Beaded Eloquence Jewelry Glossary - Gallery Quality Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry

Beaded Eloquence Glossary

African Jade
Aventurine
Baroque Beads
Carnelian, Red
Crackle Glass
Czech Glass
Emerald
Filigree Beads or Earring Findings
Fluorite
Fluted Beads (Gold or Silver)
Foil Beads (Gold or Silver)
Furnace Cane Glass Beads
Garnet
Givre Glass
Gold Beads
Gold Foil in Glass
Goldstone
Goldstone Glass
Hematite
Jade
Jasper, Fancy (Indian Agate)
Jasper, Mookaite
Jasper, Yellow
Kidney wire
Lampwork Glass
Lapis
Lead Crystal
Leverback
Lobster clasp
Malachite
Mother of Pearl
Mountain "Jade"
Onyx, Blue
Opal Quartz
Pearls
Pressed Glass
Quartz, Clear Flake
Rose Quartz
Silver Beads
Silver Foil in Glass
Snowflake Obsidian
Sodalite
Tigereye
Unakite

Click to return to Collections


	African Jade
aka Transvaal Jade, Garnet Jade, South African Jade African jade is actually grossular garnet in an opaque mix of green, pink and purple. Grossular garnet is a silicate of calcium and aluminum. It is often a mix of colors including white, light green, pink and purple. Garnet is the birthstone of January. Click here to read about garnet.

	Aventurine
Aventurine is a form of quartz that contains small inclusions of various shiny minerals. These materials, usually spangles of mica or iron oxide, give the stone a glistening effect known as aventurescence. Aventurine's granular appearance and particular translucence are its most distinctive characteristics. The mineral aventurine takes its name from the well-known aventurine glass of Venice, Italy, which it resembles. As for how the glass obtained its name, tradition has it that a Murano workman accidentally dropped some copper filings in molten glass, creating an attractive new material. And so the glass was named avventurino for the Italian word avventura, or "by chance." Aventurine is said to calm a troubled mind, thereby bringing inner peace. Green is the most widespread color of aventurine. Green aventurine is said to strengthen one's blood and muscle tissues, and its color supposedly lends itself to prosperity meditations. Aventurine is found in Brazil, India, China, Japan, Russia, Tanzania and the U.S.A., with India producing the majority. Back to top.

	Baroque Beads
The term baroque refers to an artistic style common in the 17th century characterized by complexity and curved lines. For jewelry it is used to describe irregular or unusual shapes. Back to top.

	Carnelian
July's birthstone. aka Cornelian, Natural Agate, Mecca Stone, Pigeon Blood Agate, Sardoine Carnelian is an A-grade agate. It is known for its fiery red-orange colors. The name carnelian is said to be derived from the Latin word carnis, meaning "flesh," due to its color. Ancient Egyptian tombs are full of carnelian jewelry, as they believed the gemstone had great power in the afterlife. According to their system, carnelian amulets could help ensure the Ka's (the soul's) passage into the next world. Elsewhere in the Middle East, carnelian represents the Hebrew tribe of Reuben and the apostle Phillip, and in Hebrew literature, carnelian appears as a gemstone in Aaron's breastplate. Some Muslims call it "the Mecca stone." Islamic doctrine holds that engraving the name of Allah on carnelian stones boosts courage; some even believed that Allah would grant all the desires of wearers of the stone. The Greeks and Romans used carnelian in rings and signets. Ancient Greeks and Romans called it Sardius and used the gemstone for signet rings, cameos and intaglios. Tibetans created amulets of silver with generous applications of carnelian, and in India, Hindu astrology names carnelian as the secondary stone of Scorpios. Yoga enthusiasts say carnelian is excellent for the first chakra, and the gemstone is thought to bring passion to the wearer. Deposits of this gemstone are found in Brazil, India, Australia, Russia, Madagascar, South Africa, Uruguay and the U.S.A. Back to top.

	Crackle Glass
Crackle glass resembles cracked ice. It is made by dipping the molten glass item into cold water for just a moment. The effect was first produced in Venice in the 16th century, and then the technique spread to Spain, the Netherlands, England and the USA. Back to top.

	Czech Glass
The Czech Republic has been famous for its exported beads for hundreds of years. Czech Druk (round) beads are famous for their brightness, consistency and uniformity. 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. Back to top.

