Tag Archives: gemstones

Light Ruby Zoisite Oval Cabochon

The lush oval ruby zoisite gemstone cabochon shown here is 21mm long. It is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

First discovered in 1954 in Tanzania, Ruby zoisite is a composite of green zoisite with black tschermakite and ruby crystals. It is also known as anyolite, which comes from the word for “green” in the native language of the Masai tribe.

Ruby Zoisite is believed to overcome laziness. It is thought to enhance fertility and to help with diseases of the reproductive system. It is said to encourage you to be an individual and to stimulate creativity.

Lapis Lazuli Cabochon

The stunning lapis lazuli gemstone cabochon shown here is 30mm long. It is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Lapis Lazuli has been mined in Afghanistan for over 6,000 years. It is believed to be good for communications and good judgement, for enhancing memory, and to attract success.

Prehnite and Sterling Silver Ring

Nicole chose this gorgeous prehnite cabochon from my gemstone collection and commissioned me to create a ring for her.

I love the inclusions in this prehnite, just gorgeous!

Such a lovely piece to create, thanks Nicole! I’m looking forward to working on your next piece!

Pantone – 2015 Spring Colours

Pantone have released their gorgeous palette for Spring 2015, and because spring is here already in the Southern Hemisphere, we can get in early. Lucky us! I love a bit of Pantone colour, as you can see from my previous blog posts here, here, here and here.

Divine soft colours seem to rule this time! As always, I’ve looked through my gemstone collection and matched these spring tone gemstones for you. If any of these gemstones appeal, let me know and I can create you something beautiful to go with your latest Spring wardrobe.

I was quite taken with this colourful Pantone iconic cartoon character guessing game recently created by Y&R, Shanghai. It’s called “There can be only one”. Who can you pick out?

Garnet and Sterling Silver Circles Ring

Circles, endlessly wonderful. I created this ring for myself, as I wanted something to match a pair of earrings I made that I wear a lot.

The design came to me as I was daydreaming before I went to sleep one night.

I really love this ring!

Reserved: Drusy Agate – Baby Blue Titanium Coated Oval Cabochon

Please note: this stone is reserved for a lovely client.

The gorgeous titanium coated baby blue oval drusy agate gemstone cabochon shown here is 31mm long. You can read more about what drusy agate is here.

Agate is traditionally believed to help you to discern truth, improve memory and concentration, increase stamina, prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams, enhance personal courage, protect you against danger, and provide a calming influence.

The titanium coating is applied to the natural drusy stone using an environmentally friendly process called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) that uses only electricity to deposit a thin coating of titanium, silver, gold, cobalt or other high-grade natural metal. Treat this titanium druzy as you would an opal or pearl. A mild soap and water rinse will maintain the color and clarity of the optical surface of your druzy for a lifetime.

Charoite Oval Cabochon

The luscious purple gemstone cabochon shown here is 24mm long. It is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Charoite is a rare mineral – it has been reported only from the Sakha Republic, Yakutia, Siberia, Russia. It was first discovered in the 1940s, and named for the Chara River.

Charoite is believed to help one overcome obsessions and compulsions. It is thought to provide energy when the body is exhausted; regulate blood pressure and assist with deep sleep and powerful dreams.

Drusy Agate – Coconut Brown Round Cabochon

The coconut brown drusy agate gemstone cabochon shown here is 18mm long. It is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you. You can read more about what drusy agate is here.

This drusy cabochon has been dyed. You can read more about gemstone treatments here. In order to keep your drusy looking good, it is recommended that you do not get it wet or expose it to sunlight for prolonged periods. Your piece can be cleaned using a soft silver polishing cloth.

Reserved – Moonstone Faceted Oval Cabochon

PLEASE NOTE: This stone is reserved for a client. The gorgeous faceted moonstone cabochon shown here is 30mm long.

Moonstone is a feldspar, and like labradorite, has what is known as the schiller effect. It can be different colours, including blue, grey, white, pink, peach, green and brown.

Moonstone is said to bring good fortune, help with foretelling the future, enhance intuition. It is believed to bring success in love, and provide protection on land and at sea. Moonstone is supposed to stimulate the pineal gland and balance hormone cycles.

Gemstone of the Month – Labradorite

Labradorite is a type of feldspar consisting of between 30-50% Albite and 50-70% Anorthite. It was named after peninsula of Labrador in Canada, where it was first found.

{Labradorite – Image Mike Beauregard}

Labradorite shows labradorescence – a schiller effect in lustrous metallic tints, often blue and green, and sometimes the complete spectrum. This effect is also found in moonstone.

Labradorite is believed to stimulate imagination, help develop enthusiasm and to see more clearly in meditation. it is thought to assist with disorders of the eyes and brain and to relieve anxiety.

It is supposed to balance hormones and relieve menstrual tension; and regulate metabolism. Labradorite is used to treat colds, gout, and rheumatism, lower blood pressure, and aid in digestion.

I have some gorgeous labradorite cabochons just waiting to be turned into beautiful jewellery for you – you can find them in my gemstone collection. Let me know what you’d like created!

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray