The island was eventually renamed Zabargad, an Arabic word for Olivine. The beautiful shades range from yellow-green called Chrysolite in biblical times for the Greek words kreusos (gold) and lithos (stone) to brown-green. The current word Peridot comes from the Arabic Faridat, which means gem.
Peridot is one of only two gems that is not formed in the earth’s crust, but actually in the molten rock of the upper mantle, brought to the surface by earthquakes and volcanos. Peridot’s basic form, Olivine, has been found in comet dust, on the moon and Mars. Ancient peoples believed that Peridot was ejected to Earth by a sun’s explosion. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that only forms in one colour. While Olivine is abundant, Peridot is rather rare.
Using Peridot in Interactions
Peridot is an excellent talisman to wear in the workplace. It is known as a stone of luck. As a sunstone, it is meant to protect you against your fears and feelings of darkness. Prayer and meditation using your peridot can enhance your demonstrations with positivity and charm. When working with others, Peridot encourages helpful responses from colleagues and defends against feelings of envy, deception, and gossip. It is known to bring profit to tradespeople.
Power in Self Work
Peridot is a positive crystal, in harmony with spiritual truth and understanding. It prompts the user to think of the Creator’s power and love and attunes you to the source of all abundance. This influence can build on your ability to receive from the Universe and enhance your prayer and meditative life. Peridot can assist the user to quiet guilt or regret by connecting you to higher levels of understanding. Reminding the user of their abilities, Peridot empowers a sense of forgiveness and helps you to take responsibility for your actions and make compensation to those you have hurt, relieving karmic debt.
Working with peridot, you can lessen feelings of inadequacy and negative thought patterns opening your heart and mind to the universe of possibilities available to you. The cleansing nature of Peridot means it can also be used to heal past hurts caused by anger, jealousy, resentment, and clinging to an unresolved matter of the heart with gratitude and grace. In addition, Peridot helps the user disconnect from outside influences to feel the power in your skills and strengths to keep forward momentum in your home and work life.
Physical Healing Powers
Noting is positive attributes and ability to help the user move beyond past pains into their strengths and capabilities, it is easy to see why Peridot is popular among people trying to escape substance dependencies and addictions. It is called a healer stone for this very reason, helping the user call upon the strength of the process to guide you therapeutically. For Reiki practices, Peridot is incredible to amplify energies. Peridot is also known to amplify the power of heat and warmth, so hold it after sweat lodge ceremonies, using hot rocks or after a sauna.
Peridot in Your Home
Peridot is an incredible tool in your home. You can wear peridot to help facilitate restful sleep, and particularly for people who suffer nightmares. It is strengthened when set in, or paired with, gold.
In homes where the art of Feng Shui is practiced, it builds on harmony, joy, and compassion, considered the foundation of the happiest homes. Harkening back to its volcanic creation, Peridot is known to absorb the intensity of emotions exhibits by hot tempers and negativity, so place it in communal areas where differing opinions abound, or where you seek a peaceful atmosphere. This power is also able to be mirrored in the workplace so consider Peridot in the boardroom or at your meeting spaces.
Finally, Peridot is known as a seeking stone. If you have an area where you find that you constantly misplace items, Peridot can help you be more purposeful and aware. Think about locations like your desk, your front foyer, or your home office.
Stunning Peridot in all its earthy green shades can open your mind to the endless possibilities of creation. It is unparalleled for use in prayers and meditation to connect to the Creator and divine energy. Whether or not it is your birthstone, Peridot can be utilized by anyone, especially those seeking to move beyond past negativity and seek health and healing. Reach out to Iguana Beads today to find out how Peridot can enhance your life and home.
From ancient Egypt into the Middle Ages, male warriors have worn masculine red carnelian to give them passion and courage while women have favoured the feminine and fertile energies of the more orange-hued carnelian, which has been associated with the ruler Isis.
Carnelian has been linked in historical lore to the magic of alchemy, the longevity of life, the healing of illnesses, and a ward against the plague. It is no wonder that it has been worn as a symbol of status in society. The word carnelian comes from the Latin meaning flesh, and so it is deeply connected to the body, re-invigoration and strength, and rebirth.
