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GOLD FILLED (GF)
GOLD PLATED (GP)
SILVER
VERMEIL
EUROPEAN LEATHER
MONTH STONES
SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
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Gold-filled (GF)
GF items have a base-metal core, often nickel, with a
gold overlay bonded to it by heat and pressure. The GF
used for lyv accessories is 14 karat or better, which
makes the jewelry suitable for everyday wear by
reducing allergic reactions. The gold layer in GF is
thicker and lasts longer than the gold layer in gold
plated items, making GF more cost-effective.
Gold-plated (GP)
GP items have a base-metal core with a thin layer of
gold applied to its surface.
Sterling silver
The Sterling hallmark "925" on silver items means that
92.5% of it is silver, and this percentage is what
classifies it as "Sterling." Sterling silver is nickel
free and suitable for people who are sensitive to
metals.
Vermeil
Vermeil items have a silver base, often sterling, with
a layer of gold that is usually 18 karat or better,
overlaid onto its surface. The vermeil items used for
lyv accessories usually have a 0.003 inch of 18 karat
gold overlay, which will not come off under normal
wear.
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European leather
Known to connoisseurs for its high quality, European
leather is has luxurious, smooth feel. The durability
of European leather means better wear as the leather
improves with age, and longer lasting support for your
accessories. Its supple texture reduces cracking and
breaking that are common with low quality leather.
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Month Stones
The commonly known Month Stones are not true
because the sun changes signs between the 19th and
24th of each month, making every month different.
Possible inner relationships that exist between
gemstones and the Sun are as follows:
Aries (Ram) March 21 - April 20
Fire agate, aquamarine, aventurine, bloodstone, cat's
eye, citrine, hematite, jade, red jasper.
Taurus (Bull) April 21 - May 21
Carnelian, cat's eye, jade, rose quartz, diamond,
emerald
Gemini (Twins) May 22 - June 21
Agate, aquamarine, citrine, jade, pearl, serpentine,
tanzanite, watermelon tourmaline
Cancer (Crab) June 22 - July 22
Carnelian, chalcedony, moonstone, opal, pearl, ruby
Leo (Lion) July 23 - August 22
Carnelian, amber, citrine, diamond, garnet, jasper,
marcasite, onyx, peridot, ruby, sapphire, golden topaz
Virgo (Virgin) August 23 - September 23
Moss agate, amethyst, garnet, peridot, sapphire,
watermelon tourmaline
Libra (Scale) September 24 - October 23
Ametrine, bloodstone, citrine, jade, moonstone, opal,
rose quartz, sapphire, light pink or blue tourmaline
Scorpio (Scorpion) October 24 - November 22
Malachite, moonstone, opal, peridot, ruby, turquoise
Sagittarius (Archer) November 23 - December 21
Chalcedony, lapis lazuli, peridot, ruby, star
sapphire, smoky quartz, topaz, turquoise
Capricorn (Sea goat) December 22 - January 20
Amethyst, cat's eye, garnet, malachite, star sapphire,
smoky quartz, tiger's eye, green tourmaline
Aquarius (Water bearer) January 21 - February 19
Amber, amethyst, garnet, hematite
Pisces (Fish) February 20- March 20
Blue lace agate, amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone,
opal, golden topaz, turquoise
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Semi-Precious Gemstones
Gemstones have a rich history, full of astronomical
and medical connections. Behind their beauty lies a
plethora of superstitious and mythical associations
within an elaborate system of symbols. Personal value
is often attached to these symbols, such as with gemstones
that represent zodiac signs. Below is a brief history, with
descriptions and associations, of some popular gemstones:
Agate
Metaphysical attributes: talent, stimulation,
strength, stability
Part of the quartz group, agate is a hard fine-grained
form of chalcedony. Its color is a combination of
yellows, reds and browns, and characterized by a
subtle marbled appearance of swirl patterns and milky
areas. The name Agate comes from the Sicilian river
Achates, where it was mined in antiquity. Today the
river is called Drillo, and remains a major agate
source. The ancient Egyptians used agate for seals and
protective talismans. Earlier civilizations created
eye beads by carving a hole through an agate disc, not
so much as a means of stringing but to symbolize the
lens of an eye. Eye beads protect their wearers from
evil and bring them good luck.
Amber
Metaphysical attributes: stimulated intellect,
decisiveness, positive energy, relaxation
Amber is fossilized tree sap in shades of yellows and
browns that is cut and polished. It can contain
preserved insects and other natural components that
add to its unique look and greatly increase its value.
Brown amber is mainly found in Siberia. Butterscotch
amber is mainly found in the Baltic region of Eastern
Europe.
