Slinky Lynnx Chic

  • Home
  • Shop
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces
    • Pendants
    • Pins / Brooches
    • Rings
    • Bubbles Collection
    • Paddles Collection
    • Ribbons Collection
    • Scribbles Collection
    • Butterflies Birds Blooms
  • Blog
  • Chic Happenings
  • Jewelry Facets
    • - A - Facets
    • - B - Facets
    • - C - Facets
    • - D - Facets
    • - E - Facets
    • - F - Facets
    • - G - Facets
    • - H - Facets
    • - I - Facets
    • - J - Facets
    • - K - Facets
    • - L - Facets
    • - M - Facets
    • - N - Facets
    • - O - Facets
    • - P - Facets
    • - Q - Facets
    • - R - Facets
    • - S - Facets
    • - T - Facets
    • - U - Facets
    • - V - Facets
    • - W - Facets
    • - X-Y-Z - Facets
  • Resources
  • Meet Lynn
  • Contact Lynn
  • Policies
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces
    • Pendants
    • Pins / Brooches
    • Rings
    • Bubbles Collection
    • Paddles Collection
    • Ribbons Collection
    • Scribbles Collection
    • Butterflies Birds Blooms
  • Blog
  • Chic Happenings
  • Jewelry Facets
    • - A - Facets
    • - B - Facets
    • - C - Facets
    • - D - Facets
    • - E - Facets
    • - F - Facets
    • - G - Facets
    • - H - Facets
    • - I - Facets
    • - J - Facets
    • - K - Facets
    • - L - Facets
    • - M - Facets
    • - N - Facets
    • - O - Facets
    • - P - Facets
    • - Q - Facets
    • - R - Facets
    • - S - Facets
    • - T - Facets
    • - U - Facets
    • - V - Facets
    • - W - Facets
    • - X-Y-Z - Facets
  • Resources
  • Meet Lynn
  • Contact Lynn
  • Policies

Love Stones

2/12/2022

0 Comments

 
​One of the things I like most about making jewelry is learning all about the gems and gemstones I use. In addition to discovering where they are mined and how they’ve been used through the years, I enjoy finding out their spiritual and healing properties. In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are some fascinating facts about gemstones believed to attract and strengthen romance:  the “Love Stones.”
Picture
Rose Quartz with Sterling
​Rose Quartz, a beautiful translucent pink gemstone, is often called THE love stone because it is thought to generate strong love energies and to help find new love. It is also believed to promote sweet dreams – so keep a crystal or two on your nightstand.

Moonstone, a shimmering white, cream, or soft peach gemstone, is the stone of new beginnings and romance. It is thought to bring passion to your life.

​Rhodochrosite, a gemstone with swirls of pink or red, is said to soothe the heart. It represents selfless love and compassion.
Imperial Topaz, a stunning golden yellow stone, is thought to draw love to its wearer.

​​
Rhodonite, a pink or red gemstone often flecked with black, is said to nurture love and encourage brotherhood. Just holding the stone is believed to promote relaxation and bring a sense of well-being.
Ruby is said to be filled with love. It is thought to increase passion and sexual love. Place it under your pillow to ward off bad dreams.

Watermelon Tourmaline, a green, white and pink stone, looks like a slice of watermelon and is thought to attract love. It is also believed to be beneficial for relationships.

Green sapphire is said to bring loyalty, fidelity and integrity.
Picture
Multi-color Moonstone
Chrysocolla, a beautiful green-blue gemstone, is believed to stabilize rocky relationships particularly when combined with Rose Quartz.

For more about these and other gemstones, explore Jewelry Facets .

