Stones Misidentified or New Name

Nature gives us some of the most incredible stones, fossils and minerals. How they are identified, classified and names remains a mystery to some sorts. Many stones are called by several different names; is it really a new find or is it just a matter of the miner or lapidary cutting the stone on a different plane or grain that gives it a new name? Though it is rare to have new finds these days, some experts will say that many stones are ‘re-born or re-invented’ 5-10 years later with different names. And just like everything else, this gives the stone new life under a different name.

The question being asked is “Is it right or wrong in naming the stone differently?” Again, that depends on which person, expert or source you ask. From what I’ve learn, as long as you keep it within the family, such as agates to agates, jaspers to jaspers, and all the mineral make-up is the same, etc., is there really harm done to the stone to as they say ‘re-invent the stone and give it a new name’.

Here’s what I’ve found so far…..

These stones to the right I purchased from a reputable dealer that I’ve done business with for some time. When purchased, they were sold as Dragon Skin Jasper. True, they are jasper; however, they have also been sold by many other vendors as Variscite, Dragon Skin Jasper, and Sea Sediment Jasper in varying colors of red, pink, purple, green and blue.

These stones to the left are sold quite often as Turquoise. While this is true to some extend, they are at not natural stones, but man made beads. Researching them, they are actually composites of all the tiny fragments left of Turquoise, combined together and molded into a mosaic bead. Giving this bead a very unique effect with a mosaic look, it is what I call a ‘half-n-half’ meaning, it is bits and pieces of actual stone all rolled into one by man.

Lastly, I have yet to see these in bead form, but these pendants referred to as Turquoise Copper to the right have recently made an entry onto the scene. Inquiring about them, what I’ve found is that the jury is still out on this one. Some experts say this is a man made stone by mixing copper and turquoise together and getting this distinctive look; others say this is a true natural stone that was mined back in the 1960-70’s only to die out and then recently reappear today.

So, is it a new find, man made, or an old find getting a new name; just like everything it is re-born, re-packaged and re-marketed to the world. Just remember to ask questions, do your research and make sure to purchase from reputable dealers, vendors, miners and minerals companies.

Custom Design Bling

The request from a customer came to mix a lot of crystals with bronzite and a pendant. Needless to say, it’s been a challenge, but then I love a good challenge! The customer had a good idea of what kind of set she wanted, just left it up to me to “Create something like you always do, just make sure it has lots of bling”, she said. Working to get the right mix of stones and crystals together, the hardest part was trying to find a pendant. First, I was trying to find a bronzite pendant to accent the entire piece, but I just couldn’t quite come across the right cut that looked good with the piece (though I get one from the resident gemologist, but I have other ideas for that one!).

What I did finally come across was the Ocos Agates I’ve been working with and the sparkling color mix on this one just struck me to mix with the necklace. So I laid it all out, included a lot of faceted crystals for a good amount of ‘bling effect’; the golden topaz brings out the gold flakes in the bronzite and the amethyst crystals bring out the brilliant pink/purple colors within the Ocos Agate, just accenting the druzy crystals, and handcrafted the agate with artistic non-tarnish brass wire. I added a touch of gold open spacers; fancy gold toggle and small accent dangle earrings, at her request, to complete the entire set.

The result is this uniquely handcraft custom bling, “Absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking”, she says; onto her next request, long and simple with a splash of gold and multi-color crystal bling. Like I said, I love a good challenge!

Browse and purchase custom handcrafted natural stone jewelry at our website.

Shades of Natures Fall

The beginning of Fall for most people is Labor Day weekend; it signals the end of Summer, vacations and the beginning of school, work and the holidays and cooler weather. This year’s color combinations are a range that reflects the shades of Fall; brown, rust, cream, green, purple, red, orange and the staples of black and white. In natures stone world, you’ll see the usual agates, jaspers, turquoise, magnesite, onyx, coral and pearls, all splashed together with crystals, glass, and metals.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the Fall designs from our studio; for these and many other styles browse and purchase from our website.

Ocos Agate Pendant WW Brass & Silver Bronzite Sandy Opals Swarovski Crystals Set

Lampwork beads Magnesite faceted Crystals Copper Set

Sponge Coral Glass Pearls Brass Wired Earrings Set

Wild Horse Magnesite Ivoryite faceted Crystals Silver Set

Turquoise Barreled

There is lots of Turquoise in this necklace set; the matrix of this China Turquoise (stabilized) is grand! Containing all shades of black, brown, blue, green, beige, rust, white, cream and many others, the barrels are a perfect match to the matted beige seedbeads; all three layers are coordinated with long dangle earrings in the same stones.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

Browse and purchase many unique natural stone jewelry designs from our website.