Materials Used in Simple Graces Jewelry
|
We specialize in designing one of a kind gemstone beaded jewelry with a unique style. Our original handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are made of turquoise, swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls, sterling silver, and glass beads. Our gemstones include coral, jasper, garnet, amethyst, amber, carnelian, agate, onyx and more.
|
Below is a list of some of the beads in use in my jewelry designs.
Bali Silver Beads:
Bali Beads are handcrafted in Bali, Indonesia. Each bead is made one by one. They are not cast. They are 92.5% sterling silver, and since each bead is handcrafted weight may vary slightly.
Sterling Silver:
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The copper is necessary for durability and strength since 100% pure silver is too soft to hold up on it's own. Silver is a wonderful neutral color trend these days.
Vermeil:
The Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) beads we purchase are made of sterling silver, which are heavily electroplated with 22kt. Gold.
Gold-Fill:
Also known as rolled gold, gold-fill products are made by bonding gold with a core of brass. Gold is essentially rolled around the brass core, which explains the term "rolled gold". In the U.S., gold-filled items must contain 20% gold by weight. This product has 100 times more gold than a gold plated product, and will last a lifetime if cared for properly.
Czech Fire-Polished Glass Beads:
Imported from the Czech Republic, these beads are machine faceted, then polished by glazing inside a red-hot oven. This gives them beautiful, glistening colors with a "softer" look and a smoother feel. This is an inexpensive alternative to the expensive Swarovski crystals.
Aurora Borealis Finish:
A rainbow finish added to the outside of glass beads after polishing. It's long lasting and doesn't fade or chip with normal wear.
Swarovski (Austrian) Crystals:
Made in Austria, Swarovski products are considered to be the finest products of their kind in the world. Unlike Czech glass, these are machine polished and are more expensive than Czech Glass.
Pressed Glass:
Century-old method of pressing glass into steel molds, resulting in uniform bead shapes.
Diachronic Glass:
Vaporized metallic salts are shot through an electronic beam gun onto special glass. It is then heated in a vacuum chamber creating glass with a mystical glowing radiance. It has an oily, rainbow colored appearance.
Limited Edition:
An edition is a specific number of items of the same kind or type.
One of a Kind:
A one-of-a-kind is an original work of art that has no duplicate. It is the only one there is or ever will be.
Semi-Precious Gemstone Beads:
Gemstones and semi-precious stones are not man-made but are mined. Semi-precious stones such as Amethyst, Onyx, Turquoise, Pearls, Mother of Pearl, Shell, Jaspers, Citrine, Topaz, Unakite, Amazonite, Hematite, Carnelian, Peridot, Quartz, Emerald, Coral, Flourite, Obsidian, Sodalite, Malacite, Tigereye, Jade, Amber, Aquamarine, Lapis, Moonstone, Sardonyx, Aventurine, to mention a few, are all mined and formed into beads. Gemstones and semi-precious stones vary in size and color. Precious stones are diamonds and sapphires, etc.
Below is a small list of stones and their stone lore.
Amazonite
The soft coloring of this stone consists of opaque blue-green shades, and is often mistaken for turquoise or jade. In addition to its beauty, amazonite is said to enhance creative expression, sooth emotional processes, bring clarity, clear spirit and strengthen communications concerning love.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a form of quartz that is found globally, and is the most highly valued of the quartz family. The purple and violet coloring comes from manganese impurities in clear quartz. In Greece, where the stone's name originated, there was the ancient belief that anyone wearing the stone could not become intoxicated. Because of this, Grecians used amethyst as a deterrent of intoxication and new drinkers wore amulets made of the stone to neutralize the reactions of wine. Also, worn to make the possessor gentle and kind, other amethyst powers include, dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual support, courage, and happiness. Plus, some are convinced that the stone's powers aid in the reduction of snoring!
Aventurine
Often mistaken for jade, aventurine has a slightly glittery appearance that makes it both luminous and distinguishable. Because it enhances perception, intelligence and creativity, aventurine is a favorite of gamblers and is known as an all-around good luck stone.
Black Stone
Black Stone is very affordable, yet it communicates a look of great prosperity. This stone provides strength to release old relationships and bestows confidence for a new beginning. It also aids in reducing bad habits.
Botswana Agate
The stone is named after the Republic of Botswana in southern Africa, the only known source of this beautiful and interesting gemstone. Used to ease depression, stress and grief, Botswana is believed to ease the pain of physical loss or loneliness.
Carnelian
Carnelian is a member of the microcrystalline quartz family and is found naturally in Brazil, India and Uruguay where it's usually exposed to the sun. The sun enhances the colors within the stone so it is often heat treated to produce the rich colors. This stone is thought to relax fears about death and dying, increase ambition and drive, and protect the wearer from negative emotions. Some believe it helps with creativity and memory, while others swear that it gives the wearer a greater appreciation of nature and even brings them into harmony with it!
Cherry Quartz
Cherry quartz is a soft pink/coral color with a slightly milky appearance. The color within a single strand or pendant can vary from crystal clear to completely opaque, providing unique and interesting contrast and character. Everywhere you look, designers are featuring this new and exciting stone in their jewelry and accessories. Once popular in Atlantis and Lemuria, tradition states that cherry quartz stimulates the heart region, and aids in bringing vibration of love to all who are blessed by its presence.