Amethyst
Metaphysical attributes: contentment, peace,
meditation, intelligence
Amethyst has been known to be the most highly prized
form of quartz. Translucent and violet in appearance,
it is found throughout the world. Extreme heat will
turn amethyst into a burnt golden color, known as
Burnt Amethyst. In Greek mythology, Bacchus, the God
of Wine, declared in a rage that the first person he
passes will be eaten by tigers. This happened to be a
beautiful mythological maiden named Amethyst. The
goddess Diana quickly turned Amethyst into a white
stone to save her from Bacchus' tigers. Regretting his
anger, Bacchus poured red wine over the stone as an
offering to Diana, so turning the stone purple.
Amethyst has long been associated with relieving
hangovers or curing drunkenness, probably as a result
of its wine-like color as well the Bacchus tale. The
name Amethyst is Greek, meaning "not drunk."
Aventurine
Metaphysical attributes: success, leadership, balance,
tranquility
Also known as goldstone or sunstone, aventurine is a
quartzite gemstone that is usually green or dark
brown, and contains sparkling mica particles. Blue
aventurine is found in India near cobalt deposits.
Carnelian
Metaphysical attributes: inspiration, motivation,
speech fluency, precision
Part of the quartz group, carnelian is a translucent
form of chalcedony in red, orange and brown. It was
traditionally a sacred Indian gemstone because of its
colour - red symbolizes the life force and blood. The
best quality carnelian comes from India.
Chalcedony
A type of microcrystalline quartz with hydrated
silica, chalcedony consists of a wide variety of
gemstones. Because of its molecular structure, it is
very porous and easy to dye creating a broad selection
of shades ranging in color from bluish-grays and
reddish-browns to white and cream. The name Chalcedony
is derived from an ancient town along the Bosphorus
strait.
Citrine
Metaphysical attributes: optimism, endurance, mental
focus, memory, good fortune
This golden yellow form of quartz takes its name from
the French word "citron," which means lemon. The iron
element in citrine produces its warm golden color.
Citrine is one of the only stones believed to
dissipate negative energy.
Cherry Quartz
A translucent and bright pink quartz.
Coral
Coral is the calcified external skeletons of marine
organisms that live in the salty waters of reefs. Red
or pink coral is found along the coasts of the Western
Mediterranean, Bay of Biscay, Canary Isles, Malaysian
Archipelago and Japan. Black coral is found around the
waters of Northern Australia and in the Red Sea. The
name Coral comes from Greece, although the meaning is
unknown.
Flourite
Metaphysical attributes: concentration, stabilizing
energy, order, flawless health
A chemical compound of halogen, this halide is often
fluorescent.
Garnet
'Stone of Health'
Metaphysical attributes: creative powers, stimulation
of life force, personal freedom
The brighter the better, the name Garnet is believed
to have derived from "pomegranate" for its brilliant
red seeds. The history of Garnets dates back to more
than 5,000 years ago during the Bronze Age, when it
was a very popular gemstone. Unlike other gemstones,
garnets are believed to contain both protective and
destructive elements.
Hematite
'Stone of the Mind'
Metaphysical attributes: original thinking, balance,
concentration, endurance, courage
Metallic black in color with red and brown tints,
hematite is used for its red pigment. It is an
important mineral in iron ore that can be magnetized.
Hematite has been used for mental attunement and
memory enhancement. It also aids in finding inner
space and helps one realize that the only limits
existing are the ones we place on ourselves. Egyptians
have used hematite to calm hysteria and anxiety.
Jade
'Stone of Dreams'
Metaphysical attributes: longevity, wisdom,
self-confidence, inspiration, dream recall
Valued more than any other gemstone by the Chinese,
jade is believed to bring its wearer's good luck. The
color of jade varies between deep green and brown to
yellow and white. Jade is either a nephrite or jadeite
mineral. Jadeite is the more expensive variety of the
two.
Jasper
'Stone of Supreme Nurture'
Metaphysical attributes: protection, recovery, energy
stabilizer, responsibility
Part of the quartz group, jasper is a massive grained
form of chalcedony with admixed minerals, especially
iron oxides. The name Jasper comes from the Greek
meaning "spotted stone" because it can be spotted or
striped depending on the foreign minerals it contains.
Found all over the world, it varies in color and was
used in antiquity for seals and amulets, and for
protection from drought. Jasper was used by Native
American shamans to provide protection on their
journey to the spirit world.
Labradorite
'Stone of Transformation & Utilization of the
Subconscious Mind'
Metaphysical Attributes: clarity, promotes
intellectual, intuitive, & mystical wisdom
The body of labradorite is dark gray and, depending on
the angle of light refraction, it flashes iridescent
colors is called Labradorescence of blue, green,
yellow, and pink tones. This may be why it is
considered a powerful light energy. Also known as
Spectrolite, Labradorite is named after Labrador,
where it was discovered. It is also found in India,
Russia, Madagascar, Finland and Newfoundland.