	Emerald
May's birthstone. The word "emerald" sounds rich and beautiful just rolling off the tongue, but still only begins to describe the exquisite, mesmerizing gemstone. Emerald is a grass-green variety of beryl whose name is derived from the French esmeraude, which in turn goes back via Latin to the Greek root smaragdos, meaning simply "green gemstone." Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. The most ancient emerald seekers appear to have obtained the gemstone from upper Egypt, as early as 2000 B.C. Greek workers were mining the area in the time of Alexander the Great, and later the mines yielded their gems to Cleopatra. The queen was an avid emerald collector, and remains of Cleopatras mines were discovered around 1817 on the Red Sea coast. In addition, the Veda, the ancient sacred writings of Hinduism, contains information on the valuable green gemstones and their healing power. Consequently, the treasure chests of Indian maharajas and maharanis contained gorgeous emeralds. South Americas rich bounty of emeralds was discovered by 16th-century Spanish explorers, who found large emeralds in the possession of the Aztecs and Incas. Many virtues are ascribed to the emerald, including driving away evil spirits, preserving the chastity of the wearer, and bringing wisdom, faith and success in love. It also is said to help one discover false friends. Legend says emeralds strengthen the owners memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future. Most of the world's emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil and Zambia. Back to top.

	Filigree Beads or Earring Findings
A technique for decorating gold and silver jewelry with fine wires, both plain and beaded, which are soldered to the surface of the ornament, giving it a "lacy" appearance. Filigree was very popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, especially in Italy and Germany, and was used to decorate a variety of objects. Back to top.

	Fluorite
This pretty pastel mineral occurs typically in vein deposits. The name for fluorite comes from the Latin fluo, or flow, in reference to its use as a flux. A flux is a substance that promotes flowing and combining of other materials, and fluorite is often used in making steel and other metals that require the removal of impurities. Another interesting aspect of the gemstone is its fluorescence in ultraviolet light. In fact, the word "fluorescent" is derived from fluorite. Back to top.

	Fluted Beads, Gold and Silver
Our gold and silver fluted beads have decorative grooved stripes going from top to bottom, all around the bead. Back to top.

	Furnace Cane Glass Beads
These beads are handmade by gathering glass on a pipe in a furnace over 2000 degrees. The glass has a core color to which is added many layers of color, using other colors of glass and precious metal. A critical temperature must be maintained during the processes of adding color and blowing the glass. A blowpipe is used to blow a bubble into the center of the glass. The glass is then pulled, with or without twisting, creating a long hollow tube called a cane that can be as long as 80 feet. The pulled cane is cooled to room temperature (annealed) to release stress so it doesn't break. The cane is hand cut with a diamond saw then tumbled to smooth the edges, before being fire polished with a torch or in a kiln for a shiny finish. Back to top.

	Foil Beads
These are transparent or translucent beads in which pure gold or silver foil has been trapped within the glass body of the beads, creating a brilliant glistening effect. They are created by placing bright colors onto a core of 24k gold or pure silver, then encasing them in clear molten glass. Back to top.

	Garnet
January's birthstone. aka Arizona Spinel, Arizona Ruby, Australian Ruby, Montana Ruby, Mountain Ruby, New Mexico Ruby, Black Hills Ruby, Bohemian Ruby, Rocky Mountain Ruby The name for this coveted wine-colored gemstone name comes from the Latin granatus for "seedlike," for the crystals' resemblance to pomegranate seeds. Though the red-colored garnet receives the most recognition, the stone does appear in yellow, green, pink, white and gray as well. This gleaming gemstone owes its brilliance to a high refraction of light, one of garnet's most appealing characteristics. Garnets have been widely used for thousands of years. It is written that Noah used a lantern of garnet to safely steer his ark through the dark night. Garnets also are found in jewelry from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and have best been known as the warrior's stone. Soldiers carried garnet to ward off death and injury. The gemstone was set in shields, buckles and other items worn by Crusaders, and Italian widows commonly wore the gemstone in jewelry. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It is supposed to be carried close to the body, maximizing its balancing and peaceful energy. Garnet is found in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Canada, the U.S.A., the Czech Republic and Spain. Back to top.

	Givre Glass
Givre beads are clear or transparent beads that have a cloud of opaque (non-transparent) colored glass in the center or in part of the bead. The term seems to have been first used by Swarovski to describe such beads. The word is from the French and means "frosty". Back to top.

	Gold Beads
Pure gold is 24kt, meaning 24 parts out of 24 are gold. 24kt is too soft to be functional, so it is alloyed with other metals for durability, cost, and color. 14kt is 14 parts gold out of 24, and the remaining 10 parts are other metals. Depending on the color of gold (which can be yellow, rose, green or white), the other parts may be copper, silver, nickel, zinc, tin, palladium, and/or manganese. All of the 14Kt gold we carry is yellow gold. Our gold-plated beads are plated with anti-tarnish coatings added to ensure additional longevity. Back to top.

