| The inclusion of gemstones in jewelery making | | | | way of choosing which gemstones to include in |
| has been part of the craft for thousands of | | | | your work. Although the best stones are still |
| years. Precious gemstones are of course the | | | | expensive, lower quality emeralds can be much |
| most highly prized, but the myriad of semi | | | | cheaper than you think, but if your budget doesn't |
| precious gemstones means that even those new | | | | stretch to a precious gemstone then there are |
| to the craft can add a bit of color to their work | | | | cheaper alternatives such as peridot. This semi |
| for a reasonable price. The choice is vast and | | | | precious gemstone is paler in color than emerald, |
| which gemstones you choose to include in your | | | | but is very popular and works particularly well in |
| work is down to the individual and how | | | | more modern designs. Most peridot are quite |
| adventurous you're feeling! | | | | small, so are perfect for multiple settings such as |
| Most people start jewelery making by working in | | | | broaches or pendants, but it may be difficult to |
| silver, which is far cheaper than gold and readily | | | | use in a larger, single setting such as a ring |
| available through all good jewelery making | | | | because of the stone's size. |
| suppliers. A silver setting can compliment almost | | | | If you're looking for a more golden tone in your |
| any gemstone perfectly, and certain stones lend | | | | jewelery making, the warm, orange of amber |
| themselves to silver in a way that would be | | | | works particularly well with silver jewelery. |
| impossible with gold. One of the most common | | | | Although not technically a gemstone, amber has |
| semi precious gemstones used in jewelery making | | | | been prized for centuries - the Russian Tsars |
| is turquoise - a vibrant blue semi precious stone | | | | even decorated an entire room in amber! It can |
| that works beautifully with silver. Although it may | | | | be a little tricky to work with as it is quite soft |
| not have the sparkle of a sapphire, turquoise has | | | | and easily damaged, but the results are well |
| its own depth and warmth and is particularly good | | | | worth the extra effort. Amber's translucency |
| in broaches, earrings and rings. Turquoise also has | | | | gives it a depth and richness that can enhance |
| a lot of spiritual connections and has been used in | | | | any design, whether traditional or modern. Baltic |
| many ancient cultures as a symbol of water, so if | | | | amber is the most highly prized, but Middle |
| you want to add an extra dimension to your | | | | Eastern amber ranges in color from a deep honey |
| jewelery and a hidden meaning behind the inclusion | | | | gold to blood red. |
| of this stone, turquoise is a perfect choice. If you | | | | There are thousands of precious and semi |
| prefer a deeper hue, lapis lazuli is one of the most | | | | precious gemstones to choose from and plenty |
| highly prized of all blue semi precious gemstones. | | | | of suppliers online who carry a wide range of |
| Its cobalt blue surface (often shot through with | | | | stones - from cut and faceted precious |
| iron pyrites or 'fools gold') makes this stone | | | | gemstones to uncut semi precious stones like |
| sparkle, bringing it to life. Again, it complements a | | | | turquoise and opals, at prices to suit all budgets. |
| silver finding perfectly and is ideal for wearing with | | | | The only thing that limits you is your imagination, |
| a more formal outfit. | | | | so including gemstones in your jewelery making is |
| Emerald is a very special stone particularly to | | | | cheap, easy and can add a whole new dimension |
| those born in May as it is the birthstone of | | | | to your work. |
| Taurus the bull - and birthstones are another good | | | | |