Caribbean Blue Larimar will capture you!

Look out, Larimar is on the loose. I was captivated by this stone the first time I saw it, but was not aware of how special it was, so I didn't purchase the set I saw. My mistake. Even though I make jewelry, I'd scoop this stuff up any time the design is right!

From Wikipedia: Larimar (also lorimar) is a rare blue variety of pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean. Its coloration varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue. The deep blue variant is known as volcanic blue.

I've only recently become aware of Larimar, but have developed an intense liking for this gorgeous stone. The higher quality stones are incredibly expensive, so when I saw this strand I knew I had to have it. Baby blue with areas of more intense blue, these stones remind me of the sky and water in Key Wesy, Florida. The have a rustic, almost tumbled character, but have a nice gloss at the same time. Very organic look. I've never been to the Dominican Republic, but I know that if I do I'll be bringing back as much as I can carry.

This 18 1/2" (47cm) necklace features rectangular Larinar beads, silver (I don't think Larmiar looks good at all with yellow gold) and heather grey czech glass heishi beads. The earrings are 2.25" (5.72cm) from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the end bead. The overall efect is a classy, elegant look that brings out the blue in these beautiful beads. I'll be buying more Larimar as my budget permits, but for now, I'm content!

Jaspers by any name are just as sweet!

The endless variety and beauty of semiprecious stones gives me a lifetime of possibilities for creating jewelry. One of the broadest varieties is Jasper. My most recent Jasper creation is with Leopardskin Jasper, Poppy Jasper, and handmade Copper coils. And here's what I found out about Jasper, specifically, Leopardskin Jasper...

From Wikipedia, "Jaguar Stone" :
Jaguar Stones are created from a type of mineral known as Leopardskin Jasper -- an opaque tan, brown, and ochre form of impure quartz. This variety of Jasper is most often found in South America, and gets its name from the leopard-like spots covering its surface. The term Jaguar Stone has also been known to refer to stone carvings of jaguar heads created by the Ancient Maya. Not necessarily made out of Leopardskin Jasper, these Jaguar Stones can still be found in Maya temples, including Chichen Itza in modern-day Mexico...

... As one of the oldest known gemstones, Jasper, in all its varieties, has long been thought to have positive mystical properties. Natural healers recommend its use as an aid in the self-healing process. Jaguar Stones specifically have been associated with shaman travel and spiritual discovery, helping their bearers traverse between worlds in order to gain spiritual growth. Among believers, a popular practice is to display a sphere made of Jaguar Stone prominently in the home to promote the flow of positive energy. Also, wearing Jaguar Stones is said to be important to the 1st, 4th and 7th Chakras, and Jaguar Stones are often moulded into jewelry.

And I just thought they were pretty! (I don't give a whole lot of time to the other stuff, but I thought the history was interesting!)

I have two other Jasper listings, one for brown Sesame Jasper with Bronzite and brass, and one for Minty-Green Sesame Jasper. Stop by my shop to take a look!

A bouquet of new listings for Valentine's Day, or any day

Valentine's day is coming! time to get something special for your sweeties! I've been a busy little critter around here. Finishing 6 new sets since January has left me with a LOT of make-up postings to do. I'll try to post two a day, and dare myself to stay ahead. Gotta continue to create, so the inventory doesn't get stale. To get a sneak peek at what's coming up on my blog, check out my Etsy shop, here, or click on my mini in the right column...

Eeney-meeney-miney-moe, which to pick first? Here's a new favorite design, one I created with labradorite slices and blue aventurine.

Were they dyed? probably, but these are semi-precious stones, and not gems. They're put together in these combinations for their beauty as they are, as part of an overall design. So, hope you enjoy what you see! I think this one looks surprisingly light and airy, in spite of the chunkiness of the stones! If you're familiar with Labradorite, it's a rather plain-looking stone until natural light shines on it and BANG! Blue lightning seems to flash from within the stone! Gorgeous! I paired it with the blue aventurine, which exactly matches the glimmering highlights in the Labradorite. Antiqued brass findings harmonize the piece, and the tiny swinging blue pendants that adorn the set add playfulness and fun. I might make one of these for myself!

The next set features a combination of stones I've had in my drawer for a couple months. I kept looking at them, putting them back, looking at them, then I just started "feeling it" one day and this set is the result. Ever have that kind of experience? These beautiful Tourmalinated Quartz beads and pendant look drop-dead gorgeous when paired with silver, foil-lined "e" beads and onyx. Also known as Black Rutilated Quartz, this quartz stone contains "rutiles", or needle-like inclusions, of black tourmaline.

What do you think? I think it's a keeper! I especially like the small donuts that were so easily filled with onyx. I can't stand it when I see donut beads with wire running through them -- might as well NOT even use those if you're not going to highlight them somehow. OR, use headpins with flat bottoms and leave the donuts empty. That gives the eye a little to consider. Anyway, like I was talking to a fellow jewelry designer the other day -- the elements can be beautiful, but if you screw up the design, that's all anyone will notice anyway. Design will always be just as important as materials.

Open, Sesame!

This piece was made from Sesame Jasper, black onyx, and silver. My oldest daughter loves this stone. The beads look like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Really! My younger daughter made a necklace, bracelet and earring set for her older sister for her 16th birthday. I borrow it all the time. It looks really nice with teal and black, or cool greens. The stone is truly stunning.

One of the best things about making jewelry is being able to work with such beautiful materials. My favorite is semi-precious stone. I am constantly amazed at the variety of stones and their beauty. What a statement as to the glory and wonder of God's creation.

Fossilized coral -- with tiger-eye and carnelian!

The distributor had this labeled as "flower stone." How odd. It's really fossilized coral, and it's gorgeous, isn't it? The cabochon was free-form wire-wrapped in silver, and wired onto a beaded necklace, strung with carnelian, tiger eye and silver spacers. I'm very excited about this piece! I have another piece of coral, already wire-wrapped, ready to go, and will finish it in a few days. The earrings have the same square coral pillow beads, tiger eye, and carnelian. Eye-popping, and elegant.