiant Montana Blue Swarovski Crystals. Rose Quartz beads add just the right amount of color contrast while the bold, silver plated textured rope chain is twisted to add beautiful depth. This jewelry set is not only simple to make, but fun too!

Beads laced with a little bit of crazy?

Crazy lace agate is a type of agate, which is a variety of chalcedony. Agate is also a member of the quartz family. In scientific terms, it is called either a cryptocystalline or a microcrystalline quartz. But there is more to this unique gemstone than just science.

Crazy lace agate has a variety of colors

Some would contend that crazy lace agate has healing powers. Others might say laughter is the best medicine. If that is indeed the case, then there is a lot to be said for the healing powers that exist within crazy lace agate.

It has come to be known as the ‘laughter stone.’

Now, that doesn’t mean you will hear any chuckles or cackles from crazy lace agate beads or stones themselves. And there is also no humor on how this gemstone inherited its name.

Crazy lace agate took on that name because of its unique design. There are many curved and twisted bands that swirl throughout these gemstones. Those intricate designs are what ultimately fathered the name 'crazy lace.' It is also referred to as Mexican agate and is mined only in Mexico.

These gemstones were first documented just before the turn of the 19th century in the Northern part of Mexico. However, agate deposits date back for millions of years.

Agate is believed by some to promote composure, maturity and stability within oneself. But crazy lace agate is believed to have much more unconventional functions.

There are some who believe that crazy lace agate can help cure one’s fear of spiders and crawling insects. Others believe that crazy lace agate can absorb emotional pain. For that reason, it is required to be washed on a frequent basis. There may be nothing worse than a carrying around a stone sullied with emotional pain.

Crazy lace agate is also said to be a protective stone and in ancient times agate was used to placate Gods. It was also said to have the power to ward off the ‘evil eye.’

For years, crazy lace agate has also been associated with Mexican fiestas. There is a positive and happy connotation that comes with this part of the stone’s history and lure.

Brightlings Beads also has blue crazy lace agate

Today, crazy lace agate has found its way into the fashion world in the form of earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and other accessories. Crazy lace agate comes in a wide variety of colors. And, rather remarkably, there can actually be a variety of colors within just one crazy lace agate bead.

Crazy lace agate beads can also be a very fun to work with because of their multi-colored and unique design. Its balance of colors is as unconventional as its name, which  may be a bit deceiving.

Crazy lace agate is not crazy, it is not made of lace, yet it has an interesting story to go along with a fashionable look.

Witches, Spiders & Bats, Oh My!

We're halfway through September, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper and one by one, those seasonal Halloween stores are popping up in strip malls across the country.  Yes, that spooky holiday is almost upon us.  Halloween first began as the eve of All Saints' Day, originally celebrated by Celtic cultures.   But now, Halloween is enormously popular with children in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom who dress up and go door to door saying "trick or treat" in hopes of being rewarded with candy. 

You may consider Halloween to be a holiday that can easily be 'skipped' in the jewelry business.  But when you think about it, there are lots of opportunities to wear Halloween themed jewelry...the office Halloween Party, the kid's school parties, Halloween themed charity events and, of course, trick-or-treat night.  So, it's time to begin thinking about your Halloween designs for the 2013 season.  You can get the kids in on the action too by allowing them to create their own, spooky pieces.

Brightlings Beads offers a wide assortment of Halloween themed beads for all of your creations and today we'll feature just a few examples of the fun designs you can craft.

The Shimmering Web Necklace was made with two of our intricately detailed Lampwork Glass Halloween beads, featuring those pesky little eight legged creatures:  the Pumpkin w/Spider and the Black Spider Green Oval lampwork beads.  Jet and Fire Hyancinth 6mm Majestic Crystal Faceted Bicone crystal beads add nice depth while Crystal Silver Lined TOHO Seed Beads provide a 'shimmer' effect.  For closure, you can choose any clasp that's to your liking.  Any of the Black Finish Pewter Toggle Clasps blend nicely with this piece.






The Witch's Brew Charm Bracelet features a Silver Plated 6x4mm Figaro Chain with Halloween themed Lampwork Glass beads made into charms using Silver Plated 1 1/2" Head Pins wrapped into Wire Wrapped Loops.  Coordinating colors of Swarovski Faceted Bicones Crystals add a touch of sparkle.  The pictured bracelet was made with Green Witch 24mm Lampwork Beads, Black Kitty Faces 11mm Lampwork Beads, Black Bat Glass Lampwork Beads and the aforementioned Pumpkin w/Spider Lampwork Beads.  However, you may choose any combination of Halloween beads to design this fun bracelet.  Ghosts and Skulls are just a few of several, creepy alternatives.

How about switching out your child's favorite zipper pull for the month of October?  This fun design features the Pumpkin w/Spider Lampwork Beads and Jet Swarovski Crystals.  Zipper Pulls are simple to make as well and you can easily create several for all of the neighborhood kids!  Simply string their beads of choice onto a 7-9 inch length of Beadalon 49 Strand Stainless Steel Wire and add a Silver Plated Greek Clasp using a jump ring. Secure the ends with Crimp Tubes, and voila...you're done!

 

 

If creating your own designs isn't your forte', not to worry.  Brightlings Beads offers several Halloween Inspired Jewelry Design Kits, which come with everything you need to create the design, including detailed instructions.  The Green Witch Lampwork Earring Design Kit would be a perfect accessory for witch costumes or purchase the Smiling Ghost Earring Design Kit to wear to the Office Party.






What fun Halloween Designs will you create this season?  Whatever they are, you're sure to have a blast making them!  And remember to get the kids involved too!

Jewelry supplies & beads, balance & harmony – Brightlings Beads