Using Carnelian in interactions
Carnelian is an anchoring stone. It is used to reinvigorate lost momentum in relationships, stimulating creativity and vitality in problem-solving. It is said to improve concentration during meditation. It is a crystal that enhances motivation, ambition, and determination. If you work in a large corporation or company, Carnelian is known to increase personal connections and drive away undue pressures.
Carnelian is excellent to use for entrepreneurs and in new business ventures. It attracts prosperity and wealth, opening resources abundantly. It is also a luck stone.
Carnelian protects the user against the negative impacts of resentment, jealousy, and envy. It brings your joy and love of life to the forefront of your mind. Carnelian increases trust in self and your insights, which is a catalyst for escaping abusive relationships. Carnelian can assist the wearer in overcoming sexual control anxieties and eating disorders. Many men have found it helps ground them in the throes of a mid-life crisis.
Power in self-work
Carnelian has the nickname the “singer’s stone” because it empowers and clarifies your voice. It is a stone of support for performers and presenters by helping timid speakers to become more courageous and eloquent in front of their audience.
Carnelian and other orange stones are supportive of coordination and physical activity. This crystal is incredible for balance and energy. Athletes would benefit from wearing Carnelian to stimulate appetite, attitude, stamina, and vigour. Similarly, military personnel would receive the same benefits of physical backing.
Carnelian has been worn historically by builders and workers in construction. It is a professional support crystal that stimulates form and organization, motivation, and creation.
Carnelian is an amazing stone for jewelry. When placed right against the skin, it brings bright vibrations into the body. It has been worn traditionally by warriors and priests alike. Carnelian is an amazing compliment to Onyx, and they look incredible together side by side as well. Onyx is another non-traditional July birthstone. As a cleansing stone, you are encouraged to wash your stones with water frequently to wash away the negativity.
Physical healing powers
Carnelian kindles the reproductive systems of both sexes, increasing fertility and potency. It benefits the menstrual cycle and symptoms of menopause. Families experiencing infertility and trying in-vitro fertilization or artificial insemination could use carnelian.
Carnelian is used in the healing and repair of many circulatory and inflammatory issues such as congestion, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, arthritis, and lower back problems. Carnelian has been frequently used to support the symptoms of depression, particularly in the elderly. People breaking free of substance abuse issues or bad physical habits will be buoyed by Carnelian.
Carnelian in your home
Carnelian has been historically known to guard your home and workspaces against theft, accidents, storms, and fires. It protects against falling masonry and equipment or tools in garages and work environments.
At work, Carnelian encourages teamwork and the galvanization of coworkers around common causes. It promotes feelings of community among large groups.
Carnelian is excellent in the bedroom of your home! As a crystal of conception, fertility, and potency it can bolster your love life. In addition, is it known to reawaken distressed and disturbing passions. You can use carnelian in any shade in the bedroom, but orange is particularly effective for those trying to conceive. If you are not looking to start a family, Carnelian is a huge boost to the libido that kindles the fires of passion and sexual identity.
To invite prosperity and abundance into your home, place Carnelian on the south side of your home. For creativity, place Carnelian in the west. If you are seeking self-fulfillment, worth, esteem and healing, place the crystal in the southeast.
As a non-traditional alternative to rubies, you could hardly find as versatile and beautiful a stone as the Carnelian. The range of hues from browns to bright oranges reminds wearers of the fall season and of letting go of what does not serve you to make room for abundance. Gift Carnelian to someone with a July birthday or just as an attractive crystal to support creativity and healing. For more information in Red Carnelian, reach out to Iguana Beads!
The Pearl is a symbol used in cultures throughout the world. It is recognized and associated with power, prestige, and success. Pearls are seen as classic and timeless in pop culture and are therefore applicable to almost any celebration or gift-giving occasion. Those people lucky to be born in June have the benefit of having a birthstone with a rich history and also excellent vibrational healing properties.
Pearls are a strong gem and can act as a barrier against negative influences and people in your life. A pearl is created when the mollusk protects itself from the irritation of parasites, sand, or other grit. This is mirrored in your life as a protective element against the things that bother you—and why pearl is considered the gem of nourishment.
Pearls provide an armour of defense against people who drain your energy. The feminine essence of pearl is maternal and supportive which soothes ragged nerves, provides comfort to the troubled mind, and stimulates feelings of compassion and love towards others.
To charge your pearls, leave them in the moonlight for 12 hours. If wearing them, put them on last, after you have completed your hair and makeup routine to keep them free of debris. Pearls are relatively soft and susceptible to scratches or damage. Wipe them with a soft cloth to keep them clean before putting them back into your jewelry box.
The best way to use your pearls is to wear them. This not only allows the natural oils of your body to keep them radiant but also keeps them touching your skin where they can serve to support your feminine spirit and living your positive and abundant life goals.
If you experience mood swings, pearl can be used to redistribute a sense of proportion to the situation that you have found overwhelming. Pearl has also been known to calm the emotions of those experiencing grief and loss in their life.
In Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, the pearl or flaming pearl is a symbol of inner wisdom and vision. It is said to strengthen the connection to the divine energy of the cosmos. Pearls are a gem of introspection and help us to discover our true purpose and unveil our true selves.
Pearl is said to carry a feminine vibration that is connected to the moon. This makes it ideal for women who struggle with an irregular menstrual cycle or a hormone imbalance. It serves to restore the natural balance and rhythm within the body. The connection to female reproduction and the moon cycle means it is effective in aiding fertility and in easing the discomfort of pregnancy and childbirth. This also makes it ideal in assisting in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, digestive tract problems or muscular system conditions.
Pearls can be used the same way you use crystals and minerals for healing—holding and charging the pearls and then wearing them or using them in your interactions or experiences. Pearls are very popular in manifestation work, especially around goals, wealth, and prosperity. They bring harmony to the aura and heighten intuition as well as the perception of psychic elements and imagination.
The timeless and classic pearl is recognized around the world. As a design element in your home pearl gives the impression of prestige, power, success, and wealth. Under the “like attracts like” premise, pearls will charm these things to your home.
Pearls encourage feelings of love and peace and are great in a meditation space, or where you go to think or contemplate the problems of your day. They can also be handled and utilized the same way you would a “worry stone”. Many people place pearls near to their telephones to help them integrate lessons learned from life experiences and the ability to gain wisdom from others.
Pearl inspires a sense of confidence and tranquillity so you can tackle unexpected challenges as they arise. If there is a location in your home where conflict transpires more frequently, pearl placed in that space will ground and centre people regardless of the chaos. It keeps you from becoming jaded and cynical, it is enlightening and also inspires strong feelings of justice.
Pearl strengthens the love that is present in a relationship and helps discover the love you are searching for if you are looking for a soul mate or life partner.
In addition to the incredibly unique way that pearls are formed and their detailed history all over the world, they make an exceptional gift for someone whose birthday is in June. Not only can pearls help them attract wealth and success, but they can also help them in their relationships and their meditation.
They are also beautiful, classic, and versatile. Paired with other gems, their powers and vibrations are elevated and increased for healing and health. If you are looking for a stone to use in your home, to wear or to use in a contemplative moment, choose a pearl. We have a wide variety available and you can reach out to us at Iguana Beads to help you find the perfect gem for your needs!
It is said that the ancient god of mines called together the nobles to bring all of the gemstones to him; rubies, emeralds, sapphires and opals. He wanted to create a gem that combined the beauty of them all. He crushed them together and spoke sacred words to them to create a new stone—one that when enhanced by the sun, reflected a spectrum of all the gems which originally created it. Diamond and Clear Quartz both resolve in a beautiful spectrum of light in the sun, the vision of the God of Mines.
Clear quartz is well known as a stone of great power because of its ability to amplify the intentions of the user. When clear quartz is worn, they are a protection against negativity. The quartz clears and opens interactions between both parties in a discussion and absorbs the energies of the room, allowing for clarity of objectives. Clear quartz aligns all of the chakras to greater purpose and attunes the wearer to their higher self.
The clarity provided with clear quartz will deliver heightened energy levels, increased patience and determination and the ability to connect to others with greater emotion. It is an effective tool in the workplace or at home studios or offices.
Utilized in meditation, clear quartz delivers powerful amplification of psychic strength. It filters out disturbances and helps clear the mind. This clarity allows for a deeper meditative state especially when used near the third eye. For optimal programming of the stone, visualize the desired outcome within the crystal throughout repeated meditations to focus the power of the intent into manifestation.
Quartz is a soul cleanser, it helps connect your patterns of thought with your physical body and assists the user with stimulating positive thoughts to drive away negativity. Clear quartz enhances inner vision and is incredible for artistic work requiring imagination and creative spirit.
Clear quartz is known as a transformer gem, a tool to help transform portions of your life into more desirable conditions. It is also known as a seeker, an instrument to help uncover new paths or approaches to any problems you may face.
Quartz honours the Greek Mother Earth Goddess Gaia, Kundalini the Hindu life force, Latona the Roman Goddess of light and Gendenwitha the Iroquois Morning Star Goddess. This makes quartz a powerful force of new beginnings and launches.
Clear Quartz is considered to be a master healer crystal, which means you can use it for any ailment. It is a stimulant for the blood and circulation, which brings your body into natural balance. You can use clear quartz for dizziness, migraines and headaches, as well as motion sickness. It is a great boost for your metabolism, and can support your weight loss goals.
Like it’s counterpart the diamond, clear quartz acts as a natural prism. Place them in your windows to scatter energies throughout your home. They bring the strength of warmth and vivacity into any space. Clear quartz is considered sacred and are understood as a great source of power in the home. The legendary cities of Lemuria and Atlantis were believed to use quartz for light refraction to rejuvenate and develop their civilizations. It is said that clear quartz were the record keeper stones of these cities, and contain the secrets of their success to be retrieved by chosen souls today to heal the earth and humanity.
There is no doubt that clear quartz is an incredibly powerful stone for the month of April. Not only can it enhance your meditation and self-work, it can positively impact the energies of your home and work spaces. It would make a meaningful gift for your friends and family with April birthdays and show them how much you value the hidden facets of their personalities. Contact Iguana Beads today and check out the deals on the website to select some clear quartz today. We would love to show you how clear quartz can enhance your life and support your goals!
Crystal healing and other types of energy work are not to be considered as a substitute for traditional medical treatment. If either you, or someone you know, has a serious health issue, consult a doctor and/or other appropriate professional medical practitioner.
]]>Just like emeralds, this gorgeous gemstone is a variation of a mineral called beryl. It grows in large six sided crystals that can be up to a foot in length which means it can be cut and polished into beautiful pieces. The larger the stone, the darker the colour usually is. Aquamarine is primarily mined in Brazil but has also been located in areas such as Madagascar, Nigeria, and Mozambique.
The clean, soothing, and calm aquamarine inspires trust in people, and increases truth and the spirit of release and letting go. Like it’s namesake, aquamarine opens a channel between communicators for clear and true communication. Aquamarine was once believed to be the treasure of mermaids and a stone of eternal youth and pleasure. It’s connection to the water makes it a talisman for anyone today who travels on water. Traditionally, clairvoyants believed aquamarine to be under the influence of the moon, and would use it when the moon was increasing as it strengthened the stone’s forecasting abilities.
Aquamarine’s connection goes beyond its relationship with the sea as it acts as a mirror reflecting the Heavens on its surface. It performs as a mirror, opening the opportunity to discover deeper and concealed meanings of authenticity. As a gemstone of balance, aquamarine is beneficial for meditation and revelation. It allows one to explore the deepest recesses of our souls, facing ourselves in unadorned truth. The calm energy of aquamarine can facilitate the unveiling of unhealthy emotional patterns that are hindering progress. Its cleansing properties provide a conduit for the release of emotional baggage and energies that resist change or fear the unknown.
Aquamarine is an incredible tool in work with children. It helps children who have experienced trauma and who act out with aggression. It helps cleanse the mind of past physical or emotional abuse. It heals panic attacks lingering from guilt, and disassociation from the emotional self allowing progress to be made in therapy.
In addition to its influence over self thoughts, aquamarine can assist with anxiety over presentations. Connected with the throat chakra, this stone is incredibly useful for teachers and public speakers. It can relax a person until they reach a more deep and true consciousness and connects the speaker to their personal truths and wisdoms, boosting them to eloquent and clear conviction of speech. Moreover, the clarity allows one to face a difficult situation without the constraints of anger.
