| The Earth has produced a veritable rainbow of | | | | settings are easily obtainable from any good |
| precious and semi-precious gemstones and | | | | jewelery supplier, and it is a simple matter of |
| through the ages mankind has taken these | | | | finding a cabochon or faceted gemstone to fit the |
| beautiful stones and incorporated them into | | | | setting and then marrying up the two. It doesn't |
| jewelery making. Certain stones hold particular | | | | have to be diamonds all the time - the vivid green |
| significance for many cultures and some are | | | | and black stripes of malachite make an |
| prized above others for their rarity or beauty. But | | | | eye-catching ring at a budget price that is suitable |
| it isn't just diamonds and rubies that command | | | | for any occasion and can be a real conversation |
| our attention - semi-precious stones have their | | | | starter. |
| own, intrinsic beauty and can be used in any form | | | | Necklaces are where gemstones really come into |
| of jewelery making. | | | | their own. A delicate filigree design of deep red |
| Gemstones can be at the centre of a piece or | | | | garnets or green peridot can add a dash of |
| they can act as a compliment to a design. The | | | | freshness and elegance to a summer wardrobe, |
| simplest way to use gemstones in jewelery | | | | whereas a plain cabochon of amber set in silver |
| making is to use gemstone beads, which come | | | | and worn as a black velvet choker is the ultimate |
| ready-drilled for easy application. A simple string of | | | | in evening elegance. One of the most popular |
| semi-precious turquoise beads interspersed with | | | | gemstones is the vibrant rainbow of the opal. This |
| silver spacers can produce a simple but stunning | | | | incredible stone reflects every color imaginable |
| necklace that can be worn with any outfit. By | | | | and changes constantly, making some high quality |
| using the same pattern in a bracelet and a pair of | | | | opals almost seem alive. Opal works with silver |
| earrings you can create a matching set that | | | | particularly well and is easily obtainable both as a |
| compliments each component perfectly. If you're | | | | finished gem or, if you're feeling a little more |
| looking for a deeper effect, then the gold-flecked, | | | | ambitious, as an uncut stone that can be cut and |
| cobalt blue of lapis lazuli is an ideal choice. This | | | | polished to reveal the hidden beauty inside. A ring |
| stunning gemstone is so highly regarded that it is | | | | set with an opal catches the light and the eyes of |
| used for more expensive commercial jewelery | | | | everyone who looks at it, although there are |
| making, as well as being readily available to the | | | | some superstitions attached to its use that may |
| hobbyist. | | | | put some people off! |
| Almost everyone wears at least one ring, and if | | | | Gemstones have never been out of flavor and |
| you look in any woman's jewelery box you will | | | | offer a world of possibilities in jewelery making. |
| find an array of gemstones set into various | | | | They can be used for any project, large or small, |
| designs. From a simple but elegant solitaire | | | | and is available in a variety of prices making it |
| diamond ring to a cluster of garnets, gemstones | | | | possible to incorporate into your designs even at |
| have been used to adorn the fingers of both rich | | | | beginner's level. |
| and poor for thousands of years. Findings and | | | | |