Gemstone Series ---Crazy Lace Agate

Gemstone: Crazy Lace Agate Birthstone Month: Agate is associated with the birthstone month of May. Zodiac: Agate is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Chemical Make-up: Agate is a Silicon Dioxide and is a variety of Chalcedony, which is a member of the Quartz family. It is scientifically classified as either a cryptocystalline or a microcrystalline Quartz. History & Lore:This variety of Agate has rightfully been given the name Crazy Lace Agate in reference to its many interesting curved and twisted bands. It is also referred to as Mexican Lace Agate as it is mined only in Mexico. Some of the earliest primitive tools that were created by man's ancestors 2.5 million years ago were made of various types of Quartz, including Agate. Agate has also been used as a gemstone and for other ornamental objects dating back thousands of years. Early Greeks used Agate in the form of amulets as protection from the dangerous elements of the sea. In medieval times Agate was worn to bring God's favor and make one agreeable and persuasive. It was also believed to bring protection from all dangers and to be able to bring about victory and strength.

Agate has commonly been used to cure insomnia and to bring about pleasant dreams. It is also said to enhance the wearer's courage, improve perception and concentration, and to provide protection from dangers. Agate is believed to enhance trust and honesty, and to assist with acceptance to circumstances and emotions. In addition to this, Agate is believed to be able to improve memory. Crazy Lace Agate is said to energize and balance both the body and mind and can help the wearer reach high physical levels. It is also said to cure the mind of emotional pain. Availability: Crazy Lace Agate is somewhat rare but demand for this stone is by no means high, making the price tag rather modest. Sources: Crazy Lace Agate is mined in several areas of Northern Mexico in the Sierra Santa Lucia. Evaluation: Agate is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness.  Crazy Lace Agate is an opaque to translucent stone displaying a vast array of complex patterns and bands that twist and turn along the stone. In addition to its varied patterns/bands, Crazy Lace Agates creamy browns, tans, whites, golds, and occasional pinks create a truly unique gemstone. The price of the stone primarily depends on the carat weight and the beauty of the bands and patterns. Crazy Lace Agate found with distinctive or extraordinary patterns and at larger sizes will naturally demand a premium.

Gemstone Series--- Cameo

Gemstone: Cameo (Agate) Birthstone Month: Agate is associated with the birthstone month of May. Zodiac: Agate is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Chemical Make-up: Agate is a Silicon Dioxide and is a variety of Chalcedony, which is a member of the Quartz family. It is scientifically classified as either a cryptocystalline or a microcrystalline Quartz. History & Lore: The name Agate is believed to derive from the Greek word given to a stone that was found thousands of years ago in the Achates River in South-western Sicily, now known as Dirillo River. The word cameo is used to describe a method of carving, whereby a jewelry item features a raised image of one color and a background of another. With other gemstones, carving a cameo often involves a carved image (often a head portrait), made of one type of stone, set onto a different stone / material to create the cameo. With Cameo Agate however, it is possible to carve the entire cameo out of a single gemstone. This is due to the banding that occurs within some varieties of Agate. Cameo engravings originating as far back as the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C. have been discovered and the cameo is believed to have been a popular jewelry adornment worn by well-to-do members of the Greco-Roman Empire.

Cameo jewelry has had a varied past and has often fallen in and out of favor. After the fall of the Roman empire Cameo jewelry did not see any real renaissance until the 17th and 18th centuries, with important developments taking place in the 19th century when an exceptionally high quality deposit was discovered and mined in southern Germany. This region quickly became the world's leading location for the production of Cameo and the techniques developed at this time have changed little since. Agate has commonly been used to cure insomnia and to bring about pleasant dreams. It is also said to enhance the wearer's courage, improve perception and concentration, and to provide protection from dangers. Agate is believed to enhance trust and honesty, and to assist with acceptance to circumstances and emotions. In addition to this, Agate is believed to be able to improve memory, to bring protection from all dangers, and to be able to bring about victory and strength. Availability: Agate in general is a widely distributed gemstone but is not currently in high demand. Cameo (Agate) however, is somewhat rare as less then two percent of all mined Agate is of high enough quality to be used for detailed cameos. This is because the Agate gemstones used need to exhibit even and parallel levels of color. The top layer needs to be lighter than the layer below. Sources: It is documented that Agate was originally mined in any significant quantity in the Nahe River Valley in Germany in 1497. These findings gave rise to the cutting center of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. When the deposits of Agate began to dry up in the Nahe River Valley in the nineteenth century, deposits were found in Brazil which sparked the discovery of the country's wide and varied gemstone deposits. There are also known sources of Agate in Australia, China, Congo, Egypt, Iceland, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Russia, the United States, and Uruguay. Evaluation: Agate is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness. Common Cuts: The cut is a very crucial trait for the end look of Agate. The colors of this stone are found in strips, bands, or blended in clouds. The cutter must concentrate on these natural strips/bands well, cutting to assure that their beauty will be enhanced. Agate is often found in Cabochon cuts but can actually be cut into most of the common gemstone shapes/cuts.

