Happy New Year 2011 Sale

Tomorrow is New Years Eve. I am having a New Years 2011 sale in my Etsy store. If you use code New Years when you cash out, you will get 50% off your purchase. My items are pretty reasonably priced already, so be sure to not miss this opportunity. The sale begins right now and will end on Jan 2nd at 1AM. That gives you plenty of time to hop on over to my Etsy shop, and pick your favorite items. Don't forget I offer a free layaway service as well. So be sure to ask about that. I have had two successful layaways so far just this year, and those customers were thrilled to be offered it.

How To Start A Home Based Jewelry Business

December Birthstone Blue Zircon

I thought it was Blue Topaz for the month of December, but I guess the official gemstone is Blue Zircon. Since Blue Zircon is rather expensive, and hard to come by, Blue Topaz is often used as a substitute for those born in the month of December.

Merry Christmas!

Three days until Christmas, and I am offering everyone 50% off any item in my store until Christmas night. Please note the other codes in the archives are valid, but will not be added on top of this code. In the benefit of ease I have decided to use one code for every item, and you will get 50% refunded to you by me. The code is Christmas, and you must enter it when cashing out to get the 50% off. This is valid until December 25, 2010 at 11 PM Eastern time. If you need to ask a question before buying please do so. Merry Christmas to all of my loyal readers, and customers. Go to Melissas Jewelry and check out all my items available for purchase.

Royal Purple Amethyst Ring

Five days until Christmas and today's deal is a Royal purple Amethyst ring, from my Etsy store. If you use code 5 at checkout, I will refund 50% of your purchase making this ring only $9.99 All my codes are good until Christmas Eve 2010 so check my archives for all the codes that are available. Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February and is thought to make you feel like royalty.

Gemstone Identification Made Easy

I own this book, and I love this book. My kids even love to look at the pictures, and my son reads it. It is for all ages. If you have someone on your Christmas list that makes jewelry, collects gemstones, or is just a jewelry nut this is the perfect gift for them.

Sold Blue Montana Sapphire and Pink Sapphire Ring

One lucky buyer purchased my Blue Montana Sapphire and pink sapphire accent ring. She is a lucky woman, and I hope she loves it. This is my first sale from my Etsy store in a couple of months, so I am excited. I did have an interested buyer from Australia, but at this time I do not ship internationally. It is just too much of a headache here at my small town post office. They have no clue how to ship international and give me grief every time, and do it wrong sometimes. So I just stopped.

Wow Only 11 Days Until Christmas!

Please be sure to check my archives on this blog for all the codes to jewelry items in my Etsy store. They end at midnight on Christmas Eve. So if you wanted something don't miss out. If you check my Etsy store and see something you would love, just ask me to make a code for it, and I will.

Tanzanite is a gemstone that will soon be no more. If you want to give an awesome gift for Christmas then check out the set below. This would also be great as gifts for a wedding party, or a baby shower gift for an expectant mom. Give a non traditional gift, and give Tanzanite.

Drawing A Ring Design

I have never tried drawing out my designs before I make them. I just picture what I like in my head, and then look for the proper supplies. This is so very neat, and I could see how you could lay out some beautiful designs before you make it. Do you draw out your jewelry pieces?

Glass Filled Rubies

I have been trying to find videos that will help explain gemstone treatments to my readers, and how they may effect the pricing of the gem. This video by AGI is talking about glass filled rubies, or fissure filled as some places call them, and how the treatment takes place. It is very interesting. It is actually a three step process that starts with heating the rough, then chemical leaching, and finally filling the gems with glass or lead. Sometimes you get a percentage of quite a bit of ruby, and others not so much. I would think this would be impossible to tell when purchasing these gemstones. They are really remarkably beautiful, I however would not pay a great deal of money for these rubies.

Large Gemstone Globe

Today for my Christmas countdown are these large gemstone globes. This video is old, the large ones are 99.99 right now on JTV. I so want one of these, they are cool for gem geeks like me. Plus it would be awesome in our homeschool lessons. I have to save my pennies. They have an awesome red one this year, that I love. I tried to find the video for how they are made, it is cool too, but it wasn't on Youtube. I do know JTV has it on their website if you are curious to see it. Only 15 days until Christmas.