Labradorite is part of the plagioclase feldspar group,
a series of mixtures of sodium and calcium aluminum
silicates.
Lapis
'Stone of Total Awareness'
Metaphysical attributes: friendship, self-acceptance,
serenity, emotional freedom
Lapis has been used for beads and jewelry since
prehistoric times. The ancient city of Ur had a
thriving trade of lapis as early as the 4th Millennium
BC. The Romans believed it to be a powerful
aphrodisiac and the Egyptians believed it to be a
"Stargate." Used on the Third Eye to enhance dream
insight. It is also believed to maintains emotional,
mental & physical clarity and promote esoteric study.
For centuries the best lapis came from the West Hindu
Kush Mountains of Afghanistan near the source of the
river Amu-Darja. When lapis was first introduced to
Europe, it was called Ultramarinum, meaning 'beyond
the sea.' Ground lapis mixed with oil was the secret
in ultramarine, the blue pigment which artists used to
paint the sea and the sky until the 19th Century.
Composed mainly of luzarite, mixed with about eight
other minerals, its full name is Lapis Lazuli,
Arabic/Latin meaning "blue stone."
Moonstone
'Stone of Purity'
Metaphysical attributes: hope, new beginnings,
enhanced perception
Translucent and characterized by an iridescent soft
sheen of white, yellow and pink known as
Adularescence, moonstone is part of the feldspar
variety (containing aluminum). Popular amongst the
Romans, who thought it was formed out of moonlight, it
is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses
tender passion and self-expression. It's considered a
sacred stone in India, where it is the most valuable
feldspar. A symbol of the Third Eye, moonstones are
said to open spiritual understanding and access to
galactic energies. It accentuates the wearer's nature,
good or bad, and aids the acceptance of one's destiny.
It is also a talisman for good fortune that sustains
force and removes obstacles in one's path.
Mother of Pearl
Metaphysical attributes: wealth
MOP is the hard internal layer of the shells of some
mollusks such as oyster and clams, and appears in
white, brown and gray.
Onyx
Part of the quartz group, onyx is a fine-grained form
of chalcedony.
Onyx is available in black, white, green, yellow and
brown.
Black Onyx
Metaphysical Attributes: will power
Green Onyx
Metaphysical Attributes: confidence, esteem
Yellow Onyx
Metaphysical Attributes: logic, seriousness
Pearl
Fine quality Tahitian black pearl is considered one of
the best.
Formation of a pearl: When a bit of sand or other
irritant gets inside the shell of a mollusk, such as
an oyster, the mollusk secretes calcium carbonate to
surround the irritant, which accumulates into layers
of aragonite and conchiolin minerals. This layered
formation causes the refraction of light that gives
pearls their distinctive appearance. The color of
pearls depends on the type of mollusk and varying
nutrients in the water.
Peridot
Metaphysical attributes: positive change, regulate
cycles
Found in Burma and by the Red Sea in Aswan, peridot is
a pale green or yellowish green transparent form of
the mineral olivine. During the Middle Ages, it was
worn to gain foresight and divine inspiration.
Throughout history, pertidot has been associated with
the sun and was believed have the power of breaking
evil spells. It was considered a shield of protection
around the body that can also heal bruised egos.
Quartz
The most common mineral on Earth and, due to its
abundance and widespread distribution, quartz is the
most varied in terms of variety, color and form. It is
found in nearly every geological environment and is at
least a component of almost every rock type.
Clear Quartz Crystal
Metaphysical attributes: harmony of the soul, active
consciousness
It is the universal stone, corresponding to all zodiac
signs and possessing a pure and powerful energy
source. It receives, activates, stores, transmits and
amplifies energy. It is believed that the ancient
Atlanteans and Lemurians utilized the power of
crystals, and that a crystal was one of the main
components used in Egypt's great pyramids.
Rock Crystal
Occurring in many forms and colors, crystals are
probably the most versatile multi-purpose healer.
Crystals can both draw and send energy. Clear ones are
powerful and good for meditation as well as sending
and receiving guidance.
