Inspiration

I

I don’t have any of the gemstones that start with the letter “I” Those include Iolite, Island spar and well a few others that happen to be second names for gemstones.. So they are not technically on the list.

So what to do?

I don’t know
I will have to think about that
I will have to look in my books and online to see if there is anything interesting.. Hmm I has me an idea!

Inspiration!

Right now I am inspired to create jewelry with a certain theme - actually I thought about this before the new version of the movie was out.

I will give you a few hints

1. Remake
2. Cat
3.Johnny Depp - ok that was the give away

Alice In Wonderland
Click that to get to the Disney site for the 2010 version by Tim Burton

If your "Mad as a Hatter" or always late, have a rather large grin or tend to eat things your not suppose to.. seriously Alice just because it says eat me....well you might be interested in some jewelry I want to make that is themed after this movie.

I of course am not the only one with this idea, and honestly I am a bit late in the game because I haven't even made one piece yet... but I never did follow a time line very well.

Turns out - you may have already known this but I didn't - Disney has a Couture Jewelry line

Nothing like overpriced creations, don't get me wrong they are very cool and gave me lots of inspiration but $155 for a necklace made out of a wallet chain that is silver plated with a bunch of random chains and charms - um no. At most - if they had to pay top price for everything they used... which they don't, not even remotely close because they buy in bulk and if your a business and you can buy in very large quantities then you get a very good discount.

Ok back to the cost.. top and I mean if you got ripped off and payed to much for your materials would be like $20 so your paying $135 for the name - sound right to you?


Oh check this one out
Layered Queen of Hearts necklace

It's a stunning necklace but lets take a better look
1. The chain is Hematite plated - that is not all that expensive but it is nice to look at all shinny and stuff
2. There are at least 20 chains there - so tempting for a person like me to take apart so I can make 20 necklaces - but the layered look is very cool to look at.. annoying as hell when those chains get tangled though.
3.The Hearts are made of Resin - in not jewelry speak that's pretty much plastic.

Once again don't get me wrong it is a stunning necklace ! just not worth the price they want to charge you for it. It would probably cost less to make then the previous necklace we were talking about.. but that's just my opinion.

Now this site I like and the prices make much more sense to me.. and they are just super cool.. yes super cool.
The White Rabbit

Another site that has some cool stuff is Etsy and I found some Interesting Alice In Wonderland themed jewelry

These are just some things to look at while I do a little research and make my own stuffs.. I will be happy to show some on here.. once I have made them.

I love Johnny Depp - yes that has everything to do with this post ;)

H - Hematite

H
The Egyptians really had a leg up on the usage of things, I wonder if today we would have realized the healing properties of these gemstones?.. Probably would have been to busy trying to make weapons out of them.

History

Those intuitive Egyptians realized that Hematite could stop the flow of liquid - or staunch is the word used. They used it to staunch blood and to promote the formation of blood cells. They also used Hematite as ornaments in tombs ( intuitive they were, but obsessed with putting things in tombs with dead people was a rather strange use of these wonderful gems. Seriously they put big Ruby’s in the tombs as well! Stay tuned for a blog on why they did that… to come in the near future)
Nowadays Hematite is used not only as a beautiful adornment to the body, it is also used in paint as a pigment and as a polishing powder.
Star Sign

Now this is interesting - Hematite is assigned to Scorpio - that’s not that interesting part. The interesting part is that Hematite is a protective stone for Scorpios and it is said to warn them a danger by changing temperature.. Cool.

Colours

Gray-black, dark reddish brown and the one we are probably most familiar with is the shiny metallic

Healing Attributes

It has already been stated that Hematite does some great things for blood - stopping bleeding and formation of blood cells, it also is used to stabilize the circulation of blood and combats venous hyperemia and embolism - I took that right from a book because I really do not know what that means (Healing Crystals and Gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon)
It is said that if you hold Hematite over a place where you have pain that it will draw out the pain, illness and muscle weakness.
Helps to overcome a fear of flying
Reduces jet lag
Banish irrational fears.

I no longer have in my possession the necklaces I made with mostly Hematite.


Here is a small selection of the Hematite that I have - So far I have only come across the shiny metallic looking kind.

Ooops

So I missed posting a blog yesterday and I missed today - or I am going to miss posting one .. well other then this one.

I am taking a few days off but when I come back I will have new books and more information.
Just a few things I need to get my butt in gear and get done!
:)
Next up is Hematite. I might do a few out of the alphabet things soon too because I would like to showcase some old designers - or certain eras ..I am guessing the Victorian era will be first.

G

Garnet

According to legend Noah used a glowing garnet to illuminate the Arc’s way during those dark wet days and nights.

History

The name garnet comes from the Latin word garanatus meaning seedlike like the seeds of a pomegranate.
It is said that there were garnets found as beads on young mans corps that dates back to 3000 B.C - basically meaning the stones are very durable .
The King of Saxony is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats. Plato had his likeness carved into a portrait of garnet.

Star Sign

Garnet is for those born in January

Colours

Red, yellow, green and black. One site stated that the only colour a garnet is not is blue

Healing Attributes

Garnets display anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful with:
Arthritis
Rheumatism
Swollen scar tissue and wounds
Mucus membrane swelling
It also helps to detoxify blood
Release negative energy
Brings vitality
Strengthen the heart physically
It says is my one book that anyone with depression should carry a tumbled garnet with them. It encourages feelings of joy, willpower and hope.

This piece has red and green garnet in it, as well as moonstone, rose quartz, freshwater pearl, labradorite and a few other gemstones.

http://www.jewelsforme.com/Garnet-History.asp

F - Fluorite

F

According to folk lore Fluorite is the home of the rainbows

History

The name Fluorite comes from the Latin fluere meaning to flow - this is due to the ease of melting this gem and the use of it as a flux.
A variety of Fluorite know as Blue John or Derbyshire Spar has been used for making vases and other ornamental objects - It is stated that this material which was minded in the district of Derbyshire, England has been reportedly minded out. Oops good thing you can still find it in USA, Spain, Mexico and of course China… I wonder what you can’t get in China?
Star Sign

Pisces

So that’s February and March- Well if my dad wore jewelry I could have made him a Fluorite necklace… oh well - I really need to figure out some type of thing to make for the males out there that don’t wear necklaces. Duct Tape Roll with gemstones on them?

Colours

Purple, Green, Yellow and Rainbow… hmm rainbow is not a colour I remember in my crayon pack.
Healing Attributes

Fluorite helps with:
Tension headaches
Ear
Sinus
Throat
Tonsils
Calms buzzing thoughts
Builds resistance against colds and flu
Resistance to childhood illnesses that are far more serious in adulthood ( I am guessing chicken pocks would be on that list)
Calms Hyperactive Children
Aids in helping dogs behave well in public
Helps in the treatment of diseases involved with the spleen and kidney
Relieves asthma and regenerates the lung tissue - wow if that is even just a little true.
Benifitial to the head and brain
This one site says it’s used in the prevention of RND/DNA damage and can be used to repair existing damage - not all that sure what that means.. Didn’t know I could break my DNA but there is a lot I do not know.
http://www.mysticsculptress.com/Flourite.htm


Green and Purple Fluorite - This set of earrings I named Victorian Ladies ... because they ended up looking like people with old style dresses on.

As always I used the previous books I have posted before, so check out my other posts for mroe information. :)

E is for Emerald.

E

E is for Emerald
Again I do not have this gemstone.. Sad times. I probably won’t have any of the precious gemstones.. I’m a semi precious kinda girl

History

In ancient mythology emerald was associated with Mercury - the messenger of the gods and god of travel
According to the Book of Revelations, the throne of God is made of emerald.
Emerald is said to be the most precious of all gems and are more expensive then Diamonds… interesting

Star Sign

Taurus - April and May

Colours

Stupid question… Green…
The more green the more cost.
Sometimes these gems have slight hues of different colours such as yellow, blue, brown or grey

Healing Attributes

Emeralds aid in the healing of
Heart
Lung
Thymus
Pancreas
Lymph nodes
Headaches
They are said to be very helpful with vision and things regarding the eyes
Detoxifier of negative energy
Promotes personal growth
Sleep aid
Improves memory




Emerald Kitty

Information from About.com
Information from jewelry.com

I just learned how to link stuff on here so if something is underlined you can click on it and go to the origin of it.

D is for Don’t Have…Diamond

D

Since I do not own any Diamonds I can not show a picture of my stuff with it - But I will do my best to find a picture or link to a picture of a few excellent Diamond specimens

History

I believe we are all aware that the Diamond has had quite a history filled with romance, greed, murder, mayhem…and well of course love.
It is said that in the Middle Ages people spoke of the “divine brilliance on earth” Clearly these people have never seen a Swarovski Crystal ( I know I know huge difference but so sparkly)
It states in this book, which I have mentioned a few times already and will post again at the end - that in India the diamond was considered the stone of virtue and justice. The ruler administered justice while holding a diamond.
On here I am speaking only of Diamonds as a jewelry specimen but in reality diamonds are used in many areas involving industrial production.. Hmm I wonder if I could find some of those tools in a flea market hack them apart and keep the diamonds?… I know I know crazy talk but it amuses me.

Star Sign

The lucky Leo which is between July and August

Colours

White to yellowish and brownish, transparent

Healing Attributes

Diamonds aid in the healing of:
Low self - esteem
Aids in the search for independence
Counteracting jealousy
Negativity
Brain function
Anxiety
Depression
Neuroses
Aids in female fertility
Bones
Brain Cells
The Diamond is a harmonizing and balancing gemstone

I found an awesome picture - http://www.artnewsblog.com/2007/06/diamond-skull-by-damien-hirst.htm - that is where I am getting it from
How cool is that? Way to go Damien Hirst

C is for Cookie... um I mean Carnelian

C

Carnelian
Says its one of the oldest protective stones in history .. Seems at though every stone is the oldest or best of something…
When ever I see that word I think Alien K

History
The name Carnelian is derived from the Latin corneous meaning “cherry” hmm ok it’s more orange then red but everything does need a name. Hmm it also states that it comes from the Latin carnis meaning “flesh” which in my mind it looks more like.
It is said that the Egyptians carried it about on their person as a source of energy and renewed vitality. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead there is a custom where they place Carnelian in the tombs as “magic armor” Those Egyptians and there seeming addiction to putting things in the dead peoples tombs.

Star Sign
My one books says Taurus, a few different web sites say Virgo.. My other book says Leo, ugg why can’t everyone get on the same page!! So this is another one that is your choice.

Colours
Yellow, orange, red, brown and variations of those colours.

Healing Attributes
Carnelian aids in the healing of
Abdominal Pain
Bleeding Gums
PMS
Sexual Anxiety
Addictions
Low Self - Esteem Arthritis
Inspires courage without aggressiveness
Acts as a balancer for sensitive children and teenagers
Helps with aggressive animals
Put a piece of Carnelian in your Goldfish tank to keep him healthy ( I wouldn’t suggest this for other fish unless you can find information on those particular fishies and Carnelian)
Carnelian helps in finding your true identity, so you can be yourself without fear or feeling of the need to conform

Sounds like a rather helpful little stone.

I have mentioned the books before but just incase you can’t find that information here it is again

The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals - by Cassandra Eason
Healing Crystals ands Gemstones From Amethyst to Zircon - by Dr. Flora Peschek - Bohmer & Gisela Schreiber

I really didn’t get any new information from a web site so the books are where I borrowed my information - I really like the books and recommend them if you are interested in Gemstones.
This piece is made with Fire Agate and Carnelian, as you can see the Fire Agate and Carnelian go very well together

This piece is called "me myself" when looking at the attributes from the differnt gemstones it promotes good self worth and self esteem and to be yourself and not be afraid of that. There is Quarts, Amethyst, Carnelian and Jade in it.

