Gemstones and Glass Beads and Trust

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Know Your Stones!

Learning to decipher gemstones from the fakes takes time. And, don't assume your smiling seller is going to know any better than you do. It's important to trust your seller, enjoy the beads you work with, but be honest and upfront with your customers...remember, you are passing on works of art to other people and their families...possibly for generations.

Too Fruity to be Quartz?!! or Opalite is Not a Gem!

Guide to Gemstones and Glass and Trust

I've come across it and I'm sure many others have as well...Strawberry Quartz...Pineapple Quartz...and someone's advertising it as a Natural Gemstone.

In actuality, most of the "fruity" Quartz stones are made of glass. This would include Strawberry, Cherry, Blueberry, Pineapple, etc. The "fruity" Quartz is a clear glass with a "line" pattern from the added color, like rutilated stones but more dyed looking. Opalite and Goldstone are other glass "stones" and are not natural.

The "fruity" Quartz and Opalite can be very fetching! However, they are made of glass and not "natural".

The most well-known stones from the Quartz family are Amethyst, Rose Quartz, and Carnelian*. The only exception I can think of to the "fruity" Quartz is glass is "Lemon Quartz" - which is usually a very yellow variation of Carnelian and most commonly found in pendants vs. strings of beads.

Many stones look alike and pictures on the internet are different on everyone's computer screens! (Aventurine & Jade, Aquamarine & Topaz, Petersite & Chrysanthemum Stone) I would suggest that you feel comfortable with your seller and ask as many questions as you might have! Be sure to feel confident in their responses and the items you are getting so you can treasure the work of art you are wearing!

For more information than you could ever want, please view this lively discussion I was proud to start on Etsy.com:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5135256

Thank you!

*Carnelian is a member of the Chalcedony family which is part of the Quartz family. Chalcedony can be found referenced in the Old Testament!

“MerchantGypsy says:
Great thread! Helpful!”

Chel of Lava Jewelry & Zbella

"Misleading trade names in the gem industry is one of my big pet peeves. I can't stand misleading names in the jewelry industry in general actually ("German silver" for example)."



Chel has a background in geology, and is currently working to complete GIA's colored gemstones program.

Staci Rose Designs

All pieces are original, hand-made, and one of a kind! I search high and low for unique gemstone beads for wearable works of art. I make jewelry to look good and feel good while you wear it.
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Staci Rose Designs

Unique Jewelry & Gifts Blog

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Note to Remember!

Keep in mind that what might be Smoky Quartz could be called Beer Quartz by a certain mining company. They use odd or unusual names to make their stones stand out in the market - but don't be fooled! Be sure to know your stones!

Where to buy, Who to trust, What to know

Fire Mountain Gems
America's favorite beads and beading supplies since 1973. Largest selection of beads and jewelry making supplies at wholesale prices.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gem Hut
Serving the Internet with fine and rare colored gemstones from around the world.
Rocks & Minerals
Information about those naturally occuring substances which are neither animal nor plant - minerals, including common rocks, semi-precious stones, gems and general geological information.
Indiepublic
Indiepublic is an independent art and design community. If you're an artist, designer, retailer, blogger, or just someone who gets giddy when they buy indie, we've saved a seat for you!
Etsy
Your place to buy & sell all things handmade!
Etsy Forum
Lively discussion including many knowledgeable Etsy artists with myriad of assistance and information!
Zbella Nature-Inspired Crafted Metal Jewelry
I am proud to offer my latest metal designs here on Etsy. Many of my designs can be made in sterling silver, copper, or brass.

I studied jewelry-making at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, CA, and metalsmithing at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA.

Don't Forget!

You can visit me on Etsy! Staci Rose Designs! http://stacirose.etsy.com!

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stacirosedesigns

I was born in Portland, Oregon on February 4th in the middle of a blizzard and have been a force of nature ever since. Involved in the arts since I was... more »

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