Are You Getting Engaged For Christmas?

Are you getting engaged this Christmas? You do know there are only 16 days left, right? Maybe Valentine's Day is better. Buying an engagement ring is no easy process. You have to decide how much you want to spend, the design, the metal, the carat weight etc. A one carat round solitaire diamond is the size most women dream of getting for an engagement ring. Maybe when you got engaged you could only afford a smaller carat weight, and now you want to upgrade her ring. This is a lovely choice, in my opinion.

Where To Mine Gemstones In The US

Countdown to Christmas continues with only 17 days until Christmas. Give this great book to any rock or gem enthusiast on your list. Great for schools, and educators as well.

Countdown To Christmas Cherry Red Garnet Ring

OK before I start I am giving a shoutout to a giveaway on my homeschool blog. If you click on the green square button that says Ecosmart it will take you to the post. It is for all organic natural pest control items. Just a comment is needed to enter. It ends next Friday, so don't delay.

There are only 18 more days until Christmas. Today I am offering this Cherry Red Garnet Ring, made by me for 50% off. That means after refund it is only $8.50. You must use Code 18 at check out for me to refund the 50% to you. All codes are good until Christmas Eve 2010 so be sure to check the archives to see if an item you love has a special code.

Tanzanite Replacing Topaz as December Birthstone

Tanzanite is a very expensive, collectible, and fragile gemstone. Yet it seems the jewelry trade is replacing Topaz with Tanzanite as the December birthstone. Blue Topaz is the traditional birthstone for the month of December. It is said that all babies born in Tanzania are given a Tanzanite as a birth gift. If you do not yet know about Tanzanite the video below is very good.

Give Yellow Diamonds For Christmas

I love colored diamonds, rather than the traditional white diamonds. These yellow diamond earrings are so beautiful. I envy anyone who gets these for Christmas. By the way Christmas is now only 21 days away.

23 Days Until Christmas Blue Topaz and Sapphire Ring

My countdown to Christmas continues with this Blue Topaz and Blue Sapphire ring. Buy this from my Etsy store, use Code 23 at cashout,and I will refund 50% back to you. Making this stunning ring only $49.99 Hurry I only have one. All the codes will be valid until Christmas Eve 2010. Be sure to check the archives for all the codes and the items they go with. Happy Shopping!

How To Make Stamped Jewelry A Tutorial

For the crafty person, or jewelry lover on your gift giving list, this book is a step by step tutorial on how to make stamped jewelry. Check it out, only 24 days until Christmas.

A Different Kind Of Advent Calendar

Wow sharing pictures with all of you has all of a sudden become a pain. My PC has decided that I need a new one, and will not download pics, so I have to download them to the laptop then email them to myself to use them. Ugh what a pain.

At any rate I wanted to share this with you as it is a craft after all. It is as of today 25 days until Christmas. I saw this idea for an advent calendar in a magazine, and tweeked it to suit my needs. They had a big fancy wooden bowl that they put the candles in. I used a round metal tin like a pizza pan, added 25 candles, cinnamon scented pinecones, and not pictured are tumbled rocks we got at the Aquarium when we visited. You can add garland, beads or whatever you like to it. Then every night you light one candle, until all 25 are lit, and then it is Christmas. I actually think this would be lovely as floating candles in water as well. Wish I had thought of that first. Some people count day one as tonight then the 25th is lit on Christmas Eve. I start on the first and the 25th is lit on Christmas. Try it, and tell me how you like it.

Cyber Monday Deals At Amazon

It is Cyber Monday, and only 26 days until Christmas. Every hour Amazon has a new deal, you can view them below and get shopping

Countdown To Christmas: Pink Rhodolite Garnet Ring

Countdown to Christmas continues with 27 days left until Christmas this lovely pink Rhodolite Garnet ring from my Etsy store. Size 6 sterling silver, with rhodium plating. This is a petit and lovely ring on the hand. Very feminine and flattering, for any pink lover. Rhodolite Garnet is a pinkish red variety of the Garnet family. Garnet is the birthstone for January. Use Code 27 at checkout to get 50% refunded, making this ring only $24.99 I offer a free layaway service, and be sure to check my archives for all the sale codes. Don't miss this awesome chance.

