From Gemstones

Green Agate Necklace, Earrings and Bracelet

Stone of the Month—Tree Agate aka Moss or Dendritic Agate

Our beautiful summery and refreshing stone of the month is Tree Agate.  It has green veins on a white background, giving it a cool, leafy-glade type of feeling.  The green veins or dendrites, come from the Greek word “dendron” meaning “tree.” Tree agate is also associated with summer in that it is called a stone of abundance or plenitude.  Wearing Tree Agate  is said to guard against natural disasters and dispel sickness.  Tree agate also encourages strength and perseverance, the ability to meet challenges, and the capacity to see the connections in life all around. Since the stone has a strong calming influence, it is helpful in the relief of many disorder, including those of the nervous system, including exhaustion, the skeletal and circulatory system, and relief from general pain. Wearing Tree Agate was thought to encourage the favor of the gods.

By the way, have you ever wondered why children’s marbles are called “aggies”?  They’re named for the material they were made from—agate.

See some of our beautiful Tree Agate jewelry in person at one of our upcoming events!

African Jade

African Jade is named for its point of origin. There are two main types of jade—jadeite and nephrite. This month’s jade is

AfricanJadebracelet

the nephrite variety. Its name comes from the Greek word for “kidney”

because nephrite was thought to cure illnesses of the kidney

and spleen. African Jade is one of the oldest and most culturally influential gemstones, dating back thousands of years.

Nephrite jade is found mainly in its green shade, but it can be seen in

shades of white, grey, brown and yellow. The deep green color is the most sought after for its beauty and value.

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In addition to being thought of as a healing stone for internal

organs, jade is also an imperial gemstone, meaning it represents

beauty, purity and grace. Today it is thought to be a stone of dreams

which blesses whatever it touches, as well as possessing restorative powers.

Finally, African Jade alleviates joint pain and fights viral and bacterial infections.

New Burma Jade and Yellow Jade

New Burma Jade and Yellow Jade

New Burma Jade Necklace
New Burma Jade Necklace

This month we’re featuring two beautiful types of jade. New Burma jade encompasses a variety of green shades including olive, sea green, and peridot. New jade is a semi-translucent serpentine stone. It is found all over the world. Yellow jade is also a natural serpentine, whose shades vary from deep orange to creamy off-white. It also has a lovely translucent quality.

Yellow Jade Necklace with Pendant
Yellow Jade Necklace with Pendant

Jade has been associated with good luck for thousands of years. It is also thought to help one be “in touch” with oneself. Jade creates balance and stimulates ideas and creativity. It is said to good for the kidneys, nervous system and metabolism. As a “dream” stone, it helps one have insightful dreams. The Chinese believe that its benefits transfer to the body, so wearing it is highly recommended.

African Turquoise Gemstone

20140110_144318I think by now that everyone has had enough winter.  To help us think “spring” our stone of the month is beautiful African turquoise, a stone whose color will remind you of an idyllic time at the beach on a warm summer day.

African “Turquoise” is not true turquoise but rather a jasper that looks just like turquoise. It is mined in Africa and resembles turquoise in structure and shade.

Metaphysically, it is called a “stone of evolution” because it brings encouragement and develops positive change.  African turquoise can clarify expression and improve communication.  It also opens the mind to new ideas and possibilities. This stone is purported to be a good one for offering protection during travel.  African turquoise is also said to attract money and prosperity, while helping clarify one’s intended purpose in life.