B is for Blue Lace Agate

B
I realize I have already talked about Agate - but there are not many Gemstones that I can think of that start with B - and not many that I myself have ( I use my stuff as pictures)
I really like Blue Lace Agate so that is my topic for the day - if you don't like it...what am I talking about of course you will like it!

Blue Lace Agate is said to be one of the most popular of the Agates ( I think because it is really pretty)

History
A man in Namibia discovered this type of Agate on his farm - hmm interesting .
This man coined the name for it as “Gem of Ecology” - Guess that name didn’t sound as good as Blue Lace and I would have to agree on that.
He named it this because the swirls in the gem reminded him of the swirls of clouds in the sky.
This type of Agate is sometimes said to be associated with the Virgin Mary - making this gem an ico on motherhood.

Star Sign
Hmm interesting, seems as though I am finding a few different answers to this question
So far it is linked to Pieces, Gemini and Aquarius - Guess its up to the person.

Colour
Pink, kidding. Blue of course. A pale powdery blue, periwinkle blue - basically shades of light blue with white bands running through it.

Healing Powers - I think from now on I am going to change the word from Powers to attributes, to me it sounds a little less superhero and a little more science.

Healing Attributes
Helps to aid in the healing of:
Sore Throats
Thyroid Problems
Headaches
Painful or Swollen Glands in the Neck
Helps to Calm Stress and Stress Related Conditions - which is basically life..
High Blood Pressure
Skin Allergies
Bone Problems
Sooth a Restless Child
Reduces Barking in Dogs
Screeching in Birds
Yowling in Cats
Hmm ok how about you find out why your animals are behaving that way as well… when my cats yowl it usually means I am on their tail or there is a strange cat at the window.
It Facilitates Communication
Protects Against Outbursts of Anger ( from self or others I am not sure, maybe both!)
It is a Peacemaker Stone
Bye Bye Birdy - Blue Lace Agate, Swarovski and Cathedral Beads With a pretty birdy charm

A is also for Amethyst

I was going to move on to 'b' but I really like Amethyst and I think it would be a shame to skip it.

The name ‘Amethyst’ is derived from the Greek word amethyein which means Not Drunk - Hmm that is very interesting, something else that is interesting is that wine was preferable served in ametyst beakers.
It is said that the Greeks wore amethyst for protection from magic, homesickness, evil thoughts and drunkenness. If they were drunk they wouldn’t really care all that much about those things though…ironic.

Amethyst can be found in Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Western Australia, Morocco and I just learned Ontario!
Aww look at us with our pretty stones. http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mines/ogs/ims/amethyst/default_e.asp


Star Sign - That would be Pisces so February and March - Lucky its such a pretty stone.

Colour - Violet - light to dark through iron inclusions.
To me I would say purple and variations of purple.

Healing Properties
Amethyst is claimed to aid in the healing of:
Migraines
Skin Irritations
Preventing Nightmares
Addictions
Insomnia
Eyestrain
Emotional Problems
Toothaches.. that’s it im gonna chew on some amethyst.. Kidding I don’t know where that has been!
Problems with digestion and stomach upset
Bone disorders
Balancing blood sugar levels

Oo0o Amethyst is said to deter fleas in animals. And calms hyperactivity and barking.. Why are animals not fitted with an amethyst collar?


This necklaces is a mix of amethyst , quarts, carnelian , and jade

The center of this filigree piece I affixed an amethyst gemstone - The piece also has purple Swarovski Crystals

I get most of my information from the books that I have already listed but I also found information at :
http://www.jewelrysupplier.com/2_amethyst/amethyst_healing.htm
http://www.sobrietystones.com/resources/GemBook/Stones/meanings_gemstones_amethyst.htm
http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mines/ogs/ims/amethyst/default_e.asp

Agate

For the next however long it takes - I will be concentrating on a Gemstone per day. Alphabetically I will go though the list of gemstones and share information about them. I plan on gathering the information from different sources so that I can get a variety of explanations and of course make it my own. I have never been good at essays and sourcing my materials so forgive me if I do it wrong - This isn’t an English class - I just want to give credit where credit is due.