Green Amethyst and Ruby Ring

28 days until Christmas, and I will try to list a new item from my Etsy Store, with a special code for you to get 50% off the item. Be sure to check my archives for all the codes. The codes are good until Christmas Eve 2010.

This is a Green Amethyst, also known as Prasiolite, ring with red sapphire accent stones. It is a size 6. The Prasiolite measures 8mmx6mm and is an emerald cut. Use Code 28 at cashout, to get 50% refunded to you, which would make this ring only $29.99 I only have one so don't delay if you love it. I offer a free layaway service to anyone interested in using it. Feel free to ask me any questions you need.

Blue Topaz Earrings, December Birthstone

Did you know that Blue Topaz is the most popular and most purchased gemstone in the US? That is what I am told anyways. Did you also know Blue Topaz is the gemstone for December, and there are only 29 days left until Christmas? It is true, all true. Why not pick up that special lady the Blue Topaz earrings shown below. They are white gold, and quite feminine.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit

For the young girl on your gift giving list. Let her make her own jewelry, with this bracelet making kit. 32 days until Christmas.

Imperial Topaz The Original November Birthstone

Imperial Topaz is the original birthstone for November. However due to the rarity of finding it, and the expense of buying it, Citrine has pretty much become the accepted birthstone for November. They are very similar in color so it is hard to tell them apart. Imperial Topaz is a completely natural topaz. If I own any Imperial Topaz in my collection of loose gemstones, I have not yet found it. I would love to have one, though. With only 33 days left until Christmas, this is my gift idea for today.

Countdown To Christmas Citrine and Red Carnelian Necklace

34 days until Christmas and I am pleased to offer one of my favorite pieces from my Etsy store. This is a genuine Citrine huge pear shaped pendant, with red Carnelian beads to make the necklace. My pictures do not do this piece justice. It is light on the neck, and will not weigh you down, but will give you a bold beautiful look. If you use Code 34 at cashout, I will refund 50% of your money to you. That means this beautiful necklace would only be $49.99. Citrine is the birthstone for November, and Carnelian is an alternate birthstone for August. I offer a free layaway service, and combined shipping. The codes offered on all my items are good until Christmas Eve 2010. so be sure to check the archives for some great deals, on great Christmas gift ideas.

The Complete Jewelry Making Course

I missed yesterday's gift idea but here is today's. With only 35 days until Christmas The Complete Jewelry Making Course, is a perfect gift. I actually want this one. It looks awesome! I have several gemstone books, but no actual jewelry making books.

37 Days Until Christmas WG and Orange Sapphire Pendant

Straight from my Etsy store, and with only 37 days left until Christmas I am offering this white gold, synthetic orange sapphire, and diamond pendant as today's gift idea. There is no chain, just the pendant. Click the link above to purchase. If you use Code 37 at check out, 50% of your money will be refunded to you, making this pendant only $24.99 The code is good until Christmas Eve, 2010. Be sure to check my archives for the other codes available. Happy shopping!

1/2 ct Diamond Stud Earrings

38 days until Christmas and all ladies dream of diamond stud earrings. Give your lady this love pair of 1/2 ct diamond earrings this year.

Learn To Make A Beaded Gemstone Tree

This is such a cool idea. I wish I was nearly as creative as some of these people I see. This a gemstone bead tree. It looks very simple to make. Give it a try, and tell me how you like it.

There are 39 days left until Christmas, and here is today's gift idea. Be sure to check out the archives for all the gift ideas, and special sale codes for my Etsy store.

Countdown To Christmas Day 40: Mother Horse and Baby Horse Pin

Today in my countdown to Christmas is this lovely mother and baby horse cameo brooch. This is straight from my Etsy store, and if you use CODE 40 at cashout, I will refund 50% of your money to you, making the price of this pin only $7.50 This would make an awesome gift for the horse lover, or animal lover, on your list. The code is good until Christmas Eve 2010, and there are other codes for other items so be sure to check my archives. Happy shopping, 40 days until Christmas!

