| Suppliers of gemstones recognise that their | | | | Semi-precious gemstones can also be bought as |
| products can be used in any form of jewellery, | | | | beads, combined with delicate silver spacers and |
| from rings to broaches, necklaces to earrings. The | | | | created into beautiful, elegant jewellery. A |
| possibilities are only limited by the creator's | | | | particular favourite is the deep blue azure of Lapis |
| imagination. There are so many shapes and sizes | | | | Lazuli with its golden flecks and shimmering |
| to choose from, it may be a little daunting at first | | | | iridescence. |
| glance, but if you plan your piece of jewellery | | | | Creating stylish and unique jewellery is far easier |
| carefully, there is bound to be a gemstone to fit. | | | | than you think. By incorporating gemstones into |
| The first thing to do is to decide exactly what | | | | your designs, you can even make |
| kind of piece you want to create. Once you have | | | | birthstone-specific jewellery for a particularly |
| decided on that, you can then narrow your field | | | | individual gift. Each zodiac sign has corresponding |
| of choice down regarding shape and size. If you | | | | gemstones, most of which are relatively common |
| are making a broach with an inlay gemstone | | | | and fairly cheap. Even the more expensive |
| setting, a cabochon of any precious or | | | | stones, such as emeralds and sapphires, can be |
| semi-precious gemstone can easily be fitted into a | | | | cheaper than you expected, especially if you |
| corresponding blank mounting. A popular | | | | choose a stone that is perhaps of a lower quality, |
| combination is silver and turquoise, giving a | | | | but has its own raw beauty. |
| beautiful finish for a budget price. | | | | The important thing to remember when venturing |
| Most silver and gold findings can be bought from | | | | into the world of gemstones for the first time is |
| jewellery suppliers. Good suppliers will also carry a | | | | to shop around. There are plenty of suppliers in |
| range of gemstones that are designed to fit their | | | | the market, and there are bargains to be had, |
| selection of mountings. To use gemstones in your | | | | particularly if you are willing to do a little work on |
| jewellery making, you need only a few simple | | | | the stone yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment |
| tools and a lot of imagination. If you're really | | | | - if you're not happy with the results, you can |
| serious about gemstones, you can purchase the | | | | always dismantle the piece and incorporate the |
| uncut stones and build up your workshop to | | | | gem into a different setting or even a completely |
| include tumblers, polishers, diamond-tipped drills and | | | | different design. |
| other jeweller's tools to create your own, unique | | | | Gemstones never go out of fashion, so take a |
| results. If you are intending to produce a quantity | | | | look around jewellery fairs to pick up inspiration |
| of gemstone jewellery, the initial outlay of | | | | and ideas for your own work, and in no time you'll |
| equipment will soon pay dividends, as the uncut | | | | be adding your own, unique gemstone designs into |
| gemstones are far cheaper than the cut ones. | | | | your jewellery making. |