	Goldstone
aka Sandstone This mesmerizing, manmade gemstone can be viewed as flashy or elegant, depending on how you use it. Goldstone is made from tiny copper shavings suspended in translucent glass. This stone is often mistaken for sunstone, a feldspar. Goldstone reportedly originated with monks trying to make gold out of other materials (alchemy). The secret was kept for years until the Chinese, it is said, discovered how to make the gemstone. Nowadays, the best examples actually come from China, instead of Italy and Austria. Goldstone is believed to store the energy of those who touch it, making it an excellent gift for loved ones who are far away. It is also considered a good deflector of unwanted energies, and is highly regarded as a protection mineral, and is believed to be a powerful energy generator. Back to top.

	Goldstone Glass
Our goldstone glass beads are fancy handmade beads that take multiple steps to create. Colorations and decorations include additional colors of glass, and specs or streaks of copper powder or foil, creating a striking luster. Back to top.

	Hematite
February's birthstone. aka Hemalyke, Hemalike Hematite is a silvery, shiny opaque gemstone that almost looks like metal. Hematite gets its name from the Greek haimo for "blood," because of the color of its red powder. Hematite was used in printing seals as early as 2500 B.C. The ancient Egyptians used hematite as an inscription stone for passages from the Book of the Dead, as well as for other sacred objects placed in tombs. Warriors in Roman times used hematite as protection during battle, and Native Americans used hematite to make red face paint. And until recently, blush (cosmetic powder) contained ground hematite. Metaphysically, hematite is said to inspire inner life and help to keep inward peace. Called the "stone of mental mastery," many believe it to aid clarity, balance and calm reason, thus making it a grounding stone. It also is supposed to dissolve negativity and transform it into love. Back to top.

	Jade
Birthstone for March and August. Since at least 2950 B.C., jade has been treasured in China as the royal gemstone, yu. The ancient Chinese believed jade was the essence of heaven and the earth, and carved jade into birds and beasts to use as items of worship. Jade was also a symbol of power, and only aristocrats could own items made from the gemstone. It was even made a standard of morality for the Chinese. Confucius concluded that jade had 11 virtues, including benevolence, fidelity, polite etiquette, wisdom and sincerity. Hence, jade was not only a decoration, but also a symbol of ethics and behavior. The fashion of wearing jade accessories soon was adopted, and it was said that a true gentleman would never leave his jade ornaments behind. The Chinese even consumed powdered jade as a remedy for just about every ailment known. Back to top.

	Fancy Jasper (Indian Agate)
October's birthstone. aka Indian Agate This gemstone is an opaque creamy beige stone with gray, lavender or green swirls. No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate. This distinct and dramatically banded stone is composed of quartz layers. In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Some believe agate renders the wearer invisible, and due to its strength and durability, it is used for making ornaments or for astrological purposes. Being a cooling stone, agate is said to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and healing, and ensure a healthy life. Back to top.

	Jasper, Mookaite
October's birthstone. The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. It derives its colorful bands and patterns from other minerals present. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Some believe agate renders the wearer invisible, and due to its strength and durability, it is used for making ornaments or for astrological purposes. Being a cooling stone, agate is said to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and healing, and ensure a healthy life. The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. People of the fourth century called it the great "rain-bringer." Mookaite (sometimes spelled Mookite) is a lovely and varied stone, with irregular patches of color ranging from white through to various shades of yellow, red, purple and brown. These colors are due to differing amounts of iron and manganese in the rock. Mooka Station, a sheep farm of around 700,000 acres in Western Australia, is the source for our mookaite agate. Back to top.

	Jasper, Yellow
October's birthstone. The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. It derives its colorful bands and patterns from other minerals present. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Some believe agate renders the wearer invisible, and due to its strength and durability, it is used for making ornaments or for astrological purposes. Being a cooling stone, agate is said to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and healing, and ensure a healthy life. The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. People of the fourth century called it the great "rain-bringer." The soft beeswax color of yellow jasper is very soothing. It is supposed to offer protection while on a journey. Jasper is mined in North Africa, Sicily, France, India, Venezula, Germany, the U.S.A. and many other countries. Back to top.