Happy Valentine’s!
0 Comments

Little Known Gemstones

8/20/2021

0 Comments

 
Most of us are familiar with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires - the so-called "precious' gemstones. And many of us are familiar with "semi-precious" gemstones such as Peridot, amethyst, citrine, tourmaline and garnet. Beyond these there is a vast array of interesting and beautiful gemstones not frequently used in jewelry. Here are just a few.
Azurite, a soft blue mineral, is found in copper deposits deep in the earth. It is an opaque stone usually cut in cabochons or beads and not faceted. It is believed to clear stress, worry, and sadness.
Fluorite comes in pastel pinks, greens, blues and purples often with more than one color in a stone. It is transparent to translucent and may be found as beads, nuggets or faceted gems. It is thought to raise the power of concentration.
Picture
Azurite with Malachite
Kunzite is an icy pink to lilac gemstone and can be found in beads as well as faceted gemstones. It was discovered in the early Twentieth Century and is named for George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany's legendary gemologist and gemstone author. Its soft pastel colors symbolize purity.
Kyanite, a shimmery transparent to translucent stone, is most commonly found in shades of blue and green. its crystals are long blades or columns and because of this structure it is very hard to facet. Therefore kyanite is most often formed into beads or cabochons. It is thought to inspire calmness, composure, serenity, loyalty and respect.
Picture
Larvikite Pendant
Larvikite is a dark bluish gray stone with silvery light blue reflections and flecks of black. It only occurs in the Oslo-rift near Larvik, Norway. It is also called "Norwegian Moonstone" and "black labradorite." In addition to its use in jewelry, Larvikite is also used as a facing stone on buildings. It is believed to enhance psychic abilities.

​For more about these and other gemstones, explore Jewelry Facets.
0 Comments

Fresh Gemstone Choices

4/5/2021

0 Comments

 
Warmer days bring budding trees, new blades of grass, hyacinths, crocus, tulips, iris, and daffodils. Jewelry and clothing will begin reflecting theses floral hues from pale pinks, yellows and greens to vibrant purples and reds. Now is a good time to brighten your wardrobe with lighter weight fabrics and sunnier colors.
​
Try jewelry with these gemstones to give your outfits a new, fresher look.
Picture
Citrine & Sterling Necklace
Picture
Amethyst & Sterling Pendant
Amethyst – a deep purple which evokes a field of tulips. Amethyst is believed to provide tranquility and peace of mind. It is also thought to prevent drunkenness.

Aquamarine – a blue/green reminiscent of a lagoon on a Caribbean island. Aquamarine is thought to protect wearers from drowning and seasickness.
​
Citrine – a touch of sunshine to brighten your day. Citrine is thought to carry the power of the sun and be an energizer.
Fluorite – pastel blues, pinks, greens, and purples often with more than one color in a single stone. Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative vibrations.

Kyanite – a shimmery blue or green transparent to translucent stone. Kyanite is believed to improve optimism while dispelling negativity.
​
Peridot – a clear yellow/green like a new shoot of grass. Peridot is believed to be a gift of Mother Nature, the stone of springtime.
Picture
Fluorite Beads
Picture
Rose Quartz & Sterling Pendant
Pearls – soft white or beautiful pastel shades add a subtle glow. Pearls are considered symbols of love, purity and perfection.

Rose Quartz – a pink as soft as the buds on a cherry tree. It is believed to attract love and friendship.

You may also want to move from gold to silver for a lighter look. Silver is a cool yet lively metal. It is said to attract, enhance and store the energies of gemstones making it the perfect frame for any stone.
To learn more about these and other gemstones visit Jewelry Facets.
0 Comments

Jewelry in Spring Greens

3/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Say “March” and immediately most people think St. Patrick’s Day, Spring and green. So, in celebration of green let’s focus on fabulous green gemstones.

Emerald is at the top of the list of green gems. It has been treasured for its lush green hue since antiquity. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt and date from 330 B.C. It is believed that emeralds reveal the truth and protect against evil spirits. It is also the stone of fertility and rebirth.
Picture
Emerald Rough
Green Garnet comes in two different mineral types, grossular and andradite. Tsavorite is a highly sought after gem-quality green grossular garnet that rivals Emerald in color. Demantoid is a rare green andradite garnet that has the sparkle of a diamond. Green garnet is a stone of confidence and service.
Picture
Prehnite & Bronze Necklace
Peridot ranges in color from yellow/green to deep chartreuse. It has been mined as early as 1500 B.C. and is the national gem of Egypt. In artificial light, it glows a brilliant green and thus has been named “Evening Emerald.” It is thought to promote wealth and power, and to ward against nightmares and jealous thoughts.