Pink Crystals
Metaphysical attributes: love, beauty, self-esteem
Blue Crystals
Metaphysical attributes: enhanced creativity, refined
communication skills
Rose Quartz
'Stone of Gentle Love'
Metaphysical attributes: love energy, gentleness,
compassion, forgiveness, creativity
A soft pink translucent variety of quartz, it is found
in Brazil, India and Madagascar. In the US it is found
in South Dakota, California, Maine and Montana. It is
said that rose quartz should only be given as a gift
to one's true love because of its powerful connection
to love energies. Rose quartz brings peacefulness to
relationships, promotes receptivity to the beauty of
art, music and written word. It calms anger,
resentment, jealousy and fears. It also heals
emotional wounds, restores harmony after crises, and
eases sexual and emotional imbalances.
Serpentine
Metaphysical attributes: deeper meditation
Often mistaken for jade or alabaster, serpentine is a
pale dull green translucent mineral consisting of
hydrous magnesium silicate. Serpentine is believed to
assist the meditative state and help all disorders of
the body, mental structure and emotions.
Smoky Quartz
Metaphysical attributes: rejuvenation, immunity,
insight, dream awareness
Smoky quartz ranges from light and clear gray, to a
smoky warm brown, to an almost solid black/brown. The
coloration is due to natural radiation occurring in
its environment. Excellent specimens are currently
found in Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico. In the US,
they are found in Nevada, Arkansas, California, and
Colorado.
Tiger's Eye
Metaphysical attributes: courage, protection, clarity,
practicality
It helps discipline sexual and emotional life,
allowing one's life to open and blossom. It also
stimulates wealth and helps to maintain it.
Tourmaline
"The Muse's Stone"
Functioning like a muse, it is believed that the
imaginative colors of tourmaline contain inspirational
powers, which enable the mind of its beholder to
produce tremendous vision and creativity. The name
Tourmaline is said to have derived from the Sinhalese
word 'turmali," meaning "mixed." The most classic
variety is Watermelon Tourmaline, which blends a
beautiful green with red or pink. This blending
considered advantageous when you are working with
balancing your heart. It helps one release the idea of
being the 'victim' and maintain fortitude throughout
the trials of life. It's a very strong stone that
possesses the energies of sunshine and earth, and
stimulates wealth. During China's Manchu Dynasty,
members of the Mandarin class wore round buttons made
of red tourmaline, distinguishing themselves from
other classes of citizens. Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi was
so fascinated by the beauty and color of tourmaline
that she added massive qualities of these gemstones
into her royal collection.
Black Tourmaline
Metaphysical attributes: vitality, confidence,
intellectual thought, inspiration
Blue Tourmaline
Metaphysical attributes: communication, psychic
awareness
Green Tourmaline
Metaphysical attributes: prosperity, cooperation,
represents life energy of plants
Pink Tourmaline (light)
Metaphysical attributes: love, spirituality, joy,
peace, understanding
Rubellite Tourmaline (dark pink)
Metaphysical attributes: creativity, devotion,
optimism, practicality.
Turquoise
Metaphysical attributes: health, serenity, spiritual
attunement, wisdom, prosperity, communication, opens
the heart for giving & receiving
Turquoise is a blue-green mineral form of aluminum and
copper phosphate. The best quality comes from
Northeast Iran where it is known as Ferozah, Farsi for
'victorious.' This sky blue variety is the national
gemstone of Iran to this day. Also called 'Persian
Turquoise' the term is now used as a color grade, not
as a geographical indicator. The Egyptians began
mining turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula around 5500
BC. In ancient times the Egyptians, Persians, Mongols
and Tibetans all highly valued turquoise. The name
Turquoise means "Turkish stone," after the old trading
routes passing through Turkey. Both the Chinese and
Native Americans became captivated with turquoise in
the 1st Millennium AD. Ancient manuscripts from
Persia, India, Afghanistan and Arabia report that the
health of a person wearing turquoise can be assessed
by variations in the color of the stone. The Aztecs in
Mexico, who reserved turquoise for the gods and not be
worn by mere mortals, began mining it between 900-1000
AD. It has been unearthed in the Mayan city of Chichén
Itzá in the Yucatán. It is also found in Australia and
Tanzania. The Anasazi people mined Turquoise in areas
now known as Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Legend
has it that some Native Americans believed that if
turquoise is affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it
would always hit their mark. By the 16th Century,
cultures of the American Southwest were using
turquoise as currency. In Asia it was considered
protection against the evil eye. Tibetans carved
turquoise into ritual objects and traditional jewelry.
It is believed that turquoise helps one to start new
projects, warns the wearers of danger and illness by
changing color.
Zircon
Zircons, or Zirconium Silicate, resemble diamonds in
luster and fire, and colorless zircons have been
mistaken for diamonds by experienced jewelers. Zircon
can make a very attractive and affordable gemstone. It
is found in browns and greens but can be heat-treated
to beautiful blues and golden colors. Zircon is not
the same material as the artificial gem material in
Cubic Zirconia (CZ). |
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