Feature Me Friday --- Pine Ridge

Its baaaaaack. Feature Me Fridays is making its return.  Today we get to know Pine Ridge/ Lisa Lodge :)



1. Who is Lisa Lodge?


I am a self taught jewelry designer and Michigander, born and raised. I have always loved beautiful beads, rings, and colorful rocks! I have a wonderful and supportive husband who is my biggest cheerleader.

2. What do you make?

I take pride in creating beautiful handmade artisan jewelry at affordable prices. I am currently selling pieces locally and on Zibbet. Many of my pieces are one of a kind.  Much of my inspiration comes from nature, especially colors like ocean blue and leaf green.  I enjoy making jewelry that is elegant, classic, and can be worn at work or on the town.

3. When and why did you start making jewelry?

I started creating jewelry one year ago, in November of 2010.  It started as a project to create Christmas gifts for relatives, and as a stress reliever.  Once I got going I was hooked.  It gives me a creative outlet after working all week at my day job. I love coming up with ideas and making them a reality.

4. Do you remember the first thing you made? How did it come out?

I made a sterling silver and agate bracelet for my Mom.  Other than the crimps, it came out really well.  I remade the bracelet three times before I was satisfied with the crimps and crimp covers.

5. Was it hard to get started? any obstacles in your way?


It was not hard for me to get started regarding ideas and inspiration.  One obstacle I did have was the overwhelming amount of beads, supplies, and tools available in stores and online.  It was hard to know what was essential and what was "nice to have."  I also did not have a very good place to work. My dream is an organized "craft room" with a really nice work table and plenty of storage space.  I am thankful for all the help and wonderful advice I have received from the crafting community online, especially at Creating the Hive. Having a knowledgeable and helpful support network has been invaluable.

Words of wisdom ---

Don't buy a ton of supplies before you have some experience.  You will end up with way too much of some items and not nearly enough of others.  Buy the best tools you can afford.  Cheap tools have rough edges that will scratch your jewelry.

Shop links

http://www.pineridgetreasures.com
http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pine-Ridge-Treasures/205451472805925



Since Christmas is right around the corner , are you planning any sales? if so, when?

Yes - I am participating in Lori Anderson's 1st annual virtual craft show, which runs from Nov. 26 - Dec. 3rd, 2011. There will be giveaways by all of the participating artisans, and percentage off discounts in many shops.  I am offering 10% off of every item in my shop, and will be giving away a beautiful pair of one of a kind lampwork earrings. All of the information will be available on my blog, including a link to the participating shops.












Thank you so much Lisa:) 


if you want to be a Feature Me Friday Artist, email me .

Gemstone Series ---Bismuth

History & Lore : The name Bismuth is derived from the German word 'Weisse Masse', meaning white mass. Bismuth was originally thought to be a variety of lead or tin, until in 1753 it was proved by a French Chemist named Claude Geoffroy that it was in fact a separate element. Metaphysically, it is believed that Bismuth can aid between the connection of the physical and astral dimensions. It is also believed to bring comfort, alleviate loneliness, and to help its wearer to connect with the universe. Availability : Naturally occurring Bismuth is rare and not found in large enough quantities to be mined. Instead, it most often found combined with other elements creating minerals such as bismite (bismuth oxide), and bismithunite (bismuth sulfide). Sources : There are Bismuth producing mines in Bolivia, China, Mexico, and Peru. However, only the mine in Bolivia primarily produces Bismuth, whereas with sources in other countries it is a by-product of mining and refining other metals. Aother important source of the world's Bismuth comes from small amounts of Bismuth found in ores of other metals such as gold, silver, lead, zinc, and tungsten. It is recovered from these ores using the method of smelting.

Evaluation : Bismuth is rated at 2 to 2.5 on Moh's Scale of hardness and is relatively brittle for a metal though among the heavy metals it is the heaviest and the only non-toxic. It is a white crystalline crystal with a pinkish hue and an iridescent tarnish. It has the interesting physical property of being less dense as a solid than it is as a liquid. Bismuth is the most diamagnetic of all metals and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. In fact, the thermal conductivity of Bismuth is lower than any other metal except Mercury. Bismuth has a number of uses including alloys, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, thermocouples, catalysts, and a carrier of uranium fuel in nuclear reactors. It is also used in fire detection devices and fire extinguishers. Medically it is used in stomach medicines for ulcer treatments and as an ointment for hemorrhoids. ( not my hand )  Can you believe this? its so gorgeous! I have never seen anything like this.

