Origins of Jet

Generally classified as a lignite coal, jet has high carbon content and a layered structure. It is black to dark brown, and sometimes contains tiny inclusions of pyrite, which have a metallic luster. It tends to occur in rocks of marine origin, perhaps derived from waterlogged driftwood or other plant material. In this respect it differs from ordinary lignite in that lignite usually forms through coalification of peaty deposits on land. Jet can occur in distinct beds, such those made famous by Jet at the beach shores of Whitby, England. Jet can also e found in Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Indian, Turkey, Russia, and in the area of Raton, New Mexico.

Since prehistoric time, it has been carved for ornamental purposes; many examples can be found in prehistoric caves. The Romans carved jet, which is light to wear, into bangles and beads, some of the jet came from Whitby as early as the 1st century AD. In medieval time’s powdered jet drunk in water or wine was believed to have medicinal properties. In India and the Mediterranean, carved jet amulets were believed to protect against the evil eye, and Irish women traditionally burned jet to ensure the safety of their husbands when away from home. Native Americans today continue to use jet in their jewelry.

Traditional properties of jet are said to provide great support and help alleviate the pain and suffering caused by separation or death of loved ones. It can be used to alleviated arthritis and inflammation of the joints and is also helpful in the treatment of bronchitis, colds, and headaches. All star signs benefit from the healing properties of jet, as it also works as a protective stone for all star signs.

Visit our website for unique custom natural stone jewelry.

*Reprinted from various mineral/rock and crystal books and websites.

Calming Labradorite

The Calcic, middle-range member of the plagioclase feldspars, labradorite seldom forms crystals, but when crystals do occur, they are tabular. It most often occurs in crystalline masses that can be microscopic or up to a meter or more across, and is commonly characterized by its ‘schiller’ effect – a rich play of iridescent colors, principally blue, on cleavage surfaces. Crystals that display this effect are used as gemstones, cut as cabochon.


The ‘schiller’ effect is caused by the scattering of light from thin layers of a second feldspar that develops through internal chemical separation during the cooling of what was originally a single feldspar. The base color of labradorite is generally blue or dark grey, but can be colorless or white.

Historically, labradorite was discovered at the end of the eighteenth century on a Canadian peninsula of Labrador after which it was named. It is said to be very effective in alleviating bone problems, disorders of the spinal column, and wear and tear of the joints.

Psychologically, labradorite has a calming, harmonizing effect, spiritual connection, transformation, brings clarity, peace and progression to the wearer. Labradorite improves intuition and clarifies the possessor’s own views and objectives.

The stone is the linked to the star sign of Aquarius and is most commonly found in Finland, United States, Canada, Madagascar, Australia, Russia, and Mexico.

*Reprinted from various rock/mineral & crystal books, websites.

Strands of Stone Chips

Natural stones in chip form are sometimes hard to work with; often I use them as spacers or in earrings. In these two designs, I used them as the accent to the focal pendants. The pendants in both are beautiful Brazilian Ocos Agates; deep shades of green, black and white in one and the other is pure innocent of white. Each has been encased in handcrafted non-tarnish wire.





To the left is a 2strand in Fancy Jasper with the focal pendant of snowy white Ocos Agate.










To the right is a 2 strand in Snakeskin Japer, Sandy Opals and Swarovski Crystals, with a focal pendant of deep green/black Ocos Agate.



Both are available at our website along with many other unique natural stone designs.

Molluscs Group Goniatites Ammonites

The Ammonoidea were a huge group of mollusks, mostly with coiled shells, that lived in the seas and oceans. They started to establish themselves in the Early to Mid Devonian Period, from about 400-390 million years ago. Different subgroups came and went, some becoming incredibly numerous and widespread, until the end of the Cretaceous Period, some 330 million years later. Ammonoid subgroups included goniaties and ceratites and the ammonites. Together with belemnoids and nautiloids, as well as squid, octopuses and cuttlefish, the ammonoids are included in the major cephalopod, or ‘head-foot’, group of mollusks.

To the right; black/white Goniatite wired in silver with lava stone beads, pewter chain and spacers.




Fossils are always fun to learn about and exceptional pieces to work with in jewelry. I’ve been able to wire work many pieces, including Ammonites and Goniatites. Visit our website for these and other fossil jewelry designs.

To the left, Ammonite wired in brass with tibetan and ceramic beads, with goldtone endcaps and antique brass spacers.