Red Flame Agate

I came across this beautiful cabochon Red Flame Agate at Tucson and couldn’t resist it! I did traditional wire work in copper and hung it from an off tone matching ribbon cord. It is removable like most of the pendants I create and can be put on another cord or chain.

Agates: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, awakening talents.

For more pendants visit Timeless Designs.

Outside the Box

These are new designs from the studio, I' ve been working to get a little ‘outside the box’ compared to my usual designs. Unique designs are available on our website.

Turquoise nuggets offset among oval silvertone link chain.

Handcrafted silvertone wire dangle earrings in glass and seedbeads.

A twist on triple strands; copper textured links hang to 3 strands of gemstones in turquoise, magnesite and wood beads.

Chrysocolla the Clever Gemstone

For thousands of years throughout the world Chrysocolla has been the stone of conciliation and reassurance. The ancient Egyptians called it a wise stone because those who wore it were known to come up with clever compromises and were protected from psychological damage. It was said that violent-tempered people where turned sensitive and tolerant when they wore Chrysocolla; apparently this is why Cleopatra carried the stone with her wherever she went. Interestingly, Egyptians referred to is as the softer brother of the gemstone Turquoise.

The term Chrysocolla originates in ancient times, and was applied by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus in 315BC to various materials used in soldering gold. The name is derived from the Greek word chrysos, meaning “Gold” and kola meaning “Glue”. It is a more commonly vine grained and massive gemstone. It is frequently found inter-growing among other gemstones such as Quartz, Chalcedony, Opal, Turquoise and Malachite. Chrysocolla is formed as an opaque copper silicate, mainly in seams of copper mines where it is oxidized in water; it is also known as copper pebbles or copper malachite. Color shades run from vibrate turquoise blues to green and are found mostly in Chile, the United States, Russia, South Africa and Israel.

Chrysocolla is particularly effective when carried as a touchstone and can be cleansed once a month under warm running water then charged overnight in a bowl with tumbled hematite stones. It is associated with the Sun stars of Taurus, Cancer, Aquarius, and Libra. Traditional properties include easing heartache, stamina, wisdom, peace, love, communication, vitality, and inner strength.

Raw mineral specimen photos provided by resident Gemologist.

Fool’s Gold or Pyrite

During their search for fortune, the infamous shouts amid Old West prospectors ‘There’s Gold in that riverbed!’ only to be disappointed in finding Pyrite or more commonly known “Fool’s Gold” rather than real Gold. The shiny, yellow mineral looks so similar to Gold, many prospectors were fooled into thinking they had struck it rich. Pyrite is among the some common of all minerals, found in almost every environment. Almost any rock that looks a little rusty will mostly likely contain some pyrite.

Pyrite is cubic crystals composed of iron sulfide; spherical and bulbous pyrites also exist; it is found in large quantities, mainly in coal mines and near clay workings. It comes in a vast number of forms and varieties, but the most common crystal shapes are cubic and octahedral. One sought-after form is flattened nodules found in chalk, siltstone and shale called “pyrite suns’ or ‘pyrite dollars’. These nodules are usually made from thin pyrite crystals radiating from the center.

Legend & Healing
Pyrite gets its name from the Greek word pyros meaning ‘fire’ because it can give off sparks when struck – which is why it has been used to light fire since prehistoric times. In the Stone Age it was used to make fire and in the Middle Ages the alchemists believed that pyrite could be turned into gold. Being a ‘firestone’, it was attributed magic properties in legends and mythology.

Pyrite is a highly valued and sought after mineral as a healing stone in antiquity, particularly Pyrite sun is the strongest energy stone having a calming effect to the nerve center. Other healing properties of Pyrite are said to remove mental blocks and reduce anxiety. It is therefore often recommended as a touchstone during examinations. It is the symbol of resolution, with the holder having problems solved. Magical properties of Pyrite are for all star signs.

Interesting Tidbits
Pyrite should only be cleaned, discharged and recharged in dry sea salt and never come in contact with water. It needs the sun to develop its full sparkle and potential. Gold and silver shimmering pyrite sun is only found embedded in slate in the coal mines of Illinois. Unlike pyrite, it also contains organic substances. It should be discharged among tumbled hematite stones and recharged among rock crystals.

Pyrite ranges from silver to brass yellow or golden color. It is most commonly found in Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Peru Chile, and Australia; however the most beautiful pyrites come from the Isle of Elba.

Two mineral specimens provided by resident Gemologist.

Jewelry & Face Shapes

There are several shapes to our faces and we don't always know how to chose the most flattering jewelry to accent or highlight our features. There are four face shapes; round, oval, square, and heart.


Round: A round face shape should wear jewelry that creates a more slimming, lengthening effect. Chose longer or angular beaded necklaces that draws your attention down and lengthwise; some with a pendant will automatically draw the eye downwards. Also, wear long dangle earrings to also elongate your face.