Platinum Diamond Necklace

41 days until Christmas and today I am featuring a bezel set diamond pendant and necklace, set in platinum. Want your special lady to feel extra special? Then this might be your gift for her this year.

42 Days Until Christmas Royal Purple Amethyst Ring

I have been catching up on a lot of blog reading, groups, and forums for Etsy sellers. There seems to be a lot of talk about resellers on Etsy. You are supposed to report such stores so it can be investigated. Well must be I was reported because I had to provide a whole bunch of info to Etsy. At first I was offended, then I got over it. I assure you my jewelry is made by me. If it is not, and it is vintage, I clearly state that in the listing. I do not make my own settings, though it is a goal for the future. My settings and semi mounts are purchase from Rio Grande, JTV, and Ebay and a few other sources those are my main ones. If anyone ever has a question about my pieces, please feel free to ask me.

For day 42 on my Countdown to Christmas I am offering this lovely Amethyst ring from my Etsy store. If you use Code 42 at cashout, I refund 50% of your money, which means this ring will only cost you $12.50. The codes for all my jewelry pieces will work until December 24th. So be sure to check out my other Etsy items I have listed on this blog for the countdown. I offer a layaway plan too. Be sure to ask all questions you need to.

Gems and Jewelry Pocket Guide

Today's gift idea is this awesome book about jewelry and gemstone buying on the go. Such as at a flea market, or antique auction. It will teach you all the things you need to know.

Since I left Entrecard I need something to keep me socialized. So I joined Mom Bloggers Club and created a new group there. I would love to have anyone who wants to, to join. Simply click this link, and sign up to join the group. It is called Moms Helping Moms, and the theme is obvious I think. Hope to see you all there. There are tons of other great groups you can join as well.

Only 43 days left until Christmas!!!!!

Happy Veteran's Day and 44 Days Until Christmas

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The countdown to Christmas continues with only 44 days until Christmas. Why not get the special man in your life some nice jewelry for Christmas? Gold chains are always a good option.

Countdown To Christmas Day 45 Affordable Emerald Earrings

Emerald the beautiful birthstone for May babies, and one of the most popular gemstones in jewelry. Yet it can be very expensive as well. Below is a lovely pair of earrings, without the huge price. This is my gift idea for Countdown to Christmas today with only 45 days left.

46 Days Until Christmas Gift Idea Healing Gems Chakra Kit

Only 46 days until Christmas and here is a very cool gift idea. Do you know someone who is into gemstones, healing powers of gems, or just wants to learn and begin collecting? This 21 piece gemstone Chakra kit is the perfect gift idea, and it is only 20 bucks. You can't beat it.

Christmas Gift Idea WG Orange Sapphire and Diamond Pendant

Countdown to Christmas continues and we are down to only 47 days remaining. This is straight from my Etsy store, and is a WG orange synthetic sapphire, and diamond pendant. If you use Code 47 at checkout, I will refund 50% of your money. That means you will get this for only $24.99. The code is only good until Christmas Eve 2010, so don't delay. Each code is only for the piece in the post it represents. It will not work for any other merchandise. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me. I offer a free layaway service as well on all my Etsy store items.

Countdown To Christmas Day 48 Beading Kit

This kit will provide you with all you need to learn to make 4 complete bracelets. That is right there are only 48 days until Christmas, and this is the gift idea for this day. If you have a teen, co worker, or any woman who loves jewelry this would be an awesome gift. Maybe you have always wanted to start to learn to make your own jewelry. This is a great starting place, at a very reasonable price. Get through the long, cold winter, by learning to make your own special jewelry.

Gemstone Identification Kit

If you can afford this kit, I highly recommend you purchase it. I paid 90 dollars just for my refractometer. I own this book as well, and use it on a very regular basis. This is an awesome gift idea for the jewelry lover, or gemstone collector. 49 days left until Christmas, so shop now.