A
A is for Agate - pronounced Ag - it ( the pronunciation of this gemstone is actually something that questioned by different people including myself so it could be A- gate or Ag - it, annoying I know)

History
The name Agate is derived from the name of the river Achates in Sicily. It is said to age back to the Stone Age - that’s kinda old. Back in the day it was considered very valuable, now it’s really not expensive to buy and I have been able to find it at pretty much every shop I enter . It is said to be found in former volcanic regions; Black Forest, Saxony, Germany; in Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, USA and Indian peninsula.

Star Sign
May so that is Taurus and Gemini - hmm two faced bulls. Just kidding.

Colours
I have seen Agate in so many colours and variations of colors. Some of the most beautiful pieces of Agate I have seen are used in some of my pieces. On of my favorite Agates is Fire Agate, one of the best named Agates is called Dragons Vein - such a cool name. You can find anything from Brown to Pink, but the best looking ones are the layered ones.

Healing Powers
I know it sounds kinda “new age” but I find the thought that these beautiful gemstones could possibly be mentally and physically beneficial to us - even if it’s just a pretty placebo it’s still pretty. I’m not sitting here claiming that a gemstone can cure the common cold or anything, but when it comes down to it there are so many things I this world we just don’t have answers for.
Here is a list I have compiled from different sources of suggestions on possible healing powers
Headaches
Dizziness
Impaired Balance ( not going to help you pass a sobriety test but you can look pretty while taking it, still dumb for drinking and driving but pretty and dumb)
Skin Problems
Feverish Infections
Tired or Inflamed Eyes
Agate has been used for a very long time during pregnancy for both mother and child. Said to alleviate some of the discomfort experienced on certain days during pregnancy
Insomnia
Promotes pleasant dreams
Increased Stamina
Emotional Health
Discerning of Truth
This is just a very short and to the point list of healing attributes. Please check out the sources to get more information

One more thing - Agate is said to be one of the oldest good luck and healing stones.
Fire Agate Dragons Vein Agate
Interesting…

What style is this?

Looking at my collection of jewelry I wonder what my style is. The answer.. not a clue, it's such a mixture of different things, types, materials and styles. Why just pick one?
I guess if you had just one style you could master it but I think I would get bored doing the same things over and over.
While making up my web site I decided I would have different collections. You can do what ever you want then it's your own web site right? Well just in case there are people out there in cyberspace that believe what I have created does not fall into the correct description of what someone else thinks it is suppose to be I have added the word "inspired"

So my collections are Victorian Gothic Inspired... Steampunk Inspired.. Animal Inspired.. Nature Inspired.. Vintage Inspired
Oh also I was what I call Swarovski Elements because there are usually other types of beads on the necklace so it cant just be Swarovski

Bah all the technicalities

Well if anyone out there is interested in my brand of strange feel free to check out my web site.. it's still under construction basically because I really don't know what I am doing so its taking awhile.

My next post will be better, with actual pertinent information - this post is brought to you by the letter 'S' for sleep.. or lack there of.

www.sylverdawncreations.com

Moonstone vs Opalite

HI again - So today I want to talk about moonstones vs Opalite.

I love Moonstones, they are white but glow blue - crazy pretty.
I also like Opalite they are translucent but also glow blueish.

Here is the problem - Many people have been tricked into buying "moonstone" that is actually Opalite. Even some stores have no idea they have been sold the wrong thing. Some stores just sell the Opalite and call it moonstone even though they are aware it is not moonstone.

So how does one tell which is which? Generally cost is a good first indicator. Opalite is not expensive where moonstone can range from decent to pricey.

