 |
| The Shades of Fall jQ jewelry designs Fall 2010 Fall is on its way, and it's definitely my favorite season of the year! Reminds me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears - "It's not too hot and it's not too cold ... it's juuuust right!" After the unusually high temps we've had in Atlanta this summer, it can't arrive too soon for me. |
 |
| Grossular Garnet ... all the shades of Fall's changing leaves! I went to a Gem and Bead Show this past weekend. I hadn't actually planned to attend, but on a last minute whim, decided I felt like going after all ... definitely the right decision! The gemstones were particularly beautiful and the variety of high quality stones was the best I've seen outside of the Tucson Shows, on a much smaller scale, of course. |
 |
Mexican Fire Opal |
In the world of Opals, Mexican Fire Opals are unique. I got my hands on some especially beautiful strands with the full range of colors from white, to yellows, oranges and the cherry reds. Plenty of warm glow and fiery play of color in these bright 7mm faceted beauties. Reminded me of the showy colors of Fall leaves that the trees in my back yard will have in another month.
 |
| Rare Vintage Swarovski Crystal Ahhh, vintage ... I just love vintage jewelry components! Ran across some really old, rare and collectible colors & effects, as well as shapes. If you see these fabulous crystals anywhere ... jump on them! You can get clues as to the age of Swarovski crystals from the packaging. It has changed several times over the years, both the inner and outer packages. For instance, the ones marked KS Swarovski are older than the DS Swarovski packages, but both indicate that the particular crystals are indeed old. Some vintage may be found in packaging that says Swarovski, but these examples wouldn't be nearly as aged. |
 |
DS Swarovski packaging indicates Vintage status |
 |
| Moss Aquamarine ... earthy and organic |
I snapped up this unusually large, 8-9mm Moss Aquamarine. It's the very best shade of blue/green/grey and is loaded with little mossy pebbles, giving the stone a moss-like appearance. These tiny inclusions are actually trace elements of iron. This strand really knocked my eyes out!
 |
| Amazing sterling silver box clasps in Labradorite |
A Silver vendor at this show had a huge selection of sterling box clasps. Labradorite is one of my very favorite gemstones, and I splurged on some substantial single and double strand styles. These stones all show an exceptional amount of color play that I could almost see from clear across the room ;D I chose two different shapes with green & gold coloring that blend beautifully with the Grossular Garnet. I may be forced to keep one of those bracelet designs for myself!
 |
| Natural Peruvian Blue Opal in a Sky Blue ... colors as crisp as a Fall day |
 |
| Platinum Grey Moonstone ... Silky Smooth w/ ethereal milky adularscense |
 |
High quality Tourmaline rhondelles |
 |
| Spectacular slices of Bi-color Watermelon Tourmaline |
Sometimes a gemstone is so amazing . . . there are just no Words!
All these gorgeous gemstones should be enough to get me started designing some exciting new jewelry for Fall ... well, enough for now! New designs weekly available at jQ jewelry designs
An organic gem, pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels. They are formed when an irritant such as a tiny stone or bit of sand gets inside the mollusk's shell. A shiny substance, called nacre, is secreted around the object to protect the soft internal surface of the mollusk. As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant, a pearl is formed. Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers produces an irridescent luster. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years.The most valuable pearls are perfectly symmetrical, relatively large, are naturally produced and have a high degree of iridescence. 
Secret Garden - Book Locket Pendant with Aquamarine and Pearl 
