August Birthstone: Peridot

Did you know that the August birthstone, peridot, is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color?  An olive green. The intensity and tint of the green depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow- to olive- to brownish-green. The most valued color is a dark olive-green.

It surprises me the number of August babies who do not like their birthstone. It's such a "happy" shade of green! Historically, peridot has been regarded as a powerful amulet to ward off evil and as protection from nightmares. Embrace it, August girls, it's GOOD for you!

All that being said, I don't actually stock peridot on a regular basis.  It's a little more expensive than most of my gemstones.  I do have some faceted beads that I could make earrings and bracelets out of!  And as an alternative, I have some nice light green quartz and some sparkly cubic zirconias in that lovely olive green color!  Check my website for design possibilities!

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What Were They Thinking?

Seriously.  You would think some questions might have been raised BEFORE this was actually built!

 

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Amethyst Fancy Necklace

Back when I was doing arts & crafts shows, I had to have a few fancy one-of-a-kind pieces for those shows where there was judging.  This is one of those pieces.  Amethyst teardrops on a sinewy snake-like wire harness, dripping with freshwater pearls and suspended on a handcrafted-link chain.  Measuring about 8" wide by about 5" tall, it makes for a dramatic statement!

This picture isn't very good because it was taken in the days before digital and then scanned at some point to add to my archives.  I did have this necklace for a number of years, and it won me a prize or two.  It now resides in the possession of Cynthia C. of Cocoa, Florida.  She had her eye on it for over a year before it finally went home with her, so I know it's in a place where it's loved!

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Opal Ear Sweeps

 This is my most popular style of ear sweep: Ear Sweep #9.  Small, delicate, fits just about everyone, no matter what size and shape your ear might be!  It's a great "starter pair" for yourself or as a gift.  Just $19.00 per pair with your choice of gold or silver wire and about 40 different gemstone or crystal beads. 

 

There is only one gemstone bead that costs a little more, but it is SO gorgeous that it's well worth it!  This one, the synthetic opal.  They're $32.00 per pair, and I just happen to have a pair listed in my Etsy shop right now!  Wear them with EVERY outfit! 

Right Brain/Left Brain

 

I could write whole paragraphs about the two sides of the brain and how most people tend toward the characteristics of one side or the other, BUT...that would require me utilizing more of my left brain than I feel like using today!  Wheeee!  (Which side are YOU?)

 

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June Birthstones

Before the month of June is over, it occurs to me I should post pictures of the June birthstones.  There are actually three: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

Pearls come in every size, shape, and color now.  This is an Osmena pearl bracelet:



This is a bracelet I just made for a June birthday girl.  She supplied me with the little alexandrites.

A moonstone pendant, bought a number of years ago and given as a gift.  I just recently heard from its owner in Idaho--she's still wearing it often and loving it!

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Dining Etiquette

There's probably not a snowball's change in you-know-where that I will EVER be in a position to need to know this, but it's still kind of interesting!  And it makes me wonder if there ARE people who still dine like this.  Do you know of anyone?

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Supermoon coming!