​
Prehnite, a beautiful apple-green stone, was first described in 1788 in South Africa. It is named after Colonel Hendrik von Prehn (1733-1785), a mineralogist and early governor of the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. Prehnite is thought to enhance inner knowledge and is called the stone of unconditional love.
Serpentine, a green mineral sometimes mottled like the skin of a snake, is not one mineral but a group of minerals with the same chemical formula but different structures or crystal lattices. Serpentine has been used for jewelry, ornamental carvings and in architecture for centuries. Because it can be similar in appearance to Jade, it is sometimes called “New Jade.” Serpentine is said to help you find inner peace and balance mood swings.

​Bring spring to your wardrobe with green jewelry
Picture
Serpentine & Sterling Pendant
0 Comments

Amazing Quartz

6/2/2020

0 Comments

 
Quartz is a huge family of minerals with the same chemical composition and similar properties. It makes up 12% of the earth's crust.
There are two major branches of the quartz family:
  1. Macro-crystalline - crystals visible to the naked eye. This branch includes amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, smoky quartz and rutilated quartz.
  2. Micro- or crypto-crystalline - crystals too small to be seen without magnification. This branch is more commonly known as chalcedony (kal-SEH-doh-nee) and includes agate, jasper, carnelian, chrysoprase, onyx and petrified wood.
Picture
Amethyst Cross Pendant
Picture
Fired Jasper Necklace
In broad terms, chalcedony can be semi-transparent, translucent, solid, or patterned. The most common forms of chalcedony are agate and jasper.
  • Jasper tends to be opaque with irregular and less defined markings. It is composed of microscopic grains of crystalline quartz.
  • Agate is usually translucent and has clearly defined bands. It is composed of microscopic fibers of crystalline quartz.
However, in the gem and jewelry trade when someone refers to chalcedony, they are usually talking about a semi-transparent or translucent stone with a solid color (most often soft blue) with a waxy luster. This type of chalcedony can also be white, purple, pink, yellow or red but not orange-red which is referred to as carnelian.
I enjoy making jewelry with all types of quartz from clear rock crystal quartz to the astonishingly colored and patterned jaspers and agates. A few of my current favorites are:
Rock Crystal Quartz - the crystal-clear variety of macro-crystalline quartz. It is considered the ideal of macro-crystalline quartz.

Fired Agate - this agate, a micro-crystalline quartz, is heated to give it a crackled appearance.

Green Zebra Jasper - as its name implies this jasper, also a micro-crystalline quartz, is striped in green and white.

Rose Quartz - the soft pink variety of macro-crystalline quartz. It is one of the most desired varieties of macro-crystalline quartz.
Picture
Rock Crystal Quartz & Onyx Pendant
Visit Jewelry Facets to learn more about all the branches of the quartz family as well as a wide variety of other gems and gemstones.
0 Comments

Gems Are Not Just for Jewelry

4/21/2020

0 Comments

 
When I think of gems, I immediately think "jewelry." But gems are used in many other ways. In fact, the majority of gems that are mined are used in applications other than jewelry. Here are just a few.
Corundum is aluminum oxide. It is called ruby when red and sapphire when other colors. Regardless of color, corundum is used as an abrasive for grinding glass and polishing metal. It is made into sandpapers and grinding wheels.
Fluorite is calcium fluoride. It is used as flux in the manufacture of steel and as a catalyst in the manufacture of high-octane fuels. Fluorite plays a large part in the creation of glazed tiles and opalescent glass. It is a source of fluorine which is used for the fluoridation of water and in Teflon coatings.

​Hematite is an iron oxide and the most important iron ore as it is 70% iron. Powdered hematite is called red ocher and is used as a pigment. Purified, ground hematite is called rouge and is used to polish plate glass and jewelry.
Picture
Fluorite
Picture
Kyanite
Kyanite is the major raw material for the aluminum silicate mullite which is used in spark plugs and heat-resistant porcelains. The molds that are used for casting high-temperature metals are often made of kyanite.

​Lazurite is the main component of lapis lazuli and gives it its deep blue color. Powered lapis was used for hundreds of years to make the pigment ultramarine. And, it was probably one of the first eye shadows.
Malachite is green copper carbonate hydroxide. It was ground and used as eye paint in ancient time possibly to ward off the evil eye. It was also used as the green pigment in wall paintings dating back to the 15th century BC.