Oval: If you are lucky enough to have an oval shaped face you can wear almost any type of necklace or earring; mostly because your face is a balanced forehead, chin and proportionate features. Some suggestions would be necklaces with long and short strands; unusual, mixed designs in shapes and textures. For earrings, try bold multiple layer dangle earrings.




Square: Someone with a square or balanced angular face is most flattered by wearing jewelry that adds or softens the curves of the face. Try to balance a strong chin with necklaces that have round edged beads to narrow your face. If your face is more rectangular than square, you might try to shorter necklaces. Wear round dangle or hoop earrings that will fall to your jawline to accent and flatter your face.

Heart: Or if your face is more wide at the forehead and narrow at the chin, you have a heart-shaped face. Suggested jewelry for this type would be one that gives the illusion of width to your jawline. Multi-strand necklaces with horizontal lines will balance out the forehead; with longer single necklaces making the face look narrower. To give a softened look and balance out a point chin, try wearing big, bold round beads in a shorter necklace. For earrings wear something that is just long enough to skim the jawline and moves the eye from side to side to create width.

Whatever your face shape, you'll find the perfect style for accenting your wardrobe and features. Check out our many designs in varying styles and lengths at Timeless Designs.

Gemstone Jewelry Cleaning & Caring Guidelines

You have bought or received as a gift the most incredible piece of gemstone jewelry, now how to keep it that way! Caring for your gemstone jewelry is an essential necessity for any jewelry owner, as gemstones are a durable material, and they do require care, so that when handed down as heirlooms in the years to come, they are just as brilliantly remarkable as they are to you now, to be cherished forever.

Most transparent and hard gemstones can endure being cared for by simply cleaning the jewelry with mild nonabrasive hand detergent and a soft bristled toothbrush; then dried with a soft clean cloth. It is wise to place a soft washcloth in the sink covering the drain, as doing so will aid in preventing any gemstones from becoming chipped or falling down the drain while you are cleaning your jewelry.

Some would suggest using ultrasonic cleaners, while this may be the fastest method for cleaning your jewelry; it is also the quickest way to damage your gemstones. Be very careful when using an ultrasonic cleaner, make sure that your gemstones can withstand such cleaning before using this type of method.

Here are some suggestions for cleaning and caring for your gemstone jewelry.

·Use 2 cleaning bowls. One that has warm water plus the cleaning liquid and one that has only warm water to rinse.

Note: If you are using sinks, place a soft washcloth over the drains, this will help to keep stones from going down the drains and also help to prevent possible chipping.

·Use lukewarm water, never use hot water.

·Use a mild dishwashing liquid or mild jewelry cleaning solution. One that is safe for your specific jewelry gemstones and metals.

·Several soft, clean, dry cloths (1-for cleaning and 1-drying)

·Small, unused soft bristled toothbrush

The process is simple, fill your sink with warm water, add a little drop of mild dishwashing liquid and swish around to make bubbles. Carefully, place a few pieces at a time in the sink allowing them to soak a few minutes (don’t overload the sink as this may cause jewelry to hit against each other causing chips, cracks and/or damage). Then take each piece out and carefully clean with the soft bristled toothbrush.

Caution, you only need to use a toothbrush if you have a piece of jewelry that has tiny cracks, holes, and small places where dust and dirt can get in; otherwise, there is really no need to use a toothbrush. Rinse in a separate sink that only contains warm water. Place the jewelry on a soft cloth and carefully dry your jewelry pieces. As a side note, allow an hour or so for your jewelry to 'air dry' to make sure that all water is gone before placing back into their jewelry box or containers.

Cleaning your jewelry doesn’t have to be done often, but several times a year to protect your gemstones. As a rule of thumb and if in doubt, clean your gemstone jewelry with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh chemicals or high heat which can cause gemstones to fade or crack. And try to store your gemstone jewelry in a clean jewelry case out of the reach of harsh light or sun to prevent fading and possible damage to your gemstones.

As a last note, it is also wise to have a jeweler check any gemstones that have been put in settings at least once a year. This is to make sure that the prongs are secure and your gems are safe. When in doubt, ask a professional jeweler about the care and cleaning of your new gemstone jewelry.

Spring & Summer Exotic Heart Traditional

Various pendants for spring and summer! Whatever your favorite; Southwest Turquoise, faceted rare and exotic Pink Peruvian Opal, and even a little puffy Lapis heart charmed with pearls.

Southwest Turquoise; handcrafted brass wire coils and bail

Exotic Pink Peruvian Opal; handcrafted brass wire bail

Puffy Heart of Lapis with charmed accenting Pearls

Timeless Designs is your place for Pendants and other gemstone jewelry.