Give The Gift Of Love With Diamonds

If you have read my blog for a while, then you know I am not a diamond girl, unless they are blue diamonds. The Christmas gift countdown continues with 50 days left until Christmas. What a wonderful gift these earrings would be for that special woman in your life. All women need at least one pair of diamond earrings in their wardrobe.

Countdown To Christmas

Today for day 51 until Christmas, I am showcasing these Citrine earrings from my Etsy store. These beautiful sunshine yellow Citrine earrings are listed at $34.99 in my Etsy store. But if you purchase these earrings, and on cash out type in the code Day 51 I will refund you 50% of your money. You must type in the code to get the discount. Each time I post a new item from my store it will have a special code assigned to it. The codes only last until Christmas Eve 2010, then they will no longer be accepted. That means these earrings would be only $17.50. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

Make Your Own Citrine Jewelry

Countdown to Christmas begins today. There are only 52 days left until Christmas. Come on and get making some lovely Citrine jewelry for Christmas gifts. Each day I will post a new item that could be made into gifts, or you could purchase as a gift for someone on your list. All items on this blog will be jewelry, or crafting related.

November Birthstone Citrine and Imperial Topaz

The original birthstone for the month of November is the Imperial Topaz, which is very similar in color to Citrine. Because Imperial Topaz is very rare, and expensive, most people choose to use the more affordable Citrine for their birthstone in November.

The Winner Of The Pink Tourmaline and White Topaz Ring Is!

The winner is Beth. My daughter drew her name out of the lucky pumpkin just a couple of minutes ago. Beth has been contacted and has 48 hours to respond. Should she not claim her prize a new name will be drawn. Thank you to all who entered, and congrats to Beth. If you would like to enter a giveaway that ends today you can visit my Homeschool Blog. I am giving away a membership to a website that has all free and fun, educational, group, tons of themed games. It ends today and no one has entered yet so hurry and enter.

Where Is Everyone? No One Wants To Win Free Jewelry?

Where is everyone? I am giving away a free ring, and no one has entered. That is odd. The post to enter is below this post. You still have plenty of time to enter, and no entries yet. This is a special for my blog only, so hurry and get your entry in.

I Am Giving Away A Hot Pink Tourmaline And White Topaz Ring

It is October, and as you can see my blog has a pink theme for Breast Cancer awareness. So I am also going to give away some pink jewelry. This ring is a size 6, sterling silver, band ring featuring one hot pink Tourmaline, and two White Topaz gemstones. It has a total carat wt of 1/3 ct. There are very specific rules, and they must all be met in order for your entry to be legit. This is a sticky post and will remain until the end of the contest on October 30, 2010 at 8PM Eastern time. The drawing will be on October 31st. All entries will be placed in a pumpkin, and one of my children will draw the winning name. Everyone has an equal fair shot to win. Now for the rules:

1- You must live in the US, or Canada.
2- You must be a fan of my new Facebook page Melissas Menagerie of Stuff the box is right in the left hand column of this blog, just click like, be sure you are signed into Facebook, then leave me a comment telling me your username. I started this page for a very specific reason, and I am looking for fans.
3- You must post this contest link on Twitter, then comment with a link to the tweet
4- You must post this contest link, with a short post as to why you want to win this ring on your blog, then leave me the link to the post. If you do not have a blog please contact me at melissaruede@yahoo.com before entering the contest.

All four of these must be met for your entry to be valid. If you have any questions please email me at the email address listed, or leave me a comment. Good luck to all who enter, one lucky winner will be very happy.

Beautiful Fall Treasury

Glowing Fall Colors

My beautiful Citrine stud earrings have been featured in this lovely Fall Treasury. If you have a couple minutes check out all these lovely items everyone is selling. To view the treasury on Etsy click right here.

• Brown knit scarf felt flow...

  allmadewithl...

  $45.00 USD

• 

  Felted Merino Wool Silk S...

  SilkMagic

  $42.00 USD

• 

  Felted nunofelting scarf P...

  Rudman

  $79.00 USD

• 

  Large Cowl in Orange--An E...