The top image is Moonstone which I bought from Ancient Beads in St Catharines Ontario.
They are real and stunning , hard to show on a camera the blue shine


The next picture is of Opalite


Pretty I Know, but I dislike the fact that they are being sold as moon stone

So if you are ever in a store and they sell moonstone take a look at it, does it look like the first 2 or the last one here... if it looks like that last one you could if you wanted to state that no I didnt mean what other people like to call moonstone.. I mean what people know what moonstone looks like call moonstone.

Just a short post today - having teeth issues. One week I shall have a random has nothing to do with jewelry week to just vent about other things on my mind.

Till the next time.. I shall be taking a pain nap now.

And so it begins

I have entered the land of the blog. Seems like a good time since I am starting a buisness and a web site.
I make jewelry - hence the name - and I am strange - hence the first part of the name - and unique
at least I think I am.

I seem to have a lot to say regarding different processes in making jewelry, the different types and the whole kit and caboodle about buying the stuff to make the jewelry. Not to mention the process of starting my first online buisness. My first buisness in general.

If people start reading this they can ask me for certain topics they wish to learn more about and I will in turn learn and share.
Till that happens I will share what I find interesting.

So here is the topic for today - Priced to rip you off-

I guess its a pet peeve of mine, trying to suck people dry of money. For example during the Christmas holidays there was this store in my local mall - I don't remember the name - anyways this store sold jewelry, the sparkly eye catching kind. Rhinestones galore, shimmer and shine up the wazoo ( I just wanted to use that word)
So I go in the store and look at the prices and see what they have to offer. Lets just say the prices were 30-125 average. Guess how much it probably costs them to make these items? Well chances are they are shipped from China so the materials and production are very cheap. I will be generous and say it costs them between 1-7 bucks to make each item. Now if I were to make the same thing it would cost me more because I cant get the materials that cheap.

General rule of thumb that I have heard is that you find out what it costs you to make the item and you x3 so say it costs me $7 to make a necklace I should charge $21 - should - dont because if something I make costs me $20 then I would have to charge $60 and I am just starting out so I generally x2 - sometimes I add a few bucks if I wanted to choke myself while making the item because it simply would not cooperate.

K back to the store - sorry I go off on tangents
I have an inquiring mind so I ask what types of materials are used. First off chain - is it Sterling silver, silver plated, gold plated.. you know the drill. I do believe she said it was silver plated.
Next I ask if the Crystals were Swarovski - Nope but they were Austrian she says.. I still have to look that up, see who else in Austria makes Crystals. (Swarovski is exclusively made in Austria)

So for $58 I am looking at a silver plated chain necklace with Crystals that are second rate. What the hell would you be paying for? I really don't know. I would charge about $15 for an item like that - and it would be hand made not machine made.

There are many places that tend to suck the money out of your wallet with little return. I just recently visited an Antique shop ( this does not pertain to all Antique shops, just the one I was in) So I am looking around at the various pieces of jewelry through out the store and wow.. not wow in a good way, wow in a "are people seriously spending $10 for 'antique' plastic jewelry" We are talking made in China in the past decade kinda 'antique' Give me a friggen break.
I ask the lady if she sells broken jewelry in bags ( I like to take parts of old broken stuff and make new stuff which is called harvesting) She said she did have some, but she couldn't find it. So as I am looking around she finds it and wants to sell me this bag of stuff.. I look inside and see broken clip on earrings, plastic ... very cheap... pearls and various other pieces of crap. She then looks surprised when I am not interested. I may be new at this jewelry stuff but I am not new at walking into stupid. Why would I waist my money on things a thrift store wouldn't even put in their broken jewelry bags. So that lady is off my list of places I would consider buying stuff from.

There are sadly so many more ways people try to rip you off when it comes to buying jewelry or buying products to make jewelry but my rant here is done for the moment.

Coming up next time - How to spot a fake - how to spot fake Swarovski Crystal. This is something that really bothers me.

My web site ( though its not ready yet so its not published is www.sylverdawncreations.com
I make and sell unique and custom jewelry.
Thanks
Till the next time...