​Petalite, lithium aluminum silicate, is an important source of lithium. Its high chemical activity makes possible the tiny batteries used in pacemakers and other small devices.
Picture
Petalite
Jewelry Facets provides more information about these and other gemstones.
0 Comments

Spring Is Almost Here

3/13/2020

1 Comment

 
Trees and shrubs are starting to bloom. Tulips and daffodils are popping up. Soft green blades of grass are visible. All signs spring is almost here.

Spring brings a sense of lightness and renewal. As I'm creating new designs, I'm choosing gemstones in soft pinks and greens and blues. I'm moving away from weighty styles and toward light, airy designs.

In addition to being beautiful, gemstones have distinct metaphysical properties which I enjoy learning about and sharing with you. So, here is a bit about some of the gemstones I plan to use.
Rose Quartz - Its soft pink tones are perfect for spring. In addition, rose quartz is often called the "love stone" as it is believed to generate strong love energies and to help find new love.

​Ruby Zoisite - It has a soft green background with small bursts of ruby that look like flowers. This unusual stone is thought to bring positive and happy feelings.
Picture
Ruby Zoisite Necklace
Picture
Prehnite Necklace
Blue and Green Kyanite - These translucent stones come in quiet blues and greens with a subtle shimmer. Kyanite is believed to bring loyalty, honesty and tranquility as well as to diminish anger and confusion.

Prehnite - It is a delicate, translucent apple green, a color unique to this stone. Prehnite is known as the stone of unconditional love. It is also believed to help sufferers of claustrophobia.
Rock Crystal Quartz - This is the clear variety of quartz. It is considered the ideal quartz. Rock crystal quartz is thought to enhance concentration and unlock memories.

Blue Lace Agate - This variety of agate has bands of soft blue in a wavy or lacy pattern. It is believed to be cooling and calming and bring peace of mind. Blue lace agate is also thought to neutralize anger, infection, inflammation and fever.
Picture
Rock Crystal Quartz & Onyx Pendant
Combined with sterling, bronze or copper wire, these gemstones will appear in jewelry that is sure to add a touch of spring to your wardrobe.

​Happy Spring!
1 Comment

Amazing Sapphires

10/14/2019

2 Comments

 
My birthday is in September which makes my birthstone sapphire. So, in honor of my birthday I'm sharing some fascinating facts about sapphire.

It is one of the four precious gems (diamond, emerald and ruby are the other three). Sapphire is the birthstone for the Zodiac signs Pisces, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius I'm also a Virgo.
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium color the corundum blue, yellow, purple, orange , green or pink. When chromium impurities in corundum yield a red stone, it is called ruby. Pure corundum has no traces of other elements and is called white sapphire. When race elements produce an orangey pink corundum, it is called padparadscha which means lotus flower in Sinhalese, the language spoken in Sir Lanka where stones of this color were originally found.
Multi-colored sapphire necklace with pyrite nugget.
Multi-colored sapphire necklace with pyrite.
Star sapphires contain intersecting needle-like inclusions that cause the appearance of a six-rayed star. The inclusion is often the mineral rutile. Star sapphires can be any color from shades of blue to pink, orange, yellow, green, lavender, gray or black. The most desirable color is a vivid intense blue.

Color-change sapphire is a rare variety which exhibits different colors in different light. The stones are blue in outdoor light and purple under incandescent indoor light.
Multi-colored sapphire earrings
Multi-colored sapphire earrings
Tradition holds that Moses was given the Ten commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it a sacred gemstone. Ancient Persians believed sapphire gave heaven its blue color. In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced sapphire protected them from envy and harm. Because sapphires represent divine favor, they were the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests. Ordinary people thought sapphires attracted heavenly blessings.
Sapphires symbolize truth, compatibility, commitment and mutual understanding which make them the perfect gem for engagement rings. They are said to contribute to mental clarity and perception. Sapphires are also believed to promote financial rewards.
2 Comments