  Easy123

  $38.00 USD

• 

  Slippers hand knitted

  inessa

  $12.50 USD

• 

  Autumn Colors Rag Quilt Ca...

  pandjcrafts

  $12.00 USD

• 

  25 Drawbench Drizzlers Gla...

  JJBugsBeads

  $1.99 USD

• 

  Sale - The Spice Tree - M...

  CoryellDesig...

  $85.00 USD

• 

  Giant Marshmallow Pumpkin ...

  haveitconfec...

  $9.00 USD

• 

  Cranberry Peach Melba Cold...

  Poshwashsoap

  $5.00 USD

• 

  Autumn Gold Earrings, Lamp...

  ErikaPriceOr...

  $25.00 USD

• 

  Amber Surprise, Amber Smoo...

  beadsme

  $45.00 USD

• 

  November Birthstone Citrin...

  missy69

  $34.99 USD

• 

  Perpetual Fall Necklace Ac...

  ArtMadeByTam...

  $20.00 USD

• 

  Crocheted Brown Silk with ...

  WillOaksStud...

  $27.00 USD

• 

  Handwoven Halloween Happy ...

  Fivefootfury...

  $15.25 USD

Peruvian Pink Opal Gemstones

Hey all you October babies your birthstone in is the beautiful Opal. But did you know Opals can be pink? If you were born in October or just love Opals then you need to learn about all natural Peruvian Pink Opals. They are so feminine and lovely.

Make Your Own Halloween Crafts and Decorations

48 Hour Sale Pretty In Pink

This weeks 48 hour sale, in my Etsy Store, features this lovely pink Rhodolite Garnet. Garnet is an all natural gemstone that comes in every shade and hue except blue, though there is a purplish colored garnet as well. Garnet is the birthstone for January, and what a variety of choices you have. Get this lovely pink Garnet with CZ's all around it, in a cocktail yet petite ring, for $24.99 until Saturday at 12 noon, when it will go back to the original price. It is a size 6 and I offer a free layaway service if you want to use it. So click the link above and hop on over to my store, and buy this lovely ring.

Just Some Bits and Pieces Today

I have just a few things I would like to share with all my readers today. One October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In honor of that my blogs will be all pink for the whole month of October. Join in and show your support, and turn your blogs pink too.

I am still looking for six more crafters, any craft not just jewelry, to become part of Friends of Melissas Jewelry. It is on the left hand side of this blog, and you will see five links already there. I am looking for five more, to make ten. This is a new feature I am trying to get going. Once I get ten, those links will remain there for 90 days, at which time I will try to get ten new ones, or the others can re-apply. So just tell me you want to join in the fun, and leave me your link to your site. Remember I need six more, so tell your friends too.

Chic and Easy Beading Projects

48 Hour Sale Amethyst and Yellow Sapphire Pendant

This weeks 48 hour sale item is this Amethyst and Yellow Sapphire heart pendant. The chain is not included. It is on sale from now until Saturday the 25th at 12 noon, at which time the price will go back to its original price. The sale price is $8.50. To purchase this lovely pendant go to my Etsy Store. I put something on sale for 48 hours each Thursday, so be sure to bookmark me if there is something in my store you like. Start your Christmas shopping now, and get this gift idea for under 10 dollars. I also offer an awesome layaway plan.

Gemstones Under The Microscope

This is a really cool video showing diamonds, and sapphires under a 45x microscope. Watch it, you will like it.

Spice Up Your Home With A New Bathroom Suite

When my husband and I decided to buy a home, we opted to buy an older more affordable home. If you have ever bought an older home, you know you are gonna need to learn some DIY skills, with updating and repairs abound. So we are slowly learning to fix all the DIY projects our lovely home needs. It really isn't that hard either, once you learn it.

One of the things we need to consider next, is a new bathroom suite. Of course you could do the bathroom piece by piece, but buying the whole suite will save you money in the end. Because our home has two full baths, we would start with the bathroom that is used by us, and company. The bathtub has a crack in it, so we would definitely need at the very least a new tub in that bathroom.

