Tag Archives: handcrafted

Haematite

Hematite with Quartz (photo credit Rob Lavinsky)

Haematite is the mineral form of an iron oxide. It can be black to steel or silver-gray; brown to reddish brown; or red. It is mined as the main ore of iron.

BotryoidalHaematite (photo credit Harvard Museum of Natural History)

Gray hematite is typically found in places where there has been standing water or mineral hot springs. Haematite has also been discovered on Mars!

Haematite on Mars (photo credit NASA)

The name haematite is derived from the Greek word for blood ‘αἷμα haima’ as haematite can be red. It is used by jewellers in powdered form (with grease added) for fine polishing and is called rouge.

Red Haematite (Michigan)

Haematite is believed to have grounding properties. It is thought to help reduce the discomfort of leg cramps and broken bones. It is also thought to cleanse the blood, and help with blood-related diseases such as anaemia.

Haematite Sphere (photo credit Manchester Herbs)

There are some lovely haematite cabochons in my gemstone collection. If you’d like something beautiful made, let me know!

Reserved: Large Blue Chalcedony Oval Cabochon

PLEASE NOTE: This cabochon is reserved for one of my lovely clients!

The gorgeous blue chalcedony gemstone cabochon shown here is 32mm long, and is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you. Chalcedony is a form of silica, comprised of quartz and moganite. It was in use as early as the bronze age.

Blue chalcedony is believed to be an excellent crystal for public speakers and those who speak for a living, such as lawyers, actors and singers. It is thought to generate peace, encourage stillness and calm in the home, and be good for daily journeys to work, or stressful trips involving children.

Reserved – Drusy Agate – Absinthe Green Oval Cabochon

This gemstone is reserved for a special client.

The absinthe green drusy agate gemstone cabochon shown here is 31mm 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.

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.

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.

Moonstone Oval Cabochon

The lovely moonstone cabochon shown here is 30mm long. It is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you. 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.

Amethyst, Labradorite and Moonstone Sterling Silver Stacking Rings

I was recently contacted by Greg, who was after something special for his partner Fi.

They both came to visit me, and Fi was able to choose her very own gemstones from my collection.

A quick measure with my ring sizers, and I created these treasures. I love the blend of amethyst, moonstone and labradorite – it may be a Pisces thing!

I do have lots of smaller gemstones in many gorgeous colours, so if you’d like something similar, do let me know!

Large Amethyst Cabochon

The enormous amethyst gemstone cabochon shown here is 39mm long, and is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἀ a- (‘not’) and μέθυστος methustos (‘intoxicated’), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.

Amethyst is believed to protect you from drunkeness and poisoning, and to help with insomnia and bring pleasant dreams.

White Scolecite Cabochon

The lovely white scolecite gemstone cabochon shown here is 33mm long, and is available to be handcrafted into a custom made ring or pendant for you.

Scolecite is a form of zeolite. This gemstone was mined and cut in India.

Scolecite is believed to be useful for calming agressive tendencies. It is thought to bring good fortune. Scolecite is believed to be good for all blood related disorders.

Mount Eliza Art and Design Show

I was pleased to be invited to the 2014 Mount Eliza Art and Design Show, and I’ve just sent off a parcel of all of these pieces to be displayed and made available for sale.

The show is on from 24th to 26th October in Mount Eliza, Victoria. I’m sure it will be lovely. If you’re in the area, pop in for a visit and do let me know what it’s like!

Sterling Silver and Amazonite, Chrysoprase, Topaz, and Turquoise Infinity Pendant

My lovely friend Margaret is an artist, and I met her when she commissioned me to create this coherent wave pendant for her to wear to her art exhibition, Bliss.

The symbol is for infinity, of course, and also represents the number eight, which is a very lucky number in Asia and kept cropping up throughout Margaret’s painting journey!

We selected the turquoise, chrysoprase and amazonite as they were such delicious water colours, and I added the sparkling white topaz which reminds me of the sparkling water too.

Flirting with the Light (painting by Margaret Ingles)

Thanks, Margaret, your visions are lovely, and you’re a joy to work with!

Malachite and Sterling Silver Ring

One of my dear customers, Charmaine, asked me to create her this malachite ring for a special function she is attending.

She is such a sweetie to work with, and it was my pleasure!

I love this lighter malachite, it’s just gorgeous. Thanks, Charmaine!

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray