Gemstones - Background and Lore - Chalcedony

Chalcedony is one of the oldest, most abundant, and most popular gemstones. The ancient Turkish seaport gave this gem it's name. This stone has been considered a powerful talisman and were thought to prevent drowning or drive away ghosts and bad spirits.

Chalcedony's affordability and range of colors and patterns make it a popular with gem collectors.

Chalcedony sources include Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, US, and Uruguay. It has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Moh's Scale and a good toughness rating.

Some varieties of chalcedony include agate, amethystine chalcedony, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysocolla-in-chalcedony, chrysoprase, dendritic agate, fire agate, iris agate, jasper, milky chalcedony, onyx, sard, and sardonyx.

Chalcedony's color can change when exposed to heat, but light has no effect. hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid should not come in contact. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe, but warm soapy water is best. Some alternatives include amber, hematite, jade, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, rose quartz, shell, tiger eye, and turquoise.

Chalcedony is said to prevent touchiness and melancholy. Worn by many to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.

Gemstones - Background and Lore - Carnelian

Carnelian is a variety of chalcedony. It ranges from translucent to semitransparent yellowish orange, orangy red, or brownish orange. It is often made into beads or cameos.

It was believed that carnelian could transform bashful speakers into eloquent ones.

Carnelian is found in Brazil, India, and Uruguay. It is a 6.5-7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, and it's toughness is good.

When exposed to heat, the carnelian's color may change, but it is stable when exposed to light. It doesn't tolerate exposure to hydrofluoric acid.

Carnelian is commonly heated to enhance it's color. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe,, but warm soapy water is best.

Some alternatives to carnelian are amber, fire opal, jade, and sard chalcedony.

Carnelian - general healing stone. Restores the natural energy flows of your body. Carnelian is the most powerful POWER stone for focusing, realization, and self actualization. It reminds us to be in the moment.

Our new look!

Elizabeta Jewelry has just updated the look and feel of our website. We are trying to promote social and environmental responsibility and hope that our site inspires that. In addition to the famous designers we offer, we have recently added Alberto Parada. He uses recycled gold, fairtrade gems, and conflict free diamonds. Another addition are LifeLinks (TM). They are links, available in sterling silver, 14kt yellow gold, or 14kt white gold that you can add to a bracelet, necklace, earrings, or ring. And you get to pick the links that speak to your personal philosophy or lifestyle. They make a terrific gift for someone wanting to give a gift with meaning...

We would love to get your opinion on the new look of our site and our new collections. For everyone that comments on the site, we will enter your name into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate. We will draw a name at the end of September.

Thank you for your input!

www.elizabetajewelry.com

August is... Just Because Month

There it is... I have officially declared it... August is Just Because month... if you want to show your loved one how much you care with a piece of jewelry, just because, we are offering quite a deal for you! With any jewelry purchase over $500.00, we will give to you your choice of a men's or women's Wenger Standard Issue Watch... Just Because we really appreciate your business!

June Promotions

June Promotions at Elizabeta Jewelry
The color of the month is red, the color of love and passion. Some red gemstones include the ruby, garnet, and spinel. The ruby is July’s birthstone and also the stone used to symbolize the 15th and 40th anniversary. In folklore, the ruby is said to provide protection from misfortune. The garnet is January’s birthstone and it is said to provide protection from evil. The spinel is perhaps the most under -appreciated of all the gemstones. It has often been mistaken for a ruby. In fact, the famous Black Prince’s Ruby (the central stone in the British Imperial State Crown) is actually a spinel. Due to its excellent hardness (8 on the Moh's scale) and high clarity spinel produces fine jewelry in various cuts and shapes. Spinel is never treated in any way and continues to be a great substitute for ruby and sapphire as well as an outstanding stone in its own right. Today fine red spinel is more rare than ruby.
If you are looking for a special piece of jewelry, whether it be an engagement ring or a piece to celebrate another one of life’s special moments, we would be happy to put together some ideas for you. You can incorporate a red spinel, a traditional diamond, or a diamond alternative to make your purchase unique and symbolic. Elizabeta Jewelry is happy to send you the center stone for inspection prior to setting it into a ring.
10% off our entire offering + Elizabeta Jewelry will donate 10% of the purchase price to the Nature Conservancy or CARE – use promo code JUNE10 .
Or free spinel with the purchase of an engagement ring. We will set the stone for you at no charge. Please contact us for information on the available gemstones.