Since aquamarine is the stone of fresh starts, and are known as compasses and indicators, they are ideal talismans for explorers, scientists, travellers, hunters, and adventurers.
Aquamarine honors Kuan-Yin, Akna, and Kupala. These goddesses are regarded as protectors of women, motherhood, and children. Goddesses of mercy, love, and compassion. Aquamarine amplifies the universal force of life and energies of accomplishment. This makes it a stone of empowerment that aligns with the vitality of life, breaking down emotional numbness and enhancing your natural instincts.
Aquamarine is a stone of respiration, of breath and of the lungs. It is helpful in treating allergies, hay fever, sinus infections, colds, bronchitis, and coughing. As a cooling stone, it is effective against strep and sore throat and laryngitis. It supports soothing of eczema, psoriasis, hives, rosacea, and shingles. It connects the pituitary and thyroid glands which are responsible for the regulation of hormones.
Aquamarine makes use of the power of water; its purifying properties, strength and stillness. The element is one of renewal and revival. Use aquamarine in any space you wish to use for meditation, reflection, or prayer. Aquamarine helps us find what we are seeking, defend our values, and point us in the right direction.
It is little wonder that with all the incredible properties associated with this beautiful tone, that it is linked to March and the start of spring, the greatest time of rebirth and reawakening in the calendar.
Aquamarine is on sale for 25% off this month for online purchases at IguanaBeads.com. Use code MARCHSTONE at checkout on our website.
Contact us to find out more about how Aquamarine or other stones can enhance and support your emotional health and well being. We would love to assist you!
For this project, you’ll need:
0.5mm elastic is best used with beads that have very small holes. You’ll probably use 0.7 or 0.8mm elastic and will work for most beads and jewelry. 1mm elastic is only for the heavy, chunky beads that need it.
Here is our bestseller, 0.7mm elastic from Stretch Magic. It’s our favourite!
Are you just beginning your beading obsession? Don’t worry! Here’s a helpful video tutorial from Crafty Owl Café that shows you the basic techniques and steps. Now, let’s get beading!
1. Start by measuring your wrist.
Use a flexible measuring tape to measure around your wrist. Make sure you measure underneath your wrist bone! Add 1 inch to your measurement, and that’s the length of your new bracelet.
2. Lay out your beads.
3. Cut your elastic.
Tie a “stop” bead at one end. It doesn’t have to be pretty, you’ll cut it off later. Then, cut your elastic to the right length.
4. Thread your beads onto your elastic.
Remember to check the length when you’re done!
5. Knot the elastic 3 times.
6. Enjoy your new stretch bracelet!
1. Use Lava Beads as Essential Oil Diffusers
Lava beads are made of volcanic rock. Because of that, lava beads are very porous and can easily become essential oil diffusers. Just add a single drop of oil onto your lava bead and let it absorb for a few minutes. Check out this helpful tutorial from our friend, The Beading Gem, on how to incorporate the power of essential oils into your stretch bracelets!
2. Make an Easy Mala Style Stretch Bracelet
Check out this tutorial from Collective Container Yoga on how to make a mala style bracelet. She even goes the extra step and shows how to make and attach a charming tassel to your bracelet.
3. Add Advanced Beadwork instead of a Focal/Guru Bead
4. Still Not Challenged? Try Adding a Bead Cluster to your Bracelet!
We hope our instructions on how to make your own easy stretch bracelet help you make beautiful jewelry, and we hope it’s just the start of your new beading obsession! Watch our website for future “How to” blogs on projects to keep your hands and mind busy.
Are you interested in further DIY jewelry? Check out our DIY Mala Bead Kits! Watch out, they sell out fast!
Our Jewelry Expert:
Pearl Blay a.k.a. THE BEADING GEM brings you the best in Handmade Jewelry! She’s passionate about sharing all she’s learned about being a jewelry artisan. Keep an eye out for her! Whenever possible, Pearl regularly teaches classes here at Iguana Beads.
Edited February 2021 by Sophie Dallaire
]]>The most beautiful thing about handmade jewelry is the care and effort crafted into every detail. The designer puts a little bit of themselves into each and every piece. What’s more, handmade jewelry can be perfectly customized to suit yourself or its recipient!