	Kidney Wire
A metal earring finding shaped like a kidney. These are popular because of their elegant look and their ease of use. Our kidney wires are made of solid 14k gold. Back to top.

	Lampwork Glass
These are handmade glass beads. The artisan creates a bead over an open flame by melting rods of colored glass onto a thin steel rod called a mandrel. Once the basic bead is created, it can be decorated with glass of different colors, which are melted onto the surface. The bead must then be annealed (baked in a kiln) to set the glass and remove any residual tension. When the mandrel (rod) is removed, the space that it occupied becomes the hole. All in all, the beads require multiple lengthy and detailed processes to create the intriguing and many-facetted results you see in several of our collections. Back to top.

	Lapis
*Birthstone for September and December.* This is a gemstone straight out of Arabian Nights tales: deep blue with shining inclusions that twinkle like stars. Its evocative name is a combination of the Latin word lapis, or "stone," and the Arabian name azul, meaning "blue." Lapis lazuli is composed primarily of lazurite, calcite and pyrite, and is distinctively fluorescent. The opaque gemstone was created millions of years ago in the course of a metamorphosis, turning chalk into marble stone. The rich blue color is due to the sulfur inherent in the structure of lazurite. Lazurite is resistant to atmospheric gases and light-fast (light won't fade it). Water can dissolve its protective coating, so clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Lapis lazuli was one of the first gemstones ever to be used and worn as jewelry. Excavations around the Mediterranean have unearthed jewelry samples left in tombs to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The countless other necklaces and artifacts crafted from lapis lazuli found in ancient sites are a clear indication that the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome cherished this deep blue gemstone. Persian legend says the sky owes its color to a giant slab of lapis upon which the earth rests. The legendary city of Ur, situated on the Euphrates River, is reported to have run a busy trade in lapis lazuli as early as 4000 B.C. Many cultures worshipped it as a holy stone, especially in the Orient, where it was believed to contain magical powers. The stone was introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great. Today, people around the world consider lapis lazuli to be a stone of truth and friendship. It is reputed to bring about harmony in relationships and to cleanse the mental body while releasing old karmic patterns. Being a spiritual stone, it allows spiritual energy to be absorbed in the aura. Major sources include Afghanistan, Egypt, Canada and Chile. Back to top.

	Lead Crystal
The process for creating lead crystal was discovered in England in the 17th Century. It came to existence because of a new component added to glass: lead oxide. This addition endows the material with brilliance, sparkle and intensity. Back to top.

	Leverback
A type of earring finding using a spring-action connector. All of our leverback findings are of 14k gold or sterling silver. Back to top.

	Lobster Clasp
A metal clasp whose shape resembles a lobster claw. They are heavier duty and easier to use than standard circular clasps. All of our clasps are of 14k gold or sterling silver. Back to top.

	Malachite
aka Peacock Stone, Pseudo-Emerald, Silver Peak Jade This gemstone is a basic copper carbonate, vividly banded with two or more tones of green. Its name is probably derived from the Greek word for green/herb, malache. The beautiful green color comes from the copper contained in the stone, and water presence affects the shade: More water in the copper makes it lighter, and less makes it darker. The absence of water makes it black. Malachite forms relatively quickly. Bronze objects have been found at ancient Assyrian sites partially or wholly converted into malachite. Malachite was being mined in the Sinai Peninsula in 4000 B.C., and the gemstone was popular with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for jewelry and amulets. Some believe that gazing at malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite has been said to bring harmony into one's life, and give knowledge and patience. Zaire is the major source of malachite, but Chile, Zimbabwe, Australia, U.S.A. (Arizona), France and England also produce the gemstone. Back to top.

	Mother of Pearl
Mother of pearl is the iridescent coating on the inside of mollusk shells. It is so named because when an irritant gets inside a shell, the shell protects itself by coating the irritant with the same material (nacre) of its lining that creates pearls (therefore, this substance is the creator, or mother, of pearls!) Although the pearl is the birthstone for June, mother-of-pearl is often considered a June birthstone as well, since they are so closely related. The undulating grain of mother of pearl is the result of seasonal fluctuations. In caring for your mother-of-pearl beads, be aware that alcohol can eat through the shiny nacre. Mystics believe it to stimulate intuition, sensitivity, imagination and adaptability, and help with clarity in decision-making. Mother of pearl symbolizes faith, charity and innocence. Among the chief sources of this gemstone are the pearl oyster, found in warm and tropical seas, chiefly in Asia; the freshwater pearl mussel, which lives in many rivers of the United States and Europe; and the abalone of California, Japan and other Pacific regions. Back to top.