Gemstone Series ---Botswana Agate

Gemstone: Botswana Agate Birthstone Month: Agate is associated with the birthstone month of May. Zodiac: Agate is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Chemical Make-up: Agate is a Silicon Dioxide and is a variety of Chalcedony which is a member of the Quartz family. It is scientifically classified as a cryptocystalline or a microcrystalline Quartz. History & Lore: The name Agate is believed to derive from the Greek word given to a stone that was found thousands of years ago in the Achates River in Southwestern Sicily, now known as Dirillo River. The name Botswana is derived from the country in which it is sourced. Botswana Agate stimulates the crown chakra and is said to aid the exploration of the unknown. Botswana Agate also helps the wearer reach the state of enlightment. It is a very positive stone and helps the wearer find a solution to a problem rather then dwelling on it. It is a stone of protection, gentleness, and comfort. Physically Botswana Agate is said to treat disorders of the nevous system and to help rid toxins in the body. It can also help reduce depression and stress.

Sources: Botswana Agate is sourced in a country in South-Central Africa known as Botswana. Evaluation: Botswana Agate is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness. Botswana Agate is a gray and brown mineral exhibiting white to pinkish-white circular or oval patterns/bands. The price of these stones depends on the carat weight and the bands structure. Botswana Agate examples found with distinctive or extraordinary patterns, particularly in larger sizes, will naturally demand a premium.

Gemstone Series --- Blue Lace Agate

Gemstone: Blue Lace Agate Birthstone Month: Agate is the birthstone for the month of May. Zodiac: Agate is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini. Chemical Make-up: Agate is a Silicon Dioxide and is a variety of Chalcedony, which is a member of the Quartz family. It is scientifically classified as a cryptocystalline or a microcrystalline Quartz. History & Lore: The name Agate is believed to derive from the Greek word given to a stone that was found thousands of years ago in the Achates River in Southwestern Sicily, now known as Dirillo River. Blue Lace Agate has also been coined the name “Gem of Ecology” because of its blue and white coloration and banding. Blue Lace Agate was discovered on Ysterputs Farm in Namibia by man named George Swanson. He had come across the stone on his farm and coined the term “Gem of Ecology” because of its swirling blues and whites that resembled soft clouds in the blue sky. It is believed that the best Blue Lace Agate still comes from the area in the vicinity of Ysterputs Farm. Blue Lace Agate is a calm, tranquil stone that can help to lessen anger, uneasiness, and nervousness. It is also considered a strong stone for communication. It can bring confidence when speaking in public and ease communication during difficult times. It is also believed to cure nervous speech habits and patterns.

Spiritually it can assist in flight, grace, reaching higher spiritual planes, and can be used to activate the throat chakra. Blue Lace Agate is also believed to bring stronger inspiration, intuition, and inner knowledge. Physically Blue Lace Agate is believed to aid illnesses such as arthritis, growth and bone pains, headaches, and digestive disorders. Availability: Currently supply meets demand. In general, prices for Agate tend to be quite modest with the majority of the price being for the fashioning of the stone rather then the stone itself. Sources: Today's main sources of Blue Lace Agate are Namibia and South Africa. Evaluation: Blue Lace Agate is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness. Blue Lace stones are a light blue in color with delicate white stripes, and are often referred as light clouds in the sky.

Time for a change

I have joined National Novel Writing Month.
I have to write a novel 50,000 or more by November 30th.
If you read my blog " Erin the writer? " A friend of mine said he had a dream that I became a writer. And I was successful :) Another friend is a member of the NaNoWriMo. I saw her post about her word count so I asked her how I can join. She told me and I did. Now I just have to get my thoughts on paper. I love writing with a pen and paper.
I'll keep you updated each week :)
If you are a member or if you sign up, look me up.. Sweeterin 

Gemstone Series --- Black Star Sapphire

Chemical Make-up:
Sapphire is a form of Aluminium Oxide known as Corundum. Pure Corundum is in fact clear, with other present mineral traces responsible for coloration. In the case of Black Star Sapphires, the black coloration is caused by the prescence of Titanium and Iron impurities.