Birthstones are a wonderful way to customize jewelry for its future owner. Birthstone jewelry is particularly popular for personalized birthday presents and mother’s day gifts. There are 12 distinct gemstones which each represent the month the person was born in. While birthstones have a long history, the modern list has been standardized for your convenience.
At Iguana Beads, we always have semi-precious beads for you! We have everything from high-quality freshwater pearls for those born in June, spinel for the August babies, amethyst beads for February folk, and everything in between. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our 50% Off Gemstone Beads! We regularly have colourful gemstone beads on sale that would work perfectly in your birthstone jewelry.
The history of birthstones is filled with legends and tales dating back to biblical times. Some say the idea of birthstones originated from The Bible’s Book of Exodus, where Aaron, High Priest of the Israelites, wore a breastplate ornamented with 12 different gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Others have drawn connections between the 12 birthstones and the 12 astrological zodiac signs. And Hindu traditions have historically associated nine gemstones with celestial energies which they call Navaratna. However, our modern tradition of wearing the stone associated with your birth month has only been around since the 16th century.
The Birthstone list that we have today was established fairly recently. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers standardized the official birthstone list. Since then, it’s been modified in 1952, 2002, and as recently as 2016.
Today, people are free to choose from both the modern and traditional lists. ¥ou can choose whichever gemstones appeal to them. Some traditional gems are also easier to find and far less expensive than their modern counterparts. For instance, cultivated pearls are easier to find and way cheaper then their rare modern counterpart, alexandrite.
But the most important characteristic of a birthstone is the colour! Swarovski crystals and glass beads can be substituted in a pinch, so long as the colour is correct!
Below is the modern birthstone chart with traditional alternatives for your convenience. Each birthstone is full of history and meaning, To learn more about the meaning behind your birthstone, check out their history and cultural meaning from the Gemological Institute of America
Month |
Modern Birthstone |
Meaning |
Traditional Alternatives |
January |
Garnet |
Health, wealth, happiness |
Garnet |
February |
Amethyst |
Inner strength, empowerment |
Amethyst |
March |
Aquamarine |
Protection, purity of spirit |
Bloodstone |
April |
Diamond |
Clarity, unbreakable strength |
Diamond |
May |
Emerald |
Rebirth, Renewal |
Emerald |
June |
Alexandrite |
Humility, innocence (Pearl) |
Pearl, Moonstone |
July |
Ruby |
Love, passion, power |
Ruby |
August |
Peridot, Spinel |
Protection, talisman |
Sardonyx |
September |
Sapphire |
Truth, fidelity, nobility |
Sapphire |
October |
Tourmaline |
Artistic creativity, hope |
Opal |
November |
Citrine |
Calming strength, intelligence |
Golden Topaz |
December |
Tanzanite, Blue Topaz |
Health, good fortune, peace |
Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli |
If modern birthstones aren’t quite enough, or maybe you just hate sapphires, consider using alternatives such as the Zodiac Birthstone Chart. This chart provides more stones you can use (or combine with other birthstones) to customize your jewelry for its recipient.
Zodiac Sign |
Date |
Birthstone |
Aquarius |
January 21 - February 18 |
Garnet |
Pices |
February 19 - March 20 |
Amethyst |
Aries |
March 21 - April 20 |
Bloodstone |
Taurus |
April 21 - May 20 |
Sapphire |
Gemini |
May 21 - June 21 |
Agate |
Cancer |
June 22 - July 22 |
Emerald |
Leo |
July 23 - August 23 |
Onyx |
Vigro |
August 24 - September 22 |
Carnelian |
Libra |
September 23 - October 23 |
Chrysolite |
Scorpio |
October 23 - November 22 |
Beryl |
Sagittarius |
November 23 - December 22 |
Topaz |
Capricorn |
December 23 - January 20 |
Ruby |
If you’re interested in more birthstone charts, there are lots of alternatives! The International Gem Society has compiled a list of alternative choices for jewelers. There are alternative birthstones based on your birth hour, the day of the week, or the season you were born in. There are even assigned gemstones for each of the twelve apostles, although these are not connected to your birth date.
Birthstone jewelry is beautiful because of how carefully personalized it is. Use these alternative, modern, and traditional birthstone charts to find the gems, beads, and colours that will mean the most to whoever wears them.