	Mountain "Jade"
aka Dolomitic Marble Vibrant mountain "jade" beads are as strong, beautiful and fascinating as the stone they come from. They're actually a high-grade dolomite marble from Asia. Over the ages, mineral remains of shells and skeletons of millions of tiny sea animals were metamorphosed into this strong, beautiful marble used for centuries by sculptors. Mountain "jade" beads are marble that has been tinted with vivid, gleaming colors. Back to top.

	Blue Onyx
Birthstone for February and December. Onyx is a striped, semiprecious variety of agate, with white, black, brown or red alternating bands. It is different from regular agate only in that the bands of which it is composed are parallel and regular. The name onyx originates from the Greek word onyx for fingernail or hoof, probably because of its semi-transparency or possibly its color. Onyx may chip or scratch if handled roughly, so store it carefully. Onyx is one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible as adorning the breastplate of the high priests, and is also mentioned in Genesis 2:11,12: "�the gold of that land is good; there is bdellium and the onyx stone." The ancient Greeks and Romans used onyx for cameos and intaglios, and in India, onyx was worn for protecting against the evil eye. In the Middle East, onyx has been used as a worry stone because people believed the gemstone absorbed negative energy. Onyx is purported to help eliminate apathy, stress and negative thinking, and sharpen the wits of the wearer. It has been used to change habits, in addition to helping concentration levels and aiding absentmindedness. Some think it makes the wearer more eloquent, and thus it is worn for public speaking. The main sources of onyx are India and South America, but it is also found in China, Madagascar, Mexico and the U.S.A. Back to top.

	Opal Quartz
aka Moonstone Quartz These shimmery, opaque beads emanate fiery light in orange, blue and pink, adding to their beauty. They project a sheen when worn against most colors. Back to top.

	Pearls
June's birthstone. It's said that if diamonds are a girl's best friend, then pearls must be her favorite sister. The pearl is an organic gem grown within oysters and a few other mollusks. It is formed when a foreign object, like a tiny stone, makes its way into the mollusk's shell. The process takes anywhere from four months to seven years - the longer the process, the bigger the pearl. This stone is distinguished by its iridescence and luster, as well as by a delicate play of surface color called orient. Freshwater pearl shapes vary greatly and include corn, potato, teardrop, rice crispie, rice/oval, and roundish. Pearl color varies with the mollusk and its environment. It ranges from black to white, and India's rose pearl is among the most popular colors. Other colors are cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender, green and mauve. Most of our pearls are irradiated rather than dyed, for permanent lustrous color that emanates from the center of the pearl. Pearls are are sensitive to acids, dryness and extreme humidity. Therefore, they should be cared for accordingly: Be sure they don't get exposed for a long time to direct sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays. Alcohol can damage pearls. If your pearls need cleaning, do so with warm soapy water (never an ultrasonic cleaner). Don't store them in plastic, as it will seal out air. The pearl is said to improve self-worth and help people see themselves. It is an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, and symbolizes love, success and happiness. Pearls are purported to help to attune the chakras. Back to top.

	Pressed Glass
Pressed glass was developed in the nineteenth century and was the first radical change in glass-making in over two thousand years. By this process the red-hot molten glass was pressed into the mold rather than blown. This was accomplished by a plunger affixed to a long lever-like handle which was pressed down by hand on the charge of glass forcing it into the incised design cut in the mold. Then the piece was removed from the mold fully shaped. Back to top.

	Quartz, Clear Flake
April's birthstone. Quartz accounts for 12% of the earth's crust. The Greeks believed quartz crystal was fossilized ice� and scientists believed this as late as the 16th century. Quartz's high thermoconductivity, which makes it feel cool to the touch, may have added to this belief. The use of quartz dates back thousands of years. Roman ladies carried quartz crystal balls to cool their hands in warm weather, and Roman soldiers used it to capture sunlight for cauterizing wounds. Quartz passed for diamonds for many centuries, and some of the superstitions surrounding diamonds actually had their beginnings in quartz. Since the Middle Ages, quartz crystal balls have been used to predict the future. Crafted quartz items uncovered in the French and Austrian Alps indicate the mineral was used there during the 1800s. The practice of burying crystal with the dead has been popular with many cultures over time, and is still practiced by some Native Americans. Quartz is said to be the universal healing stone, able to clarify what needs to be healed or balanced and assist in the transformation. The crystals are reputed to promote hope, happiness and optimism while awakening us to the beauty of nature. Found around the world, the important quartz deposits are in Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Ontario Canada, the U.S.A. and the French and Swiss Alps, known for their magnificent large crystals. Flake Quartz is clear with thin, shiny flakes suspended throughout. The "explosion" inside is created through heat treatment applied to natural quartz. Back to top.

