Beads and gemstones
BEADS & GEMSTONES JEWELLERY
Beads and gemstones have gained increasing popularity as people from all walks of life accessorise using beads and gemstones.
Bead Types
Beads come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
Bali Beads are hand crafted sterling silver beads.
Bugle Beads are long and tubular in shape.
Charlotte Cut beads are rounded but are cut, or faceted, on one side.
Chatons are crystal beads set in metal.
Cloisonn beads are made of enamel set on metal.
Crystal beads are made out of leaded glass. Swarovski crystals are renowned for their clarity and sparkle.
Crow beads are large beads made of glass, plastic or wood.
Drop Beads are shaped like a pear with a hole at the narrow end or lengthwise.
Delica beads are cylindrical glass beads with thin walls and big holes.
Donuts are flat circles with large centre holes.
Faceted beads have a flat surface either cut or molded in a standard pattern.
Flatbacks are crystals set on one flat side so they can be stuck on.
Gem beads can be natural, synthetic or dyed.
Hex Beads are glass beads faceted on all sides.
Lampwork Beads are handmade from molten glass.
Liquid beads are fine silver tubes.
Plastic Beads are commercial beads.
Pony Beads are large beads made of wood, plastic or even glass.
Seed Beads are round, tiny beads usually made of glass.
Pearls can be cultured or natural pearls.
Roundel beads are flattish round beads, with a center hold.
Shell heishe beads are small discs or short tubes cut from natural shell material.
Two-Cut beads are round and are cut at the top and bottom.
Three-Cut beads are faceted on all sides.
Gemstones Characteristics & Properties
Following is a listing of popular gemstones.
Agate is a banded quartz stone and comes in natural, purple, rose, black, yellow, green, blue colours. A stone for good fortune, health and long life.
Alexandrite is a form of mineral chrysoberyl and appears green in daylight but changes to red in incandescent light. It brings inner peace.
Amber is a honey-brown hardened fossilized resin of pine trees. It has therapeutic and spiritual properties.
Amethyst is a purple, mauve or violet form of quartz. It symbolizes security and tranquility.
Aquamarine is a pale to deep blue variety of beryl, tinged with a hint of sea-green. A conveys love, bliss and hope.
Apatite is a common mineral in white, pink, yellow, blue, and violet colours. It facilitates good communication.
Aventurine is a form of cryptocrystalline quartz and may be green, greenish-brown, bluish-white, bluish green and orange. It helps physical healing.
Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony. It is green with red spots of jasper. It promotes wisdom and healing.
Cat's Eye is a variety of chrysoberyl, yellowish-brown to green with a white band. It brings success and happiness.
Chalcedony : Chalcedony is a fine-grained variety of quartz and appears in blue-white, buff, gray, yellow or brown colours. It represents harmony, confidence, and friendliness.
Chrysoprase is apple green chalcedony. It signifies meditation and healing.
Citrine is a sunny lemon variety of quartz. It gives confidence and vitality.
Cora l is an organic gemstone and is the skeletal remains of coral polyps. Its appears in white, red and black colours. It protects against evil spirits.
Cornelian is a reddish variety of quartz. It inspires creativity.
Diamond is simply carbon and is colorless. It invokes love and loyalty and increases clarity.
Emerald is a rich green variety of beryl. It promotes healing and emotional stability.
Garnet is a deep red natural gemstone. It promotes clairvoyance and helps fight depression.
Haematite is a black compact form of iron oxide. It represents spiritual upliftment and relaxation.
Jade is a waxy greenish gemstone. Jade is for serenity and longevity.
Jasper is primarily a red crystalline variety of quartz and is striped, or spotted. It has magical and healing properties.
Jet is an opaque black organic gemstone composed of fossilized wood. It has magical and medicinal properties.
Kunzite is lilac-pink spodumene and it promotes emotional support.
Lapis Lazuli is an opaque dark blue stone. It aids insight and harmony.
Malachite is a green stone with black bands. It brings health, joy and success.
Moonstone is avariety of orthoclase feldspar and comes in blue, white, pink, green and brown colours. It symbolizes reconciliiation, intuition and calmness.
Obsidian is natural shiny black glass. It helps gain insight and stability.
Onyx is a black banded variety of chalcedony. It improves focus and confidence.
Opal is a non-crystalline form of silica usually red or black. It brings opportunities.
Pearl is an organic gemstone formed naturally by oysters and usually white in color. It strengthens endurance and emotional balance.
Peridot is an olive green variety of olivine mineral. It is for insomnia and mental stimulation.
Quartz is a colorless and transparent crystalline rock. It amplifies positive energy and stimulates healing.
Rose Quartz is pink or peach-colored quartz. It enhances serenity, camaraderie and emotional balance.
Ruby is the transparent red variety of the mineral corundum. It stands for love and courage.
Sapphire is a transparent blue gem variety of Corundum. It brings enlightenment, dedication and harmony.
Spinel is a natural gemstone and occurs in pink, purple, yellow, blue, green, and black colours. It is a stress-buster.
Sunstone is a rich golden or reddish brown variety of oligoclase feldspar. It is for contemplation.
Tanzanite is a transparent blue variety of zoisite. It helps with change.
Tiger?s Eye is a type of chatoyant quartz usually golden brown, in bands or stripes of varying shades. It improves concentration and spiritual well-being.
Topaz is agolden brown to yellow gemstone. It brings prosperity and honour.
Tourmaline is primarily a pink or green gemstone. It dispels fear and negativity.
Turquoise is an opaque blue to greenish gemstone. It protects against danger and brings luck.
Zircon is a natural stone that comes in blue, yellow, orange, and green colours. It brings peace and develops insight.
Overall, beads and gemstones are cherished for their kaleidoscopic colours, exquisiteness and special properties.
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