Lustrous Pearls

6/6/2019

0 Comments

 
Natural pearls have been coveted as symbols of wealth and status for thousands of years. The first written mention of pearls was by a Chinese writer in about 2206 BC.
Pearls form naturally when an irritant, such as a tiny stone, gets in mollusk's shell. A lustrous substance called nacre is secreted around the irritant to protect the soft inside of the mollusk (oysters or mussels). As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant a pearl is formed. This can take years. The way light is reflected from these layers of nacre creates the iridescent luster of the pearl. When nacre forms on the inside of the shell, it is known as mother of pearl.
Picture
Nature couldn't keep up with the demand for pearls, so man devised a way to culture pearls by placing an irritant, often a piece of rounded shell from a freshwater mussel, into a mollusk. The majority of pearls on the market have been cultured and many of the shells used as an irritant are from freshwater river mussels harvested in the midwestern states. The few natural pearls available command high prices.
Picture
Pearls, both natural and cultured, can be divided into two main categories: saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater pearls, including the Akoya, Tahitian and South Seas, are found in the coastal waters of Japan, China, Australia and Polynesia. Freshwater pearls are found in the rivers, ponds and lakes of China, Japan, the United States and Europe. Of the two types, saltwater pearls are the more expensive.
Pearls are a natural substance and are porous. They can absorb cologne, hair spray and lotions. So, make your pearls the last thing you put on and the first think you take off. Keep them looking their best by gently wiping them with a damp cloth.

​Pearls are always in style; wear yours today.
Pastel, cultured, freshwater pearls
Tinted Cultured Freshwater Pearls
0 Comments

Jazzy Jasper

8/13/2018

0 Comments

 
Antique blue & black jasper links with sterling chain
"Antique" Jasper
Jasper is a gemstone of seemingly endless variety. It is one of the more common of the world's gemstones and may be found all over the world. Jasper's name comes from the Greek iaspis for "spotted stone."

​
Jasper is a member of the chalcedony (pronounced kal-SEH-doh-nee) or microcrystalline branch of the quartz family. Another familiar member of this branch of the quartz family is agate which is usually translucent or has translucent bands whereas jasper is usually opaque.
Jasper is colored by oxides of iron and known for its deep earthy tones of red, yellow, brown and green. It also sometimes appears in shades of blue or purple. Jasper may also display bands of color, pictures, or small circular patterns. The colors and patterns are the result of the minerals present in the stone. Jaspers are often named after their patterns or for the places in which they're mined. Here a few of my favorites.
Dalmatian Jasper has a cream background with black and/or brown spots - just like the dog of the same name. It is supposed to increase patience and protect against nightmares.

​
Kambaba Jasper is a combination of light and dark green, brown, and black in concentric circles and speckles. Mystics believe it soothes the nerves.
Kambaba jasper pendant with copper accents
Kambaba Jasper
Ocean jasper pendant with sterling accents
Ocean Jasper
Ocean Jasper, also known as orbicular jasper, has wavy and circular patterns in green, cream, beige, brown, and pink. It sometimes looks like the foam from a wave that just broke on the beach. It is said to be a very calming and soothing stone.

​Picture Jasper often looks like a landscape painting, perhaps a desert or mountain scene. It is formed from petrified mud and quartz. It is thought to be excellent for creative vision, initiative and boosting one's confidence.
Because of its versatile colors and patterns, jasper jewelry can be worn in any season and will jazz up any outfit. It's a great gemstone to have in your jewelry box.

​To add jasper jewelry to your collection, visit my website, stop in at the Prescott Art Market in the Prescott Gateway Mall, or meet me at one of these select shows.
Porcelain jasper pendant wrapped with sterling wire.
Porcelain Jasper
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Jewelry Reflections

    Lynn's musings about all facets of jewelry.

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    Bracelets
    Care & Cleaning Tips
    Collections
    Color Of The Year
    Earrings
    Fall Jewelry
    Floral Jewelry
    Fun Facts
    Gemstone Facts
    Gemstone Treatments
    Heart Jewelry
    Holidays
    Necklaces
    Rings
    Summer Jewelry
    Tucson Gem Shows
    Wire Jewelry

    RSS Feed

Picture


​

Contact Me 
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram

Sign up for the latest Slinky Lynnx Chic news.

* indicates required
Copyright © 2021 Slinky Lynnx Chic All Rights Reserved