Citrine
The yellow and gold hues are striking! It is no wonder why citrine is one of our most popular items. There is no other stone that endlessly releases the warmth, vitality and happiness of citrine. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with gold. The warm and energizing stone brings soothing happiness and prosperity to its wearer. Known as a "merchant's stone", citrine not only aids in acquiring wealth, but in maintaining it as well!
Fancy Jasper
Peaceful beige, lavender and greens swirl throughout this stone. It makes sense that fancy jasper is a stone of gentleness and relaxation. Each piece brings tranquility and enhances ones ability to relax. Fancy jasper facilitates serenity and helps in eliminating stress, worry and depression. With this relaxation, the wearer has the chance to free their mind and think more clearly.
Fresh Water Pearls
Freshwater pearls are truly a gift from nature. They have such a luminous, lustrous appearance that they'll be forever timeless. The perfect accessory for brides, members of the bridal party and guests.
Garnet
The friendship stone. In 18th century Europe, garnet pieces were worn by the upper class as good luck charms. According to legend, personal relationships were blessed by the possession of this stone. Additionally, the stone was said to shield the owner from being hurt both physically and emotionally.
Green Garnet
Green Garnet is by far the most outstanding of the garnets. With it's mossy green color it lends itself well in a variety of earth inspired designs. Green Garnet is said to help improve self-esteem, promote imagination, and guard against nightmares.
Hematite
Hematite is said to put the wearer at ease and diminishes worry. With the stone, fear of public speaking, performance and even fear of flying will be painless!
New Jade
The name jade, derives from the Spanish term for "hip stone", as it was thought to protect against kidney diseases. The stone of relaxation, it has been known to reduce tension in the beholders life. In addition, jade is said to work wonders for sore shoulders and backs.
Labradorite
Labradorite was originally discovered in Labrador, Canada in 1770. Labradorite is an exquisite stone with a characterizing rainbow iridescence encasing a translucent gray body. Like wings of a tropical butterfly, the stone glistens in the light, changing color with every slight movement. Labradorite brings out each persons individual strengths and originality. It provides confidence and assurance to the insecure and encourages the beholder to be themselves.
Lapis
The denim colored lapis, with possession of this stone courage is instilled in the timid, hope is given to the despondent, strong affection is received from loved ones and devotion is given by friends.
Natural Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl's shining and playful reflection has attracted attention since the beginning of time! Often mistaken for a pearl, mother of pearl is actually the shell of a mollusk, such as a mussel or an oyster. Like a caring mother, this shell can help shield the wearer from negative influences, and is an ideal gift for young children and babies. A child is delicate and precious. With this stone close to hand, their inner nature will be secured and they will be allowed to develop unharmed.
Multi-Stone
Each strand contains a harmonious combination of gems. Multi-stone strands contain an assortment of our most popular stones including amethyst, citrine, peridot and crystal quartz. A great choice if you want a little bit of everything!
Ocean Jasper
Found only on the shores of Madagascar, the intricate designs are fascinating. Like the joining of the stone's assorted colors, ocean jasper joins groups together in harmony.
Picasso Jasper
Flowing colors and abstracted patterns give each piece a distinctive personality. Picasso Jasper is said to bring people together to form loyal, trusting and long-lasting friendships.
Poppy Jasper
Poppy Jasper, along with all types of jasper, is rarely consistent in color, intensity and pattern. It is the individuality of each piece that makes jasper so exceptional. Poppy Jasper is an energizer. It brings about a positive and joyful attitude and provides energy and incentive to take creative action.
Red Aventurine
The "heart and soul healer", red aventurine is often worn to increase creativity, leadership, and enjoyment.
Rose Quartz
With the soft pink color of rose quartz, there is no surprise that it is the love stone! Rose quartz adds positive energy to relationships and encourages compassion and forgiveness. In fact, it is the stone for second year anniversaries. In addition, it helps clear stored anger, resentment, jealousy and fears, replacing them with self-confidence and creativity. Rose quartz varies in color from peach to pink and it is, of course, part of the quartz family. The stone is most commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, Scotland, Spain, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine and New York.
Rutilated Quartz
This stone is recognized by the needle-shaped crystals, sometimes called "Venus hairs", which are encased in the stone. In addition to its physical uniqueness and beauty, it is said to improve one's understanding in difficult situations, and assists in problem solving.
Silver Leaf Jasper
Symbolizing good luck and protection, silver leaf jasper is packed with an assortment of colors and designs, perfect for any jewelry creation.
Smoky Quartz
Smoky quartz is found in color from gray to warm brown, varies in clarity and is currently found in Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico. Smoky quartz is known to aid depression and is mildly sedative and relaxing. It dissipates negativity, balances energies of mind and body and, as a result, it is great for meditation.
Solidate
Logic, intellect, efficiency. Truth of emotions. Also good for fellowship, sense of commonality in groups. Sodalite provides for direction of purpose with lightness of heart. An excellent stone for groups as it provides fellowship and solidarity, companionship and mutual dependence. It encourages truthfulness and trust in others. Sodalite is valuable for helping to clear up mental confusion, especially when it is intensified by emotional turmoil. It helps us to consider our choices calmly.
Turquoise
The color of turquoise can vary from a deep blue to a deep green, with every variation of color in-between. This is due to its chemical. Generally, the higher presence of copper in the stone the bluer it is. It is found in Arizona, New Mexico, Australia, Iran, Afghanistan, Chile and Tibet. Turquoise is believed to provide wealth, love, protection, bravery and luck.
|
|