Just got back from the Gem and Mineral Show in town with a bag full of gemstones. When I look at what I got, it seems that I tend to gravitate to certain gems more than others. I remember the days when I wanted to purchase every single type and color of gemstone beads to have a big variety to choose from. Now I am more selective and also have my favorites, of course.What I am usually looking for is different shapes and qualities in the gemstones I work with.
I love gemstones. They’re like earth creatures with so much energy. Nowadays it can be hard to tell which ones are completely natural and which ones have been enhanced, even when you pay top dollar, but I believe that enhancing the color of gemstones does not take away from their power. After all, these guys originate from the hot, powerful magma of which the inside of the Earth is composed, so they have been formed with incredible amounts of heat!
The big difference in gemstone beads comes down to which parts of the mined gemstone is used to make the beads. The central part, which tends to be richer in color, harder, etc., will sell as a greater grade (AAA, AA, A) and the remainder of the gemstone will yield lower grades as it loses its color, hardness, and so on. It all comes down to the beauty of the stone and how it has been viewed traditionally, but it doesn’t mean that the rest of the gemstone is not powerful or beautiful. At least that is my opinion and experience, of course. I believe in a more holistic approach, because all gemstones have their own beauty and properties, and in reality to decide which ones are more or less “valuable” than others is simply a matter of choice. I wonder what would have happened if the ancient emperors and queens had chosen Fluorite or Clear Quartz as their favorite stones. Perhaps rubies and emeralds wouldn’t be so pricey today…
Anyway, I am off to make some gemstone jewelry while I wait for more copper clay to continue with my experiments…