	Rose Quartz
This blushing gemstone is one of the most desirable varieties of quartz. The unique pink-to-rose-red color is caused by iron and titanium impurities in the natural stone. Beads of rose quartz have been found in Mesopotamia that date back to 7000 B.C. It is said that the Assyrians and the Romans were the first to use it. In ancient Rome, rose quartz was popular for making seals, which were used in clay or various dyes to show ownership or identify authors. Often called the "love stone," rose quartz is said to open the heart chakra to all forms of love: self-love, family love, platonic love and romantic love. Emotionally, the gemstone is believed to bring gentleness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance, raising self-esteem and removing fears, resentments and anger. Rose quartz is found in Madagascar, Brazil, India, Germany and several parts of the U.S.A. Back to top.

	Silver Beads
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver, and 7.5% copper. It is a soft, easy to work with metal, which can be antiqued to a dark black or given a high polish. It is durable, hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnishing, so it is a popular choice in fine jewelry. Our silver beads are sterling silver, or sterling silver plated with anti-tarnish coatings added to ensure additional longevity. Back to top.

	Snowflake Obsidian
Obsidian is a natural glass that forms from volcanic activity. The gemstone is made of the same minerals as granite, but cools so quickly when exposed to air that the minerals do not have time to crystallize. Some inclusions could be bubbles or crystals, creating a random pattern such as snowflakes. It may first have been discovered in Ethiopia by a man named Obsius, from whom its name is derived. Obsidian has been used for tool-making since at least 21,000 B.C. and in jewelry for many centuries. American Indians used it for arrowheads, and the Aztecs used a great deal of obsidian for items including mirrors. Snowflake Obsidian is black or dark gray with light gray radiating patches. This gemstone is believed to assist with clarity and logic. Back to top.

	Sodalite
aka Canadian Blue Stone, Canadian Lapis Sodalite is characterized by its dark, intense blue color with white and sometimes yellow streaks. This sodium aluminum chlorine silicate is almost identical in composition to lapis lazuli, except lapis contains sulfur instead of chlorine. In fact, it often is confused with its lapis cousin. It is best cleaned by warm soapy water. Sodalite has been discovered in ancient tombs and ruins in various ornamental forms, often as a replacement for lapis lazuli. It is said that Egyptian priests used sodalite to dispel fears and to promote a clear, insightful mind. Mystics today say the gemstone can help change the way you feel about yourself. It is believed to have subtle, soothing energies and help you to see the wisdom of adopting a simpler, less hectic lifestyle. It is found in Namibia, Brazil, and Canada. Back to top.

	Tigereye
Tigereye is a quartz with rich yellow and brown stripes, and a fine golden luster. When viewed from the opposite direction, the colors are reversed, resulting in a hologram-like effect. The gemstone gets its name from its resemblance to the eye of a tiger. Other "eye" quartzes exist as well, and their names depend only on their background colors and reflections: Green-gray stones are called cat's-eye; blue-grey to bluish varieties are called hawk's-eye; and deep brown stones are called bull's-eye or ox-eye. Roman soldiers reportedly wore tigereye for protection in battle, and the stone was thought to be all-seeing due to its ocular appearance. However, tigereye made its gemstone debut sometime in the late 19th century. Traditionally, tigereye has been used as a gift between lovers to help partners tune in to each other in a psychic or telepathic way. It also is believed to pull one into a more positive and flexible attitude, and is said to be especially effective for stubborn people. Tigereye is found mainly in South Africa, but also in Australia, Burma, Namibia and California. Back to top.

	Unakite
This granite gemstone could almost be called unique-ite! The rock is an interesting mix of red/pink feldspar, white/gray quartz and epidote (a pistachio-colored gemstone, calcium aluminum iron silicate hydroxide). Its spring colors and compact, hard structure make it a nice stone for jewelry. It was named for the Unaka Mountains in the Southeastern U.S.A., where it was first discovered. Unakite is relatively new to the market but is growing in popularity. Unakite is said to help unify the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of self, making it an excellent stone for those seeking a well-rounded existence. Unakite also is believed to help us to live in the present instead of dwelling on the past. This gemstone is found mainly in the U.S.A., but also in South Africa, Brazil and China. Back to top.