When making your own birthstone jewelry, you might not be able to find materials made of the correct birthstone. Maybe you just don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars on diamonds for your aunt’s birthday gift. But no matter what, there are always alternatives!
The most important characteristic of a birthstone is its colour. So Swarovski crystals and other glass beads are a perfect substitute, as long as the colours correspond properly to the birthstone gems!
At Iguana Beads, we always have semi-precious beads for you! We have everything from high-quality freshwater pearls for those born in June, spinel for the August babies, amethyst beads for February folk, and everything in between. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our 50% Off Gemstone Beads! We regularly have colourful gemstone beads on sale that would work perfectly in your birthstone jewelry.
Beyond beads, Birthstones make perfect statement pendants for lovely personalized gifts. Swarovski pendants, such as this sapphire heart pendant would be lovely for someone with a September birthday.
If you want to make your own birthstone pendant, you can make a “peas in a pod” wire jewelry or a “bird’s nest” pendant. These pendants beautifully unite several birthstones in wire wrapping. These stones can all be related to one person for a special present, or can represent multiple birthstones for a family (or friends) centred piece.
Our friend, The Beading Gem, has a helpful collection of tutorials. Check out her How to Make “Peas in a Pod” Wire Jewelry tutorial and her guidelines on How to Make “Bird’s Nest” Jewelry. All you need are some birthstone beads, our best selling parawire, some pliers, and lots of patience!
Our Jewelry Expert:
Pearl Blay a.k.a. THE BEADING GEM brings you the best in Handmade Jewelry! She’s passionate about sharing all she’s learned about being a jewelry artisan. Keep an eye out for her! Whenever possible, Pearl regularly teaches classes here at Iguana Beads.
Edited February 2021 by Sophie Dallaire
]]>Chatoyancy, also known as the cat eye effect, comes from the french oeil-de-chat (chat meaning cat, and oeil meaning eye). It’s a beautiful, shimmering, optical effect that can be seen when the gemstone twists and turns. Many stones from the quartz family, such as tiger’s eye or hawk’s eye, have this unique optical effect.
Tiger eye is a specific kind of quartz known for its distinctive striped pattern and silky, golden, yellow and brown hue. The quartz family includes other gemstones such as amethyst, aventurine, citrine, quartz cat’s eye, and rose quartz. The stone has a Mohs hardness of around 7, which means it’s a moderately hard mineral that can withstand daily wear and tear.
While some stones can have small streaks of orange and red in them, any fully red tiger eye beads and cabochons have been heat treated to achieve their beautiful colour. Other colours, such as green and bright blue, are achieved through colour enhancing treatments. Another type of chatoyant stone in the quartz family is Hawk’s eye. Hawk’s eye is rarer than its cousin, tiger eye, and has a striking natural dark blue and black colour.
Tiger eye deposits are found all around the world, notably in South Africa, Australia, India, Myanman, Namibia, and California. But don’t confuse tiger eye stones with their look-alike, Arizona tiger eye. The latter, Arizona Pietersite, has the same cat eye effect, but is made of serpentine instead of quartz.
Tiger eye, like the jungle cat it takes its name from, is a stone of protection, strength, and personal power. If you need aid in confident decision making, staying grounded, or tapping into your creativity, the energy of a tiger eye helps clear your mind and balance your emotions. If you need to bolster your personal power or inner vitality, the protective energy of the tiger eye will defend you from fear and negative energy.
Since tiger eye is an inexpensive and hardy material, it’s perfect to use in your handmade jewelry! Depending on stock, Iguana Beads has faceted, polished, and matte tiger eye beads in red, green, blue, and their natural gold. It also comes in polished cabochon stones which are perfect to wrap in parawire for a pendant.
But if you don’t have space for any more jewelry, Iguana Beads also sells tumbled gold and red tiger eye stones for your personal use.
Our Jewelry Expert:
Pearl Blay a.k.a. THE BEADING GEM brings you the best in Handmade Jewelry! She’s passionate about sharing all she’s learned about being a jewelry artisan. Keep an eye out for her! Whenever possible, Pearl regularly teaches classes here at Iguana Beads.
Edited February 2021 by Sophie Dallaire
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