History & Lore: The name Corundum is believed to originate from either the Indian word kauruntaka, or the Sanskrit word kurivinda. Sapphire, the name for this particular type of Corundum is taken from the Latin word sapphirus, menaing “blue”. Star Sapphires are said to be the most powerful Sapphires and are collectively known as the Stones of Destiny. The star shown on the gemstone is said to represent destiny, faith and hope. Star Sapphires have the ability to protect their wearer from physical harm, and from other peoples negative energy and thoughts. Star Sapphires are an aid to meditation and believed to gift the wearer mental clarity and higher wisdom. Availability: It is an extremely hard and a very expensive exercise trying to source natural Star Sapphires that have not been heat-treated as these gems are amongst the most valuable gemstones known today. However, thanks to modern gemstone enhancements and treatments, it is now possible to own wonderful, heat-treated natural Star Sapphires that are both available to meet demand, and priced at a level making this beautiful gemstone attainable / available to most people. Asterism, or stars, are produced using a process known as diffusion. Star Sapphires that have been created this way will often be known as “Linde” Sapphires.

Sources: Whilst today's main sources of Sapphire are Africa, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand and the United States (Montana, North Carolina), there are also known Sapphire deposits in Brazil, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Tanzania and Vietnam. The highest quality and most desirable Sapphires are those that originate in India, Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Sapphires from India and Myanmar (Burma), are highly prized for their pure blue colors and stones from these regions are priced accordingly, often at collectors prices, particularly if there is documentation available to prove the origin of the Sapphire. Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Sapphires are sought after for both their delightful pastel blue and fancy colored variations. Evaluation: Sapphire is rated at 9 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and is second only to the Diamond in this regard. Sapphires therefore are perfectly suited to all jewelry purposes / uses and is a very hard-wearing, durable and versatile gemstone suitable for everyday wear. When thinking of Sapphire, most people immediately think of, and prefer, a blue gemstone. Sapphire is however so much more than just a blue gem and is found in various colors including, black, blues, browns, colorless, pink, orange, peach, purple, voilet, white and yellow. The one color that Sapphire is not is red. Red Corundum is what we know as Ruby. In adition to the single colors, Star Sapphires are also available. A Star Sapphire is a Sapphire that exhibits a star-like phenomenon (asterism). This is caused by inclusions known as silk. When silk inclusions are abundant the Sapphire becomes translucent or Opaque and this effects the way that the gemstone reflects light. The effect created is a star (usually made up of six rays, but sometimes twelve), that seems to float over the surface of the Sapphire as it is moved. Black Star Sapphires are sometimes confused with Star Diopside stones, which are far less valuable. There is however one sure-fire way to determine which is which; A Star Diposide will display a star with four rays, whereas a genuine Black Star Sapphire will exhibit a star with six (sometimes twelve), rays. This difference is caused by the physical make-up of each of the stones and the presence of a different number of crystal faces for the light to refract off of. The quality of Star Sapphires is judged primarily by taking into account the sharpness of the star and the gemstone's overall body color. A natural, untreated Star Sapphire with a very sharp star and a bright blue body color is extremely valuable, very desirable and extremely hard to find.

November Birthstone

November Birthstone : Citrine

Birthstone Color: Yellow GoldNovember's gemstone, Citrine, is as warm as a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers.  The name Citrine comes from an old French word, "citrin", meaning lemon.  One of the more rare forms of quartz, this gemstone ranges in color from the palest yellow to a dark amber named Madeira because of its resemblance to the red wine.
Perhaps because of its scarcity, there is little mention of Citrine used as a gemstone prior to the first century B.C.  The Romans were thought to be the first to wear the yellow quartz, crafting it into cabochon, or highly polished but unfaceted cuts of stone set into jewelry.  Citrine became more popular during the Romantic Period, when artisans often favored these warm colored gems to enhance gold jewelry.  Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believed to have magical powers and was worn as a talisman against evil thoughts and snake venom.  It was also considered to have medicinal properties and was commonly used as a remedy for urinary and kidney ailments.
Sister stone to the purple quartz known as Amethyst, Citrine crystals are found in igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.  It is believed that some Citrine may have actually begun as Amethyst, but heat from nearby molten rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz.  Citrine is known to change color when subjected to heat and is routinely heated in the jewelry-making process to intensify its color.  For this same reason, though, this gemstone should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time because it will permanently alter the color.  Most Citrine is mined in Brazil, but other sources of the quartz are Bolivia and Madagascar.
A gift of Citrine is symbolic for hope and strength.  With its sunny brightness, this gemstone is ideal for helping anyone to get through the tough times in life!
Alternate Birthstone
Yellow Topaz is an alternate gemstone for those born in November.  It's golden color was believed by the Egyptians to be the glow cast by the sun god Ra.  Yellow Topaz ranges in color from a peachy blush to a deep cognac.  A gift of this gemstone is said to symbolize friendship and to strengthen one's capacity to give and receive love.