The website showcased in the link above, has many great clearance prices, and specials on all kinds of bathroom products. You can get a whirlpool tub, stand up shower, or bathtub shower combo. The also offer bathroom tiles for the ultimate DIY do-over. Unique and stylish railings, shower enclosures, and furniture to meet any style you desire. I would love one of the heated towel rails they offer. How luxurious is that? Make it as simple, or as elegant as you wish. You are the master of your DIY domain.

Montana Sapphires

There are not many gemstones that actually come from the US. Because mining and production, is so expensive, most companies just stay away from it. Montana sapphires are natural sapphires found only in the state of Montana. They are usually very small in size, and a 1 carat stone is considered huge. They are not treated usually, and are sold as natural gemstones. I love them. The ring is a blue oval Montana Sapphire, about a 1/2 carat. It is surrounded by pink sapphires, not from Montana though. It is sterling silver, and will be available to purchase in my Etsy store soon.

Learn About Heat Treatment Of Sapphire

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September, and one of the four gems categorized as precious gems. Sapphire is from the corundum family, and comes in almost every color of the rainbow. Almost all Sapphire in the market today is heat treated to improve color, and clarity. It is accepted, and has been used for hundreds of years. Watch the video below to learn about heat treating of Sapphires. It is very interesting.

A Day We Will Never Forget!

Some days change lives. Some days change history. Some days do both. I know I will never forget where I was, and what I was doing, at the exact time the planes hit the towers. It changed the path of my life forever.

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The Beauty Of Sphene

Sphene what a weird name for a gemstone. You would think such an exotic stone would have a more exotic name. It is also referred to as Titanite again not very glamorous at all. My picture taking skills are not that great but the yellow green stone is a Sphene from my personal collection. The video below shows Sphene in rough form. Sphene can range in color from yellow, green, to even a real yucky brownish color. In its finest form it is a lovely green color, with the most brilliant fire you have ever seen. It only has a hardness of about 5 1/2 on the Moh's hardness scale, so care must be taken if you do set it in jewelry. It has more fire than a diamond, and is absolutely stunning in natural light sources.

Use Your Kids Toys To Make Ornaments

I actually got this idea last year, when shopping for Christmas ornaments. I used to buy a new ornament every year for my children. Then someday they could take them and hang them on their trees. My children have so many toys they love and don't always play with anymore. Some of the more special ones I wanted to keep. Like my son's super hero action figures, Thomas the Train engines, and Caitlin's My Little Pony miniatures, and Madame Alexander miniature dolls. Then I had a thought. You could use this very pliable crafting wire, in amazing colors, to wire wrap the toy and make my own ornaments. You could also hot glue a pendant bail to the top of the toy, and then just add a hook to hang it from the tree. I did one just to be sure it would work, and it worked wonderfully. You could even sell them in your Etsy stores or at craft fairs, if you had the inclination to do so. You would need a pair of flat nose pliers to squeeze in the ends of the wire, so it is secure, and not sticking out.

Lily Pad Inclusions In Peridot

The second picture down on the left hand column is a lily pad inclusion. These inclusions are seen only in Peridot, and are said to increase the value of the gemstone due to the rarity of finding it. I do not have verification that that statement is true or not. Peridot from all sources can have a Lilypad inclusion. In other words it does not identify the source of the Peridote ie Burma, or Arizona. If you click the image it will enlarge so you can see it better. This was scanned from my Gemstone Identification Made Easy book. I am still not convinced it is so easy, however.

If you collect gemstones, and want to learn to identify them, you need to learn what common inclusions look like, and what they mean.

Wrapped In Gems

Another book to help you learn the art of wire wrapping your gemstones.

Ammolite A Prehistoric Gemstone

Ammolite is one of the rarest of the organic gemstones in the world. Organic gemstones are gems created from once living creatures. I love Ammolite, and one day I want to have a whole collection of just Ammolite jewelry. Watch the very cool video below, and learn about Ammolite. Canada is as far as I know the only source of gem quality Ammolite in the world.

Who Can Help Me?

My six year old daughter has to have glasses. We are picking them up this evening. Since insurance only covers one pair every two years, I really do not want them broken. She has to wear them all day except when sleeping of course. So I want to make her a special gemstone chain to wear with them mostly for playtime so if she gets hit or something maybe they won't fly off completely and break. Anyway I need to know what the little funny looking plastic things are called that attach to the end of the chain and then to the bow of the glasses. They are kind of shaped like a figure eight. I can't look them up to buy some, because I have no idea what they are called. If anyone knows the technical name for these little things I would love for you to share it with me. Thanks!

48 Hour Sale Chrome Diopside and White Sapphire Ring

This weeks 48 hr sale in my Etsy store is this lovely Chrome Diopside and White Sapphire ring, size six, sale price $24.99 This sale will end on Saturday at 12 noon. If you love grass green, or kelly green colors, this is the gemstone ring for you. Watch the video below to learn more about Chrome Diopside. Click right here to go my Etsy store, and purchase this lovely ring. I do offer a layaway service so be sure to ask about it.

Time To Monetize

I have had this blog now for a little bit, and I think it is time to start to monetize. It has a PR of 2, and I would like it to go up. As you know one of the ways you can help monetize your blog is by doing linkbacks, and paid blogger posts. There are other ways as well, but these are the fastest and most efficient ways to monetize a blog. If you have blogspot, like me, or any other free blogging platform then there are only a limited amount of get paid to blog websites out there. Link from blog is one of those websites that will pay you to do a paid review, survey, or article. Once your blog has been approved, and rated for pricing, you can bid on offers in the marketplace. Once you place a bid the advertiser will either approve or decline your bid. Link from blog currently uses Paypal as their method of payout, and there is zero commissions taken from you upon payout. I am a new member there, and I am looking forward to monetizing this blog, increasing my readership, and making a few extra bucks, with Link from blog. If you are an advertiser then you can get your website, or product seen by using their services as well. Go on and check it out! Just click the big and beautiful button displayed below.

How To Make A Tree Of Life Pendant

I have shared this video before but it was over a year ago, and since it was immensely popular I thought I would share it again. Please if you have made one of these, share how easy or difficult it was.

48 Hours Sale 10k YG Mom Ring

This weeks 48 hour sale is this size 6 Mom ring made of 10k yellow gold. The O in mom is heart shaped and holds a lovely white CZ. This ring is on sale in my Etsy store for $39.99 for the next 48 hours only. The sale price will reset on Sunday August 22, at 8 PM. That actually makes it a bit longer than 48 hours so don't miss this chance. I only have 1! Click right here, to purchase this lovely ring.

How To Set Stones Into A Bezellite Setting

I love videos to teach with. When I learned how to set my stones, I didn't have all the cool videos now available. Reading it in a book and seeing it on a video are not the same. The first part of the video is snaptite settings which I have shared with you all before. Feel free to watch it again until she comes to the Bezellite settings. They say the bezel settings are the easiest to set. I have to disagree. If you don't get a stone that is just the perfect fit with not too large of a pavilion you can have a difficult time setting them. They are easier than some other ways to set gemstones and you can do it right from home using your gemstone collection.

Wire Wrapping With Dale Armstrong

Do you see that bracelet on the cover of the book? I would so love to make that someday. It is stunning!

Wire Wrap A Pendant Basic Technique

If you want to learn wire wrapping, this is the easiest most basic step you should start with. I like that she used very large beads that are easy to hold on to and maneuver. Once you get a feel for the technique you could wire wrap the smaller ones which in my opinion are more complicated. These are great, and affordable for young girls, and teenagers, to learn to make for their friends.

How To Make Your Own Headpins

Check out this cool tutorial and learn how to make your own headpins.

48 Hour Sale Citrine and Green CZ Ring

This weeks 48 hour sale features this size 7 SS ring featuring genuine citrine and green CZ's. This ring is quite lovely and I picked it because the green CZ's look like peridot. From now until Thursday at 1 PM you can purchase this ring for $14.99 by visiting my Etsy Store. Be sure to check out all my items as I offer a free layaway service.